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White Sand #1
White Sand, Volume 1
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Graphic Novels & Comics (2016)A brand new saga of magic and adventure by #1 New York Times best-selling author Brandon Sanderson! On the planet of Taldain, the legendary Sand Masters harness arcane powers to manipulate sand in spectacular ways. But when they are slaughtered in a sinister conspiracy, the weakest of their number, Kenton, believes himself to be the only survivor. With enemies closing in on all sides, Kenton forges an unlikely partnership with Khriss -- a mysterious Darksider who hides secrets of her own.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2016
About the author
Brandon Sanderson
364 books239k followersI’m Brandon Sanderson, and I write stories of the fantastic: fantasy, science fiction, and thrillers.
Defiant, the fourth and final volume of the series that started with Skyward in 2018, comes out in November 2023, capping an already book-filled year that will see the releases of all four Secret Projects: Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and Secret Project Four (with its official title reveal coming October 2023). These four books were all initially offered to backers of the #1 Kickstarter campaign of all time.
November 2022 saw the release of The Lost Metal, the seventh volume in the Mistborn saga, and the final volume of the Mistborn Era Two featuring Wax & Wayne. The third era of Mistborn is slated to be written after the first arc of the Stormlight Archive wraps up.
In November 2020 we saw the release of Rhythm of War—the fourth massive book in the New York Times #1 bestselling Stormlight Archive series that began with The Way of Kings—and Dawnshard (book 3.5), a novella set in the same world that bridges the gaps between the main releases. This series is my love letter to the epic fantasy genre, and it’s the type of story I always dreamed epic fantasy could be. The fifth volume, Wind and Truth, is set for release in fall 2024.
Most readers have noticed that my adult fantasy novels are in a connected universe called the Cosmere. This includes The Stormlight Archive, both Mistborn series, Elantris, Warbreaker, and various novellas available on Amazon, including The Emperor’s Soul, which won a Hugo Award in 2013. In November 2016 all of the existing Cosmere short fiction was released in one volume called Arcanum Unbounded. If you’ve read all of my adult fantasy novels and want to see some behind-the-scenes information, that collection is a must-read.
I also have three YA series: The Rithmatist (currently at one book), The Reckoners (a trilogy beginning with Steelheart), and Skyward. For young readers I also have my humorous series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, which had its final book, Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians, come out in 2022. Many of my adult readers enjoy all of those books as well, and many of my YA readers enjoy my adult books, usually starting with Mistborn.
Additionally, I have a few other novellas that are more on the thriller/sci-fi side. These include the Legion series, as well as Perfect State and Snapshot. There’s a lot of material to go around!
Good starting places are Mistborn (a.k.a. The Final Empire), Skyward, Steelheart,The Emperor’s Soul, and Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians. If you’re already a fan of big fat fantasies, you can jump right into The Way of Kings.
I was also honored to be able to complete the final three volumes of The Wheel of Time, beginning with The Gathering Storm, using Robert Jordan’s notes.
Sample chapters from all of my books are available at brandonsanderson.com—and check out the rest of my site for chapter-by-chapter annotations, deleted scenes, and more.
Defiant, the fourth and final volume of the series that started with Skyward in 2018, comes out in November 2023, capping an already book-filled year that will see the releases of all four Secret Projects: Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and Secret Project Four (with its official title reveal coming October 2023). These four books were all initially offered to backers of the #1 Kickstarter campaign of all time.
November 2022 saw the release of The Lost Metal, the seventh volume in the Mistborn saga, and the final volume of the Mistborn Era Two featuring Wax & Wayne. The third era of Mistborn is slated to be written after the first arc of the Stormlight Archive wraps up.
In November 2020 we saw the release of Rhythm of War—the fourth massive book in the New York Times #1 bestselling Stormlight Archive series that began with The Way of Kings—and Dawnshard (book 3.5), a novella set in the same world that bridges the gaps between the main releases. This series is my love letter to the epic fantasy genre, and it’s the type of story I always dreamed epic fantasy could be. The fifth volume, Wind and Truth, is set for release in fall 2024.
Most readers have noticed that my adult fantasy novels are in a connected universe called the Cosmere. This includes The Stormlight Archive, both Mistborn series, Elantris, Warbreaker, and various novellas available on Amazon, including The Emperor’s Soul, which won a Hugo Award in 2013. In November 2016 all of the existing Cosmere short fiction was released in one volume called Arcanum Unbounded. If you’ve read all of my adult fantasy novels and want to see some behind-the-scenes information, that collection is a must-read.
I also have three YA series: The Rithmatist (currently at one book), The Reckoners (a trilogy beginning with Steelheart), and Skyward. For young readers I also have my humorous series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, which had its final book, Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians, come out in 2022. Many of my adult readers enjoy all of those books as well, and many of my YA readers enjoy my adult books, usually starting with Mistborn.
Additionally, I have a few other novellas that are more on the thriller/sci-fi side. These include the Legion series, as well as Perfect State and Snapshot. There’s a lot of material to go around!
Good starting places are Mistborn (a.k.a. The Final Empire), Skyward, Steelheart,The Emperor’s Soul, and Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians. If you’re already a fan of big fat fantasies, you can jump right into The Way of Kings.
I was also honored to be able to complete the final three volumes of The Wheel of Time, beginning with The Gathering Storm, using Robert Jordan’s notes.
Sample chapters from all of my books are available at brandonsanderson.com—and check out the rest of my site for chapter-by-chapter annotations, deleted scenes, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,947 reviews
March 19, 2017
3.5/5 Stars
According to the postscript I read in Arcanum Unbounded and the intro in this comic, White Sand is a graphic novel adaptation of Sanderson’s first novel (unpublished) of the same name which he finished back in 1999. I wouldn’t say I ‘m a fan of graphic novel medium but I am a huge fan of manga so reading a sequential art is not something new to me. However, as enjoyable as this adaptation is, this graphic novel actually killed some of Sanderson’s usual strength.
For example, dividing a full novel into three volumes just won’t work in general. Imagine reading a novel and after 1/3 you have to stop until next year for the next 1/3 and so on, that’s the case for White Sands. This situation caused the story itself to lose its charm, it’s still good, nothing bad, nothing amazing but it could’ve been done so much better if they actually adapted the whole novel straight into one huge volume or at least release all three close to each other so we won’t have to wait that long. The plot of the first volume actually ended where it was getting interesting.
However, the worst part of doing a graphic novel adaptation of Sanderson’s book is the lack of prose in everything. Kenton, the main character suffers a lot from this, Sanderson has always been superb at characterization, he knows how to write compelling characters POV eloquently with his prose and evoke the reader’s empathy, that experience is lost here. Other than seeing the character’s facial expression, we never get to be inside their heads.
(Speaking of character, it’s really awesome to finally see Khriss's background here, an important figure in the Cosmere universe which I’ll talk about more in my Arcanum Unbounded full review.)
Luckily, the artworks are gorgeous. The world of Taldain is beautiful to look at, the characters and action scenes are well drawn but the best aspect of this adaptation is the magic system, Sand Mastery. Although this is a graphic novel, the magic system’s explanation is brief and at the same time intricate, Sanderson himself said that out of all the magic systems he ever wrote, Sand Mastery is best suited for this medium and I can’t say I disagree with that cause it looked amazing and suitable visually.
In the end, although I had some problems with this adaptation, I do enjoy this one hour read. It’s a great addition to the Cosmere universe, especially with Khriss’s background and appearance. I will continue with this planned three volume comic in the future, well, I’m planning to read every single thing Sanderson write in his Cosmere universe anyway so this is a nice addition.
You can find the rest of my Adult Epic/High Fantasy & Sci-Fi reviews at Booknest
According to the postscript I read in Arcanum Unbounded and the intro in this comic, White Sand is a graphic novel adaptation of Sanderson’s first novel (unpublished) of the same name which he finished back in 1999. I wouldn’t say I ‘m a fan of graphic novel medium but I am a huge fan of manga so reading a sequential art is not something new to me. However, as enjoyable as this adaptation is, this graphic novel actually killed some of Sanderson’s usual strength.
