Hank’s review of Rhythm of War (The Stormlight Archive, #4) > Likes and Comments
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Very sad to read this: loved the first two, but will wait with re-reading until the fifth is out... I really hope it will improve, but so far, reviews were very consistently disappointed :-(
Gabi liked it! I too loved the first two books, fun new world and the characters were very attachable.
Same. I really loved the first 2 books. The third one was unbearable. It seems the fourth one isn't any better 😐
Couldn't agree more though I haven't read this book and I won't. I was a Sanderson fan until the last book in which every one of your complaints were apparent. I think now that these problems occurred in all of his books but there were redeeming qualities which no longer exist.
So true. Wondering where he goes from here
Oathbringer was terrible, I DNF-ed it before reaching the half point. As I see from your review, RoW doesn't get better. So I won't bother checking it out. For such an overhyped series, the books are 90% filler and are extremely annoying to read. Sanderson is an imaginative and fascinating worldbuilder, but a good writer he isn't. Sometimes I wonder whether I or other people can't see what are reading. The popularity of the series is an enigma to me, baffling.
I should add that the ability to create stories isn't something extremely difficult. You could create endless scenarios by simply deconstructing your previous ones and adding a different cog to the wheel. As far as I've read him, Sanderson does something similar. A lot of his characters feel the same, most of his conflicts are derrivative of caste divide, would it be the slaves here or the slaves in Mistborn, his magic systems are usually a excel document of divisions in an element - be it Metal in Mistborn or Light here. Not to devaluate his talent and imagination, but I certainly see a pattern.
I confess I probably don't appreciate good writing enough and usually the story and characters drive my enjoyment but I definitely see some truth in what you say. Up until now the world building was all I needed....mostly.
if you've read it all you wouldn't like Navani's storyline either.
Personally i find that i'm not forgiving of middleaged women who create powerful weapons for the unhinged, immortal enemy, just to satisfy her own ego.
Yep that was somewhat disturbing although I do like flawed characters. It could be a not very obvious future bad guy setup or it could be Sanderson's love of character issues they all seemingly need to work through. Navani hasn't had one yet so....
Don't get me wrong, the book is still bad and so many of the character lines were deathly boring but at least Navani was doing something emotionally provocative.
Hank wrote: "Yep that was somewhat disturbing although I do like flawed characters. It could be a not very obvious future bad guy setup or it could be Sanderson's love of character issues they all seemingly nee..."
I would be so with you if I didn't get the feeling that no one in the story will ever look at Navani the wrong way for what she did, and that from now on I will be expected bow to the awesomeness of slay queen Bondsmith Navani.
If you are expecting to see an internal journey for her, I think this is the best you're going to get, sorry
I am at chapter 109 of this one right now and it is getting good. I don't think Brandon is a bad author. I have written a couple books and let me tell you it is real hard! The problem is that he could release a 3K page book with the same content and it would hit #1. We keep paying for this trash so he keeps writing it. It has a total of 4.65 of 5 on Goodreads with over 35K reviews! That is insane for a 400 page book that has over 800 pages of filler. And more impressive that that filler is near identical to the last 400 page book that he released with 800 pages of filler. My favorite thing about this book is that he just sort of released a needles side story where we get distracted by a nearly useless and ridiculous Die Hard story line for over 1K pages. I might just borrow the next one on kindle from a friend and read the last couple hundred pages.
I agree, both that Sanderson is not a bad writer and that writing is hard. I am a terrible writer so I try not to judge too much.
I always wonder about the dynamics of editing extremely well selling authors, do his editors not care because the book will sell well regardless? Sanderson, in my opinion, has just fallen in love, too much with his own world and needs to get back to storytelling.
Robert Jordan never found his way back, hopefully Sanderson will.
Spot on review by Hank. Sanderson’s frequent indulgence and perseveration did not add anything to the story and was painfully distracting. I finished this book only because both my sons read it and it provides a conversation topic that we can all engage.
well, it does seem like Shallan is healed, and kaladin to an extent.
