Dawnshard

I am in love with The stormlight archive universe since book one and I really enjoy the smaller books between the big ones. I usually don't like when author do this because I don't see real purpose for them. But Sanderson is different, he completes the stories, give space to secondary characters and introduces new storylines that will be used in the main books.

In Dawnshard we have new developments involving some knights radiants and things involving a minor character from a previous book.

Be sure to read this one before Rythm of war.

Dawnshard by Brandon Sanderson is a terrific warm up act for the Rhythm of War. It is a short novel that is a wonderful book filled with previously minor character development and necessary information for the whole future of the series. I did not expect so many Cosmere hints, revelations and blatant information but wow, was I so glad that this was included.

I’ll admit that the decision to have Rysn and Lopen, two disabled characters, as the POV characters in this was a little skeptical with Rysn not having much insight outside of Interludes and Lopen providing comedic approach but this was such a brilliant move. We are treated to a wonderful seafaring expedition that is never boring and truly resembles paraplegic characters that show the research that was put into portraying them realistically. Sanderson continues to bring positivity in the bleakest of moments with a feeling of invigoration that I’ve truly come to appreciate when reading his books. The Lopen’s POV matters here. In the main series he is the comedian but in Dawnshard we deepen his character more. There’s a quote he says “But it’s nice to make people laugh at you for something you do, and not something you can’t control. You know?” And I really resonate with The Lopen throughout this.

The major surprise in this was the inclusion of Huio. Dawnshard successfully and efficiently established him as a character to watch in the future. Cord, Chiri-Chiri and Nikli were seriously impressive and to tear away from the main Stormlight novels to bring us arguably minor characters in a major plot for the whole Cosmere was a massive risk with great perspective.

If you are caught up with the Cosmere, Dawnshard is about to hit you with so many insights to the overarching plot with hints about Aluminum, other worlds and Adonalsium. This is a sign of great things to come, again, from Brandon and all the future Cosmere novels and connections. This is such a short novel that contains so much impact that I feel I could go on for longer. Rysn became a major hitter and I hope to see more of her in the future. I’m both shocked and amazed at the answers we got but more distraught at all the further questions. This isn’t a mandatory novel but it sets up Rhythm of War exquisitely. Journey Before Destination, Radiants.

don't know how he does it, but Brandon Sanderson has AGAIN managed to create full fledged character arcs seemingly in the span of a breath.

This story somehow took characters that, whether you're familiar with them or not, are incredibly relatable and representative of everyday folks, puts them in a place with no readily apparent room to grow, and then allows us to witness their improvement firsthand. We all know and love Lopen and Rysn, which puts them in a difficult position as far as character arcs go. Lopen especially already feels pretty full-fledged if you've read the Stormlight Archive, and we've been watching Rysn grow since she was introduced, so what more is there to see? It turns out, just like in reality, even the best characters are flawed, and the plot, much like our own lives, has plenty of challenges to throw at them.

Sanderson's ability to immerse readers in a story in such a short amount of time, and show off all their emotions and experiences in the same breath is astounding. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and related to the characters insecurities and challenges wholeheartedly. In fact, I enjoyed this tidbit so much, It has really got
Me excited for the next chapter in the series!