For example, dividing a full novel into three volumes just won’t work in general. Imagine reading a novel and after 1/3 you have to stop until next year for the next 1/3 and so on, that’s the case for White Sands. This situation caused the story itself to lose its charm, it’s still good, nothing bad, nothing amazing but it could’ve been done so much better if they actually adapted the whole novel straight into one huge volume or at least release all three close to each other so we won’t have to wait that long. The plot of the first volume actually ended where it was getting interesting.
However, the worst part of doing a graphic novel adaptation of Sanderson’s book is the lack of prose in everything. Kenton, the main character suffers a lot from this, Sanderson has always been superb at characterization, he knows how to write compelling characters POV eloquently with his prose and evoke the reader’s empathy, that experience is lost here. Other than seeing the character’s facial expression, we never get to be inside their heads.
(Speaking of character, it’s really awesome to finally see Khriss's background here, an important figure in the Cosmere universe which I’ll talk about more in my Arcanum Unbounded full review.)
Luckily, the artworks are gorgeous. The world of Taldain is beautiful to look at, the characters and action scenes are well drawn but the best aspect of this adaptation is the magic system, Sand Mastery. Although this is a graphic novel, the magic system’s explanation is brief and at the same time intricate, Sanderson himself said that out of all the magic systems he ever wrote, Sand Mastery is best suited for this medium and I can’t say I disagree with that cause it looked amazing and suitable visually.
In the end, although I had some problems with this adaptation, I do enjoy this one hour read. It’s a great addition to the Cosmere universe, especially with Khriss’s background and appearance. I will continue with this planned three volume comic in the future, well, I’m planning to read every single thing Sanderson write in his Cosmere universe anyway so this is a nice addition.
You can find the rest of my Adult Epic/High Fantasy & Sci-Fi reviews at Booknest
May 26, 2021
1.5 ⭐
Sanderson’s first foray into the graphic novel medium, ’White Sand – Volume 1’, is like Sex on the Beach. You’re excited by the idea, aroused even! But ultimately, the experience is all too brief (for once unrelated to your own sexual inadequacies) and you just end up walking away disappointed, with sand in your Hoo Ha and a Lyme-carrying beach tick clinging to your nether regions and stubbornly refusing extrication.
You could argue that this shouldn’t be rated on an individual basis as it’s part of a 3 Volume Graphic Novel, but you’d be wrong. A single volume of ‘White Sand’ costs about $65 (calm your farm ‘mericans, that’s AU$, but still!) which works out to about 50 cents per page or thereabouts. That’s some downright Edgedancing exploitation is what that is! Taking advantage of my Cosmere-Completionist nature. So, I will judge as much as my little swindled Gemheart desires.
In a brief intro, our heavenly leader Brando Sando, head of the Church of Sandernism, and devout member of the cult of Joseph Smith, asks of himself, ”Could I come up with a desert planet that wasn’t just a clone of Arrakis or Tatooine?” Answering his own question he says, ”I was successful, for the most part”. Well… Not really. It feels very reminiscent of both the aforementioned locales actually. Complete with its own Sarlacc, I mean Sand Worm! I mean… Sandling? As well as some handy desert mounts called “Riding Tonks” which are like a mix between Star Wars’ Eopies and Tauntauns.
I’m no graphic novel expert so take the following comments with a grain of salt (or sand) but the desert setting doesn’t lend itself well to a very vibrant Artist’s palette. The artwork is consistently decent but became a bit like a boring bowl of oats with no fruit nor honey to accompany it, nothing that made it POP! There were a number of occasions where I thought the Artist could’ve taken advantage of the creamy backdrop, full of beige and browns, to make the action at the forefront bounce but it seemed like a missed opportunity. I don’t have a lot to compare it to, it might be of comparatively high quality within the medium, but I wasn’t overly impressed. Also, what’s the deal with Dr.Cynder. He’s presumably human like everyone else but his face looks like a dried-up old date, left out for far too long in the harsh conditions of the Taldain desert. The irony of this is that he is a ‘Darksider’, which brings me to my next point. Why are all the Darksiders, who are presumably better-protected from the Sun on the Dark side of Taldain - dark-skinned, whilst all the Daysiders, who endure the harsh solar conditions day-in day-out, are pasty white dudes. Admittedly, my knowledge on the Origin of Species is rusty, but I would’ve thought that the people in the harsher solar environment would’ve evolved to produce more Melanin and would, therefore, be darker. Counter logical? I don’t know.
I’ll finish the other 2 volumes in this graphic novel as I’ve already taken out a Second Mortgage on my house to possess them but Sanderson’s material doesn’t fit the medium. Arguably, his 2 greatest assets are Magic Systems and Characterisation. The lack of dialogue in this format eliminates any possibility of quality characterisation and this particular Magic System lacks the depth of those in his most popular works and was not as aesthetically pleasing as I thought it might be. Here’s hoping the next 2 volumes change my mind!
Sanderson’s first foray into the graphic novel medium, ’White Sand – Volume 1’, is like Sex on the Beach. You’re excited by the idea, aroused even! But ultimately, the experience is all too brief (for once unrelated to your own sexual inadequacies) and you just end up walking away disappointed, with sand in your Hoo Ha and a Lyme-carrying beach tick clinging to your nether regions and stubbornly refusing extrication.
You could argue that this shouldn’t be rated on an individual basis as it’s part of a 3 Volume Graphic Novel, but you’d be wrong. A single volume of ‘White Sand’ costs about $65 (calm your farm ‘mericans, that’s AU$, but still!) which works out to about 50 cents per page or thereabouts. That’s some downright Edgedancing exploitation is what that is! Taking advantage of my Cosmere-Completionist nature. So, I will judge as much as my little swindled Gemheart desires.
In a brief intro, our heavenly leader Brando Sando, head of the Church of Sandernism, and devout member of the cult of Joseph Smith, asks of himself, ”Could I come up with a desert planet that wasn’t just a clone of Arrakis or Tatooine?” Answering his own question he says, ”I was successful, for the most part”. Well… Not really. It feels very reminiscent of both the aforementioned locales actually. Complete with its own Sarlacc, I mean Sand Worm! I mean… Sandling? As well as some handy desert mounts called “Riding Tonks” which are like a mix between Star Wars’ Eopies and Tauntauns.
I’m no graphic novel expert so take the following comments with a grain of salt (or sand) but the desert setting doesn’t lend itself well to a very vibrant Artist’s palette. The artwork is consistently decent but became a bit like a boring bowl of oats with no fruit nor honey to accompany it, nothing that made it POP! There were a number of occasions where I thought the Artist could’ve taken advantage of the creamy backdrop, full of beige and browns, to make the action at the forefront bounce but it seemed like a missed opportunity. I don’t have a lot to compare it to, it might be of comparatively high quality within the medium, but I wasn’t overly impressed. Also, what’s the deal with Dr.Cynder. He’s presumably human like everyone else but his face looks like a dried-up old date, left out for far too long in the harsh conditions of the Taldain desert. The irony of this is that he is a ‘Darksider’, which brings me to my next point. Why are all the Darksiders, who are presumably better-protected from the Sun on the Dark side of Taldain - dark-skinned, whilst all the Daysiders, who endure the harsh solar conditions day-in day-out, are pasty white dudes. Admittedly, my knowledge on the Origin of Species is rusty, but I would’ve thought that the people in the harsher solar environment would’ve evolved to produce more Melanin and would, therefore, be darker. Counter logical? I don’t know.
I’ll finish the other 2 volumes in this graphic novel as I’ve already taken out a Second Mortgage on my house to possess them but Sanderson’s material doesn’t fit the medium. Arguably, his 2 greatest assets are Magic Systems and Characterisation. The lack of dialogue in this format eliminates any possibility of quality characterisation and this particular Magic System lacks the depth of those in his most popular works and was not as aesthetically pleasing as I thought it might be. Here’s hoping the next 2 volumes change my mind!
February 6, 2017
This is my first time reading graphic novels. Being so used to reading for narratives and details, this medium took a bit of time to get into as a lot of it is graphically represented as opposed to written. It took me a mere hour or so to finish what was supposed to be one-third of the full White Sand (unpublished) novel. I'm sure there were details which I've missed and will need to spend another hour or so to appreciate the visuals. There is one particular sequence of scenes which in my mind worked better in this format.
