Foundation

Sixth of the Dusk for sure. It was well thought out, it had an interesting well-contained plot that left me hanging. I loved the dichotomy between the old traditions and the new advances in science, and I think that is especially relevant to where we are in the cosmere now (with the advance of science in SA through fabrials and scholars, the increase of technology in MB, etc). This short story could also give us some crumbs that could get us excited for more MB. I feel it may be too early to get a Silverlight novella. A lot of SA's plot points seem to revolve around discovering the cognitive realm, and I would be sad to see those crumbs overshadowed by a massive reveal in Silverlight.

I LOVED Warbreaker from the beginning. I loved the theme of breaking out of who others (or even you yourself) expect you to be. I loved the journeys that the main characters made, especially Vivenna as she learned that outside of the expectations of everyone else, she wasn't who they thought she was. She wasn't even who SHE thought she was. I thought the ending could've maybe played out a TINY bit longer, but I loved Warbreaker. Much better than Elantris in my opinion, and in the same league as his other work, though not in first place.

This is sure to attract some honor spren. I don't know that I've ever seen something so noble.

All Kaladin has to do is touch him, full lashing upward, and it is over.

Thanks for letting me know! I won't say anything then!

Are we allowed to discuss Dragonsteel prime in its entirety? I have read it, but I don't want to break any rules or reveal something Brandon doesn't want revealed...

I think this is awesome! I would love to play once it gets figured out. The first bolded rule about pawns taking abilities when they reach the other side can be easily balanced by only allowing them to take the abilities of a piece if it has already been taken. For example, they cannot take Ranette's powers if she is still alive and kicking somewhere on the board. the second bolded rule is a great idea to include as is I think. This seems really cool and is a great idea! I think the best way to tweak balances is to play!

Now that we know that Syl has a weird fascination with human relationships from the Oathbringer chapters, this is becoming more plausible...

Probably the point where the muscles become so big that your head is squished between your shoulders.

Sanderson is largely unique in the ways you mentioned. I haven't found anyone who replicates his style, or even closely approximates it. This is why he's my favorite author. That said, the Wheel of Time is good if you're patient with some slowness and repetition, and really enjoy a very extensively built world with tons of detail. Jordan's ending may not be all you're looking for though if that's really important to you.

I can see why some would consider the ending slightly annoying because there is a slight Deus ex machina feeling at the end that leaves the ending without catharsis for some; however, I think this is prevalent among readers who didn't really understand the ending very well. I personally thought it was very good.

One of the things that I love the most about Brandon Sanderson is his laser-focus on unique characterization, never sacrificing who a character is to perpetuate some contrived notion about "how things should work." I think we can be very confident that if he DOES initiate a love triangle of some kind (honestly, it seems REAL unlikely in this case) it will be as a natural outgrowth of the characters, not as some disappointing, half-cocked literary fast food that gives no satisfaction. Vin's journey with love is exceptionally poignant because of who Vin was, and the perfect and unique foil that Elend was for her, teaching her to be different than she was. Even though it is obvious that Elend and Vin will end up together from almost the first second we see a unique young man reading at the ball, it doesn't feel contrived or arbitrary because of the way Brandon uses their relationship to push them both to be new and improved people. Frankly, this is what a real relationship does, which is why it doesn't feel as "love-triangle-ish," while other literary relationships fall flat because they seem forced.