Title: Warbreaker
Author: Brandon Sanderson
First published June 9, 2009
688 pages, ebook
Rating: 4.3
Overview
Brandon Sanderson’s Warbreaker is a tale of two sisters, both princesses, who find themselves embroiled in a world of intrigue and magic. In this world, the gods are former mortals, and the power of BioChromatic magic comes from the essence of breath.
Vivenna and Siri, the princesses of Idris, must navigate the complex politics of Hallandren’s capital city, while dealing with the looming threat of war. Along the way, they encounter a reluctant god of bravery, a lesser god who is unhappy with his lot in life, and an immortal who is trying to undo the mistakes of his past.
To succeed in their quest, the sisters must harness the power of breath, drawing upon the colors in the world around them to work miracles and overcome incredible odds. Will they be able to unite their people and prevent a catastrophic war, or will they fall victim to the machinations of those who would see them fail?
The answer lies in Warbreaker.
About the Author
Brandon Sanderson is set to release two major books in the latter half of 2016. The Dark Talent is the final instalment of Alcatraz Smedry’s autobiography, chronicling his fight against the Evil Librarians that secretly rule over our world.
Arcanum Unbounded is a collection of short stories set in the Cosmere universe, including the Mistborn series and the Stormlight Archive. The Emperor’s Soul, Mistborn: Secret History and a new Stormlight Archive novella are all included.
Earlier this year, Sanderson released the last book in the Reckoners trilogy, which became a #1 New York Times bestseller.
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1975, Sanderson had a love of reading as a child, but lost interest in the books that were recommended to him. However, in eighth grade, his teacher gave him Dragonsbane by Barbara Hambly and his interest in books was reignited.
Sanderson was working on his thirteenth novel when Moshe Feder at Tor Books bought his sixth. Tor has published the Mistborn trilogy, its follow-up, and the first two books of the planned ten-volume series, The Stormlight Archive.
He was chosen to complete Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series, releasing three books in total. In 2013, he released two young adult novels, Steelheart and Firefight.
Sanderson has won several awards, including the David Gemmell Legend Award in 2011 for The Way of Kings and the 2013 Hugo Award for Best Novella for The Emperor’s Soul. He has also appeared on the best-seller list multiple times, with five novels reaching the top spot.
Sanderson currently lives in Utah with his family and teaches creative writing at Brigham Young University.
Editoral Review
Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson is an epic fantasy novel that was first published in June 2009. Sanderson, who is known for his impressive world-building skills and engaging writing style, has created a unique and highly immersive world in this book.
The novel takes place in the city of Hallandren, where gods known as the Returned are celebrated and revered. The plot revolves around two sisters, Vivenna and Siri, who are sent to Hallandren by their father.
Vivenna, the older and more responsible sister, is sent to marry the God King, while Siri, the younger and more impulsive sister, is sent to live in the city and gain more knowledge about the culture. As the sisters navigate the political and cultural tensions in Hallandren, they become embroiled in a plot to overthrow the God King and prevent a war with their homeland.
Along the way, they encounter a cast of complex and intriguing characters, including Lightsong, a skeptical god who questions his own existence, and Vasher, a mysterious swordsman with a dark past. One of the strengths of Warbreaker is Sanderson’s intricate world-building.
The magic system in particular is well thought-out and unique, with characters using color-based magic to manipulate objects and people. Sanderson’s attention to detail and the intricate ways in which he weaves together different plot threads make for an engaging and enthralling read.
Another strength of the book is Sanderson’s attention to character development. Each character is given their own distinct personality and backstory, making them feel like fully-realized individuals rather than mere plot devices.
The complex relationships between the characters also add depth and nuance to the story. However, one potential weakness of the book is the pacing.
The novel is slow to start, with much of the first half of the book devoted to setting up the world and introducing the characters. While this is necessary for the story, some readers may find it a bit slow-going.
Overall, Warbreaker is a highly entertaining and engaging novel that showcases Brandon Sanderson’s skills as a writer and world-builder. The book’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses, and it is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique and immersive fantasy adventure. Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
