Why I Did Not Finish The Stormlight Archive ❌ Spoilerfree 

Something very important I missed: THE HUMOR. I don't think Sanderson write good jokes or funny characters, so when one of his characters makes a lame joke and literally ALL the other characters laugh as if it's the funniest thing they ever heard, it takes me out of the story. This is true for all his "funny" characters I've encountered.

Interesting that you compared how magic/action scenes work in Stormlight Archive with Marvel. I always thougt of them as very videogamey in feeling. Not to mention that the desolations gives of some serious mass effect vibes.

I think videos like this are so important! When we speak about very popular stories, it can be hard to find people with different points of view, and you do such a wonderful job articulating your thoughts. Sanderson really isn't for everyone, as you've shown yourself, and I'm so happy you shared your thoughts!

A phenomenal, respectable, honest review. Instantly subscribed!

So nice seeing a review that does not worship the ground Sanderson walks on. Very good review

Such a well rounded book channel.

finally. so satisfying to hear from another character reader voice these things. the stormlight archive characters became plot puppets too often and the flashbacks bored me deeply. wheel of time characters make the book painful to read. i never got further than book 3 i think.

I had the exact opposite outcome. I felt that mistborn was too short and spoon fed the magic system to the reader. The stormlight series is fantastic. I wish the books were longer. I loved every page, every chapter.

Really great video, Jolien. You articulated your thoughts so well and I really appreciate how eloquent you remained while talking about all of your gripes!! Give yourself a pat on the back, you deserve it ;) Funnily enough, I totally agree with most of your critiques... and yet I still love Stormlight a lot. The humour and unbelievable reactions of characters definitely irk me as well, but I guess my brain has just accepted that and I can ignore it now. Also, if you already felt like the magic system was too hard/strict in these first two books, then I think you really wouldn't have enjoyed the development of the magic later on in the series. That's my main issue with the series currently, I don't like how scientific the magic feels. I mean, it's definitely impressive how well-thought out the magic is, but I did not come for a science lesson, thank you very much 🤣 Loved hearing your thoughts on this, thanks so much for sharing and pushing back on the hype a little bit! It's so important to hear different perspectives from time to time!

Thanks for putting this out there because it’s nice to have a different opinion on it. Warbreaker is my favorite book of his. Elantris and Mistborn books 2 and 3 dragged. I’ve been putting off SA and have zero desire to read WoT. 🤷‍♀️

Specifically when you talked about not feeling like it's fantasy when we get into stormligjt Magic. I forget where but in an interview someone asked him if he considers the cosmere to be fantasy or sci-fi. And he basically was like a bit of both. My friend is always talkimg about how from an advanced civ perspective, magic becomes more of a science, which I feel is how he's built his magic systems. They are still magic, but that they follow and have explainable rules.

I’m sorry this series didn’t work for you, Jolien! I’m worried that I may feel the same way. I only made it 150 pages into The Eye of the World 🙈 I will still give SA a try, though!

Completely agree. It’s easy to create a plot, or move it forward, if your characters are emotionally immature and unrealistically naive to the point that their decision making just creates an extra 200 pages of “fluff” problems they have to work through. A good author creates a relationship between the reader and the characters. While Brandon did do this, the relationship felt as if I was just a helpless therapist. This would be a good book to hand off to a 14 year old perhaps (and I am not saying this as an insult). But reading the real literature that’s out there, I could not recommend this to a mature reader with taste. I would be wasting their time. Aside from that, amazing review, certainly subscribing, because the way you judge a book, I can trust. You know what to look for and we share the same criticisms despite popular opinion.

I have never read Brandon Sanderson but am going to read his books starting next year. It is nice to hear someones opinion who didn't like him so I can lower my expectations! I have read Wheel of time(currently reading the last book in the series) and liked it though so maybe I will like it 😁

Thank you for your service. subscribed.

I'm reading the second book now. I put it off for a year. The main reason I liked the first book was how easy it was to read. Yes, to me there were flaws. But, being I've been a major young adult fantasy reader, it worked will for me. Not that I'm not going to try other authors I will. I'm 57 and my main reading tastes has been suspense and thrillers mostly. I love a good book that grabs me. These book by him are really long and I'm only going to read them once a year. I also don't reread books much.

