Beth Morrison
Added to listThe Sisterhoodwith 6 books.
And with that, my YEARS of Sanderson have come to an end.
My only reading goal for 2025 was to finish the Cosmere, and The Sunlit Man was the perfect finale. I’m actually thrilled I saved this for last rather than ending with Wind and Truth. Knowing Nomad’s identity beforehand made the emotional beats hit so much harder.
This book was all gas, no brakes from start to finish! The world-building was fantastic and easily felt like the most "Stormlight-esque" of the Secret Projects. The planet was incredible—essentially Sci-Fantasy Mad Max. Cosmere connections are literally littered across every page, giving us a thrilling glimpse into the future of the universe. The character work is on point, as per usual for Brandon; I wanted to rip my heart out for every single one of them, but the heart of the book is Nomad’s struggle with redemption and the weight of his past. It asks deep questions about whether we can ever truly outrun our mistakes or if they eventually become part of our armor. This one had me tearing up multiple times, and the emotional payoff lasted until the very last page.
My Secret Projects Ranking: • Tress of the Emerald Sea • The Sunlit Man • Yumi and the Nightmare Painter • The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England
Rating Breakdown: • Characters: 5⭐️ • Setting: 5⭐️ • Plot: 5 ⭐️ • Themes: 4⭐️ • Emotional Impact: 4⭐️ • Personal Enjoyment: 5⭐️ Rounded Overall: 4.5⭐️
And with that, my YEARS of Sanderson have come to an end.
My only reading goal for 2025 was to finish the Cosmere, and The Sunlit Man was the perfect finale. I’m actually thrilled I saved this for last rather than ending with Wind and Truth. Knowing Nomad’s identity beforehand made the emotional beats hit so much harder.
This book was all gas, no brakes from start to finish! The world-building was fantastic and easily felt like the most "Stormlight-esque" of the Secret Projects. The planet was incredible—essentially Sci-Fantasy Mad Max. Cosmere connections are literally littered across every page, giving us a thrilling glimpse into the future of the universe. The character work is on point, as per usual for Brandon; I wanted to rip my heart out for every single one of them, but the heart of the book is Nomad’s struggle with redemption and the weight of his past. It asks deep questions about whether we can ever truly outrun our mistakes or if they eventually become part of our armor. This one had me tearing up multiple times, and the emotional payoff lasted until the very last page.
My Secret Projects Ranking: • Tress of the Emerald Sea • The Sunlit Man • Yumi and the Nightmare Painter • The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England
Rating Breakdown: • Characters: 5⭐️ • Setting: 5⭐️ • Plot: 5 ⭐️ • Themes: 4⭐️ • Emotional Impact: 4⭐️ • Personal Enjoyment: 5⭐️ Rounded Overall: 4.5⭐️
"And so, in the face of the most awful darkness he’d ever felt, Kaladin Stormblessed took a deep breath.Then stood up."
I'm happy with the destination, but I struggled with the journey.
For the most part, I enjoyed this, but I understand the criticisms people have and can see where it missed is mark for some (me). Ultimately, I am happy with the ending to this epic first arc and I’m excited to see the repercussions of these events, not just for Roshar, but for the expanding Cosmere.
RATING BREAKDOWN Characters: 4⭐️ Plot: 3⭐️ Setting: 4⭐️ Themes: 3⭐️ Personal enjoyment: 3⭐️ Emotional impact: 3⭐️ Rounded overall: 3⭐️
"And so, in the face of the most awful darkness he’d ever felt, Kaladin Stormblessed took a deep breath.Then stood up."
I'm happy with the destination, but I struggled with the journey.
For the most part, I enjoyed this, but I understand the criticisms people have and can see where it missed is mark for some (me). Ultimately, I am happy with the ending to this epic first arc and I’m excited to see the repercussions of these events, not just for Roshar, but for the expanding Cosmere.
RATING BREAKDOWN Characters: 4⭐️ Plot: 3⭐️ Setting: 4⭐️ Themes: 3⭐️ Personal enjoyment: 3⭐️ Emotional impact: 3⭐️ Rounded overall: 3⭐️
"And so, in the face of the most awful darkness he’d ever felt, Kaladin Stormblessed took a deep breath.Then stood up."
