A Review: Edgedancer by Brandon Sanderson

Two Stormlight Archive novels in, and it’s time for a sidequest. Edgedancer is a parallel story with Words of Radiance, and its prologue is Interlude 9 in Words of Radiance. But because Lift is integral to Stormlight’s bigger story, Brandon Sanderson has given us more to bridge the gap between WoR and when we see her again.

Clarification on Edgedancer Prologue

Edgedancer starts with Interlude 9 from Words of Radiance, but the novella continues on where the Interlude left off. Interlude 9 in Words of Radiance is not the whole story. Edgedancer is the complete introduction to Lift’s character.

Edgedancer Summary

After her encounter at the Azimir palace, Lift sets off with her faithful spren, Wyndle, to find a new treasure: a land with ten unique types of pancakes! But even as Lift attempts to return to her life of mischievous chaos, she is pulled away to track Darkness—to keep him from killing another innocent radiant.

Edgedancer Review

While Lift may come off as annoying to some readers, I enjoy her. As a casual grazer of anime, her personality strikes me as an archetype often found in that genre of story. I would say she falls into the category of chaotic neutral—a free spirit who follows her whims—and it’s a lifestyle that keeps her from confronting her deepest fears. Further, her personality has a strong narrative purpose, elevating the story from character-who-is-quirky to character-whose-quirks-create-a-satisfying-character-arc.

Lift's journey is a coming-of-age story in which she struggles against the consequences of growing up. The resulting responsibilities involved with her impending adulthood and place within the Knights Radiant and the changing world of Roshar disturb her, and her personality seems to be, in part, a defense mechanism for the inevitable.

There are also strong themes of morality vs. lawfulness. Lift’s personality—however grating it may be to some readers—is actually perfect for this theme. As someone who reads as Chaotic Neutral to me, her primary antagonist, Darkness stands as a Lawful force, but one that contradicts the moral sensibilities of Lift. This showcases the tensions and interplay of good, evil, and lawfulness. It’s not an incredibly deep exploration, and it doesn’t hit as hard as a full-length Stormlight novel, but it’s enough to elevate the story just a touch.

The plot itself is not a home run for me, but considering the length is outside of Sanderson’s sweet-spot, it still entertains. Most Cosmere stories are more powerful, but its brevity made it feel like a fun tangent rather than a story that is overstaying its welcome.

Is Edgedancer Worth Reading?

If you’re already two tomes into The Stormlight Archive, read this one, especially if you plan to take a break between Words of Radiance and Oathbringer. It’ll help ease you back into Roshar after an extended break.

My one caveat is that you should be prepared with the knowledge that its main character may read a bit silly for you. Sanderson’s humor does not work for everyone.

But if you’re looking to start another adventure to pair with your journey through the Cosmere, The Continua Chronicles will be right up your alley, and your first story is free!