I've been debating whether I should continue with this series, I read the first SA book and it was just painful to get through to a point that I have to give up on reading it myself and just listen to the audiobook to finish it. While the writing style was very easy to read, I just found it boring, it had no flavor, usually when I *read* books even if I don't enjoy the story in particular I enjoy the reading experience & the writing style. I also thought the book was 1,000 pages long just for the sake of being long, not because it has anything to add on. Even though alot of his fans tell me to read more of his works I can't help but feel afraid sorta of how bland it will be, and when I think of other fantasy series that I know I'll enjoy more I don't think I'll continue with this one. And knowing that those issues of the first book will continue on to the rest is a solid point for me to give up on it.

I wanted to write a shot comment on thi video, I hope that's okay! First up I want to say that this video is fairly important. Amongst some of the most positive comments on the platform, having someone who actively dislikes this book is a fresh take and I think it will help some people figuring out if they want to continue reading it or not. Now, I am not really a discussion savvy person, so I won't elaborate on all these counter-arguments I have, because in the end these are your valid personal opinions and if you don't like other similar written works, it might be just that the kind of stories are not for you! Most of the things you mentioned get tied to personal preferences in story-writing and in the end, that's why we read, for our own enjoyment. So not finding that in this series and deciding to prioritize other series is totally valid! I love Stormlight Archive and I think it's perfect for me so I will continue reading. I also am excited to see why GRR Martin's series is considered your favourite and how those books differ from these! It's gonna be fun to see the differences for sure :D

it is SO HARD to find someone who doesn't worship Sanderson and this is refreshing.

Interesting criticisms. I consider myself a fan of the books, but the humor definitely falls flat a bit. The critique on characters is an interesting one to me though. Certain characters in the series I absolutely adore, but there’s a couple I kind of hate, especially when I have to sit through a chapter in their POV. I’d say in book 3 Dalinar gets one of the best character studies I’ve seen in fantasy, but even then I know that character didn’t click for everyone the way he did with me. The books are certainly not for everyone and it’s a huge commitment, especially if you’re not really into it. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts :)

Jolien, I just wanted to thank you for giving so many examples and articulating so well your arguments for why this didn't work for you. Very helpful video for people who are thinking about trying this series. I hope to get to it near the end of next year and I'll be open minded, but I have a feeling I'll agree with some of these points. To each their own! Great video

Thank you for your frank Opinion.

I seriously think it has to do with reading experience. The Belgariad is very basic but it was an early read so I have nostalgia for it. I suspect the same of Sanderson fans. I didn’t get to Mistborn till this year, 40 yrs into fantasy, and I couldn’t stand how simplistic it was, how obvious, no surprises, cardboard characters. I had bought the box set and just cannot bring myself to even open book 2. I am the same with Wheel of time, it was one I read in mid 20s about 15 yrs after starting fantasy and I don’t ever want to read it again. Hobb and Tolkien and Martin I will happily reread again and again. So glad I am not totally alone

Agree with all your points. I couldnt get into Stormlight archieve.

Hi Jolien, I have to admit I have tried and retried to read Brandon Sandersons books but have given up and Dnf'd them. I totally agree with you even if it's a very unpopular opinion. A great video😊

Even though I'm more positive on this series than you are, and am enjoying my reread, I agree with a lot of this. I don't think Sanderson's character work is his strongest suit. I find most of the characters are serviceable but I really like and even love quite a few of them. I'm fine with a plot driven story as long as I'm invested, which I am but I see where you're coming from. I normally prefer character driven stories. Also yes. Sanderson's humour is not to my taste either. You've a good point on the repetitive nature and being too on the nose. Though I'll be charitable to Sanderson here since these are quite large books and would take a lot of people a long time to read so a refresher would be needed. I read Way of Kings and Words of Radiance 6 or so months apart so I was grateful for the refreshers but that would definitely annoy me if I had read them closer together. Another great point. I'm mixed on the interludes. I'm tempted to skip them as I'm re-reading WoK and WoR. Another great point. I'm not fond of hard magic systems. Its just superpowers with rules. I only DNF'D Oathbringer because I felt I had left it too long between that and Words of Radiance. Everything else I've read of the Cosmere I've been too mixed on to have any interest, right now at least, in reading anything in the Cosmere outside of Stormlight.

