Use the Falchion

This one felt the least like a Star Wars movie to me. It felt like a JJ Abrams-made sci-fi movie set in the Star Wars world, but not a Star Wars movie. And I say this as a person who adores TFA. TROS had so few Star Wars transitions, none of the new ships that Star Wars is known for, and none of the heart that I associate Star Wars with. Or maybe that's me being jaded. TLJ does a LOT wrong, but at least it had the heart of Star Wars to me. Edit: Also sorry about the double posting. I couldn't figure out how to add quotes to a previous post.

High atmosphere, not space. There was still wind before the Falcon comes in, and Finn's wearing a breather because it's high atmosphere. ...when in Canon other than two instances is Force Healing even shown? Because the major instance I can think of the character who healed someone else was DEFINITELY not trained...which Rey was. Rey's been training off screen, much like how Luke trained off screen between ESB and ROTJ in order to build a lightsaber, learn how to Force Choke, and overall have a demeanor change. Does Rey do things too easily at times? Absolutely. This wasn't one of them. If you're going to complain about Force Healing, complain about Kylo/Ben using it, not Rey. The best of a no-win scenario. Carrie Fisher's death was traumatic for everyone, including this franchise. I didn't really like the Leia scenes either, but I admit Lucasfilm worked with what they had, doing the most honorable thing in their minds. I mean...he kinda was a pretty generic villain in the OT...it wasn't until the PT that he got fleshed out. As for brining him back, didn't they do that in Legends a couple of times too? I'm not defending it because I too think it was a terrible move, but it's not unique to Disney's Lucasfilm, so we can't say it's an original sin. A couple of things here. Firstly, the "japaneasy" thing really ticked me off for some reason. Don't know why. But I don't know you and you don't know me so it's not important here or there. Secondly, your info about Darth Plagueis is both wrong and non-canon anymore (the only mentions of Plagueis that are canon as far as I know are in Tarkin by James Luceno* and ROTS). He was never able to bring people back from the dead. Palpatine hinted that it was possible and then blatantly said he didn't know it, but Palps and Vader could discover that power together. And while my Legends experience is small compared to yours, the only character I can remember in Legends explicitly brining someone else back from the dead was Cade Skywalker in the Star Wars Legacy comics. Third, Kylo Ren is ridiculously powerful. Like, more raw power than Anakin powerful (Anakin had the potential and the skill, but not the power due to his own personal conflicts, the corruption/grooming by Palpatine, and the overall declining power of the Jedi). Fourth, you're absolutely right, bringing people back from the dead with vaguely explained powers and plot was terrible. It neuters the Chosen One prophecy, seemingly disrespects George's ideas of what Star Wars was as well as what it should be; and goes against some of the set up rules of the universe. That being said, they have had instances of characters coming back from the "dead" in the new comics and shows. ...and had they tied that into the movie, it would have been FAR more forgivable. I believe it's implied that they built the Sith Empire/Final Order on Exogul. I think the fleet was the largest in the galaxy at that time, not the largest ever. The New Republic was all but destroyed in TFA, and the First Order was pretty weakened after TLJ; so it's not THAT surprising that the Sith Empire/Final Order fleet would be the largest in the galaxy at the time. It's just...not good or fun writing that Palpatine had another, ANOTHER secret army out there waiting. *And yes, I'm aware Luceno also wrote Plagueis and there are some light connections. Enough to consider it head-canon; but there aren't enough to explicitly call it canon, as you seem to be doing in your post.

Lol it's all good! You made some great points and it's awesome that you like the movie! Ohh! Good point there!

But other types of warfare technology also developed, and we're not seeing that in Star Wars. America isn't the only superpower with nuclear weapons either. Russia has some, and so do others. Then there's mutually assured destruction. But Star Wars isn't going to show that, is it? Also, it's not about the real-life implication right here - although that is a fair one. It's about the story implication. Serial escalation is a problem, because the threats just get bigger until it's almost too much to imagine or care about. The Death Star II in ROTJ worked because we had seen the effects of the first Death Star, so we knew the threat level. It wasn't necessarily escalation as it wasn't more powerful than the original at it's time of use (if I'm remembering correctly). Or as a more current example Avengers Endgame Spoilers: Another example is Naruto. The fights got larger as the series went on, the enemies stronger, and the jutsu larger, until the final battle in the series started out as a giant kaiju/chakra-mech fight. Characters that were supposed to be measures of power were demoted to simply decent (Third Hokage, Third Tsuchikage, and even Kakashi to an extent). The skill, technique, and smarts of previous fights were abandoned for flashy moves. And a good amount of fans would say the Pain arc - the arc in which this started to become a visible problem - was the last good arc in the series. And this carried over to Serial escalation might be true to life in some aspects, but it is usually a sign of bad storytelling. (A case of both good and bad elements of serial escalation is Avatar: The Legend of Korra. Season 1 has neutral examples, Season 2 has bad examples, Season 3 & 4 have good examples.)