As for the story itself, I'd say colour me intrigued. The first two chapters of Sanderson's 1999 draft in Arcanum Unbounded already had me hungry for more. After finishing this first volume of three of the graphic novel adaptation, I've promptly written to Brandon requesting for the unpublished draft and hoping for the best.
A tidally-locked world with one side permanently Day and the other Dark, the planet in itself is fascinating. The different cultures between the Dayside and Darkside people have yet to fully manifest in whatever exposition there was to be revealed so far - but there clearly is a distinction. The magic system is completely unique (any surprises here?) and true to his laws, there is a limitation and cost to using it. Over-mastery of magic can actually be fatal here.
There is also some form of trope subversion where the protagonist did not start out being "the one" with the hidden superpowers/talent. Even in the short introduction so far, I've grown to like Kenton as a main character. Of course, the one that I was waiting to meet was Khriss, whom most of the Cosmere fans know has a greater agenda in mind. And even though they only appeared quite briefly, I'm keen to know more about Aarik (a good friend of Kenton's) and Ais (a female law enforcer). It's too soon to know where the plot is headed - right now there just seemed to be conspiracies within conspiracies occurring.
I love Sanderson's writing so I really do wish to read the book as well as continuing with the graphic adaptation.
As for the story itself, I'd say colour me intrigued. The first two chapters of Sanderson's 1999 draft in Arcanum Unbounded already had me hungry for more. After finishing this first volume of three of the graphic novel adaptation, I've promptly written to Brandon requesting for the unpublished draft and hoping for the best.
A tidally-locked world with one side permanently Day and the other Dark, the planet in itself is fascinating. The different cultures between the Dayside and Darkside people have yet to fully manifest in whatever exposition there was to be revealed so far - but there clearly is a distinction. The magic system is completely unique (any surprises here?) and true to his laws, there is a limitation and cost to using it. Over-mastery of magic can actually be fatal here.
There is also some form of trope subversion where the protagonist did not start out being "the one" with the hidden superpowers/talent. Even in the short introduction so far, I've grown to like Kenton as a main character. Of course, the one that I was waiting to meet was Khriss, whom most of the Cosmere fans know has a greater agenda in mind. And even though they only appeared quite briefly, I'm keen to know more about Aarik (a good friend of Kenton's) and Ais (a female law enforcer). It's too soon to know where the plot is headed - right now there just seemed to be conspiracies within conspiracies occurring.
I love Sanderson's writing so I really do wish to read the book as well as continuing with the graphic adaptation.
November 28, 2017
Brandon Sanderson writes some damn cool novels, and I’ve always felt that his ideas would be great in the realm of comic books, so it’s not surprising that his first delve into the genre shows much promise.
I spotted the first issue in Sanderson’s collection of short works Arcanum Unbound and I knew I had to read further. And I’m glad I did because the story moved forward quickly in traditional Sanderson fashion. As ever, the magic system he creates is imaginative and thoroughly explained. This time it centres on Sand. The protagonist is a wielder of it, though he isn’t particularly talented much to the dismay of his teacher. He does have some skill though it isn’t what one would call flashy.
He uses what he has to the best of his ability, and he is out to prove that what he does have really is enough to get the job done. The artwork matches superbly with Sanderson’s style of writing and the general feel his plots tend to create:
It’s always great to see new material from Sanderson, though when I was reading I couldn’t help but wish that one of his better novels was adapted into comic book form instead. The story is good here, but it does lack a certain sense of awesomeness that the Mistborn and Reckoners series carried with them.
I won't be reading any further.
I spotted the first issue in Sanderson’s collection of short works Arcanum Unbound and I knew I had to read further. And I’m glad I did because the story moved forward quickly in traditional Sanderson fashion. As ever, the magic system he creates is imaginative and thoroughly explained. This time it centres on Sand. The protagonist is a wielder of it, though he isn’t particularly talented much to the dismay of his teacher. He does have some skill though it isn’t what one would call flashy.
He uses what he has to the best of his ability, and he is out to prove that what he does have really is enough to get the job done. The artwork matches superbly with Sanderson’s style of writing and the general feel his plots tend to create:
It’s always great to see new material from Sanderson, though when I was reading I couldn’t help but wish that one of his better novels was adapted into comic book form instead. The story is good here, but it does lack a certain sense of awesomeness that the Mistborn and Reckoners series carried with them.
I won't be reading any further.
![Profile Image for Anna [Bran. San. Stan].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1593184464i/98245866._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
October 3, 2022
Not being a fan of graphic novels but being a Cosmere fangirl, I knew I needed to read White Sand. I put it off time and time again until I realized there was a GraphicAudio production (also available on audible) out there! It really helped getting a cohesive narrative to a medium I don’t find easily accessible. Experienced this way, with a full cast of voice actors and sound effects, White Sand was a remarkably enjoyable listening experience. You still get what you want, Taldein (the planet) with its magic system as part of the Cosmere as well as Kenton and Khriss. If you haven’t enjoyed the graphic novel or have been put off by it as I have, you should give this a shot!
Being a BranSanStan, I still preordered the revamped White Sand omnibus, hoping it will prove more up my alley than the original.
And of course, I will read the prose version (which is not strictly canon) as well! (Available if you sign up for Brandon’s newsletter.)
4 stars because I don’t want to completely rate this without accounting for the original graphic novel format.
Being a BranSanStan, I still preordered the revamped White Sand omnibus, hoping it will prove more up my alley than the original.
And of course, I will read the prose version (which is not strictly canon) as well! (Available if you sign up for Brandon’s newsletter.)
4 stars because I don’t want to completely rate this without accounting for the original graphic novel format.
October 2, 2020
2 stars
This is my first review of a graphic novel so please excuse any faults I may have and please tell me how to improve in the comments section! After finishing this first volume, I have decided to focus on 3 things: story, writing, art. I hope this will make sense.
Story : ★★
The story was meh. It moved at a crazy fast pace. When sometimes crazy fast pace can be good, here it wasn't. It didn't let me to immerse myself in this world. A different graphic novel series that addresses pacing very well is Saga. Please check it out. There was a lot happening and it was either convenient or done for shock value. In chapter two there is an attack that happens out of nowhere and I felt that it was a plot device. In chapter one, after they make it a huge deal about not letting Kenton do the trials, they immediately let him and he does them really fast and exceptionally well within the blink of an eye. This is something that is supposed to be hard and threatening. At no point did I feel it was a challenge. The other stuff going on with Khriss, Cynder, and Baon and the Darksiders is kind of confusing me, but I expect it to get better in the next volume. So far though, I don't really care about anything that is happening.
Writing : ★
The writing is bad. It is just bad. The dialogue, for the most part is fine. HOWEVER the actual thoughts/world-building/flash-backs/everything-else is bad. It is all told in info dumps which distract from the story. And it is all very much "wow. Look at me. I'm so great. Now let me monologue while action is taking place." Once again I'll compare this to Saga, especially its earlier volumes, where a lot of character and world building is done. It is done through showing not telling. "But there is art! Isn't that showing not telling?" No. Sure, the whole element of imagining how something looks like is gone, but you can't just make immediately understand the culture, inner-workings, systems, beliefs etc of a world through just looking at it. Saga takes its time to show you Landfall and Wreath; the politics and beliefs are shown right off the bat through actions of characters and good dialogue. NOT THROUGH THE MAIN CHARACTERS THINKING AT YOU IN INFO-DUMPS. At no point does Alana, the female-lead, say "Wow, I'm pretty badass. However everyone thinks I'm useless and weak because I have smol wings. Oh I also have anger issues haha." This is what Kenton does. Like... ok, but no.
Art :★★★
When it comes to art, I'm no great expert. What I can say is this: the art matches the tone that is coming across so far. It is sometimes a lot to take in, but you get used to it. I liked it enough and it didn't inhibit my reading experience. The way it shows sand mastery is the most visually appealing in my opinion, especially the contrast between how a sand master looks when they are using their power and when they get dehydrated. In that instance I can say the art made my reading experience better.
