Ammanas

@Hoiditthroughthegrapevine I do know that the first Witness book is finished and being edited. Hypothetically Fall of next year for Witness but with Covid ruining the publishing world who knows. On the Malazanempire website it says that the Esslemont book The Jhistal is finished and I believe that while these books are money makers for Tor let’s face it: it’s a niche audience and publishing dates are being pushed back for these lesser series and given the priority to more profitable ones. I know these books are niche because Tor refused to fund more Malazan reread posts and bailed on Forge of Darkness. They are literally on their fifth (I think) read through blog posts on Wheel of Time. Also I do know the sales for Kharkanus has been abysmal while the new Esslemont books a been fairly decent.

Finally listened to @Hoiditthroughthegrapevine and started listening to the original ten Erikson Malazan audiobooks. Currently on Deadhouse Gates. I have found them enjoyable but I cannot even imagine going through these books the first time with the audiobook route. Even though I’ve read these books twice of my attention wonders even for a second we’ve already switched characters and I’m lost on a scene. Although this may be because of my learning style because I learn best by doing something and then next reading. I’m not a good audio learner and for most books the plot is simple enough it doesn’t matter. One thing I always enjoy on the Malazan rereads is the amount of foreshadowing. In hindsight the true identity of Moby and “Servant” is obvious but went completely over my head on the initial read. Just got to the part where Stormy, Gesslef etc are trapped in the Nascent. Malazan veterans will know this scene will not make since until book five although parts of it are explained in book four. I actually had to look up on the Malazan wiki about heboric. I had completely forgotten what was going on with his Ghost hands and one being green the other orange (it’s a long complicated story). What a crazy, crazy series (in a good way). Pretty sure I could read only these books for the rest of my life and continue to pick up new things and understand things better.

To a certain extent yes, but it depends on your expectations. For me I am thrilled if a author can publish a book a year. Even the most fast and dependable author have occasional lulls and multiple years between books. For example: Joe Abercrombie, James Corey, Jim Butcher, Steven Erikson, Glen Cook. I could go on but you get the point. As long as Brandon can publish one book a year I care about whether it by Skyward or Cosmere I’m very happy.

He didn’t answer the question everyone wants to know. How is his adorable kitten (that he found) continuing to adjust to everything?

Call of the Wild and White Fang are easily his most famous books but my personal favorite is The Sea-Wolf. It’s about a literary critic who survives his ship going under and finds himself onboard a ship captained by basically a Nietzsche spouting tyrant. The protagonist has a completely opposite philosophy on the goodness of people and the world. I like it because is shows how shallow the veneer of civilization can be and also the clashing of those opposing ideologies. I definitely recommend it if you are in the mood for more London and want to try something a little different from White Fang

I just finished relistening to Mistborn:A Secret and was wondering what you thought of this novella? I personally liked the information in A Secret History but thought it came across just a disjointed as Brandon feared it would and probably not be rereading it in the future. I’m finishing Black Moon the last of Quinn’s De Grandin stories regarding a French paranormal detective and his assistant. It’s fascinating to read these older stories written so long ago and see how the world around us has changed. I think they are a fun read.

Perhaps I’m oversimplifying but I believe the Jasnah love comes from the fact that she embodies what the current media and world tells us what a “strong” woman is. She is loud, overbearing and a warrior who tramples all before her path (be it in arms or verbal strikes) Perhaps it is my religious background here but I have different ideas of strength for both men and women. I personally think Navani is a much stronger women but that’s just my opinion.

I think he was underutilized in this book especially. All of his scenes were a breath of fresh air in RoW. He is naturally so upbeat, optimistic and just full of life wherein Kaladin and Shallan spend most of the time in depression, fear and self-loathing. I think he could of had much more page time and less Kaladin and Shallan time to bring a bit more balance to the narrative. I think Sanderson could of done this and easily kept what I think is the main message of the book. Which is: all these hard things you go through and learn seem pointless at the time and unnecessarily hard. But it has brought you to your current state and these experiences have unforeseen applications in your future that will ultimately be to your benefit.

Starts pumping fists in air when Kaladin goes Super Saiyan X 4! Oops wrong series I mean Knights Radiant X 4. I imagine this book will be to dropping off point for many that are reading this series. As I’ve mentioned in a previous post this series is unique in that you have to throw out all typical rules of pacing, arcs etc in this story. The world is the main character (Not Kaladin, Shallan etc) and these books are trying to fully immerse yourself in it. For the fully immersive aspect of the world and leisurely pace only Tad Williams comes close, but he doesn’t spend even close the amount of time on nitty, gritty aspects of the setting like Fabriel science. I like tightly written books. I think the original Black Company book by Glen Cook and Grace of Kings by Liu to be excellent examples of this; you could fit a entire series of plot in those books. But I also like what Brandon is doing here. I get the complaints but they really don’t bother me. Almost finished so I feel comfortable ranking them now. They are all five out of five star books but I enjoy some more than others. 1. WoR. 2. WoK. 3. OB 4. RoW. I personally find other characters to be more compelling than Navani and all the Science chapters regarding technology I didn’t find the most interesting. Lots of other small stuff but like I said Its a good book.

