TGRF Reviews: Shadows of Self

I recently completed the second installment in the Wax and Wayne series, the sequel series to the Mistborn books. At this point I've read both the Mistborn trilogy and the four Stormlight Archive books, and while I like the Stormlight setting more, I feel that the Mistborn trilogy was definitely Sanderson's best work that I've read. So my hopes are high for Wax and Wayne to deliver. Let's get to the review.

Ratings:
5: Amazing, above flawless.
4: Flawless, but doesn't really stand out.
3: Might have some issues, but works fine.
2: Has some issues which might detract from the media.
1: Flawed, bring the media down noticeably.

Title: Shadows of Self
Author: Brandon Sanderson
My Rating: 4/5 - A fun and solid read, with good promise for what's to come

Summary: As I understand it, Alloy of Law was more of an introductory book, a way for Sanderson to test...

TGRF Reviews: the Alloy of Law

I was able to get my hands on the continuation of the Mistborn world - the Wax and Wayne series - over Christmas, and was able to sit down and read the relatively short first book recently. I wanted to get my thoughts down before I started the second book.

Since my recent ratings have been generally lower than I felt they should be, I've opted to stop rating individual sections or aspects of media in these reviews, and instead simply provide an overall rating which I feel is more accurate. I'll still offer my thoughts on the individual aspects as usual.

Ratings:
5: Amazing, above flawless.
4: Flawless, but doesn't really stand out.
3: Might have some issues, but works fine.
2: Has some issues which might detract from the media.
1: Flawed, bring the media down noticeably.

Title: The Alloy of Law
Author: Brandon Sanderson
My Rating: 2.85/5 - mostly...

TGRF Reviews: Rhythm of War

Yesterday I finished Rhythm of War, the fourth book in the Stormlight Archive. My past reviews of these books have been somewhat on the negative side, but I feel like this is probably the best book so far.

As I did last time, I will break the book into sections rather than critiquing areas such as character or plot. This is because each section is vastly different from the last, making it difficult to lump all of 'character' say into one category.

Ratings:
5: Amazing, above flawless.
4: Flawless, but doesn't really stand out.
3: Might have some issues, but works fine.
2: Has some issues which might detract from the media.
1: Flawed, bring the media down noticeably.

Title: Rhythm of War
Author: Brandon Sanderson
My Rating: 3.3/5 (should be higher)

Phase 1
The Stormlight books have followed the same general pattern: they start out...

TGRF Reviews: Oathbringer

Yesterday, I finished Oathbringer, book 3 in the Stormlight Archive. Since book 4 is already in my possession, I didn't want to waste much time getting to the review of book 3. So let's hop to it.

Ratings:
5: Amazing, above flawless.
4: Flawless, but doesn't really stand out.
3: Might have some issues, but works fine.
2: Has some issues which might detract from the media.
1: Flawed, bring the media down noticeably.

Title: Oathbringer
Author: Brandon Sanderson
My Rating: 3.5/5

Phase 1
I've opted to forgo my usual summary and my breakdown of the story into parts. The book is so massive that it's almost like trying to review separate books in one. Therefore, I'll break the book into what I see as it's defining 'parts'. I will attempt to avoid spoilers, though this won't be 100% possible.

Phase 1 is - as is becoming typical with these...

TGRF Reviews: Edgedancer

I generally read whatever introductory material there is before a story, and I'm glad I do so, because the introduction to the third book in the Stormlight Archive, Oathbringer, contained a suggestion to read a short novella which took place between books two and three. That novella was Edgedancer.

I did some research on how required the story was. One review said that it dealt with an important plot point, which Oathbringer otherwise skimmed over. I didn't want to unjustly find fault with anything I planned on reviewing, so a few days later, I acquired Edgedancer from the library and settled down to read.

Ratings:
5: Amazing, above flawless.
4: Flawless, but doesn't really stand out.
3: Might have some issues, but works fine.
2: Has some issues which might detract from the media.
1: Flawed, bring the media down noticeably.

Title: Edgedancer
Author: Brandon Sanderson...