-----------------------
Books in Cosmere:
Mistborn: Era 1
#1 The Final Empire: ★★★.5
#2 The Well of Ascension: ★★★★.25
#3 The Hero of Ages: ★★★★.5
Era 2
#1 The Alloy of Law: ★★★
#2 Shadows of Self: ★★★.25
#3 The Bands of Mourning: ★★★.5
Novellas / Short-Stories:
Mistborn: Secret History: ★★★★.25
The Emperor's Soul: ★★★★.25
Standalones:
Elantris: ★★★.5
Warbreaker: ★★★.75
The Stormlight Archive:
#1 The Way of Kings: ★★★★★
#2 Words of Radiance: ★★★★.75
White Sand:
#1 Volume One: ★★
#2 Volume Two: ★★★
#3 Volume Three: ★★★.25
This is my first review of a graphic novel so please excuse any faults I may have and please tell me how to improve in the comments section! After finishing this first volume, I have decided to focus on 3 things: story, writing, art. I hope this will make sense.
Story : ★★
The story was meh. It moved at a crazy fast pace. When sometimes crazy fast pace can be good, here it wasn't. It didn't let me to immerse myself in this world. A different graphic novel series that addresses pacing very well is Saga. Please check it out. There was a lot happening and it was either convenient or done for shock value. In chapter two there is an attack that happens out of nowhere and I felt that it was a plot device. In chapter one, after they make it a huge deal about not letting Kenton do the trials, they immediately let him and he does them really fast and exceptionally well within the blink of an eye. This is something that is supposed to be hard and threatening. At no point did I feel it was a challenge. The other stuff going on with Khriss, Cynder, and Baon and the Darksiders is kind of confusing me, but I expect it to get better in the next volume. So far though, I don't really care about anything that is happening.
Writing : ★
The writing is bad. It is just bad. The dialogue, for the most part is fine. HOWEVER the actual thoughts/world-building/flash-backs/everything-else is bad. It is all told in info dumps which distract from the story. And it is all very much "wow. Look at me. I'm so great. Now let me monologue while action is taking place." Once again I'll compare this to Saga, especially its earlier volumes, where a lot of character and world building is done. It is done through showing not telling. "But there is art! Isn't that showing not telling?" No. Sure, the whole element of imagining how something looks like is gone, but you can't just make immediately understand the culture, inner-workings, systems, beliefs etc of a world through just looking at it. Saga takes its time to show you Landfall and Wreath; the politics and beliefs are shown right off the bat through actions of characters and good dialogue. NOT THROUGH THE MAIN CHARACTERS THINKING AT YOU IN INFO-DUMPS. At no point does Alana, the female-lead, say "Wow, I'm pretty badass. However everyone thinks I'm useless and weak because I have smol wings. Oh I also have anger issues haha." This is what Kenton does. Like... ok, but no.
Art :★★★
When it comes to art, I'm no great expert. What I can say is this: the art matches the tone that is coming across so far. It is sometimes a lot to take in, but you get used to it. I liked it enough and it didn't inhibit my reading experience. The way it shows sand mastery is the most visually appealing in my opinion, especially the contrast between how a sand master looks when they are using their power and when they get dehydrated. In that instance I can say the art made my reading experience better.
-----------------------
Books in Cosmere:
Mistborn: Era 1
#1 The Final Empire: ★★★.5
#2 The Well of Ascension: ★★★★.25
#3 The Hero of Ages: ★★★★.5
Era 2
#1 The Alloy of Law: ★★★
#2 Shadows of Self: ★★★.25
#3 The Bands of Mourning: ★★★.5
Novellas / Short-Stories:
Mistborn: Secret History: ★★★★.25
The Emperor's Soul: ★★★★.25
Standalones:
Elantris: ★★★.5
Warbreaker: ★★★.75
The Stormlight Archive:
#1 The Way of Kings: ★★★★★
#2 Words of Radiance: ★★★★.75
White Sand:
#1 Volume One: ★★
#2 Volume Two: ★★★
#3 Volume Three: ★★★.25
August 2, 2022
Sorprendida! Me gustó mucho! 🤩
Quizá algunas personas me lo habían tirado abajo, cómo que no era lo mejor de Sanderson. O en general, noto dentro de la comunidad del Cosmere que es el libro del cuál todos se olvidan.
Arena blanca es una historia que por el momento consta de 3 volúmenes, todos adaptados a novela gráfica. En este volumen 1 tenemos una introducción al planeta de Taldain, dónde en uno de los continentes es siempre de día mientras que en el otro es siempre de noche.
Por un lado tenemos a Kenton, que sueña ser un maestro de arena, pero su padre sabe que no tiene el poder suficiente y se niega a aceptar a su hijo entre los suyos.
Y por otro lado tenemos a Khriss, personaje que si ya leyeron otros libros del Cosmere deben conocer. Ella es lado nocturna pero decide viajar al lado diurno para buscar información sobre algo en particular. Y así su historia va a cruzarse con la de Kenton.
Siempre va a tener sus pro y contras adaptarse a novela gráfica. En este caso siento que fueron muy bien aprovechados los recursos de este formato. La historia es muy visual y se disfruta un montón desde ese lado.
Quizá la trama no pueda llegar a tanta profundidad como los otros libros del autor. Pero considero que para ser 160 páginas en novela gráfica me contaron un montón de cosas. Pude conocer a los personajes, sus sueños y la trama política de las culturas de Taldain. Muy interesante, ya espero continuar con los otros volumenes de la historia.
Lo recomiendo mucho! Y si están leyendo todo el cosmere no pueden dejar pasar arena blanca! ✨
Yo leyendo arena blanca: 😎😌😳😊😱
Quizá algunas personas me lo habían tirado abajo, cómo que no era lo mejor de Sanderson. O en general, noto dentro de la comunidad del Cosmere que es el libro del cuál todos se olvidan.
Arena blanca es una historia que por el momento consta de 3 volúmenes, todos adaptados a novela gráfica. En este volumen 1 tenemos una introducción al planeta de Taldain, dónde en uno de los continentes es siempre de día mientras que en el otro es siempre de noche.
Por un lado tenemos a Kenton, que sueña ser un maestro de arena, pero su padre sabe que no tiene el poder suficiente y se niega a aceptar a su hijo entre los suyos.
Y por otro lado tenemos a Khriss, personaje que si ya leyeron otros libros del Cosmere deben conocer. Ella es lado nocturna pero decide viajar al lado diurno para buscar información sobre algo en particular. Y así su historia va a cruzarse con la de Kenton.
Siempre va a tener sus pro y contras adaptarse a novela gráfica. En este caso siento que fueron muy bien aprovechados los recursos de este formato. La historia es muy visual y se disfruta un montón desde ese lado.
Quizá la trama no pueda llegar a tanta profundidad como los otros libros del autor. Pero considero que para ser 160 páginas en novela gráfica me contaron un montón de cosas. Pude conocer a los personajes, sus sueños y la trama política de las culturas de Taldain. Muy interesante, ya espero continuar con los otros volumenes de la historia.
Lo recomiendo mucho! Y si están leyendo todo el cosmere no pueden dejar pasar arena blanca! ✨
Yo leyendo arena blanca: 😎😌😳😊😱
February 7, 2017
Reading this after The Way of Kings was a mistake. The Way of King was so full of epicness that I was expecting the same from this. Unfortunately, White Sand would have to be my least favorite work of Sanderson.
White Sand is also set in the Cosmere universe, way before the events of The Way of Kings and Mistborn (two books of his I've read so far). To be honest, I was confused majority of the time while I was reading this. I did appreciate the fact that I could see this world in front of my eyes and not just my imagination. It's one of the things I enjoyed about it. Storywise though, I was a bit underwhelmed. I wanted more substance, more history, more everything.
The characters were okay. Kenton, the main protagonist I would say, is pretty well developed. I liked how you know his motivations and struggles. It wasn't brushed off, instead it was used to the progression of the story. The side characters were fine, nothing really worth talking futher about.
The art, I'm still on the fence about. It looks good, but I'm not sure it worked for the story.
Overall, it was okay. I was just expecting more from the story.