I wish you'd go into specifics a little more in your descriptions of the scenes, but yes. Though I rather enjoyed The Way of Kings, his writing is occasionally very off and it gets so much more noticeable as the series goes on. I'm still waiting for an explanation for why Vorin women cover their left hands for instance. In the first volume it felt like he was trying to stick to a medieval-like paradigm, but then it was as if with Shallan he was taking a breather and writing in our thought patterns and ESPECIALLY sense of humour (how, for example, did Shallan comment on misogyny in Alethkar as opposed to something like the inequality or oppression of women? Did she have any chance to participate in academia (no) and learn its proper name? How, without knowing a lick of Latin, was she able to make a pun on it with Jasnah's name? "misJasnahgyny"). Fastforward two books later, Sanderson's let himself go and everyone thinks and talks like Shallan. In addition, I can also see the gears grinding (great way to put it by the way) whenever he gets into more the esoteric elements of the world. The way powers work is described in a way that not only leaves no mystery, but goes so far in the other direction that it feels like video game mechanics. Do a half Lashing, quarter Lashing, dismiss your Shardblade! Very weird thing for a book to remind you of.

Sorry this series didn’t click with you Jolien. You have some very valid criticisms.

I haven't read it. But someday I'll give it a try. Maybe when it's finished.

Great review I bought the first book to give it a try, but as 13:57 mentioned that interludes are unnecessary, question is can people skip the interludes and begin with the next chapter? Seems in your description won’t miss much?

I just finished the second audiobook and found it too frustrating to continue. I agree with your criticism, the repetition, poor character writing and info dumping got in the way of enjoying the plot. I felt like my intelligence was insulted with the way that Sanderson has to explain everything implied, explicitly. Why would I care about these cryptic interludes when i know that every important hint is going to be explained four times over anyway? I found myself zoning out at the start of each chapter while they played, waiting for the real story to begin. I didn’t know the term ‘plot driven’ before, and this does describe one of my problems with how authentic the characters felt. The requirements of the plot seemed to determine the character’s actions, rather than the plot progressing organically because of the characters’ natural choices. Cause and effect have swapped roles? I think it can be ok have some sort of narrative around ‘fate’, which i feel this story is gearing towards, but it’s not so believable or compelling for me in this instance. The world bulding really bored me. I’m sorry, I don’t need you to explain in great detail what every creature and plant looks like when it’s irrelevant up until the one time you show a character picking off their legs. Stop explaining the history of this side characters’ outfit and his inner monologue on modern fashion. I don’t care. What’s happening with the bridge boys? Oh, guess I get to find out the intricacies of Alethkar’s sewerage system instead. I listen to audiobooks while working a physical job and use them to cut through the tedium, not face more of it. I initially got through 10 hours (1/5th way through) of the first before giving up and listening to something different, returning 3 audiobooks later, after my friends insisted it’s worth it. At that point, there were maybe three memorable events. I had hoped that things would develop better after the first, assuming the slog was over. It was not. Such a shame that I did very much enjoy the plot for the most part, and the world is quite compelling, but I don’t think I can continue with the bulk of these book.

As always, I respect your opinions, Jolien (especially since, like you, I'm a very character-driven reader). The only Sanderson I've read is the original Mistborn trilogy, and I didn't particularly enjoy it. I recently picked up The Way of Kings just because I found an used copy for $1 at a library sale, but I should have probably saved my dollar! 😄

Hi 👋 just be honest with the review of books on ur channel... reading is personal what you like or you don’t like a book series?? Happy reading to you! 😊🍂🍁🎞📽⚔️

I personally quit Stormlight at the end of Book 2. You are absolutely spot on about it being plot-driven because if one doesn't care about Cosmere Easter eggs, then reading the chapter summaries and reading the book yields the same reading experience in my opinion. I very much agree with your pinned comment as well. Personally for me writing = characterisation > plot > themes > worldbuilding. The writing is OK for me (nothing special), the plot is interesting but the thing that Sanderson actually focuses on the most is worldbuilding which I care least about. On the other hand there were some really great character moments which I could have done more with- but that didn't happen - missed potential there. Finally the repetition - 💯 agree there. I think these books could have been trimmed by 25-30% easily just by omitting the incessant repetitions. In the end reading another 3× 1250+ page books to know what happens exhausted me and I quit. Maybe I'll still read Stormlight 5 because I like some of the MCs but not anything beyond chapter summaries for Books 3 and 4. Happy reading and thanks for sharing your thoughts!

You just described everything I disliked about Mistborn 😅 Sooo I don't think I will enjoy Stormlight Archive. Buuut I have the first book here and maybe try it out... someday :D

When you mentioned that people tell you that this and WOT are "complicated series".... 👿 I will try Branderson next year, but probably not this series...