Soulburner/Starburner HYPE TRAIN STARTS HERE WOOT WOOT! Dark One is looking good too! The wait for the tv stuff might work out best, actually. If it doesn't start until 2021 or 2022, Sanderson can use the time between Stormlight arcs (and probably between Mistborn Era 3 revisions) to write those Dark One books he talked about. So we don't have to worry too much about it pushing something else out. 2020 also looks like it'll be a full year for Brandon - between revising Stormlight 4 as well as Songs of the Dead, writing potentially 2 new books (W&W4 can bleed over into 2021 a little however), and touring at the end of the year...I don't envy the guy too much. 2021 - if I were to theorize - will be more like this year: a lot of touring (Skyward 3 tour to make up for the lack of a Starsight tour; Wax and Wayne tour to reconnect with that franchise; Alcatraz 6 tour maybe? It'd be a smaller tour for sure; and Songs of the Dead, definitely. And those are just for the book releases. When we get to the non-release tours...) with at least Skyward 4 written in-between tours.

My crackpot theory is/was that Larkins/Lanceryn are/were Dawnshards (because dragon riding Radiants would be AWESOME) but most of me doubts that now. This theory is awesome! And probably right. Does that mean most of the magic we see now on Roshar we would have seen on Ashyn, if this was the case? Surges predate the migration, IIRC. And the Dawnshards came from Ashyn too, right? And then there's Old Magic, which works a bit like the magic in The Silence Divine.

Awesome theory!!

Because Star Wars doesn't know how to deal with things other than escalating the conflict. At least they're genre savvy about it. DS2 I can deal with, as the surprise was that it was operational; Starkiller I can somewhat deal with, as it's an homage to the first two Death Stars, took decades to build, and showed us the threat level. The miniature Death Star cannon in TLJ was also cool, because it was a show of how technology has gone forward. But the entire fleet with planet-killers? That was a bit much. TROS makes me appreciate TLJ more, even if my major gripes with it still stand. I hope Lucasfilm keeps RJ around (especially after Knives Out) to do his trilogy outside of the Skywalker Saga. It reminds me - I'm listening to the Legendarium Podcast's review of this episode, and I believe one member said that RJ was the right director for the wrong movie. He shouldn't have done Episode VIII, but something else entirely. Either that or JJ and Terrio REALLY messed up with the plot in this one...

Saw it a second time, and my opinion hasn't changed from above. This movie doesn't age well with me...

Sanderson, Weeks, and McClellan all team up (The B Team, if you will), with each writing a chapter/perspective. Their styles are compatible enough, and the magic systems would be WACK. Other author collaborations I've thought of: Sam Sykes, Scott Lynch, and Sabaa Tahir (and then throw in Sarah J Maas for extra oomph); Dan Wells, Dan Brown, and Dan Jones, with the audiobooks narrated by Dan Carlin. Mark Lawrence, Myke Cole, and Merissa Meyer.

I think it toes the line. The secrets of the Delvers were teased in Skyward, and expanded on in Starsight. The larger universe and the Krell were teased in Skyward and expanded on in Starsight. Did the book lose some of the focus because of the expansion? Absolutely. But it can be recoverable. That being said, I do wish we had spent more time going over the politics in Detritus, rather than leaving for another planet instantly.