White Sand is also set in the Cosmere universe, way before the events of The Way of Kings and Mistborn (two books of his I've read so far). To be honest, I was confused majority of the time while I was reading this. I did appreciate the fact that I could see this world in front of my eyes and not just my imagination. It's one of the things I enjoyed about it. Storywise though, I was a bit underwhelmed. I wanted more substance, more history, more everything.
The characters were okay. Kenton, the main protagonist I would say, is pretty well developed. I liked how you know his motivations and struggles. It wasn't brushed off, instead it was used to the progression of the story. The side characters were fine, nothing really worth talking futher about.
The art, I'm still on the fence about. It looks good, but I'm not sure it worked for the story.
Overall, it was okay. I was just expecting more from the story.
January 21, 2018
Rating: 4 stars
White Sand is a first graphic novel in the White Sand duology by Brandon Sanderson. This book strongly focuses on magic and adventures from the very beginning till the very last page.
This was my very first graphic novel I've ever read. I really liked it, although I had a little bit of a trouble to follow the story. Characters were well crafted and interesting. I was so happy to finally be able to read a book which doesn't portray those characters as annoying or reckless. I adore people with strong characters which are brave enough to fight for their beliefs - this book covered that aspect.
Graphics in this book are awesome. They made reading this book an interesting experience. I only regret a little bit that it wasn't longer. Final scene left me curious as to know what will happen next.
A really good read for anyone who looks for either graphic novel, short story or an easy read which features magic and adventures.
White Sand is a first graphic novel in the White Sand duology by Brandon Sanderson. This book strongly focuses on magic and adventures from the very beginning till the very last page.
This was my very first graphic novel I've ever read. I really liked it, although I had a little bit of a trouble to follow the story. Characters were well crafted and interesting. I was so happy to finally be able to read a book which doesn't portray those characters as annoying or reckless. I adore people with strong characters which are brave enough to fight for their beliefs - this book covered that aspect.
Graphics in this book are awesome. They made reading this book an interesting experience. I only regret a little bit that it wasn't longer. Final scene left me curious as to know what will happen next.
A really good read for anyone who looks for either graphic novel, short story or an easy read which features magic and adventures.
December 29, 2020
December 2020 update:
This review applies to the White Sand Volumes 1 through 3
If you have browsed through my reviews it becomes pretty apparent how big of a fan I am of the works of Brandon Sanderson. I think he is doing amazing things in the epic fantasy space and I always a day one buyer of his works. So it is with a heavy heart that I am unable to recommend this series to others.
The problem isn't the material, per se, but the medium. Sanderson does most of his work through pretty long, but high quality, novels. His Stormlight archive books could be classified as deadly weapons, that is how heavy they are. His books tend to have excellent character work (especially secondary characters), great world building, innovative magic systems, and his calling card, the last 10% Sanderlanche. For whatever reason this series was unable to live up to these lofty expectations and I suspect it was due to the comic medium.
On the character work front the comic medium is adequate for a few main characters, but space is at a premium and words compete with images. The result of this is that, in spite of Sanderson's skill, many of the secondary characters we meet just felt a bot flat or underdeveloped. I am certain that, given a novel format, we could have rich experience we have seen in his other novels. We see the surface behavior of the characters but rarely see what makes them tick.
Probably the strongest aspect of this series was the Worldbuilding. Sanderson always knows how to come up with unique worlds and setting appropriate cultures to populate them. And while that was the case I couldn't help but feel that the artistry paled in comparison to Sanderson's prose. Sure we saw all the things they wanted us to see, but when such fantastical worlds Sanderson dreams up are solidified in color and picture they seem to lose some of their charm or luster. Additionally, we are limited to brief text snippets to supplement what we are seeing, further reducing the impact of the setting and constraining it to the skill of the artist instead of the wordsmithing of Sanderson.
This series did have a pretty neat magic system, but once again the limited space for descriptions and the limitation of the artists' abilities lets this series down. I can see the Sand Mages do lots of neat things, but in a way putting it in a comic format makes this dynamic system feel stilted and static. Instead of Sanderson describing the interactions of the sand with the surroundings or what the Sand Mages are thinking as they utilize their magic we merely see what a bystander might see. And given the alien nature of this magic it is sometimes difficult to translate the image on the page to a cohesive flow of action in the mind.
Finally I found the ending a but hum drum, especially compared to Sanderson's other works. The story itself was interesting enough and hinted towards lots of interesting plot lines that were going on in other parts of the world, but there was little in the way of dramatic twists or revelations that completely altered the story or how we perceived past actions. It wasn't a bad or boring story, to be sure, just not up to the typical Sanderson standards, a failing I attribute to the medium constraining what sort of information can be communicated to the reader.
I have no doubt that had this story been told on a novel format it would have been many times better. Characters would be sharper, action sequences clearer, it would be much easier to get emotionally invested in characters, and Sanderson would have had more space to explore the themes of the story. But alas we do not live in that world. At best I can say the series was diverting and had its moments.
~~~
Original review:
Graphic novels, a brave new world for Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere, and what a world.
While Sanderson is known for his vivid world building this medium does present a bit more of a challenge for him. Graphic novels offer much less space for Sanderson's typical expansive prose. Instead it has to be built a bit more slowly with the graphics and the flow of the story. As such we do get some fun facts about this world: it seems to be tidally locked with the sun, with one side being in permanent day while the other is in eternal night, there appears to be a significant technological gap between the two, there are a class of people who can manipulate sand with magic (because Sanderson, no pun intended (OK, maybe a little bit)), and there is a complex society based around professions that regulate life on the dayside.This book was just the first installment of a larger series so there is still plenty of world to be fleshed out, but there is still a ton of wonderful world for a reader to sink their teeth into here.
The graphic part of this graphic novel was serviceable. It didn't do a ton to enhance the story (Sanderson is already great at vividly painting a picture in the reader's mind) but also didn't detract from it as well. I think some of the larger pitched battles scenes were a bit confusing as to what was happening, something that a book would not have trouble with. Still, Sanderson is probably still learning the strengths and limits of the medium so I expect this aspect to improve over the course of the run.
The characters themselves are also quite interesting: a sandmaster (the aforementioned magic users) on the ropes, a Duchess from the night side of the planet searching for her clues about the fate of her love, and a cop from a force that seems to get no respect and is under siege from the criminal element to name a few. They all have their own agendas, willing to use others to attain their goals in a very complicated world with hidden conspiracies that may reach all the way to the night side of the planet.
All in all this was a brisk read, with a good balance to the action and character development. I really liked where the story is heading and am interested to see how the plot unfolds. There are lots of places this could go and I am excited to see how Sanderson decides to direct the story. Knowing him there will be plenty more twists and turns ahead. If you liked Sanderson's other work then you will feel right at home with this graphic novel.
This review applies to the White Sand Volumes 1 through 3
If you have browsed through my reviews it becomes pretty apparent how big of a fan I am of the works of Brandon Sanderson. I think he is doing amazing things in the epic fantasy space and I always a day one buyer of his works. So it is with a heavy heart that I am unable to recommend this series to others.
The problem isn't the material, per se, but the medium. Sanderson does most of his work through pretty long, but high quality, novels. His Stormlight archive books could be classified as deadly weapons, that is how heavy they are. His books tend to have excellent character work (especially secondary characters), great world building, innovative magic systems, and his calling card, the last 10% Sanderlanche. For whatever reason this series was unable to live up to these lofty expectations and I suspect it was due to the comic medium.
On the character work front the comic medium is adequate for a few main characters, but space is at a premium and words compete with images. The result of this is that, in spite of Sanderson's skill, many of the secondary characters we meet just felt a bot flat or underdeveloped. I am certain that, given a novel format, we could have rich experience we have seen in his other novels. We see the surface behavior of the characters but rarely see what makes them tick.
Probably the strongest aspect of this series was the Worldbuilding. Sanderson always knows how to come up with unique worlds and setting appropriate cultures to populate them. And while that was the case I couldn't help but feel that the artistry paled in comparison to Sanderson's prose. Sure we saw all the things they wanted us to see, but when such fantastical worlds Sanderson dreams up are solidified in color and picture they seem to lose some of their charm or luster. Additionally, we are limited to brief text snippets to supplement what we are seeing, further reducing the impact of the setting and constraining it to the skill of the artist instead of the wordsmithing of Sanderson.
