Summary
The fight for Roshar continues in the third volume of the Stormlight Archive as the people of Alethkar find themselves facing a new everstorm and the return of the Voidbringers. The new Heralds are emerging and the world prepares to face the wrath of Odium, a being more terrible than the Stormfather himself.
Spoiler-Free Review
I have been waiting to read this book ever since I finished Words of Radiance last spring and it did not disappoint! All of your favorite characters are back, including Kaladin Stormblessed, Shallan Davar, the Kholin tribe, and the quirky men of Bridge Four. The story picks up right where the second book left off, and sheds more light on the different orders of Radiants, and the mysterious nature of the Voidbringers.
While the first book of The Stormlight Archive focused on Kaladin, and the second one was more about Shallan, this third book is a tribute to Dalinar. We find out more about how he became the Blackthorn, his early years as a father to Adolin and Renarin, and even what happened what happened when he met the elusive Nightwatcher.
But the part that really surprised me with this book was all of the references it made to Warbreaker. For anyone that’s new to Brandon Sanderson, he has this thing called the cosmere, where all of the books he write exist together on separate planets in the same universe. However, unlike most cinematic universes today, the purpose of the cosmere isn’t to make it so that you have to read all of Sanderson’s books to understand the storyline. The cosmere is more like something that’s there for fans to enjoy whenever another book is referenced in the plot.
But what was cool about this book was that there were actual characters from Warbreaker in it! There’s only one character that you know for sure came straight outta Hallandren, but it definitely makes you start to wonder about some of the lesser known characters in Roshar (like I’m seriously starting to wonder if the Returned are like a different version of the Heralds).
I won’t say too much and ruin the story, but if you haven’t already I would highly recommend that you read Warbreaker first before tackling this book. Keep in mind, though that Warbreaker does have more adult themes to it. And while it doesn’t have anything explicit, you might want to hold off for a few years if that sort of thing makes you squeamish.
Parents’ Guide
Like most of Sanderson’s books this is one that I would say anyone can read, so long as they don’t mind the violence and can keep up with the plot. And even the violence isn’t nearly as gory or descriptive as some other books I’ve read.
There is one thing though, that I would be careful about. You see, every hardcover copy of the Stormlight Archive has beautiful cover art on the inside, and Oathbringer is no exception. However…in this book they have pictures of the different orders of Radiants, and the picture of the Lightweaving Radiant is….iffy. I mean, you know how Lightweavers can create illusions out of light? Well, the lightweaving radiant on the inside cover has a dress made of lightweaving that’s super revealing. It doesn’t have anything to do with the story, so don’t let that ruin the book for you. And if it makes you too uncomfortable just cover it up before you read.
KTS Overall Review
There are very few series that can create a world as intricate as Roshar and keep people interested for three volumes straight. Oathbringer is definitely one of those books! It has everything you could ever want from a fantasy book, from the mystical creatures and places, to the epic fights, to the lovable underdogs that make you want to cheer for them every step of the way. I’d give it a four out of five and would highly recommend it to anyone.
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