Spring 2020 (Book Club: January);

Full rating: 4.5

I have to admit I definitely fell in love with this series. I have so many thoughts about everything happening in this world. I have so many respects for the subtle way you can tell this whole first 1200 page novel is still an introduction into this 10 Book Series. Yet, you fall in love with everyone. You get involved in their failures and their successes.

As with many books, I predicted most of what happened in this book, except for two large things. One, I assumed Jasnah already knew everything Shallan was doing, and was waiting her out to call her on it (especially once it had happened and she was still there). Two, I was absolutely shocked at the big move Sadeas made in the biggest fight of the book. My heart it bleeds for this fallout.

I love that there is not a lot of explanation of anything in this book that isn't part of characters talking or the world being describing. The writing congratulates on being smart and expects you to put it together as it is all going on, and it's such a gorgeous breath of fresh air in that.

Highlights - The found family of the Bridge Crew. Team Girl Researchers. Friendships striding strong, and friendships betrayed out of nowhere. Having my two noblest men meet before the end of the book. Feeling heartbroken for an assassin. The pricelessness of a life conversation.