I loved the destination, but sometimes I struggled with the journey.
For the most part, I really enjoyed this, but I understand the criticisms people have and can see where it missed the mark for some. Ultimately, I am happy with the ending to this epic first arc and I’m excited to see the repercussions of these events, not just for Roshar, but for the expanding Cosmere.
RATING BREAKDOWN
Characters: 5⭐️
Plot: 4⭐️
Setting: 4⭐️
Themes: 5⭐️
Personal enjoyment: 3⭐️
Emotional impact: 4⭐️
Rounded overall: 4⭐️
More in depth review 👇🏻👇🏻
Characters:
Sanderson's characters are always what does it for me. He has the ability to write such compelling people with problems that feel so real and relatable. My favorite characters have always been Kaladin, Adolin, and Jasnah—so I was happy in this book with seeing their big moments and arcs completed. I also really enjoyed Szeth's flashbacks and learning about his past. I was satisfied with everyone's endings, however, Shallan’s arc specifically didn't work for me as well as the others. I also wished the cast hadn't been so split up, as I missed that group dynamic.
Plot:
The 10-day structure made everything feel intense and more impactful. It started off fine, but it did feel like a marathon at times. The pacing slowed down significantly around day six, then went into classic "sanderlanch" for days 9 and 10. While I enjoyed the overall story, at nearly 500,000 words, I didn't feel like every page was earned, and I think the book could have been edited down to keep the momentum tighter.
Setting:
The world-building remains top-tier, but the separation of the characters made the setting feel a bit disconnected. I really wished everyone was together more on Roshar instead of being scattered across different locations and realms. I wanted more time with everyone together in one place for this big conclusion.
Themes: 5
Thematically, the book is a heavy exploration of what we choose in the pursuit of truth and who we are willing to hurt to get there. It asks deep questions about legacy and whether uncovering the truth actually brings peace or just more justification for conflict. These ideas were powerful, though some of the delivery was occasionally overshadowed by the pacing and the repetitive nature.
Personal Enjoyment: 3
Is it my favorite Stormlight or even Cosmere book? Definitely not. I really enjoyed it for the most part, but there were hurdles in the journey that kept it from being a perfect experience for me. Still, I am really excited to see what the next arc will bring and even the next cosmere books.
Emotional Impact: 4
This was a bit of a mix. Some of the comedy felt "YA" and featured cringe one-liners that felt out of place for Sanderson, which pulled me out of the moment. However, when it hit, it hit hard. The reveals had me gasping and I shed tears multiple times during the sadder moments. Sanderson definitely knows how to deliver those moments to his readers.
Rounded Overall: 4
All of this to say, I am happy with the ending to this epic first arc. It had its flaws, but the destination was worth it. I will absolutely be continuing my journey through the Cosmere
"And so, in the face of the most awful darkness he’d ever felt, Kaladin Stormblessed took a deep breath.Then stood up."
I loved the destination, but sometimes I struggled with the journey.
For the most part, I really enjoyed this, but I understand the criticisms people have and can see where it missed the mark for some. Ultimately, I am happy with the ending to this epic first arc and I’m excited to see the repercussions of these events, not just for Roshar, but for the expanding Cosmere.
RATING BREAKDOWN
Characters: 5⭐️
Plot: 4⭐️
Setting: 4⭐️
Themes: 5⭐️
Personal enjoyment: 3⭐️
Emotional impact: 4⭐️
Rounded overall: 4⭐️
More in depth review 👇🏻👇🏻
Characters:
Sanderson's characters are always what does it for me. He has the ability to write such compelling people with problems that feel so real and relatable. My favorite characters have always been Kaladin, Adolin, and Jasnah—so I was happy in this book with seeing their big moments and arcs completed. I also really enjoyed Szeth's flashbacks and learning about his past. I was satisfied with everyone's endings, however, Shallan’s arc specifically didn't work for me as well as the others. I also wished the cast hadn't been so split up, as I missed that group dynamic.
