[OB] WoK vs WoR vs OB

[ICanDream]

Which is your personal favourite. Mine is between WoR and OB. I can’t decide which.

[Aminar]

Oathbringer is the newest, but I feel like for the added length I didn't enjoy it as much as much WoR. But both are better than the Way of Kings which, while good, has a lot of sloggy scenes with Shallan being very reactive. And Kal's flashbacks have never done much for me. 

[Egomere]

Think it's hard to pick as each have very different strengths.

Think I would have to pick certain story arcs over others in each book. With different emotional payouts.

Like prefered TWoK's pay out with Kaladin bonding Syl and saving Dalinar but I enjoyed WoR more overall, as early Shallan was just a bit slow to pick up - but then when she got to the Shattered Plains and had the Chasm scene it was great. Along with Kaladins' 'redemption'.

But OB Dalinar reveals of Evi and then UNITE them moment (along with 7 Radiants stomping almost an entire army and sending Odium running was fantastic.) 

Ermm I could go on and on but I don't think I can't really pick one over another as they are all fantastic in different ways (for me)

[Blacksmithki]

This actually has a thread already BTW

[ICanDream]

4 minutes ago, Blacksmithki said:

This actually has a thread already BTW

Oh sorry I wasn’t aware of that

[Aleksiel]

5 minutes ago, Blacksmithki said:

This actually has a thread already BTW

There's a thread how OB compares to the others and this is about which one is your favorite. I wouldn't say it's the same.

[straits]

19 minutes ago, Aminar said:

Oathbringer is the newest, but I feel like for the added length I didn't enjoy it as much as much WoR. But both are better than the Way of Kings which, while good, has a lot of sloggy scenes with Shallan being very reactive. And Kal's flashbacks have never done much for me. 

I think OB is the type of book that needs a few more readings to sink in properly, especially with regards to character development. There are lots of internal monologues that progress the story through the people - especially with Kaladin, who, despite his relative inactivity (he still got the spotlight, just less than in previous books) keeps growing through his failures and breakdowns.

Shallan's mental health seems to be deteriorating despite Wit's interjections, although her intellect is becoming better employed. I hoped she'd unify her personalities, but it's too good of a literary device to abandon now.

Adolin's only getting more attention now, and I think his development will be very interesting in the future books. He just seems like a decent person with rare outbursts (Sadeas).

Not to mention Dalinar's retrospective characterization, how he handles his own past, and how his amnesia helped him effect change on his own personality.

[ICanDream]

Ok, so here’s my in depth ranking of the books in terms of which one is my favourite:

1) Words of Radiance: This book was IMO absolutely incredible. The ending was absolutely brilliant - the imagery in that battle was so vivid, the desperation and tension was electric and the payoff, the discovery of Urithiru, was immensely satisfying. This book also made my love Shallan. For the majority of WoK she was mediocre and that was it. WoR added a depth to her character that made her much more sympathetic. The four on one duel was tense and heart wrenching, and Kaladin being subsequently thrown in prison made me sympathise with him if possible, more. It fleshed out Taravangian and Szeth. And, of course, Szeth’s first appearance was amazing.

2) Oathbringer: This is my second choice, but it is only slightly behind WoR. Again, the ending was amazing with Dalinar and the Words about unity... *degenerates into fangirl screaming* The entire avalanche was on par with WoR’s which is quite an impressive feat. Dalinar’s flashback sequence was the best of all the characters thus far, with Evi’s death at the Rift emotionally effecting me so badly I had to put the book down. I also enjoyed the whole Kholinar subplot. We had previously believed that Kholinar was where the big final battle was going to take place so it was a surprise when it was overrun. And Elhokar was killed. *snuffles* However, what put it below WoR was some of its flaws. For one, some parts felt rushed. For another, viewpoints went a little crazy at the end. And lastly, and this is just my opinion, but I thought the focus of the series expanded outwards far too quickly. It went instantly from Shattered Plains to all of Roshar. Still, it’s my second favourite book.

3) Way of Kings: Lastly, the Way of Kings. This was a great book, but to me, it was far too slow. It started off incredibly, meandered near the middle, then picked up again at the end. Still, it was great. The avalanche was far smaller scale than the ones in the two newer books, but IMO it was just as effective. Tien’s death was harrowing, as was Amaram’s betrayal. I very much enjoyed the Wit chapter, the one with the Wandersail. In most competitions, the Way of Kings would come first, but in terms of best Stormlight books, its very clearly the weakest.

jeez that was long