Oops sorry posted part five stuff here

So I’m assuming the place where Wit tells Kaladin the story of the Dog and the dragon is Damnation?If so it’s satisfying that he pulled Dabbit from there figuratively and he in return literally pulls Kaladin from Damnation. Also another author I enjoy posted a gushing review of RoW. His thoughts seemed a bit more scattered than usual but it was fun to hear him talk about it and his interactions with Brandon throughout the years. If anyone is interested:

I’m way too old to be reading these but Wizard for Hire by Obert Skye. We had a long car trip and my spouse wanted something appropriate for the kid and picked this series which I got into. These books are absolutely hilarious and the author has such a dry sense of humor. My favorite character is Clark this talking metal bird.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a traditionally published book roasted and mocked for poor writing as much as the just released Ready Player Two by Cline. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbr.com/ready-player-two-bad-reactions/amp/

Havnt finished yet but I don’t mind spoilers so I’m posting here. I’ve seen a lot of criticism about this book on other sites about the pacing, and humor of this book. And yes if you are looking for a traditional novel and plot structure than these books have been suffering greatly since Words of Radiance. But I’ve come to look at the Stormlight series as the fantasy equivalent of War and Peace by Tolstoy (one of my favorite books). It’s not about traditional arcs but more of capturing these moments in time and what these momentous events meant to various characters. You follow them through these highs and lows and yes there are a lot of quiet moments and odd ebbs and flows to the novel but isn’t that what real life is all about? Anyways just a quick digression. The humor and general kind of feeling of these books will always have young adult overtones. I’m sorry it just will; but I find it charming to tell you the truth. And hey, if I want to read a book with foul language and awkward graphic sex scenes I can always pull out a Joe Abercrombie book from my shelf.

Don’t get me started on Kingkiller Chronicles...

@ginger_reckoningIve been here awhile but I usually haunt the less popular threads. Don’t get on as often as I used to but I’ve caught the Rhythm of War fever and have been more active over the last few days. Nice to meet you as well!

That’s assuming your one of the first ones on the list. It could be longer or shorter. Somehow it always seems longer for the most anticipated releases haha

Listening to RoW but reading The Providence of Fire by Staveley part of the Unhewn Throne trilogy. I remember I loved the first book but didn’t like the ending of the trilogy, but it’s been so many years I can’t remember much about this series or why I felt that way. I’m basically reading this for the first time because I’m remembering nothing besides hive reptile monsters. Anyways yet again I’m highly impressed with the first book Emperors Blades. I started reading this again because I noticed the author has a sequel series in the same world coming out next year.

@Aspiring Writer There really is no rhime or reason with libraries and when they get their copies. I actually once got a copy waiting at my library on release day once. That was Morning Star by Pierce Brown. Usually it takes about three weeks until they get a copy it seems. I preordered RoW about a year ago during a audible premonition so my copy is $7.99 and I’ll wait until they have a kindle deal in about 6 months or so and probably snatch that up for $2.99. If you are strapped for cash that might be a route for you to go. I get that there are many that still prefer physical books though

Some people are not as impressed with Browns sequel trilogy but in my opinion it’s better than the original. One of favorite character is the Minotaur of Mars who you will meet in Iron Gold. He has limited screen time but steals the scene whenever he appears. Can’t wait for you to read Dark Age. That book is just insane...imagine Golden Son on steroids. edit: Havnt you been reading Blood and Bone for about 15 months? Seriously bk you need to switch to the audiobook if it’s given you this many problems. Banks is a fantastic narrator and you’ll be done in a week.

The Redwall series by Brian Jacques. I think I read the first 15 or so books before I grew out of them but I’ve read the earlier ones several times. It’s still a great series to recommend to a 10-12 year old I think.

This is audible US website. Hypothetically the Australians would be writing reviews on their own regional audible webpage. Plus all of the reviews consist of basically, “Its good so far”.

I just think it’s funny that I woke up at five o clock in the morning on release day and download Rhythm of War and lo and behold this 57 hour audiobook already has ten reviews lol.

@Chinkoln To be honest I don’t visit the site as often as I used to for various reasons. I know the release date is tomorrow (and I preordered the audiobook) but release parties have no interest to me. Never met Sanderson and probably never will but it’s enough just enjoy his books and engage in occasional discussions about his worlds and works

I know the ebook release was up in the air a bit with the news being it would be out a few days later than the Kickstarter, but it looks like it will be available on Tuesday and you can preorder it now. Here is a link to one major ebook vendor. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MXXWYT7/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=dawnshard+sanderson&qid=1604765357&sprefix=dawnsh&sr=8-7