Plot:
The 10-day structure made everything feel intense and more impactful. It started off fine, but it did feel like a marathon at times. The pacing slowed down significantly around day six, then went into classic "sanderlanch" for days 9 and 10. While I enjoyed the overall story, at nearly 500,000 words, I didn't feel like every page was earned, and I think the book could have been edited down to keep the momentum tighter.
Setting:
The world-building remains top-tier, but the separation of the characters made the setting feel a bit disconnected. I really wished everyone was together more on Roshar instead of being scattered across different locations and realms. I wanted more time with everyone together in one place for this big conclusion.
Themes: 5
Thematically, the book is a heavy exploration of what we choose in the pursuit of truth and who we are willing to hurt to get there. It asks deep questions about legacy and whether uncovering the truth actually brings peace or just more justification for conflict. These ideas were powerful, though some of the delivery was occasionally overshadowed by the pacing and the repetitive nature.
Personal Enjoyment: 3
Is it my favorite Stormlight or even Cosmere book? Definitely not. I really enjoyed it for the most part, but there were hurdles in the journey that kept it from being a perfect experience for me. Still, I am really excited to see what the next arc will bring and even the next cosmere books.
Emotional Impact: 4
This was a bit of a mix. Some of the comedy felt "YA" and featured cringe one-liners that felt out of place for Sanderson, which pulled me out of the moment. However, when it hit, it hit hard. The reveals had me gasping and I shed tears multiple times during the sadder moments. Sanderson definitely knows how to deliver those moments to his readers.
Rounded Overall: 4
All of this to say, I am happy with the ending to this epic first arc. It had its flaws, but the destination was worth it. I will absolutely be continuing my journey through the Cosmere
Answered a promptWhat book has your favorite opening line?
Added to listMFF with 5 books.
Added to listOwnedwith 35 books.
Rating Breakdown -
Plot: 4 stars
Characters: 4 stars
Setting: 5 stars
Themes: 3 stars
Emotional Impact: 3 stars
Personal enjoyment: 4 stars
Overall: 4 stars
This is widely regarded as one of the best Sherlock Holmes stories, and having read it, I can see why. The pacing was fast and the narrative was easily accessible, making it a compelling read right away.
The story starts off with the famous Baskerville curse, and the first half had a surprisingly comical undertone that immediately hooked my interest. But the second half is where the story truly grips you. It was thrilling and genuinely unpredictable for a long time, though I suspect many modern readers might piece together the mystery just before the final reveal.
The setting on Dartmoor is arguably the most powerful element of the novel. It’s not just a backdrop—it’s a character. Conan Doyle masterfully creates an atmosphere that is both desolate and deeply terrifying. The descriptions of the fog-shrouded, treacherous land, especially the Grimpen Mire, induce a palpable sense of dread. Every time a character ventured out, I felt that chill of isolation and
The plot is meticulously crafted, cleverly using the gothic legend of a family curse as the perfect smokescreen for a calculated crime. The characters are excellent; Sherlock Holmes is his usual brilliant self, but what distinguishes this story is the indispensable role played by Dr. Watson, whose detailed and earnest observations anchor the investigation. While the central theme of rationalism triumphing over superstition is executed well, I felt the exploration of other themes was slightly overshadowed by the sheer intensity of the mystery itself.
Favorite Lines
The prose is studded with sharp, memorable observations:
• "The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes."
• "Evil indeed is the man who has not one woman to mourn him."
• "Some people without possessing genius have a remarkable power of stimulating it."
And my favorite:
• "It is not my intention to be fulsome, but I confess that I covet your skull."
Rating Breakdown -
Plot: 4 stars
Characters: 4 stars
Setting: 5 stars
Themes: 3 stars
Emotional Impact: 3 stars
Personal enjoyment: 4 stars
Overall: 4 stars
This is widely regarded as one of the best Sherlock Holmes stories, and having read it, I can see why. The pacing was fast and the narrative was easily accessible, making it a compelling read right away.
The story starts off with the famous Baskerville curse, and the first half had a surprisingly comical undertone that immediately hooked my interest. But the second half is where the story truly grips you. It was thrilling and genuinely unpredictable for a long time, though I suspect many modern readers might piece together the mystery just before the final reveal.
