Oathbringer - Brandon Sanderson

Published in Two-Volume Paperback edition by Gollancz/Orion Publishing Group, Ltd: London, 2019.
First published 2017.
Book 3 in 'The Stormlight Archives' series. Preceded by (spinoff) 'Edgedancer' and (main series) 'Words of Radiance.' Followed by (spinoff) 'Dawnshard' and (main series) 'Rhythm of War.'

The third 'proper' entry in Sanderson's planned ten-part epic, Oathbringer picks up after the Knights Radiant have been reformed, effectively introducing superheroes into the world of Roshar. 

I made the comment at the end of Words of Radiance that the series could have ended with that entry, and it is true that the series now feels quite different. It does, however, still have the same characters with the same quirks, and I continue to enjoy it.

With such a sweeping epic planned, some minor characters become more prominent in this entry, and it seems like further storylines will spin off as the series continues. Of course, this also means that some of the characters who have been important previously are given a little bit less air-time, particularly Adolin, who joins in on one of the main journeys, but is mostly reduced to a supporting role within it. Even here though, there are hints of possible things to come, particularly involving his shardblade.

Each main entry novel has 'flashback' chapters that help us to understand a particular character; this time around we learn more about Dalinar, whose mysterious past, as well as the reasons he cannot hear the name of his deceased first wife, finally are revealed. In the present, Dalinar must struggle with his new role, trying to forge an alliance not only with the high-princes of Alethkar, but with the rulers of all of the nations that make up the world of Roshar. His reputation as a warlord adds to the difficulties, although his mystical connection with the Stormfather and ability to be shown historical dreams does aid him.

Once again the book builds to a dramatic conclusion, this one involving a major battle between the forces of 'good' and 'evil', although as the series continues various revelations are beginning to cast those distinctions into doubt. Even the identity and reputation of the 'voidbringers' - revealed at the end of Words of Radiance - becomes less certain as the book continues.

My only complaint about Oathbringer is one that had begun to sneak in with the second entry too: parts of the book seem longer than necessary. This is particularly noticeable with a journey taken by various characters through Shadesmar; although it is an interesting location to explore, not a lot happens there, and it seems mostly a plot device to delay reuniting our main characters until said final battle. Considering this book is long enough that my version is split into two volumes, it does make one wonder if it could have been a little shorter...

Overall, though, Oathbringer is another enjoyable entry in an enjoyable fantasy series, and I look forward to reading the next entries ahead.

Completed 2 October 2024.



(Stormlight Archive Series)

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