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Wonderful story arc

Reviewed: 02-09-25

I did not like book 4. It was repetitive and terribly dark; almost start to finish. Hadrian had no character growth and was left broken. My review of book 4 even advised to skip it. And for a moment, in this book, I thought, here we go again. However, this was an excellent story with excellent writing and narration. We see Hadrian grow as a character. He wasn't a slave to his circumstances in the end. He's a man who means everything to the Empire, and yet means so little to it's rulers, he stands up for himself and the consequences be dammed. It seems the Empire and the Emperor, for all his goodness & greatness, doesn't really understand Hadrian. This book reminds me of the saying, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. I really like the ending of this book. A character can "fail" without having a failing character.

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Dark Slog

Reviewed: 02-06-25

Demon in White was fantastic. This one was a slog. It's a horribly dark book. I don't mind grim-dark, but this book never relents. There was no respite. Ruocchio writes that Hadrian wouldn't recount all his tortures...and then proceeds to recount all his tortures in excruciating details for about 22 hours of a 28-hour book. He said, I won’t tell you about this or that...as he describes what this or that was, in effect telling you. This book had no high point, no climax and no character growth…just relentless torture, pain, humiliation and death…lots of death. Thus, I suppose it is aptly named: Kingdom of Death. We're left with a broken character at the end of the book. A good story should leave the reader with something…this book takes something from you. If you skipped this book, I don't think you would miss anything substantive to the story's arc. But we shall see; on to book 5. I bought them all on sale, otherwise, I’m not sure I would continue this story. So disappointed after the awesomeness of Demon in White.

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The Story of Modern America

Reviewed: 01-11-25

Caveat: I've said Sanderson was my favorite author and Way of Kings my favorite book (and I've read a lot). But this book is so bloated...it's all over the place. Every side character gets so much time. It causes you to lose direction and plots. Many of the plotlines has little to do with the main story. But Sanderson felt like he must turn over every grain of sand if it was previously mentioned. Trying to be all things to all people...he's made his fantasy book just like modern America.

A population of pervasive mental issues (and yes, I've been treated for anxiety and depression). But he never moves on, he dwells on it...from start to finish...every single character...constantly. Moreover, you can tell he's untrained in dealing with mental disorders...he has the characters constantly mentally "check-in" on their illness, which is absolutely not something that should be done. You go through your steps...and then move your mind to the different tasks...don't keep checking in on it. Like wounds...if you keep poking it...it will take longer to heal. You treat it...wrap it away and move one...only dressing it as appropriate.

Like some leaders in America, Kaladin has become side-show Bob: a cook, musician, a traveler, spiritual advisor, and therapist...trying to be everything to all people. And as a military person, I find the desertion of his men before they go their biggest battle...is not understanding duty and HONOR. But I digress.

Sanderson, like a segment of America, has embraced full woke. Went form slight mentions previously to central plot. Moreover, none of his previous Stormlight books dwelled much on character romance of any kind...even Shallan and Adolin. This one cranks it up to like a 6 or 7 in describing the gay relationship. And then lecture the audience, instead of just covering it naturally. Heck the fictional world of Roshar even has trans people...with required "papers" and all. I'm comfortable with gay relationship...had no issue with pillow friend in WOT or Sanderson's previous mentions in earlier book. But this book went full on...like a near 180 on it. It's the lecturing part that I personally take issue with. Just cover it for COL...don't need the lecturing. I'm not a Christian, but I feel sorry for Christians or other religious people who felt led down one road for years with the right assurances, only to be betrayed after then had gotten after there was no turning back.

Like America, there will be a new representative form of government Roshar. Must make everything like America. Jasnah is the one-woman scholar all by herself writes the words to change how a nation will be governed. No natural evolution. In this it differs from America and the Founding Fathers who lamented back and forth to come up with the best they could do. Btw, I love America...I served 20 years in the military to protect it. But can we keep some fantasy...just fantasy?

Like America, many have no conviction. Leaders have no convictions and can be lured by the promise of power...turn on your allies...by the word of a fluid God. Gods exist but they are basically corrupt and corruptible beings. Jasnah's was right...no God really. Just do what you think is right for you and yours.

