Oathbringer is here so let’s talk Urithiru. The scale and design of the place made it one of the settings I most enjoyed imagining.
Dalinar's history was also a major strength (‘you cannot have my pain’). Learning more about his past made me both admire him and obviously dislike some of his choices more strongly. I appreciated that his history isn’t simple. Dalinar is neither purely heroic nor easily forgiven, and the complexity makes his character much more interesting. His visions were also particularly interesting.
Navani continues to be one of my favorites. She is intelligent, capable and strong without needing to be defined by the more traditional forms of power around her (kings and princes and whatnot).
Taravangian is fascinating in an entirely different way. I was never quite sure what to make of him, which I think is exactly what Sanderson intended. Ew.
I also enjoyed Yanagawn and found myself genuinely rooting for him. Szeth, who had previously been difficult for me to connect with, was finally becoming a character I wanted to follow – but primarily because Szeth’s presence indicates a Nightblood cameo. This sword may be one of the funniest characters in the entire series.
Speaking of funny – Wit, of course, continues to appear at unexpected moments, and Lift remains wonderfully, well, Lift. (Pancakes.)
Jasnah, on the other hand, continues to test my patience. I found myself disappointed when she turned out not to be dead, which probably says something about how effective Sanderson is at creating characters I have very strong opinions about. I enjoyed watching Elsecalling power as a weapon on the battlefield, I’ll give you that… but she just graaaaates.
I still want to keep reading after all this, so that seems to be good news.