It actually makes the ending for the OT worse. Luke basically failed in his mission to revive the Jedi Order, with only one last apprentice alive. Leia's life's work with the New Republic is entirely shattered, with no real government noticed at the end. Han died, broken and alone by the hands of his own son. Remember, Hans appearance in this movie is Kylo's memory, not actually Han. Because he was never supposed to be an antagonist (unless they wanted to do a reverse OT Vader, where Kylo goes from conflicted to confident in his Dark Side allegiance). Snoke was supposed to be that, and then RJ killed him. It was hard to give an antagonist because neither director had a plan as to who the real antagonist was going to be and what to do. JJ had no plans for Episode VIII when he finished TFA. RJ had no plans for Episode IX when he finished TLJ. I will never NOT say that Reylo feels like an abusive relationship. Finn had Rey, but then Reylo got popular. Then there was Rose, but as you said, fan pressure probably made them back off. But Rey can't have both Kylo and Finn, because that'd be too much. So no one really wins. I'm going to make a bold claim and say that while TROS had a lot of similarities with Endgame* I say it didn't go far enough into those similarities (not that TROS could help it, but now knowing what we know). Turn Pasana into Tattooine, so the girl Rey gets the necklace from she also talks to at the end. Turn Kijimi into Kamino, but now the rain is snow because of the season change. The Resistance - now Rebellion - is hiding on their historic base back on Yavin IV, because why not at this point? Exogul is now Malachor, and it was the Jedi that destroyed the Wayfinders, not that only two exist. But whatever. We can't change the past; we can only move forward and occasionally re-contextualize it. Lucasfilm under Kennedy has always had a plan of how and when movies should come out. But I'm not sure how much thought they gave to what the movies should be about beforehand. I hope moving forward that if they write a trilogy or a planned series of movies, all of the movies are written before the first one comes out. Changes can be added on as the later movies develop, but having a plan as to where the characters need to go - and not just how they end - will create a far more consistent story. *This doesn't make it unique however. Endgame uses a lot of common tropes and tactics. But Endgame uses these tropes well and is the best comparison we can really come up with in our pop culture conscience.

Saw it last night! I have...thoughts. A LOT of thoughts. Some good, some bad, some in the middle. Overall, I thought it was good, but not great. A fun, if somewhat forgettable ride. I laughed, but barely remember at what. I liked how the characters were portrayed here versus TLJ, but it still wasn't enough. The visuals were stunning, but the plot makes less and less sense the more you think about it. But, like the Disney era of Lucasfilm, is balance. TROS isn't balanced between TFA and TLJ. It's counterbalanced by The Mandalorian. One gives us pretty much everything "we the fans" want, but none of the satisfaction; the other gives us nothing we want but is enjoyable all the way through. I'll try to work it more in depth later.

It was out for a minute on Reddit, but now it's either gone (it seemed to be missing a picture) or overloaded with so much traffic due to us hungry fans.

If it's any consolation, some of the reviewers (and non-U.S. fans) who've had the chance to see it twice have stated that their opinions improved on the second viewing.

Oh that would be SO GREAT!!

I want to really love this book, and I hope to find some awesome, inspiration quotes and stories. I hope Stormlight 4 brings in tons of new fans, stories, and art. And I hope Sanderson's career skyrockets even more.

My Body Board Is Ready

To each his or her own. If they are both consenting adults and the power dynamic is equal, then there isn't a problem. Breeze is way older than Allrianne, and yet only a minimal fuss is raised in the fandom. Why not the opposite? Others have spoken about Kaladin having a Syl/Tien around already...specifically Syl, and now Shallan instead of Tien. Jasnah and Kaladin CAN be good for each other, but that doesn't mean they will. They need to compromise on a decent amount (like any healthy relationship), and find some common ground first. But that's easy. I imagine Bridge 4 will still be protecting the Kholins, and Kaladin might have a personal interest in Gavinor (as sort of a "substitute" for Oroden at the moment as well as a sort of atonement for Elhokar). They will have to meet as Knights Radiants, and if not true equals at least as peers on that level. And Jasnah is willing to go through any hoop to protect her family. Kaladin has personally protected her uncle, brother, cousins from assassins and politics; add in his Squires and the total adds up to her whole family. He's smart, well-liked, has good character, open-minded, and is educated to the degree he can be. So not respecting him as a person would be almost insane, even for her. ...that being said, she'd need to start seeing Kaladin as a person, rather than The Windrunner... Jasnah might be able to help Kaladin grow those calluses his father had always talked about, allowing him to speak that fourth oath. In return, Kaladin can help teach Jasnah how to lead (not just rule of which I have no doubt she's good at, but actually lead), and help her see that life doesn't have to be tribalism of "Us versus Them" in the conflict. Besides, there might be a sense of catharsis (and more than a little irony) in Kaladin not only marrying a lighteyes, but also becoming a king or king-consort. The Way of Kings indeed!* Agreed! Kaladin and Shallan...aren't healthy for each other. Kaladin admires Shallan's unhealthy coping mechanisms. And their respective traumas might cause them both to spiral down. Shallan likes Kaladin's "dark and brooding" nature, but doesn't realize the full extent of why that is, nor can she help him work through that. Adolin on the other had knows how to handle both of them (like the best bro and best boyfriend he is!) @Razrback16 and @The traveller Jasnadin gang rise up!! *With Rock being legally being the king of the Horneater Peaks, Lopen technically being appointed king for a tad by Elhokar (and maybe royalty in Herdaz?), it'd be fitting for Kaladin to become king someday. Maybe.