It is clear Sanderson started losing focus with book 4. It was my least favorite of the series...until I read this one. Despite my several issue with this book, my #1, #2, and #3 issues is the bloat in the telling of the story. Hidden in the bloat is a solid story. But if you have read Sanderson's other books and rated them a 5, but also rated this one a 5...you are entirely deluding yourself.

Can't really say I'm excited for this series to continue (and I've read 95% of Sanderson's books).

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2 people found this helpful

Not as good as the first two books.

Reviewed: 12-10-22

A little slow compared to the two previous books. Some of the character arcs were a little slow. But it's a solid book.

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Rushed

Reviewed: 10-02-22

Great story/series and narrator. But this book and the previous one were rushed. Good thing I waited for a sale. So much meat was left on the bone. Fox is a fantastic writer, but not sure why he rushed these last two books...especially when I've invested so much in time in earlier books. 5-star story with a 3-star telling.

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1 person found this helpful

I should have quit after the first book

Reviewed: 09-03-22

This series should have been condensed to one 12-hour book. Not even a single minor plotline was resolved until the 4th book. Normally, a book contains a major storyline, which either resolves or sets up the next book. Not with this one. One ends and the next one picks up. The characters are all shallow. The men are all misogynistic, to a person. Not a single good grown man in the entire series. Yet one of the founders of the society was a woman. For survivalists, they aren't very world-wise. A highly experience ranger seemingly makes a completely irrational decision unprovoked. Also, towards the end of the series, the book introduces a completely new storyline and character. I thought about quitting this series several time and ask for a refund...something I've only done once. But I figured it would get better...it had to. It didn't. And the final battle was a chaotic mess. I don't normally leave written ratings but felt strongly about this. I also allowed myself a few weeks to see if I felt the same way. I know the series is rated well so maybe you'll enjoy it.

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1 person found this helpful

Can't beat the price.

Reviewed: 12-23-21

Best value on this app! And a great book. Great story and great narration. Based on that alone, it's a 5-star. Don't overthink this, you don't need a long thoughtful review. If you love sci-fi/fantasy just get it. Put it in your basket and click purchase!!! And you can thank me later.

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4 people found this helpful

Awesome Book!

Reviewed: 09-07-21

Loved the character development in this book. It was done without pandering to anyone. The details provided by the Dalzelle made me feel like I was there, without overwhelming me. So much attention to necessary details. One of the best books I've listened to. And Boyett is a true master of his craft. This is the second series he's narrated that I've listened to...and won't hesitate to get a series based on his work. If you remotely like Sci-fi, fantasy, or military books, this is one for you. I don't give out a lot of 3 x 5 stars. This one earned it.

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Unfinished Book

Reviewed: 08-27-19

Brandon Sanderson is my favorite author by far. But this was not his finest work. Vivenna was a boring character who took up about 45% of the book. It seems like Sanderson knew it and dedicated more and more time to her in an effort to make her interesting. But he failed. I actually listened to a lot of her chapters at 1.5x speed or even FF some of her content. You could have literally deleted her story and arrive at the same place in the end.

On the other hand, Siri, Vasher and Lightsong kept me listening. Those stories were masterfully done. Sanderson also got us invested in the God King and Siri but abruptly ended their story without payoff. The main story simply ends.

Do not read this book if you haven't read the Mistborn and Stormlight series, otherwise you may judge Sanderson's work too harshly and not explore his other works. And you'd be missing two absolute masterpieces.

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The Wheel of Aes Sedai

Reviewed: 10-19-18

Post book 4 this series should be called, The Wheel of Aes Sedai. Worst part is the Aes Sedai seem like 11-year-old kids playing the game of houses. They seem like bungling emotional petulant egotistical power-hungry simpletons. When the story doesn't spend time on them, it is A++. The problem is that 75% of the story is spent on Aes Sedai. As for the dragon reborn, he got about 3% of the time in this book and about .1% in the last one. I guess I was fooled about who the protagonist of the story is supposed to be...it's actually Aes Sedai.

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4 people found this helpful