This was the first Brandon Sanderson book I ever read (bold choice, I know), and returning to it half a decade later for a re-read now that the series is completed was my best decision of 2025 so far. This is a masterpiece of epic fantasy. Sanderson is the GOAT when it comes to world-building! Between the ecological and cultural descriptions (so! many! crustaceans!), I feel like I truly understand the world of Roshar. The characters are loveable and understandable even when they make mistakes that make me cringe (I’m looking at you, Shallan). I love Kaladin so much and my heart breaks for him constantly. Overall, this is a wonderful story of war, violence, and despair, but also hope, curiosity, and brotherhood. Oh, and there’s magic!

Oh, also, I'm so here for Navani clawing her way out of the 'sister'-zone. It's so funny to me that when Dalinar calls her the honorific for older sister, she retaliates by getting him alone and kissing him just a few chapters later. She is not letting the dead-brother's-widow part get in her way.

Also I'm so gay for Jasnah. Sanderson is a coward if he doesn't make her a girl-kisser.