An incredible work of modern fantasyOn occasion, there comes a piece of art into the world that comes to refine and redefine its genre. Just as 'Star Wars' came to be emblematic of the space opera and summer blockbuster, and 'Scream' reinvigorated the slasher film, I firmly believe 'Rhythm of War'--and more broadly, the Stormlight Archive as a whole--to be a landmark novel in the genre of modern fantasy, and a novel which everyone should read. At its heart, what sets 'Rhythm of War' apart from other modern fantasy is its relevance, its originality, and its optimism. Not coincidentally, these are three reasons why the novel should be read.In terms of relevance, we live in a world of contention and chaos. Mental health problems are continually on the rise, there is political and cultural turmoil around the globe, and we as a race have yet to deal with the awful specters of racism, poverty, and sexism. While many modern fantasy novels deal with such themes, there is a tendency towards the fantastical--to brush aside reality in favor escapism. Not so with the Stormlight Archive! Amidst the fantasy of epic battles and arcane mysteries of the novels, we are treated to characters who battle realistically with depression, who struggle to reconcile differences of belief and ideals, and who struggle with both external and internal racism and sexism. In 'Rhythm of War', Sanderson is able to effectively create a compelling fantasy narrative that is nonetheless nested in the personal struggles common to all humanity.And what a narrative it is! I will freely admit that Sanderson has certain flaws as a writer, such as an over-reliance on a few favorite 'pet tropes.' Yet, despite his weaknesses, this man EXCELS at crafting unique narratives and settings. Foreshadowing seems to come second nature to the man, but he does it with all the subtlety of a master painter. His world-building is unparalleled amongst his contemporaries, in part because of how well thought out it is. To give you a sense of what this man is capable of, he's invented a set of laws that dictate exactly how all magic in his written universe work. You heard me right--Sanderson invented a set of magical physics for the specific purpose of ensuring his world-building is consistent.Finally, while Sanderson's writing is both relevant and creative, there is something more than this that sets apart 'Rhythm of War' and the Stormlight Archive as a whole. We see in modern fantasy a trend towards the dark and the gritty, evident in series like 'Game of Thrones' and 'The Witcher.' While these shows and novels are not necessarily bad, they create the unfortunate connotation that 'real art' must be dark, fetid, Machiavellian, needlessly violent, and filled with gratuitous sex--in a word, cynical. Furthermore, these series treat the problems of their world as a given, in a way 'giving-in' to their cynicism, admitting that it is a part of life and reality. This is where Sanderson truly shines apart, and why 'Rhythm of War' is so essential for the modern reader. It doesn't shy away from violence, nor from showing that people have great potential for cruelty and villainy. However, despite all of the terrible things that happen in the novel, Sanderon's characters consistently show that just because our world is bad, doesn't mean it cannot become better. Where other novels choose cynicism as a means of coping with the realities of an imperfect world, 'Rhythm of War' opts instead for optimism, and in doing so gives the modern reader a reminder that there is always hope for a better world, provided we are willing to sacrifice for it.In the interest of time, I'm cutting my review here short. In summation: if you are looking for a creative book, that is truly engaging and original, read this! If you are looking for a fantasy novel that is nonetheless relevant to modern life, read this! And finally, if you are sick and tired of seeing pessimism and cynicism dominate the literary landscape, and want something hopeful instead, read this!One final note: yes, the book is long. Over 1000 pages, to be semi-exact. For some, this is a deterrent. Don't sweat it! It reads quite easily, and the series flows very smoothly. May I also point out that you just read this entire review, and I promise you--it's a lot more fun than my writing!22
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