re: Rhythm of War (Stormlight 4) UK cover art revealed

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The romance is definitely cringey and over the top but I think that was partially the point for two dramatic teenagers in their first love acting ridiculous. There are points in the story where surrounding characters roll their eyes at them, etc. I don't really care for the romance and it isn't engaging but I feel like it is written more as "these two first love teenagers absurdity" moreso than something you are really supposed to get behind - that was just my take on it

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Relationship wise it’s a step back from the more mature relationships of the after mentioned.. So much superficial cringe, poorly written superficial cringe at that. Nothing organically real or believable about it and when entire sections are devoted to it, I roll my eyes and try to move on. It’s just awful and I disliked being hit over the head with Sanderson writing it in a way that the marriage “makes sense.” It’s also the QB/Nerd trope and I loathe those the most. It’s also why I enjoy the characters of Joe Abercrombie more. Sanderson is elite level in world building and magic systems but his characterizations often disappoint to extremely distracting levels. Joe is elite at characters.

Being honest though, Shallan and Adolin both as characters ruin my enjoyment of the series. There’s absolutely nothing interesting about Adolin’s character. Not at all. And Sanderson could and should have done a better job of it but didn’t. He’s the “never struggled” Gary Stue and we’re three books in. Dude didn’t and likely won’t suffer any consequences for murdering Sadeas. Is the womanizing tool who gets settled down by the nerdy redhead. Cringe after cringe. And the terrible love triangle didn’t improve my opinion. I hate when writers default to this, particularly when it’s superficial and shallow.

Shallan is like Carrie Matheson in many respects. When her character isn’t fricking exhausting to read, her childishness gets in the way. Many of her splits are more interesting than the “real” version we’re lead believe is Shallan. “Real Shallan” or whatever the frick POV we spend the most time with, is aggravating.

I just can’t get through Oathbringer because of them. Which is a pity because I Kaladin and Hoid and bridge four. It’s many of the other mains I don’t like though which makes ensemble, multiple POV reads difficult to get through.

Ya she isn't my cup of tea really - never had a huge problem with Adolin although he isn't my favorite. I think that is different than them being some cheap characters without any depth though.

A little annoying that Shallan is on the cover, I like the UK one better though

I hope that is Bridge Four on the cover, flying as knights radiant.

Ya, she is definitely close to if not my least favorite main POV character in the major worldbuilding epics I've read.

I am holding out hope for a great character arc to bring her back though. in Wheel of Time i absolutely hated Egwene to the point that I would flip past her chapters at one point in my first read of the series. Going back on subsequent re-reads, I have started to really enjoy her story.

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I read the released chapters over the weekend. It took me about 3 chapters to fall completely back into the world and now I can't wait for the release.

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Ditto. Read all 7 chapters that have been released so far yesterday.

Possibly a spoiler, so don't read further if you haven't read the released chapters:


























Interesting bit about why the windrunners can't increase their numbers beyond where they are at right now unless one of them dies.

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He's still part of Bridge 4.

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Not only that, his daughter wields shardplate and a shard bow.