This series did have a pretty neat magic system, but once again the limited space for descriptions and the limitation of the artists' abilities lets this series down. I can see the Sand Mages do lots of neat things, but in a way putting it in a comic format makes this dynamic system feel stilted and static. Instead of Sanderson describing the interactions of the sand with the surroundings or what the Sand Mages are thinking as they utilize their magic we merely see what a bystander might see. And given the alien nature of this magic it is sometimes difficult to translate the image on the page to a cohesive flow of action in the mind.
Finally I found the ending a but hum drum, especially compared to Sanderson's other works. The story itself was interesting enough and hinted towards lots of interesting plot lines that were going on in other parts of the world, but there was little in the way of dramatic twists or revelations that completely altered the story or how we perceived past actions. It wasn't a bad or boring story, to be sure, just not up to the typical Sanderson standards, a failing I attribute to the medium constraining what sort of information can be communicated to the reader.
I have no doubt that had this story been told on a novel format it would have been many times better. Characters would be sharper, action sequences clearer, it would be much easier to get emotionally invested in characters, and Sanderson would have had more space to explore the themes of the story. But alas we do not live in that world. At best I can say the series was diverting and had its moments.
~~~
Original review:
Graphic novels, a brave new world for Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere, and what a world.
While Sanderson is known for his vivid world building this medium does present a bit more of a challenge for him. Graphic novels offer much less space for Sanderson's typical expansive prose. Instead it has to be built a bit more slowly with the graphics and the flow of the story. As such we do get some fun facts about this world: it seems to be tidally locked with the sun, with one side being in permanent day while the other is in eternal night, there appears to be a significant technological gap between the two, there are a class of people who can manipulate sand with magic (because Sanderson, no pun intended (OK, maybe a little bit)), and there is a complex society based around professions that regulate life on the dayside.This book was just the first installment of a larger series so there is still plenty of world to be fleshed out, but there is still a ton of wonderful world for a reader to sink their teeth into here.
The graphic part of this graphic novel was serviceable. It didn't do a ton to enhance the story (Sanderson is already great at vividly painting a picture in the reader's mind) but also didn't detract from it as well. I think some of the larger pitched battles scenes were a bit confusing as to what was happening, something that a book would not have trouble with. Still, Sanderson is probably still learning the strengths and limits of the medium so I expect this aspect to improve over the course of the run.
The characters themselves are also quite interesting: a sandmaster (the aforementioned magic users) on the ropes, a Duchess from the night side of the planet searching for her clues about the fate of her love, and a cop from a force that seems to get no respect and is under siege from the criminal element to name a few. They all have their own agendas, willing to use others to attain their goals in a very complicated world with hidden conspiracies that may reach all the way to the night side of the planet.
All in all this was a brisk read, with a good balance to the action and character development. I really liked where the story is heading and am interested to see how the plot unfolds. There are lots of places this could go and I am excited to see how Sanderson decides to direct the story. Knowing him there will be plenty more twists and turns ahead. If you liked Sanderson's other work then you will feel right at home with this graphic novel.
May 6, 2020
I picked this up mainly because it's Brandon Sanderson, but after I read the foreword and got a peek at the artwork, I became quite enamored.
What author wouldn't be thrilled to see his first story-love get fulfilled in a format BETTER suited to it than the original novel? Or I should say... Damn. This is Sanderson, people. He's a writer KNOWN for great magic systems and fantastic visualizations... and this IS a perfect medium for that.
And so I read it and really enjoyed the setup. You know how it is. A kid full of willpower and drive and virtually no support from his society or his father. Stay down. Don't try. You're weak.
Only in this case, he can barely control one thread of sand in battle or defensive magic, where others easily handle three or more. He makes up for it with skill and intelligence.
It's classic. And then the test happens, intrigue happens, tragedy happens, and even a little budding romance, and all the while, the worldbuilding keeps pouring in.
Comparing this to another Sanderson book is all fine and well and I will not comment on how it stacks AGAINST some of his most beloved titles. I can say, however, that as a graphic novel, it's rather good, rather complete, and it's exciting in all the best senses.
It is sure as hell has a lot more going on in it than most anything else out there. Compared to the comic field in general, it's an awesome story with great artwork and I'm hooked even without Sanderson's name attached to it.
I call that a win. And besides, it's SAND MAGIC! Flashy, yo!
What author wouldn't be thrilled to see his first story-love get fulfilled in a format BETTER suited to it than the original novel? Or I should say... Damn. This is Sanderson, people. He's a writer KNOWN for great magic systems and fantastic visualizations... and this IS a perfect medium for that.
And so I read it and really enjoyed the setup. You know how it is. A kid full of willpower and drive and virtually no support from his society or his father. Stay down. Don't try. You're weak.
Only in this case, he can barely control one thread of sand in battle or defensive magic, where others easily handle three or more. He makes up for it with skill and intelligence.
It's classic. And then the test happens, intrigue happens, tragedy happens, and even a little budding romance, and all the while, the worldbuilding keeps pouring in.
Comparing this to another Sanderson book is all fine and well and I will not comment on how it stacks AGAINST some of his most beloved titles. I can say, however, that as a graphic novel, it's rather good, rather complete, and it's exciting in all the best senses.
It is sure as hell has a lot more going on in it than most anything else out there. Compared to the comic field in general, it's an awesome story with great artwork and I'm hooked even without Sanderson's name attached to it.
I call that a win. And besides, it's SAND MAGIC! Flashy, yo!
April 6, 2024
Не ми хареса!
Овъртолена, некохерентна и претрупана история, незапомнящи се рисунки - доста под средното ниво, което аз очаквам като минимум от Брандън Сандерсън и художника му. Нямаше да я дочета, ако не ми беше подарък за Коледа!
И пак въздъх… 😀
Моята оценка - едва 1,5*.
P.S. Не знам и дали ще доиздат поредицата, според мен надали се радва на голям интерес от страна на българските читатели.
Овъртолена, некохерентна и претрупана история, незапомнящи се рисунки - доста под средното ниво, което аз очаквам като минимум от Брандън Сандерсън и художника му. Нямаше да я дочета, ако не ми беше подарък за Коледа!
И пак въздъх… 😀
Моята оценка - едва 1,5*.
P.S. Не знам и дали ще доиздат поредицата, според мен надали се радва на голям интерес от страна на българските читатели.
June 28, 2016
I received this title from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No external considerations went into this review - like you'd need to pay me to talk about Sanderson anyways, jeez.
I've been struggling with writing this review for well over a month now, and I think the main reason is... this is my favorite author's first graphic novel, and it took me a while to admit that I just... don't feel it's that good.
First off, the complaint I've seen from a lot of reviewers: the art is grainy and pixelated in the galley. This isn't just a quibble about it not looking nice; this makes it genuinely difficult to follow the action scenes and distinguish faces, especially among characters who are all dressed the same. I assume that the final copy will be much, much cleaner than this.
Now, the real meaty stuff - I reread this volume today and in doing so was struck by how many of the hallmarks of a Sanderson novel I could see here, just... not at their full potential. It must be very difficult to adapt such a worldbuilding-heavy writing style to a visual medium, and especially an episodic one, but with all due sympathy and respect for those who undertook this momentous task: I'm not sure it entirely paid off. The first chapter of the book is functionally a 'tutorial level' for the reader, familiarizing us with the magic system and the main character, and yet for all the important information that's delivered, it feels completely extraneous to the plot. The events of that first chapter (Kenton running the Mastrell's Path) have so far had no impact; there is perhaps one later event that might have been affected, and even there it could have turned out as it did regardless. Kenton's choices are relevant to establishing his character, but much of the chapter is taken up with worldbuilding and magic-system explaining. This isn't a surprise, coming from Sanderson; however, because this isn't a complete story, the reader finishes the volume without actually understanding things that are significantly plot-relevant.
