A Review: Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson
What’s the most important step that a man can take?
After two novels and a novella, Brandon Sanderson has solidified the Stormlight Archive as a modern classic. But if there’s one thing we all know about these epics, it’s that the middle is where they’re most likely to suffer. Oathbringer is the middle of the first arc of the two sets of five novels planned in this series. And I couldn’t help but wonder if series would implode under the weight of its ambition.
As the Alethi forces regroup in Urithiru, Dalinar Kholin continues on his mission to unite the lands against the Voidbringers after the return of the Everstorm. But Dalinar’s reputation as the Blackthorn—a ruthless warlord—precedes him, and unless he rises to be a leader like no other before, the next Desolation will be the last one.
The Way of Kings was Kaladin’s novel, Words of Radiance was Shallan’s. Oathbringer is Dalinar’s. In the same fashion as the previous two novels, Sanderson uses a thread of flashback chapters to reveal the tragic past of the Blackthorn. And, like the previous two volumes, they’re timed to deliver both exposition and support character development at the right times. And WOW. His backstory is incredible. However, in the back half of the novel, we get a set of Kaladin flashbacks. Those may have been a necessity to complete his story for this novel, but would have preferred them locked to Dalinar so they don’t feel too much like a crutch.
The most interesting element of this novel for me is how the Parshmen have become an element of moral complexity to the narrative. I found that it resonated with me to an extent as a man of color in the far west. Built on the backs of slave labor, the social order has begun to crumble on Roshar, and Kaladin and Moash are two characters used to explore that complexity. In fact, what’s better is that there’s a large twist revolving around the ethics of the war altogether.
The worldbuilding continues to expand for both Roshar and the Cosmere with this story. We’re given even more clues in this volume about how the Cosmere as a whole ties together, and I’ve never wanted to read Dragonsteel more than I do now (hopefully, the author still plans to write that story).
The hardback of this novel is gorgeous with lots of great artwork. At one point, it incorporates the artwork into the story in a way I hadn’t seen before, and I found that to be fantastically interesting. I won’t say how to keep from spoiling bits of the plot. The amount of care put into even this part of the experience makes me appreciate how much planning and thought the Dragonsteel team put into this series.
After all that, I’m sure it goes without saying that I recommend this novel for epic fantasy fans. If you’ve been holding out on starting this series because of how long it may be before the series is complete, rest assured that when you’re ready to jump in, the water is great.
You may also enjoy jumping into the world of The Continua Chronicles.
If you enjoy stories like The Stormlight Archives, it’ll be perfect for you.
And your first adventure is free!
