A beautiful story and a beautiful book! Two people from two different places are drawn to each other in sort of a body transference and they must figure out why. The story is told from the perspective of a third party connection which added a sometimes comical touch to the story. I was immediately drawn to this book not only for the author and synopsis but also for that beautiful cover art by Tran Nguyen who also did the cover art for The Art of Prophecy.

Painter (aka Nikaro) and Yumi are from totally different worlds. He is a nightmare painter, patrolling the city of Kilahito at night to protect citizens from sentient nightmares: she is a yoki-hijo, a revered figure whose art attracts powerful spirits to serve the citizens of Torio. They are so different, but deep down they both desperately want to choose how to live their own lives, either as a hero or a normal girl.

Sanderson's novels always make me as a reader feel like I'm in good hands. It's an understatement to say that he is incredibly skilled at worldbuilding: the contrast between dark and futuristic Kilahito and the arid desert of Torio was so well done. The book has very interesting commentary on art and capitalism/industry, and the challenge of creating art to make a living. The main thing I had questions about was that Sanderson is a white author, writing about a world that he says (in the acknowledgements) is inspired by Korean and Japanese culture. To my understanding, it wasn't an insensitive use of elements from these cultures, but I prefer reading historically-inspired fantasy from authors who have that lived experience/background.

I can't believe this was my first Sanderson novel! I've hear a lot of mixed things about his work but I thoroughly enjoyed this. On to more!

Honestly I'd never read any Cosmere books before this, so I was a little bit confused from the get go. But once I gathered how Yumi and Painter's paths would intertwine, things began to make sense. I did find Painter's setting more intriguing - kind of a cyberpunk Japan with a nightmarish twist - but let's be real... I was mostly here for the noodle shop. Design could make me a bowl any day! It was so awesome watching Yumi come into her own, between developing her own style and learning how to fend for herself, I just really enjoyed it. Some of the bits towards the end I didn't quite understand, but overall I was a happy camper. I can't wait to go back and read Tress and the Emerald Sea now!

*Thank you to Tor Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

Absolutely incredible. 4.5 stars total.

I loved the world building, the premise, everything. I can see why this was one of Sanderson's favorites- of his new projects.

Sanderson of course includes his tell-tale humor. Interesting narrators, and interesting characters from two very different worlds, who somehow find their way between themselves.

Minor point deduction for instances of compromised modesty, and minor swearing.

This is my second read by Brandon Sanderson and I had a really fun time with this one! I love how he’s expanded on the Cosmere world and the magical system in different realms. The characters are very relatable as well and will keep you hooked from the beginning until the very end! The intense plot line is such an amazing ride that keeps building up and leaving you on the edge of your seat across every page. I highly recommend this read to anyone who is a fan of high fantasy!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Yumi and the Nightmare Painter.

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter was book 3 of Brandon Sanderson's special projects. The book starts by introducing two very different worlds, Yumi's world of warmth, brightness, and simplicity and Painter's world of cold, darkness, and technology. The world's were rich with descriptions of their environment and culture so the reader felt fully immersed in the world. The story introduces Yumi whose role is to create art by stacking stones and calling spirits forth to grant aid to her people. Painter lives in a world of darkness where he works as a painter to capture nightmares. They both find themselves pulled together and must solve the mystery in order to get back to their own worlds. As they work together, they begin to uncover secrets of both of their worlds and must determine how to protect their worlds from what is coming.

Brandon Sanderson has created another masterpiece. As usually, I went into this book knowing very little of what it was about. The color and depth of the different worlds that he has created were immersive. His characters as always excel at portraying such a vast depth that once you think you have them figured out, you realize that you know nothing. Painter in particular, seems from the start of the book that he is trying to do the right thing and be heroic, but the loneliness and alienation that he feels is palpable. Yumi, just dreams of a normal life, but has spent her life strictly obeying all of the rules of her order and never dreamed of doing anything for herself. Both are such lonely souls and when they come together, they immediately see the similarities in each other. Throughout the stories, you see these two souls come together and recognize that they are not as alone as they thought. As usual, there are also amazing side characters who grow with the characters throughout the stories. The magic system in the story is very unique as well. Sanderson always has very bright imagery when it comes to magic systems and this system is full of sweeps of color and art.

