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Small-Scale Question Sunday for December 29, 2024

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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Currently working my way through Wind And Truth by Sanderson. Also, was at the bookstore recently and decided to pick up some more Heinlein after I enjoyed Starship Troopers so much. I got The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress, will probably start that sometime later this week.

Adolin story carries hard tbh

For me it's the Dalinar story. Finding out more about the history of the world is fascinating. The Kaladin story is my second favorite for similar reasons.

Wind and truth is a slog, honestly. Sanderson is spending a lot of time on modern mental health issues for every single viewpoint character. There is character building and then there is exhausting navel gazing....

I'm quite enjoying it. Not finding it a slog at all. I'm only 40% through or so, we'll see if that changes but I doubt it.

I think I first noticed it in Dawnshard, the therapist speak. I think his older work is much more balanced and not as grating in this way. (WOK still rocks, I reread 1-3 and then read Dawnshard and Rhythm of War in Nov/Dec.

I noticed in the last couple of books. It’s a damn shame because the idea that only people with a crack in their soul can get powers is genius - it naturally integrates “is a plot-relevant character” and “has potential for character development”.

But then it’s like he lost sight of the difference between character flaws and DSM entries. Which leads to cringy writing but also causes problems because you are not allowed to treat DSM issues as things that can be overcome.

But then it’s like he lost sight of the difference between character flaws and DSM entries. Which leads to cringy writing but also causes problems because you are not allowed to treat DSM issues as things that can be overcome.

That's exactly why I decided not to bother continuing after Rhythm of War.

Fair, but it’s £10 every two years, he’s earned that much from me. And I liked Wax & Wayne, so he’s still putting out good stuff in general.

Just started The Way of Kings for the first time myself, it's tough avoiding spoilers on social media. Initial thoughts are that the spren are very goofy and Kaladin's depression isn't as effective a plot point as it would be if he weren't already an incredible soldier and surgeon. The worldbuilding seems cool though.

The Way of Kings was my first Sanderson book and I really struggled with it. I spent probably 2/3 of the book wondering when there was going to be an interesting plot. In truth I would've dropped it, if not for the fact that it was a Christmas gift (so, a bit rude to give up on it) from my sister (who I know to have good taste in books). But man when the book finally gets going, it goes hard. Sanderson loves to write his books as a slow burn followed by an explosion.