Kenton himself is an interesting character. Mixed-race and multicultural, he's immediately shown to be too stubborn for his own good, someone who has turned to unorthodox methods to get ahead in a strictly orthodox subculture. Sanderson contrasts the sheer power of other Sand Masters with Kenton's refined skill - a sort of Ideal Gas Law sort of equation, where Kenton's technique and precision balance out his lack of raw ability. He winds up as both a scrappy underdog and a pig-headed jerk, which... makes him an interesting protagonist, I suppose. His tenacity is his most heroic trait at this point, even if it gets him into trouble more often than not.
However, the character I'm most excited about - to the surprise of virtually no one - is Khriss! So far we know very little about her, but what we do know is interesting. Honestly, Khriss in this volume is most intriguing in light of what Cosmere readers know her future to be: she will become the author of the Ars Arcanums found in other books. We're just not sure how yet For now, she and her entourage provide cultural contrast, political savvy, and a hint at future plot points to be developed later.
The one thing that I missed when it came to characters in this book was a good internal look at their perspectives. Sanderson excels at this in the multiple viewpoints of the Stormlight Archive, and it really brings the story to a new level. Here, I found myself really feeling the lack of that view; we don't really get to see how relationships develop or attitudes change. Kenton makes several rude/snarky comments towards Khriss for no apparent reason - attitudes that previously he'd only displayed towards his overbearing father. Why direct it at a woman he's barely met? We just don't know, and I struggled to remain patient with him after that. Perhaps sometime in the future we'll get prose novellas set on Taldain that will illuminate things a bit more.
I fully expect this book to be a hit among those who are already fans of the Cosmere. It does have all the traits we've come to expect from Sanderson's work (including some really neat flora/fauna worldbuilding). Personally, I'm intrigued and will keep up with it as Vol 2 and 3 are published, but I feel like it may end up being a better reading experience when all three volumes are out.
I've been struggling with writing this review for well over a month now, and I think the main reason is... this is my favorite author's first graphic novel, and it took me a while to admit that I just... don't feel it's that good.
First off, the complaint I've seen from a lot of reviewers: the art is grainy and pixelated in the galley. This isn't just a quibble about it not looking nice; this makes it genuinely difficult to follow the action scenes and distinguish faces, especially among characters who are all dressed the same. I assume that the final copy will be much, much cleaner than this.
Now, the real meaty stuff - I reread this volume today and in doing so was struck by how many of the hallmarks of a Sanderson novel I could see here, just... not at their full potential. It must be very difficult to adapt such a worldbuilding-heavy writing style to a visual medium, and especially an episodic one, but with all due sympathy and respect for those who undertook this momentous task: I'm not sure it entirely paid off. The first chapter of the book is functionally a 'tutorial level' for the reader, familiarizing us with the magic system and the main character, and yet for all the important information that's delivered, it feels completely extraneous to the plot. The events of that first chapter (Kenton running the Mastrell's Path) have so far had no impact; there is perhaps one later event that might have been affected, and even there it could have turned out as it did regardless. Kenton's choices are relevant to establishing his character, but much of the chapter is taken up with worldbuilding and magic-system explaining. This isn't a surprise, coming from Sanderson; however, because this isn't a complete story, the reader finishes the volume without actually understanding things that are significantly plot-relevant.
Kenton himself is an interesting character. Mixed-race and multicultural, he's immediately shown to be too stubborn for his own good, someone who has turned to unorthodox methods to get ahead in a strictly orthodox subculture. Sanderson contrasts the sheer power of other Sand Masters with Kenton's refined skill - a sort of Ideal Gas Law sort of equation, where Kenton's technique and precision balance out his lack of raw ability. He winds up as both a scrappy underdog and a pig-headed jerk, which... makes him an interesting protagonist, I suppose. His tenacity is his most heroic trait at this point, even if it gets him into trouble more often than not.
However, the character I'm most excited about - to the surprise of virtually no one - is Khriss! So far we know very little about her, but what we do know is interesting. Honestly, Khriss in this volume is most intriguing in light of what Cosmere readers know her future to be: she will become the author of the Ars Arcanums found in other books. We're just not sure how yet For now, she and her entourage provide cultural contrast, political savvy, and a hint at future plot points to be developed later.
The one thing that I missed when it came to characters in this book was a good internal look at their perspectives. Sanderson excels at this in the multiple viewpoints of the Stormlight Archive, and it really brings the story to a new level. Here, I found myself really feeling the lack of that view; we don't really get to see how relationships develop or attitudes change. Kenton makes several rude/snarky comments towards Khriss for no apparent reason - attitudes that previously he'd only displayed towards his overbearing father. Why direct it at a woman he's barely met? We just don't know, and I struggled to remain patient with him after that. Perhaps sometime in the future we'll get prose novellas set on Taldain that will illuminate things a bit more.
I fully expect this book to be a hit among those who are already fans of the Cosmere. It does have all the traits we've come to expect from Sanderson's work (including some really neat flora/fauna worldbuilding). Personally, I'm intrigued and will keep up with it as Vol 2 and 3 are published, but I feel like it may end up being a better reading experience when all three volumes are out.
March 21, 2018
Update: Šta da kažem, i posle drugog čitanja mišljenje mi se nije puno promenulo (možda 2.5) ali ajde da osvežim pamćenje pošto će uskoro drugi volume da dođe na red. Nadamo se bolji.
-----
Sta da kazem, mije mi se svidelo. Iskreno imam osecaj da strip nije dobar izbor za Sandersona. Jednostavno stranice nisu dovoljne da se njegov svet razmase. Borbe koje su u knjigama fenomenalno opisane ovde prosto dosadno ispadaju. Magijski sistem opet originalno izgleda ali je slabo objasnjen.
Sami likovi su za sada dosta jednostavni sa razgovorima u kojima slabo vidim Sandersonov dodir. A reakcije lika na izuzetno znacajan dogacaj su dosta mlake. U jednom momentu dozivljava nesto sto mu menja svet u potpunosti a dve strane kasnije se ponasa ko da nista nije bilo. S vremena na vreme vidimo neke naznake prave licnosti ali jako razocaravajuce.
A sto se same price tice na pocetku izgleda ko da ide u pravcu neceg dosta originalnog dok na kraju upadne u kolotecinu vec vidjenog.
I na kraju jos da spomenem da mi se ni artwork ne svidja. Sve je odlicno nacrtano ali licno nisam ljubitelj detaljnog i realnog izgleda svega. Ali je zato kolorit odlicno odradjen i kada nema likova imamo na momente odlicne scene prirode.
P.S. Najzabavniji deo stripa mi je bio kada Vojvotkinja Khrissalla (kako bi to i izgovarao) poksava da dodje do nekog od vodja klanova. Tu je humor savrseno uklopljen :)
P.P.S. I da sto Ivan rece al stvarno blesavo da likovi koji zive na suncanoj strani budu beli dok oni sa mracne strane budu tamni. Kakva je to logika.
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Sta da kazem, mije mi se svidelo. Iskreno imam osecaj da strip nije dobar izbor za Sandersona. Jednostavno stranice nisu dovoljne da se njegov svet razmase. Borbe koje su u knjigama fenomenalno opisane ovde prosto dosadno ispadaju. Magijski sistem opet originalno izgleda ali je slabo objasnjen.
Sami likovi su za sada dosta jednostavni sa razgovorima u kojima slabo vidim Sandersonov dodir. A reakcije lika na izuzetno znacajan dogacaj su dosta mlake. U jednom momentu dozivljava nesto sto mu menja svet u potpunosti a dve strane kasnije se ponasa ko da nista nije bilo. S vremena na vreme vidimo neke naznake prave licnosti ali jako razocaravajuce.
A sto se same price tice na pocetku izgleda ko da ide u pravcu neceg dosta originalnog dok na kraju upadne u kolotecinu vec vidjenog.
I na kraju jos da spomenem da mi se ni artwork ne svidja. Sve je odlicno nacrtano ali licno nisam ljubitelj detaljnog i realnog izgleda svega. Ali je zato kolorit odlicno odradjen i kada nema likova imamo na momente odlicne scene prirode.