This is a story that I am sure that I will reread again to get all of the details that I missed the first time through. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of epic fantasy, urban fantasy, and amazing characters.

I knew when the cover and the synopsis for this secret novel dropped that this one was going to be my favorite and after finishing it I stand by that statement wholeheartedly. I’m in awe every time I read Sanderson at his creativity and ability to build such in depth, amazing, and diverse worlds. His character development is still great (as per usual) and I really fell in love with Painter and Yumi. He also captured the essence of awkward first love so well it made my heart ache sometimes. This was a fantastic novel that I think every Sanderson can should read (and non-sanderson fans too honestly). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

As always Brandon Sanderson knocked it out of the park with this one. It was incredible. A love letter to show why we need stories and books. It instantly captured my attention and I couldn't put it down. I loved the main characters Yumi and Nikaro. They were wrote and developed so well. I found the setting and plot to be so entrancing as it all Brandon Sandersons works.

It was an absolute honour to get the ARC approval from Netgalley and Tor Publishing for this one. Sanderson is one of my all time favorites, I'm humbled and thankful that I get the opportunity to share my honest review.

This book has A LOT going on. Most of it comes together in a strikingly unique story but it did feel a bit over complicated at times. Even more so with the additional connections to Sanderson's Cosmere.

Conceptually, this is right up there with some of his greats: Mistborn, Warbreaker, Stormlight Archive. The idea of having a city shrouded in darkness equipped with a team of protectors that fight off physical manifestations of nightmares by painting them out of existence... I mean, BRAVO!

In terms of execution, it felt like the story got a little too big. Painter and Yumi were well written characters and their journey was endearing but I didn't quite understand the explanations of how they came together in the first place.

Overall, great concept that may have benefited from a slightly smaller scope. Whereas his Secret Project Tress benefited from the Cosmere tie in, I feel like this one would have been stronger as a standalone.

This book was interesting and fantastic all at the same time. Very different from other Sanderson books I've read but nevertheless kept me hooked the entire time where I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. It was in typical Sanderson fashion, complex, beautifully crafted, and overall had an incredible storyline.

This was a great book to read and enjoy from Sanderson! Definitely one I'd recommend to others!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really thought this was a cute and enjoyable story. I think perhaps my expectations were too high based on other reviews that I read, because it just didn't wow me. This is my first Brandon Sanderson book.

I think that the setting and premise were highly original. The author is adept at writing description in such a way that everything was very easy for me to visualize. The story revealed itself in a very interesting way.

Personally, I was often annoyed at the narrator, or at least their candor and sense of humor. Stuff like that takes me out of the story. And while the romance was cute, I didn't get much out of it.

As an avid fantasy reader, I do plan on reading more from this author in the future.

Another incredibly well written story by Brandon Sanderson. This is my favorite of his surprise projects thus far, despite finding Yumi a bit annoying as a character, the story is still incredibly compelling.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

This is a beautiful and enchanting fantasy read that I radoring every page. I rarely give 5-star this tale deservedly earns that score from me. Sanderson’s a master of world building, and this was one of his best work.

I am now a proud own of the waterstones special edition of this book, because OMG.


Brandon Sanderson did the one thing most authors fail to do, make me cry. And I read A Little Life. I thought that after that book I was just made of stone. Nope.


This book was as beautifully written as the rest of his books. This is by far my favorite of the secret projects.

Yumi is a “chosen one”. Yet, that’s not all as it’s cracked up to be. Her life is, as the narrator describes it… “wake up, ritual, ritual eating, ritual prayer, ritual dressing, ritual walking…” you get the point. And she just wants to live one day as a normal being.


