Dawnshard by Brandon Sanderson

When a fantasy world is so different from your own there are large imagination hurdles to overcome before you can gel with the text. That was the case when I began this book by an author that had previously been recommended to me. I was impressed with the complexity of the imagined world and the way humanity interacted with the characters from different magical realms, who regularly morphed and displayed intensely unique qualities utilising powers that were beyond the workings of my mind.  The intricacies of political and magical rules created complications to the quest story involving Rysn, an intelligent human who some years before had lost the use of her legs. Her rise as ship-owner and expedition leader is woven with her own need to restore to health her companion pet (a magical creature) named Chiri-Chiri, and to resolve issues in the entire Cosmere. Rysn’s self-confidence grows as she learns to trust her judgement even against opposition. Perhaps she is more capable than she thinks.

With the complications of the plot and the magical world’s features also comes a unique language for these magical intricacies. Consequently, this is a book that should be read in big chunks, rather than as a pick-up and put-down book. The uniqueness of the language and the magical characters and their skills means it is hard to rely on an assumed knowledge of the world and it can be confusing. But capable devotees of the fantasy genre will see the richness and complexity as an attraction rather than a distraction. This author has written other books in the Stormlight Archive, and this book falls between two other books (Oathbringer and Rhythm of War). It can be read as a stand-alone story, but I am sure that enthusiasts of Brandon Sanderson’s writing will be happy to read this book in sequence. The complexity of the fantasy world means that this can  be recommended for readers aged 15+ with an appetite for sophistication in their imaginary tales.

Themes: Fantasy, Fantasy creatures, Overcoming difficulties, Disability, Magical powers.

Carolyn Hull