The one thing I agree with is how long we're stuck watching the characters fail the same way over and over. For example, Kaladin would be my favorite character if he would stop moping around.
I agree Ryan, hopefully the next one will change him a bit.
I'm on chapter 9 and t really don't have much heart to go on. Tired of Shallan and Kaladin's insesint wailing 24/7. For f sucks grow the f up already. It's a war; people die. You can't save everyone. He comes from a medical background and has been taught the very same thing. His savior complex is God damn annoying and he constantly fails spectacularly, as he lacks the conviction, coz Moash was once in Bridge four is a fucking crutch. I'm done with this series already. Plus having to wait for bloody 3 to 4 years for a bloody book gets on my nerves. Have to reread the previous one just to remember whats going on.
I hear you MD! I like flaws in my heroes but not as their central characteristic
M wrote: "I'm on chapter 9 and t really don't have much heart to go on. Tired of Shallan and Kaladin's insesint wailing 24/7. For f sucks grow the f up already. It's a war; people die. You can't save everyon..."
I'm with you M. You'd think people facing world ending, life threatening challenges would get out of their heads more and be more in touch with reality.
I finished the book but this is the best summary and explanation of it lol
Yep, sorry, we were all hoping for more.
I love books 1 & 2(best books I have ever read) , the 3rd was all right. But I find this one missed the mark. The mental health stuff goes on too long and there is too much scientific method for a fantasy book.
I just don't think it's your cup of tea. I think a lot of these complaints are more personal preference. Some people have more of a connection to the messages being delivered such as those with severe mental illness etc. I'm not trying to assume anything about anyone but I feel that's a large part of the series. But who am I. I'm just a fan boy
Chance, I completely agree. All my reviews are personal preference and my preferences aren't the same as anyone/everyone. I am glad you got enjoyment out it, I was just hoping for something different
Yes completely agree! This was such a drag to get through
I agree with your points. I've had a hard time getting through this. I seem to be permanently stuck at 25% and every time I try to read more I get annoyingly irritated with the writing.
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Sabrina
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Dec 13, 2020 12:15AM
Very sad to read this: loved the first two, but will wait with re-reading until the fifth is out... I really hope it will improve, but so far, reviews were very consistently disappointed :-(
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Gabi liked it! I too loved the first two books, fun new world and the characters were very attachable.
Same. I really loved the first 2 books. The third one was unbearable. It seems the fourth one isn't any better 😐
Couldn't agree more though I haven't read this book and I won't. I was a Sanderson fan until the last book in which every one of your complaints were apparent. I think now that these problems occurred in all of his books but there were redeeming qualities which no longer exist.
So true. Wondering where he goes from here
Oathbringer was terrible, I DNF-ed it before reaching the half point. As I see from your review, RoW doesn't get better. So I won't bother checking it out. For such an overhyped series, the books are 90% filler and are extremely annoying to read. Sanderson is an imaginative and fascinating worldbuilder, but a good writer he isn't. Sometimes I wonder whether I or other people can't see what are reading. The popularity of the series is an enigma to me, baffling.
I should add that the ability to create stories isn't something extremely difficult. You could create endless scenarios by simply deconstructing your previous ones and adding a different cog to the wheel. As far as I've read him, Sanderson does something similar. A lot of his characters feel the same, most of his conflicts are derrivative of caste divide, would it be the slaves here or the slaves in Mistborn, his magic systems are usually a excel document of divisions in an element - be it Metal in Mistborn or Light here. Not to devaluate his talent and imagination, but I certainly see a pattern.
I confess I probably don't appreciate good writing enough and usually the story and characters drive my enjoyment but I definitely see some truth in what you say. Up until now the world building was all I needed....mostly.
if you've read it all you wouldn't like Navani's storyline either.Personally i find that i'm not forgiving of middleaged women who create powerful weapons for the unhinged, immortal enemy, just to satisfy her own ego.
