May 2024
⭐⭐⭐💫

Most Sanderson fans will be quick to tell you that Cosmere books get better on reread, but with this being my first time rereading one, I found that that was not the case for me with this book. In fact, upon finishing this a second time, I find myself a bit confused as to why I'd rated this five stars before. And also why this entry point receives so much praise when I believe much of the strength of The Stormlight Archive can be attributed more to Words of Radiance.

The story is quite alright, but the way the worldbuilding is done sometimes doesn't feel organic. The pacing is also consistent with most of Sanderson's work: a slowgoing and slightly boring first three quarters followed by an action packed finale—something that I've lately found more annoying as I hate having to sludge through a significant portion of a book just to get to the good parts. The writing is also quite janky at times and the dialogue often feels unnatural. In terms of characters, I found most of them to be cartoonishly dull with the exception of Jasnah whose lectures I still enjoyed reading. And I know I'm gonna get hate for this, but even as someone with depression, I still don't find Kaladin as compelling as I'd like to.

Maybe it's because I already knew what was going to happen in the book, but this time around I simply wasn't as thrilled and riveted as I was on my first read.

---
July 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reading vlog: https://youtu.be/55r4XnYs144

It has been a while since I've given a full five-star rating.
This book was absolutely phenomenal.
...It was also really long and eventful that I don't even know what to talk about first so I guess I'll just dump all my thoughts.

Length: As weird as it sounds, 1258 pages honestly felt a tad too short for me, and I usually read books less than 450 pages! About a third of the way in, I found myself getting sad that I had already read that much.

Pacing: I genuinely do not understand why most people say the story is slow because, in my opinion, it wasn't at all! And I don't like slow stories! To me, it's all about the intention. Do certain events feel unnecessary or meandering? If they do, then that's what qualifies as slow for me. This wasn't! Everything felt intentional and paced exactly the way it was meant to. Even the parts that I didn't fully grasp (like the Interludes), felt like they had a purpose that I will eventually understand.

Writing: This is, indeed, Sanderson's finest work in terms of writing. I had no qualms with his straightforward style in previous books, but I did crave a little more fancy writing. This satisfied that craving. Still not quite Rothfuss, in my opinion, but some parts were definitely comparable.

Magic System: I personally found the magic system, lore, and history mildly interesting, it's ever-present and enough for you to be curious about it, but it's never really a focus, which I didn't mind.

Characters: Despite a massive cast, I found myself quite attached to many of both main characters and side characters, many of whom I am eagerly looking forward to learning more about in the future. My top three favorites are Jasnah, Lopen, and Lirin.

Plot: We start with three or four main POVs (and quite a few others all throughout) and eventually connect most of them towards the end if not completely then at least loosely. All threads were interesting to me at varying levels and I found myself wanting more from the threads I just left whenever the POVs were switched.

What makes this book shine for me: The flashbacks. Oh, the flashbacks! Jasnah's discussions on religion and Lirin's moral philosophies are worth rereading on their own. The small but meaningful moments Bridge Four shares. The characters' internal conflict and development especially Kaladin, Dalinar, and Shallan. Adolin and Dalinar's father-son relationship. Kal and Syl's friendship. Wit's humor and stories. There is just so much to love about this book!!

Why it may not work for other people: Despite this book's many merits, easily the biggest mistake one could make is go into it unprepared. There is a great risk of not appreciating it for what it is as a result. Unless of course, you are the adventurous type. 
If you are new to adult epic high fantasy, may I suggest getting at least a couple of books' worth of experience. Not just any fantasy, but adult epic high fantasy. I recommend The Name of the Wind, a very good introduction to high fantasy with an accessible and beautiful writing style, or Mistborn or Warbreaker, both by Sanderson and a great transition from YA to adult fantasy. That kind of preparation alone can help you get used to this subgenre's typical length, writing style, and pacing.

Also do not expect a Lord of the Rings-type story or setting. Although certain character archetypes and relationships are comparable, this book's story and setting are quite unique otherwise.

I think it also helps to know that while the writing in this book is quite good, it is still not something that Sanderson is known for. It's really more about the plot in his stories.

While this book follows a distinct arc with an appropriate ending, a lot of it feels like a calmer storm setting up for a much more massive one. It's setting up for some bigger things so don't expect everything to be answered or fully make sense just yet.

I will say most of the main characters are quite well-loved, but there are a few that may annoy some people. If that's the case for you, I don't know how to help you.

I hope this review was somewhat helpful to those who are at least considering reading this book.