On another planet, we have the nightmare painter. I would just like to say that I would give anything to see the beauty of the hion lines in person. (Yes, I know they aren’t real, but they sound pretty!) Our nightmare painter can’t seem to finish his painting, and while he’s staring at his canvas he spots a nightmare. This is where we see the magic system and the story truly unfolds.

I think if you want to get into fantasy, this book is great. Brandon writes in a way that doesn’t make you feel like you are lost, but only gives as much detail as you need. It’s easy to pick up. This is the first book of his secret projects that aren’t part of the cosmere….yet. I’m waiting for the reveal honestly.

I enjoyed this book. Well written and kept me reading
In my opinion this story is unique.
I just can’t stop recommending this book and pretty much every books by Brandon Sanderson .

Imaginative, like all of Sanderson's work. Yumi starts out annoying and pretty much stays there, but the story is up to Sanderson's high bar.

Yumi is is a yoki-hijo (girl who can summon spirits). Nikaro is a nightmare painter. Both of their jobs are so important and necessary in their worlds and both of them are so burnt out. Somehow through a twist of fate, these two "freaky Friday" and must figure out how to navigate each other's worlds, solve each other's problems, and potentially even solve their own.

I adored this book. The narrator was cheeky and silly and inserted the exact right amount of little asides to provide perfectly timed comedic relief. The characters were imperfect and lovable. I love the journey they went on and where they ended up. I also really appreciated the themes in the book like romanticizing your daily life, what is and isn't art, and the choices we make in life. I found the worlds to be completely unlike anything I had ever read before, and the ending could not have been more perfect.

Normally I would try to find something about the book that I didn't love, but I truly cannot do that here. I will say that this is closer to a cozy fantasy (but there was some action). If you need a ton of action in your books, this may not be for you.

This is a lovely standalone fantasy that I think will really appeal to a wide audience. There is something in it for everyone. If any part of this appeals to you, I truly cannot recommend it more.

Wow! At the beginning of this review, I'm feeling a tad speechless and the only word I can say is just "wow!'

I would like to begin this review properly with a personal thank you to NetGalley, The publisher of this book and most importantly to Brandon Sanderson for allowing me early access to this absolute masterpiece. Thank you so much!

I will be honest, this is the first book I have read from the infamous fantasy author ( I know, it's a travesty). So when I initially requested to read this book, I knew absolutely nothing about it other than the fact that it was by an author that I had been intrigued by for a while as a big fantasy reader, and the fact that the story was based on Manga. Plus I won't lie the cover art is absolutely stunning and drew me in straight away. So if like me you haven't read any of Sanderson's work before, then it's ok, this is a standalone story, however it does have references to the Cosmere universe from previous titles which may be an advantage to readers that are well versed in the Cosmere releases.

Manga fiction isn't usually my go to when it comes to my choice of books, in fact, I've never read one. But that really doesn't matter when reading Yumi and The Nightmare Painter. The writing is so beautifully written that it may even draw in new readers to the genre (myself included).

It's fairly hard to explain just exactly what this story is about without giving away the entire plot, but the main characters are very intriguing right from the very beginning of the book, I found that I became so invested in their story right from the very start. What I will say about the story though, is that it portrays the huge impact and importance of art on our lives, in every shape and form possible (yes, shape and form are very relevant to this story).

I felt such a huge range of emotions following Yumi and Painter's story, I laughed, I was shocked by plot twists that I didn't see coming at all and I was even heartbroken and reduced to tears at some points while reading too.

What makes title even better is just how personal this one was to the author himself. He mentions that it is a gift to his beloved wife who has been encouraging him to add romance into his novels for quite some time. I thought this was a beautiful dedication.

Last thoughts on Yumi and The Nightmare Painter - a little fact for you, if you loved playing the video game Final Fantasy X while growing up, then you will absolutely love this book, as Sanderson states that the game is a personal favourite of his and has hugely influenced the story and the relationship of the characters in this work of art.

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter (also known as secret project number 3) is absolutely one of the best releases I have read in 2023! I have already ordered myself a physical copy and will be sharing my love for it with everyone that I know!