Hey, Joalien! I thought your review was great, but there is one thing that I would give my perspective on as a Sanderson fan. You said the world building is not very deep, but I just think that you’re looking for the depth in the wrong places. Authors like GRRM for instance like to focus on politics and history, but that is not something that Brandon seems to be very interested in. Instead, he likes to focus on other parts of his worldbuilding. One thing that Sanderson I feel like did a great job in is the fleshing out the ecology of Roshar. The world feels alien, not like Earth at all, and it has its own creatures like Chasimfiends and other unique animals. Sanderson also expands on how highstorms have big effect the on the plant life in Roshar. There is no soil in most places, and plants have their own weird way of adapting to Highstorms. And… MASSIVE SPOILERS FOT THE REST FOR THE REST OF THE SERIES IN CASE YOU WILL EVER READ IT AGAIN. This is how some of the fandom theorized that humans are not native to Roshar. They look at the flora and fauna, and how it seems to be perfect for the Parshendi, and how it’s weird and alien for humans. And this is just one aspect of the world. While Sanderson doesn’t care much modern history of Roshar (like we probably won’t ever get to know much about how Alethkar was founded), Sanderson will definitely expand on the ancient history of his world. Another thing is that most political factions and cultures aren’t that important in the grand scheme of things. Sanderson will focus on groups like the Ghostbloods, Sons of Honor, or the Diagram that have much bigger goals that simply conquering more land. And lastly, I sincerely hope I didn’t come across as a mean Sanderson fan boy. You’re opinions are 100% valid, I just hope you’ll appreciate my perspective as a fan. Have a nice day!

If you are in that? Try Malazan Book of the Fallen. 😈😉 That’s the anti-Sanderson series. Fair warning: needs very!! much attention from the reader and love for themes and ideas too. It’s professional writing and realistic characters. Yet again: it won’t help you in understanding it fast.

It's a shame that you didn't enjoy it, but not everything is for everyone and there are many good books out there.

I like reading Sanderson until I got introduced to King and Martin. Now Sanderson doesn't hold up compared to these two.

You have no idea the peace of mind this video gives me. Went through all of way of kings, and it was a rough ride. The ending was good enough to get me excited for Words of Radiance thinking it would continue up at that pace. But wow...half way through the second book I just had to quit. It felt like going over the same thing all over again. I was feeling so frustrated because a lot of fantasy booktubers were hyping this series so much. But I just found it lame, shallow and stiff. Some action scenes were very well written. But others felt cartoonish and videogamey. The characters were melodramatic and lacking verosimiltude. Since a lot of people also recommended wheel of time I gave it a try. Book 1 is basically a re skin of fellowhip of the ring and I found it entertaining enough. But I couldn't get past book 3. And that's not even where fans say "the slog" starts. I agree it has all the same attributes that made me drop Stormlight Archives. Seems like the Jordan-Sanderson style of fantasy is immensely popular and digestible for a large audience, but for my taste in books it's just insufferable. You have so eloquently put words to my own feelings that it makes me feel less awkward for just not liking these novels. I'll be checking your recommendations to see if we share not only our dislikes but also our preferences in fantasy literature!

Agreed.

Elantris 👍

Interesting that the worldbuilding also lacked a certain depth for you. I mean I could tell it was nowhere near Middle-Earth or Westeros or even Temerant but it's interesting that it didn't feel deep to you, given this is what Sanderson excels at traditionally. Ugh the condescension sucks, I'm sorry. Every series can be complex or simple or anything in between depending on the reader. I agree about your assessment of WoT as well based on the two books I read. And it's true, Stormlight does the same with the revered Sanderlanches. Just doesn't work for me with 10 (ultimately) 1250+ page behemoths. I'd rather read 10 (or 13-15 given the length 😛standalones), 5-6 duologies or 3-4 trilogies. TL;DR: Payoff wasn't worth it imo so I quit! 😄 Also I need to find your quitting WoT video and rant a bit there. 😛

I find it super interesting that some pf the critics are about not realistic characters, when for some other people find that is one of the few believable characters dealing with mental illnesses.

