Here we are back again with the third new book from Brandon Sanderson for the year! We have had a bit of an up and down time of it so far, with “Tress” being one of my favorites of his books ever, and then “Wizarding Guide” ending up as one of my lower rated Sanderson books that I can remember. But I’m pleased to report that this book sees a return to much of what I love about Sanderson’s writing: interesting new worlds, and most importantly, very likable leading characters.

Again, I have to mention the absolutely superb quality of these special editions of Sanderson’s four novels this year. This one, in particular, is simply gorgeous. What’s more, the dreamy, romantic style of the art perfectly pairs with the slower, more character-driven and whimsical story that makes up the heart of this book. In the afterword, Sanderson mentions how his wife always pushes him to include more romance in his stories (thank you to her, since I, too, always appreciate a good romantic subplot in my fantasy/science fiction!), and so this book, with its strong emphasis on the slow-burn romance between its two main characters was really a love letter to her. And man, does it work!

When Sanderson’s character work is on point, it really is on point. And here he masterfully manages to play to two of his strengths: creative world-building and unique magic systems, all in the greater purpose of creating a situation where Yumi and Painter spend 90% of the story in close connection to one another. It is very clear, as the story plays out, how much of this world and story are built in service of this primary goal. But while these frameworks are in place to allow for the character plot lines, they also feel compelling and creative in their own right.

I very much enjoyed the two different worlds and cultures that Sanderson gives us here, with Yumi coming from a more traditional, religiously-focused culture, with many restrictions and rituals placed on her existence, and Painter hailing from a more modern world, one with electricity and even a version of TV. This allows for a very real culture clash between the two when each is forced to live in the world of the other and comes to slowly understand who the other person is and why. Each has been shaped by the worlds they come from, but when supplanted into another world, we see the true heart of each. Yumi’s bravery and resilience, Painter’s desire to protect and serve those around him. And each struggling under the enormous pressure put on them from not only outside forces, but from within as well.

The pacing of this story is much more on the slower side of things. Many scenes are included purely for character growth and the incremental, but amazingly sweet, steps that make up Yumi and Painter’s blossoming romance. There are side characters, of course, and a few of them had some legitimate surprises in store, but they all paled in comparison to Yumi and Painter. Indeed, their story was so clearly the heart of the book, that there were times when even these short moments focused on the side characters felt like they dragged the pacing down a bit.

Overall, however, I really enjoyed this book. It was not as action-packed as some of other Sanderson’s stories, but I think its focus on characters and the love story were truly a joy to experience. Pair that with the absolutely fantastic art, and this was an amazing reading experience.

Rating 8: A lovely, character-driven story that highlights how Sanderson’s writing can be more than just amazing magic systems.

Link will go live Sept 29

So I did look up whether Yumi and the Nightmare Painter was a good first Brandon Sanderson book and I found a few people say it was. I've heard many good things about Brandon Sanderson books and I definitely wanted to give one a try.

Unfortunately, if this is how every book of his is written, I think there's just a fundamental difference in what I like and what his books are. That's no one's fault, his stuff just isn't for me.

Ultimately, what really turned me off was the narrator. I didn't find them funny or clever and their commentary made things that shouldn't have taken very long, take way too long. Eventually, I DNFed this, as I couldn't see it getting any better for me, personally.

Yumi, a young girl chosen in her community to be a sacred conduit between the spirits and the people, has always longed for a normal life. Painter, a boy who doesn't fit in and estranged from his friends, longs to be a hero and make a difference in his world. When these two are unexpectedly brought together, they have to fight to save both of their worlds and their growing friendship.

I am a long-time fan of Brandon Sanderson, and this one did not disappoint! I love the Asian culture that was integrated into the setting and characters of the world. I love Yumi's character--it's fun to see how innocent and genuine she is, and I love watching her grow through her experiences and relationship with Painter. The world building is done spectacularly--it's not too overwhelming to take all the information in. Whether you're a long-time fan of Brandon Sanderson or you are looking for a good fantasy read with great world building and romance, this is a great pick for you!

Romantasy done CORRECT. Brandon Sanderson never seems to miss, I planned on reading this book for the next month in between all my scheduled book club reads, but from page one was so good I read it all in one day... From the writing to the illustrations to the continuation of the amazing Cosmere I cannot sing enough praise. This is DEFINITELY book I will recommend for YEARS to come.