Book Review: 'The Stormlight Archives: Edgedancer' by Brandon Sanderson

Originally part of the 'Arcanum Unbounded' anthology of short stories set in Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere universe, 'Edgedancer' is a great introduction to a character that will have a larger role in the Stormlight Archives series, and a good story to read in between 'Words Of Radiance' and 'Oathbringer'.

The way the novella is written, perfectly encapsulates the personality of Lift, quirky, free spirited and fun. It's also fast paced and engaging, but it also has its dramatic moments, as Lift crosses paths with someone she knows only as Darkness, in her pursuit of tasting all 10 types of pancakes from the city of Yeddaw, as he hunts down people with surgebinding (magic) abilities like herself.

The banter between Lift and Wyndle, the spren that has bonded with her and follows her around, I found really enjoyable. Despite Lift teasing him a lot, Wyndle still looks out for her, trying (and often failing) to keep her in line. The chemistry between the two characters is a really fun aspect of the story. I'll be looking forward to seeing how they work into the series. Lift's personality is totally opposite to the other pov characters in the main series. Her meeting Kaladin or Dalinar for example, could be very interesting indeed!

Although the book is really only set in two locations, the world building by Brandon Sanderson is still pretty much to the same standard of the other books I've read of his. We get to experience Yeddaw, with Lift, as she wanders the city, causing her usual ruckus.

'Edgedancer' is classed as 'The Stormlight Archives' 2.5 in the series, set after book 2 'Words Of Radiance', and I'd recommend reading it before the latest book in the series 'Oathbringer'. Important characters make appearances and crucial events happen here, which will impact on the continuity of the series. Also, read the postscript afterwards, as Brandon details why he wrote the novella for a further possible insight in his plans for Lift.

Overall, I found it a fun, short read that is a great addition to the Cosmere universe, especially before diving into the next book in the series, cementing Brandon Sanderson as one of my favourite authors.