Monday, July 13, 2009

Review: Warbreaker


This is a TOR novel by Brandon Sanderson.

Book Blurb:

Warbreaker is the story of two sisters, who happen to be princesses, the God King one of them has to marry, the lesser god who doesn't like his job, and the immortal who's still trying to undo the mistakes he made hundreds of years ago.

Their world is one in which those who die in glory return as gods to live confined to a pantheon in Hallandren's capital city and where a power known as BioChromatic magic is based on an essence known as breath that can only be collected one unit at a time from individual people.

By using breath and drawing upon the color in everyday objects, all manner of miracles and mischief can be accomplished. It will take considerable quantities of each to resolve all the challenges facing Vivenna and Siri, princesses of Idris; Susebron the God King; Lightsong, reluctant god of bravery, and mysterious Vasher, the Warbreaker.

I really enjoyed this book. :)

Many years ago the people of Hallandren and Idris were divided by war - after the war they were further divided by differing religions.

The people of Idris worship one god. They believe in modesty and decorum - to this end, they live in a colorless world. All buildings, clothes and accessories are without color. No one person should stand out more than any other and showing emotion is frowned upon.

The people of Hallandren are the exact opposite. They worship the God King and the lesser gods and goddesses that reside in the capital city. They are flamboyant in their dress and manner and try to outshine one another.

Vivenna and Siri are both out of their element - but one princess has an easier time adjusting to her new surroundings.

Lightsong, god of bravery, is witty and irreverent. He does not understand why anyone would consider him a god and finds the whole idea baffling. He is not accustomed to taking any thing seriously - so when something out of the ordinary happens Lightsong is amazed to find himself interested in the outcome and further amazed to want to work towards finding an answer to the mystery.

Susebron the God King is shrouded in mystery. No one is allowed to touch him or speak to him. He lives in seclusion with only his most trusted priests to attend him.

Vasher is a mysterious immortal with secrets in his past. He is steadfastly working towards a goal that only he has knowledge of - and this goal, at first, seems to be in direct contradiction to what every one else wants to happen.

I have to say that I was immediately drawn into this story. The people seem to come alive and I was invested in what was going on from the very first chapter. :)

I truly hope that Mr. Sanderson will write another story with this characters - because I want to know what happens next to Susebron and Siri and Vasher and Vivenna.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. :)

M

Warbreaker By Brandon Sanderson
A TOR Hardcover
ISBN: 978-0765320308
592 pages
On Sale: June 9, 2009

8 comments:

Mandi said...

Lightsong sounds like a fun character:) This book seems very fascinating...nice review!

Michelle Greathouse said...

Thanks Mandi. :) I thought Lightsong was funny and the interaction between him and his priest was priceless.

M

Anna said...

I got this one in the mail the other day. I'm looking forward to reading it.

Lea said...

Beautiful review Michelle!

And, the coverart for this novel is absolutely lovely.

I agree with Mandy, the story sounds facinating with interesting characters.

I will add it to my list.

Thank you!
L

Amy C said...

I was going to get this when I saw it a while ago but not until it's in paperback. I don't buy hardcovers. It sounds great!

Michelle Greathouse said...

Anna,

I can't wait to see what you think of it. ;)

Lea,

Thank you. I love the cover as well and the story is very interesting, a totally different idea than any I've read before.

Amy,

I understand that. :) I prefer the cost of paperback over hardback myself. :)

M

Cecile Smutty Hussy said...

Oh Michelle, wonderful review! The more I hear about this book, the more I can see myself reading it!!
Hope you are having a wonderful night!

Blodeuedd said...

Hi Michelle,
This one does sound really good. There is just something about it.
Great review