So these past few weeks I've been keeping up with the main leaks (and what an adventure that has been), but most things in them actually have turned me off to the movie...so when a different leaker who got their hands on the visual dictionary called the main leaker a liar, I really got excited for this movie. The trailers haven't been doing much for me, but every full scene I see ("they can fly now?!" "Does she do that to us?") has really hyped me up for this movie. I think it'll be a blast.

Fair criticism! I didn't use Thane as much as others might have. Garrus, Jack, Tali, Grunt, and Miranda were my go-to companions for ME2. Yeah the series isn't perfect at all, but it's still great.

Didn't M-Bot use his holographics in Skyward? Wasn't he disguised when Spensa found him? Or she told him to disguise himself when she wasn't there? I feel like there was a scene in the previous book with holographics. Agreed. As a Mass Effect fan and a Brandon Sanderson fan, I'm almost offended lol! But Liara isn't my Best Girl, so take all the shots you want. Agreed. Ohh! Earlier on Reddit I theorized that Book 3 would be split between Jorgen and Spensa, with Brade as the interlude. How about Jorgen, Spensa, and Alanik, and then Brade as the interlude? Also, a sudden thought - I think people thinking M-Bot going evil are onto something, but I don't think it's going to go that way. This same discussion popped up about Adolin before WoR. And if the Skyward series really is Storm-lite...

Speaking of Star Wars, I LOATH Reylo. As in, it makes my skin crawl. As in, if it happens, I will really have issues with Star Wars. I don't need FinnRey to happen (although I do like it (but I also really like Rose...)), but I really, REALLY don't want Reylo to happen. Just thinking about it...ugh... As to why this is...it stems from three places. The first is JJ's comments in TFA about comparing the ideology and methodology of the F.O. to neo-nazi's. And that stuck with me, so now Kylo has that association going on with him. Secondly is the hard binary nature that TLJ made. In TFA, I saw shades of all the characters in each other, and the aspects of the bond were completely different: Kylo saw a younger version of himself in Rey ("You see Han as the father you never had. He would have disappointed you." "You need a teacher!"), interested in taking her on as a mentor-mentee type of role.* In Finn, Kylo projected out his own hate** (calling the Resistance "liars, murderers, and thieves" despite the F.O. being exactly that. "TRAITOR!"). In Poe, Kylo could have had a Cain and Abel sort of relationship. The prodigal son versus the one who carries the legacy - two ace pilots. Hux had his rivalry with Kylo, as well as being a dark mirror for Poe. Finn saw who he could become in Poe, as well as a friend; in Phasma Finn found out how weak the F.O. truly was. And in Rey, he found a kindred spirit. Rey had obvious parallels with Kylo, but I saw those as superficial at best. Rey was no longer lonely because she had people who came back for her and cared for her. She wasn't too worried about her family at the moment because she accepted they weren't coming back, but she could bring Luke back. Kylo was no longer just a victim, because the choice he made on SKB was entirely his own. But then TLJ came in and focused exclusively on Rey and Kylo, to the point of detriment to most other characters. Kylo lost every similarity and parallel he had in Finn and Poe. Rey decided to trust the guy whose first action upon their merging of minds was to try to Force compel her into bringing Luke back. (Thankfully she shot him in response). But to trust him...I guess I'll never see it. The third thing is that as I saw it, their arc really ended in TLJ. They had a bond and Rey ended it. The end. Move on. Kylo doesn't make Rey a better person, and Rey can't make Kylo into anything he doesn't want to be. So stop trying. Also, Kylo's "you're nothing, but not to me" doesn't stand because FINN PROVED SHE MATTERED TO HIM BY DEVISING A PLAN TO BREAK INTO STARKILLER BASE JUST TO SAVE HER. Also enforced by Poe knowing who Rey was at the end of TLJ. But still. TL;DR - Reylo reads to me like an edgy, unhealthy romance (there's manipulation, threatening, forcing, at least SOME emotional abuse), not a redemption story. Kylo doesn't need love to change him, because it didn't work before. Rey doesn't need someone who understands her (although Finn probably does. He just doesn't understand The Force), she needs someone who can trust her, and she can trust back. Like Vin and Elend. *Which echoes two the three primary male relationships Rey has in TFA. Han is a mentor. Kylo wants to be a mentor. Finn, on the other hand, doesn't need or want to mentor Rey. He just wants her. **And I always found it suspicious about how Kylo knew exactly which trooper Finn was. It either came down to Kylo knowing most of the troopers or Kylo knowing something was up with Finn. The latter was far more interesting to me.