The setting on Dartmoor is arguably the most powerful element of the novel. It’s not just a backdrop—it’s a character. Conan Doyle masterfully creates an atmosphere that is both desolate and deeply terrifying. The descriptions of the fog-shrouded, treacherous land, especially the Grimpen Mire, induce a palpable sense of dread. Every time a character ventured out, I felt that chill of isolation and
The plot is meticulously crafted, cleverly using the gothic legend of a family curse as the perfect smokescreen for a calculated crime. The characters are excellent; Sherlock Holmes is his usual brilliant self, but what distinguishes this story is the indispensable role played by Dr. Watson, whose detailed and earnest observations anchor the investigation. While the central theme of rationalism triumphing over superstition is executed well, I felt the exploration of other themes was slightly overshadowed by the sheer intensity of the mystery itself.
Favorite Lines
The prose is studded with sharp, memorable observations:
• "The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes."
• "Evil indeed is the man who has not one woman to mourn him."
• "Some people without possessing genius have a remarkable power of stimulating it."
And my favorite:
• "It is not my intention to be fulsome, but I confess that I covet your skull."
Rating Breakdown
Plot: 3 stars
Characters: 5 stars
Setting: 5 stars
Personal enjoyment: 4 stars
Emotional impact: 3 stars
Themes: 2 stars
Overall: 3.5 stars
The best thing about this book is the time period. The setting is a solid five out of five for me. We're right on that glorious line between stuffy Victorian life and the start of the swinging Edwardian age. Think women starting to realize they can do more than just manage a house, but still having to navigate the whole "find a respectable husband" circus. I eat stiff in this time period up! Plus, the neighborhood has that fantastic quirkiness—we're talking vanishing objects and the occasional rumored sighting of The Roman ghost!
While the plot is just getting started, (it feels like Volume 1 is setting the table) the characters are five-stars,
I honestly loved every single one of them. The dialogue is what makes it sing. It’s all really subtle, sneaky wit and sharp banter. You really have to pay attention because the best, cheekiest lines are easy to miss if you're reading too fast! This character chemistry is what kept me glued to the pages. Emma M. Lion herself is amazing—smart, sarcastic, and dealing with life's garbage like a champ.
Overall, I had a good time! It was a quick read that managed to make me chuckle with Emma's snark one minute, and then feel genuinely bad for her the next when she's dealing with her sad stuff. The themes—like how we handle loss, grief, and leaning on your friends—are classic, but they definitely hit you right in the feels.
I am dedicating all my emotional energy to the hope that Cousin Archibald loses every single one of his pompous robes in a humiliating accident in the next book. Fuck that guy.
Rating Breakdown
Plot: 3 stars
Characters: 5 stars
Setting: 5 stars
Personal enjoyment: 4 stars
Emotional impact: 3 stars
Themes: 2 stars
Overall: 3.5 stars
The best thing about this book is the time period. The setting is a solid five out of five for me. We're right on that glorious line between stuffy Victorian life and the start of the swinging Edwardian age. Think women starting to realize they can do more than just manage a house, but still having to navigate the whole "find a respectable husband" circus. I eat stiff in this time period up! Plus, the neighborhood has that fantastic quirkiness—we're talking vanishing objects and the occasional rumored sighting of The Roman ghost!
While the plot is just getting started, (it feels like Volume 1 is setting the table) the characters are five-stars,
I honestly loved every single one of them. The dialogue is what makes it sing. It’s all really subtle, sneaky wit and sharp banter. You really have to pay attention because the best, cheekiest lines are easy to miss if you're reading too fast! This character chemistry is what kept me glued to the pages. Emma M. Lion herself is amazing—smart, sarcastic, and dealing with life's garbage like a champ.
Overall, I had a good time! It was a quick read that managed to make me chuckle with Emma's snark one minute, and then feel genuinely bad for her the next when she's dealing with her sad stuff. The themes—like how we handle loss, grief, and leaning on your friends—are classic, but they definitely hit you right in the feels.
I am dedicating all my emotional energy to the hope that Cousin Archibald loses every single one of his pompous robes in a humiliating accident in the next book. Fuck that guy.