Books / Lit What you reading thread?

[Kat]

I'm trying not to be worried that he is going to be 50 this year. Way of Kings came out in 2010 and the 5th one in 2024. We have to wait 5 more years to start the next five, and he isn't going to be able to keep up this pace forever. Figure 20 years to complete the next set of 5, that puts him at 75 years old...

Not trying to be morbid, but I hope this doesn't end up being a Robert Jordan situation.

This is why I quit reading series that aren't finished yet. You never know what'll happen to somebody.

 

[Crazy Jamie]

This is why I quit reading series that aren't finished yet. You never know what'll happen to somebody.

Or, indeed, when they'll just stop writing them. Like Martin or Rothfuss.

That said, I have finished Rhythm of War now. Did again feel a bit of drag with this. I really enjoy this world and characters, as you'd hope being 4,000+ pages into a story, but I don't think these last two books needed to be quite as long as they were. Still, as usual with Sanderson's books it finished strong and makes me want to read the next one. Going to move onto other things for a bit though.

So I've started reading both Day of the Jackal (there's a new tv series over here that adapts it, so good as an excuse as any to read the original) and Meditations for Mortals, which is the best type of book, namely one that I just picked up at the book shop a week or so ago because I thought it looked interesting. And turns out, it is. It's short, though, so I'll finish it and then report back.

 

[The Eye in the Sky!]

This is why I quit reading series that aren't finished yet. You never know what'll happen to somebody.

I agree in principle, but when your favorite author starts his magnum opus, I'd rather read along as they come out since he tours, does Q&As, online live events, fan stuff... I'd rather not miss out on that kind of stuff. He's proven to be prolific in his work ethic, too.

Certain types just get their big payout and live off that like Rothfuss and GRRM, Sanderson has never been that person. With the other two, I question their ambition, Sanderson I just worry about his age and health won't keep up with his vision.

 

[The Eye in the Sky!]

That said, I have finished Rhythm of War now. Did again feel a bit of drag with this. I really enjoy this world and characters, as you'd hope being 4,000+ pages into a story, but I don't think these last two books needed to be quite as long as they were. Still, as usual with Sanderson's books it finished strong and makes me want to read the next one. Going to move onto other things for a bit though.

Yeah, Rhythm of War was the weakest of the 5, by a mile. It was too long and acted mostly as a bridge between 3 and 5 where important things happen or are learned.

Wind and Truth is a more interesting read, but not any easier. It really dumps lore and action does happen, it's just long. It's the longest one, and it could have been condensed in the middle.

Quagmire mentioned the new editor that came in during RoW and the tone is different in the last two books. The characters' language and choice of dialogue feels more like an Avengers type story. The world is still the same, characters are still true to themselves, but more jokey, quippy dialogue comes into these two. Wind and Truth definitely feels like it parallels some of the Avengers movies with characters from different worlds showing up, moments with epic things happening that people would cheer for in theaters... I pumped my fist at a few parts near the end. All indications are the cosmere is heading towards that super heroes vibe, and less of the high fantasy it started as.

I'd rank the books the following:

1. Words of Radiance - S tier - Shallan's backstory is the best written of the main characters (WaT adds to it significantly, too, making WoR feel stronger)
2. Oathbringer - A tier - Dalinar's past was incredibly written and rounded him out so much
3. The Way of Kings - A tier - Bridge Four
4. Wind and Truth - A/B tier - I give the nod to WoK being it set up the series and the Bridge 4 parts of it are my favorite story thread of the series.
5. Rhythm of War - C tier - It felt like going through the motions and I really did not enjoy the Venli sections.

 

[Kat]

I agree in principle, but when your favorite author starts his magnum opus, I'd rather read along as they come out since he tours, does Q&As, online live events, fan stuff... I'd rather not miss out on that kind of stuff. He's proven to be prolific in his work ethic, too.

Certain types just get their big payout and live off that like Rothfuss and GRRM, Sanderson has never been that person. With the other two, I question their ambition, Sanderson I just worry about his age and health won't keep up with his vision.

It definitely wouldn't work if everybody did it, so I appreciate you all taking the risk so I don't have to.