Warbreaker is one of those fantasy books that is more about a small group’s plans toward a great cause being pulled from its original path and used for a more sinister plan. Magic plays a very small role in this story, loathed by the main characters but surfacing to help them at useful moments.
The story takes place in the city of Hallandren, a strange tropical paradise full of odd fruits, unusual cultures, and a religion focused around people who died, then miraculously came back to life. These people, known as… well… gods, live in lavish palaces, give out blessings, and do other god things.
The magic, though, is well thought-out. Rather than making Warbreaker’s magic a strange, mysterious power, Sanderson has crafted an unusual, unwieldy, rather expensive to use arcane art… and I totally thank him for it.
I don’t wish to spoil, but I do suggest this book. If you haven’t read Sanderson, read it. If you’ve read Wheel of Time and enjoyed it, read this, for this is the author who is finishing the series.
minerva66 July 7th
I disagree that the magic is a small part. The plot is centered around it, but it is in the form of life giving Breath.
It is a strongly political story, maybe that’s what Natman95 meant. Two countries are on the verge of war. Two princesses are fated to save the smaller one from the monstrous one. The oldest is pledged to marry the God King of Hallandren. Their father sends the youngest instead. It turns out to be the right choice, but the older sister determines to save her sister from the King, stealthily from within the city.
I recommend the story, too. I like the Breath of life, because breath is life-giving, and it does enhance the strength and perception with greater cultivation of oxygen flow. In our lives it can be enhanced naturally (through things like yoga and breathing exercises). So I thought it was a cool “magic” to use. There are some moral questions regarding the use of extra breaths in the story.
One of the great things about the book is the huge number of twists to the plot. Plot twists and character twists and seemingly small parts waiting for their time in the spotlight.
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