But the ending tho Spoilers Joking aside, I did finish Words of Radiance, and really didn't like the ending. If you say you don't like superhero movies, the ending in my opinion is almost an over the top superhero plot. Almost everyone we know or have seen some interaction with is by the end of the book a Knight Radiant, yes the ones who have left the world in book one to know exist again. That didn't work for me, and yes the Robert Jordan part, like (I know you haven't come to this part in the book but I already mentioned I will give some spoilers) Adolin kills his uncle Sadeas, so this is a setup for the next book about what will happen next and what not. You got the hype/want to continue but probably it will be a slow/meandering 3/4 of the book before something really happens Also having read the same Sanderson books as you did (except for Mistborn Era 2) I can recognize some of his tropes (fake death for example) so some things that people would go wild over for me was like, yes predicted it. Almost like feeling to make a bingo card out of Sanderson tropes for next books and see if these things are in every book. (when reading Sanderson books back to back it really stands out) As a completionist I will continue with this serie, but it isn't high on my priority list. I think I can say that I'm more invested in Wheel of Time then in Stormlight Archive

WOR was much more well paced and consistently fun as compare to WOK so kinda sad that you couldn't finish it

I dislike his writing style as well. I have tried two series mist and strom and just don't enjoy Brandon's writing.

Stormlight represents everything I dislike most modern epic fantasy because they focus on all the wrong things imo. Way too many fight scenes and action scenes, overexplaining boring magic systems, shallow characters, lame dialogue, bland world building, bad prose, don’t like them at all. I know grimdark isn’t for everyone, but it’s one of the only modern genres of fantasy that actually has great complex characters without focusing too much on any of the things I listed above. I also like classic epic fantasy from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s as well.

Fascinating take. I absolutely don’t agree with them, particularly the “realism” expected in Epic fantasy. Why can’t reactions not be more “manga-like”? I respect your subjective take on the jokes you don’t enjoy. I’m not sure this is a reflection of badly written characters, but that that style doesn’t work for you… This is all subjective analysis and not objective analysis. I was struggling to hear WHY it doesn’t work. What you say about subtext is wrong. Some male characters CAN read in this world, and your take here is actively condescending from someone who definitely has more skill and many many editors who are simply better at this than you. You stopped reading at TWOR so you don’t get this. I respect your opinions, I just don’t think you are qualified to have it. Of course, you are allowed not to like it. That’s not what is hapening here, it’s just poor analysis. How can you stop a series of Cosmere books (dozens of them) and book 1 of a 10 book series and comment on any world building??? On Interludes, yeah you can’t comment on that because again, you miss out…From Interlude 1, they are all relevant…The problem is that you don’t like B Sand…”enjoy reading it” FOR YOU is SUBJECTIVE…and that’s fine… You say it’s your opinion, but you make flawed logic conclusions that try to sound like more than just opinion… I mean, I’m gonna sub because despite all of this, you are a breath of fresh air on this app…

Sanderson's "prose" is good for those learning english as a second language.🤣

All of these points ring true from where I'm standing but with that said, this creator is miles ahead of my analysis. My problem with Sanderson is as straightforward as his prose: he only writes young adult fiction. RoW was pure teeth-sucking cringe in the last half and so I've since stepped off of the ride.

Thanks for the honest review. I’m currently listening to book two but I’m throwing in the towel. I’m just not interested. The climax of book one really gave me high hopes, but I just can’t waste my time anymore.

I’m loving this book. Started mistborn, which I’m enjoying, but then I just read the prologue to the way of kings and was hooked immediately. Mistborn can wait lol

Well this was a.... review. I guess... 😅😬

doesn't seem like the series is for you. i strongly disagree with most of your points except that some explanations are a little repetitive but not enough to bother me like wheel of time. to anyone considering it, i highly recommend it. i think its incredible and im just finishing my 3rd read through.

Pretty neat to delete comments you don’t like after giving your own unfettered opinion

😕

The tea 😁 I only enjoyed Warbreaker and Mistborn book 1. The Way of Kings was borderline unreadable 🍵

I am glad to find someone with the same experience than me with these books. I am glad people enjoy them, but they are just not for me.

Thank you for addressing his world-building, it always blows my mind when people think it’s great. Compared to Erikson, it’s laughable.

Nice, a reviewer I can trust!

Agree. A good editor would have made the book much shorter. Repetitions got to me

I absolutely agree!! I also enjoyed the Mistborn trilogy and Warbreaker but this book murdered my spirit!! It was such a torture! And basically nothing happens. All the characters are at the exact same point at the end as they were in the beginning.. or almost the same… it definitely could have shorter.. much shorter

Ok Go to read Hunger games and 50 grey😂

No offence, but if you dislike the SA then you still have to improve a lot of fantasy reading appreciation skills (objectively speaking skills). Calling SA not funny for example or other arguments you use in this video is just missing the point of the genre and book. I even suspect that you made this video/title as clickbait in order to grow your account, which on itself is allright, but someday I hope that you agree to at least some irl friends that you cannot dislike SA.