Yep that was somewhat disturbing although I do like flawed characters. It could be a not very obvious future bad guy setup or it could be Sanderson's love of character issues they all seemingly need to work through. Navani hasn't had one yet so....Don't get me wrong, the book is still bad and so many of the character lines were deathly boring but at least Navani was doing something emotionally provocative.
Hank wrote: "Yep that was somewhat disturbing although I do like flawed characters. It could be a not very obvious future bad guy setup or it could be Sanderson's love of character issues they all seemingly nee..."I would be so with you if I didn't get the feeling that no one in the story will ever look at Navani the wrong way for what she did, and that from now on I will be expected bow to the awesomeness of slay queen Bondsmith Navani.
If you are expecting to see an internal journey for her, I think this is the best you're going to get, sorry
I am at chapter 109 of this one right now and it is getting good. I don't think Brandon is a bad author. I have written a couple books and let me tell you it is real hard! The problem is that he could release a 3K page book with the same content and it would hit #1. We keep paying for this trash so he keeps writing it. It has a total of 4.65 of 5 on Goodreads with over 35K reviews! That is insane for a 400 page book that has over 800 pages of filler. And more impressive that that filler is near identical to the last 400 page book that he released with 800 pages of filler. My favorite thing about this book is that he just sort of released a needles side story where we get distracted by a nearly useless and ridiculous Die Hard story line for over 1K pages. I might just borrow the next one on kindle from a friend and read the last couple hundred pages.
I agree, both that Sanderson is not a bad writer and that writing is hard. I am a terrible writer so I try not to judge too much.I always wonder about the dynamics of editing extremely well selling authors, do his editors not care because the book will sell well regardless? Sanderson, in my opinion, has just fallen in love, too much with his own world and needs to get back to storytelling.
Robert Jordan never found his way back, hopefully Sanderson will.
Spot on review by Hank. Sanderson’s frequent indulgence and perseveration did not add anything to the story and was painfully distracting. I finished this book only because both my sons read it and it provides a conversation topic that we can all engage.
well, it does seem like Shallan is healed, and kaladin to an extent.
The one thing I agree with is how long we're stuck watching the characters fail the same way over and over. For example, Kaladin would be my favorite character if he would stop moping around.
I agree Ryan, hopefully the next one will change him a bit.
I'm on chapter 9 and t really don't have much heart to go on. Tired of Shallan and Kaladin's insesint wailing 24/7. For f sucks grow the f up already. It's a war; people die. You can't save everyone. He comes from a medical background and has been taught the very same thing. His savior complex is God damn annoying and he constantly fails spectacularly, as he lacks the conviction, coz Moash was once in Bridge four is a fucking crutch. I'm done with this series already. Plus having to wait for bloody 3 to 4 years for a bloody book gets on my nerves. Have to reread the previous one just to remember whats going on.
I hear you MD! I like flaws in my heroes but not as their central characteristic
M wrote: "I'm on chapter 9 and t really don't have much heart to go on. Tired of Shallan and Kaladin's insesint wailing 24/7. For f sucks grow the f up already. It's a war; people die. You can't save everyon..."I'm with you M. You'd think people facing world ending, life threatening challenges would get out of their heads more and be more in touch with reality.
I finished the book but this is the best summary and explanation of it lol
Yep, sorry, we were all hoping for more.
I love books 1 & 2(best books I have ever read) , the 3rd was all right. But I find this one missed the mark. The mental health stuff goes on too long and there is too much scientific method for a fantasy book.
I just don't think it's your cup of tea. I think a lot of these complaints are more personal preference. Some people have more of a connection to the messages being delivered such as those with severe mental illness etc. I'm not trying to assume anything about anyone but I feel that's a large part of the series. But who am I. I'm just a fan boy
Chance, I completely agree. All my reviews are personal preference and my preferences aren't the same as anyone/everyone. I am glad you got enjoyment out it, I was just hoping for something different
Yes completely agree! This was such a drag to get through
I agree with your points. I've had a hard time getting through this. I seem to be permanently stuck at 25% and every time I try to read more I get annoyingly irritated with the writing.
