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Starsight

March 27, 2020 by Ryan Leave a Comment

I’ve seen a trend more often recently, and that’s the trend of blending science fiction and fantasy tropes in new and unique ways. I first saw the trend in the independent publishing space, but since then I’ve seen several examples from traditionally published authors. Starsight, I think, falls into that category.

Most of the story would be considered science fiction, but I can’t help but think that the ability to transport between two places is a magical one. There’s definitely room for disagreement here – it practice is given a science-fictiony explanation, but to me it feels magical.

In this second book in the series, Sanderson’s strengths are on full display. Vast and intricate worldbuilding, a plot that pulls you through the pages, and enough mysteries to make a reader hunger for more.

I enjoyed this story, but I don’t think I liked it as much as the first. In the first, I really enjoyed Spensa’s development as part of a team. That development is mirrored and expanded in this outing, but I found that it didn’t engage me quite as strongly. And although Spensa’s reactions to her new environment were completely understandable, I found them so laughably wrong as to be a bit annoying.

I’d still definitely recommend for fans of more young-adult focused science fiction. Sanderson builds compelling worlds and characters, and this book certainly sets the stage for more adventure.

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Brandon Sanderson, Science Fiction Reviews

Wheel of Time – Final Thoughts

January 22, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

14 Books

Over 4.4 million words

Over 100 POV characters.

There’s no doubt that Wheel of Time puts the “epic” in epic fantasy. I began reading the series as part of NPRs top 100 sci-fi and fantasy books of all time. I spent two years working my way through that list, and read the first three books of WoT as part of that, enjoying them a fair amount. I pledged to myself that I would eventually return to the series, and in 2018, I made it my goal to read the rest of the books. I completed my challenge, and finally have the space to think and write about the experience.

Perhaps more than any other emotion, I am astounded. As an avid fantasy reader, I’m no stranger to worldbuilding, but Jordan’s work feels to me like it is a step beyond anything else I’ve ever encountered, including Tolkien and Martin. WoT has both breadth and depth, and although I probably will never read the series again, it feels to me like one that will reward readers with multiple read-throughs.

But the worldbuilding has been mentioned often enough. The aspect of the books that still resonates with me, weeks after reading, is how the story of good versus evil has perhaps never been done quite so well.

I know that in my own writing, I try desperately hard to avoid the simple good vs. evil. Most of the modern writing I encounter does. We prefer complexity, where competing valid viewpoints strive for dominance.

But WoT, at its core, is about good and evil, light and dark. But it manages to be that without overly simplistic storylines. Both light and dark feature complex, interesting characters with varied motivations. Nowhere is this better represented than in Rand’s character and the slow transitions he works his way through throughout the series.

I left this series tremendously pleased. I made no secret of the fact that I really disliked books 8-10, and I think I still stand by my argument. When considered as a whole, yes, the books are necessary and tell important parts of the story. But as a writer (and avid reader), books are also commercial units. It’s my belief that each should contain at least some complete arcs. I know that plenty of people will disagree, but it’s definitely my personal preference. Had there not been such an overwhelming number of people telling me to stick it out, I absolutely would have quit the series right before it returned to glory.

But at the end, I am tremendously thankful to have read this series. Jordan deserves an enormous amount of credit, and I’m extremely grateful to Sanderson for finishing the series – somehow managing to give everyone a conclusion and role to play in the finale. It’s a staggering achievement.

Now for 2019: Malazan.

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan, Wheel of Time

The Gathering Storm

December 3, 2018 by Ryan Leave a Comment

I just finished reading The Gathering Storm (TGS here on out) a few minutes ago, and I’ve literally been pacing back and forth in my house, trying to work off my excitement from finishing the book. In my mind, it was almost as though I was reading a masterclass on how to write epic fantasy.

I’ve been working my way through all the Wheel of Time books this year, and plan on finishing before the year is out. I’ve not made any secret about my feelings. I generally liked books 1-7, with my opinion of them ranging from “good” to “very good.” I really, really disliked books 8-10. But book 11 was fantastic, and I’m happy to report that I really loved TGS.

The hardcover version I was reading came in at about 750 pages, and I burned through them more quickly than I finish some 200 page stories. To keep a perfectly balanced tension for that long requires tremendous skill, and I am always impressed when I encounter such a work. TGS marks Brandon Sanderson’s first entry into the series, completing the vision that was ultimately Robert Jordan’s.

I love to see the continued development of the characters. After seeing periods of intense growth, followed by the slowing down in the story that happens through books 8-10, it is an absolute delight to see the characters truly come into their own. In TGS, this is represented perfectly by Egwene. I’ll freely confess that in the past books, I’ve forced myself to keep my eyes open through the Aes Sedai sections of the books. Here, though, Egwene finally shows the full depths of the woman she has become, and I cheered for her speeches and triumphs in this story as much as I have for any battle that’s been written thus far. The story of the White Tower is thrilling, and is one of the centerpieces of this classic.

However, as a fantasy writer, I can’t help but remark on Rand’s journey. For books now he has been sliding downward, his character becoming harder and harder and more unlikable. I’ve found the descent fascinating. All too often, us fantasy writers utilize the trope of “The Chosen One,” but rarely do we see the effects on a person’s character as realistically as we do in Wheel of Time. Personally, I feel like Sanderson handled this character masterfully. Rand al’Thor sits at the intersection of politics, magic, and prophecy, and I’m convinced that he is one of the most fascinating characters in modern fantasy. I cannot wait to see where this story goes.

Thankfully, book 13 is already sitting on my Kindle.

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan, The Gathering Storm, Wheel of Time

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