P.S. Najzabavniji deo stripa mi je bio kada Vojvotkinja Khrissalla (kako bi to i izgovarao) poksava da dodje do nekog od vodja klanova. Tu je humor savrseno uklopljen :)
P.P.S. I da sto Ivan rece al stvarno blesavo da likovi koji zive na suncanoj strani budu beli dok oni sa mracne strane budu tamni. Kakva je to logika.
June 8, 2016
3.5 sandy stars
I got this digital copy thanks to Read Now at NetGalley, but sadly the copy is not good quality -blurred and pixelated- so I think that diminesh the experience.
Well, this is not a new Sanderson book, actually is a never published old Sanderson book (before Elantris, so is in the Cosmere verse). This time, the magical system take us to a culture of Sand Masters, a divided world -darkside and lighside- , and religious fanatics. Sounds familiar?
The story is 145 pages, the rest are sketches of the characters.
This is from my copy:
En el prólogo del libro Sanderson menciona haber sido bastante influenciado en un principio por Dune, y que después trató de crear algo más propio. El protagonista, Kenton, es un muchacho decidido a probar a su padre que esta equivocado y puede llegar a ser un maestro de arena(como un Aang a la inversa ;P), a pesar de tener muy pocas capacidades , o casi ninguna de hecho (lo que después de haber leido hace poco El Rithmatista hasta me recuerda a otro personaje). Después hay un ataque y el mundo de él parece a punto de desaparecer. Aparecen nuevos personajes, una duquesa (donde el lado oscuro quiere decir otra cultura y no algo siniestro, er creo) que anda en busca de respuestas, guerreros fanáticos, y probablemente un cambio de gobierno o algo mucho más ominoso tratándose de este autor.
Una buena partida a una nueva serie.
I got this digital copy thanks to Read Now at NetGalley, but sadly the copy is not good quality -blurred and pixelated- so I think that diminesh the experience.
Well, this is not a new Sanderson book, actually is a never published old Sanderson book (before Elantris, so is in the Cosmere verse). This time, the magical system take us to a culture of Sand Masters, a divided world -darkside and lighside- , and religious fanatics. Sounds familiar?
The story is 145 pages, the rest are sketches of the characters.
This is from my copy:
En el prólogo del libro Sanderson menciona haber sido bastante influenciado en un principio por Dune, y que después trató de crear algo más propio. El protagonista, Kenton, es un muchacho decidido a probar a su padre que esta equivocado y puede llegar a ser un maestro de arena
Una buena partida a una nueva serie.
July 24, 2016
This is an old story which Sanderson wrote as his first ever novel. Currently it's unpublished in novel format, but this is the graphic version which came out very recently, and which I was both eager for and a little worried about. I wasn't sure how well Sanderson's story would translate to graphic medium, but it actually seems like this magic system works quite well.
We follow a young sand mage called Kenton as he tries to defy his father's wish for him not to become a Mage. All his life he's been weak with the sand magic, but Kenton is determined to prove his doubtful father wrong and show that even with minimal magic he will be a good Sand Mage. When he decides to run through the test, to prove his worth, he does more than impress, he defies, and when another tribe strikes against the Mages, everything is in uproar.
The artwork is definitely the downside of this in my opinion. It's not terrible, but it's definitely a lot 'messier' than I would normally like. I think that the style just really isn't doing full justice to the story. I would like it a lot more if we got less repetition and more simple line-work and bold colours.
On the whole, I think it's a good start to the story with lots of potential so I'll pick up the next volume when that comes out too. 3.5*s
We follow a young sand mage called Kenton as he tries to defy his father's wish for him not to become a Mage. All his life he's been weak with the sand magic, but Kenton is determined to prove his doubtful father wrong and show that even with minimal magic he will be a good Sand Mage. When he decides to run through the test, to prove his worth, he does more than impress, he defies, and when another tribe strikes against the Mages, everything is in uproar.
The artwork is definitely the downside of this in my opinion. It's not terrible, but it's definitely a lot 'messier' than I would normally like. I think that the style just really isn't doing full justice to the story. I would like it a lot more if we got less repetition and more simple line-work and bold colours.
On the whole, I think it's a good start to the story with lots of potential so I'll pick up the next volume when that comes out too. 3.5*s
March 20, 2019
Mi primera experiencia con una novela gráfica tenía que ser de la mano de Brandon Sanderson. La experiencia me ha gustado mucho, pero quizá no sea mi formato para leer a este autor. Eche en falta al majestuoso Brandon en estado puro y sus hermosas descripciones, cosa que siendo una novela gráfica es imposible que suceda.
Las ilustraciones me han encantado, aunque me habría gustado que fueran de tonos más claros ya que tenía que ponerme en la ventana para poder ver con claridad los detalles de muchas de ellas. La historia, como todo lo de Brandon, es original y con un sistema de magia innovador. Quizá tuve unos pequeños problemas al principio, siendo bastante confuso, pero después del primer capítulo te habituas a la lectura y a la historia que, según la introducción, fue la primera en nacer en la mente de Brandon.
Está visto que saque lo que saque Brandon va a acabar en mis manos, sea una novela de más de 1.000 páginas, una novela gráfica o hasta su lista de la compra.
Las ilustraciones me han encantado, aunque me habría gustado que fueran de tonos más claros ya que tenía que ponerme en la ventana para poder ver con claridad los detalles de muchas de ellas. La historia, como todo lo de Brandon, es original y con un sistema de magia innovador. Quizá tuve unos pequeños problemas al principio, siendo bastante confuso, pero después del primer capítulo te habituas a la lectura y a la historia que, según la introducción, fue la primera en nacer en la mente de Brandon.
Está visto que saque lo que saque Brandon va a acabar en mis manos, sea una novela de más de 1.000 páginas, una novela gráfica o hasta su lista de la compra.
August 15, 2016
I was given an ebook version of this graphic novel by the publisher through NetGalley.
Again here we are with Sanderson and of course the talk will go to worldbuilding. Yes, he does it again. This time it's his story and idea, but an adaptation by Rik Hoskin with art by Julius M. Gopez.
While not quite as epic or satisfying as Sanderson's novels, this story was very compelling. It was also just getting going when it was time to wrap up this first volume, but I can tell that over time this should be a really good graphic side to Sanderson's Cosmere universe.
Again here we are with Sanderson and of course the talk will go to worldbuilding. Yes, he does it again. This time it's his story and idea, but an adaptation by Rik Hoskin with art by Julius M. Gopez.
While not quite as epic or satisfying as Sanderson's novels, this story was very compelling. It was also just getting going when it was time to wrap up this first volume, but I can tell that over time this should be a really good graphic side to Sanderson's Cosmere universe.
October 24, 2022
Um 3.75 ~ 4 por aí. Achei meio confuso às vezes.
July 11, 2016
This story has potential to be very good. Unfortunately, it seems to have lost quite a bit in translation from unpublished manuscript to graphic novel. A lot of the world building is glossed over, so the world and characters seem pretty vague, the artwork, while not bad, could be a little smoother, less rough around the edges, and there's way too much narration explaining things that would be better worked into the story if it was in a medium other than graphic novel. It just seems as though there's a whole lot of the story and worldbuilding that's missing in order to cut things down as much as possible to fit in three graphic novels. I would have really liked to have an actual book of this story, but Brandon Sanderson is rumored to have said that he doesn't plan to ever publish one now that the graphic novel series is coming out. Which is too bad, I can see this book being another great example of why Sanderson is one of my favorite authors. The graphic novel is not bad, it's an interesting story, in an interesting world, with interesting characters, it just seems like it would be a lot MORE interesting in written form. Sanderson fans will likely find it interesting at the very least, but it really seems as though it could be much better than it is.
Also... shouldn't the skin colors on the Daysiders and Darksiders be reversed? Shouldn't the people who live in the lands where the sun never sets have darker skin than those who live in the lands where it's always night? I don't know if that was just a choice of the artist, or if it was in the actual Sanderson manuscript, but either way, someone fails at common sense. A pretty decent argument could be made for racism as well, unintentional or otherwise, in "Darksiders" all having dark skin. I mean, if a 30-something white guy from Utah, the whitest place on earth, noticed it, I can only imagine what other people who are, perhaps a little more racially sensitive than myself, must be thinking about it. I suppose it might be an illustration of the concept that white sand when drained of magic turns dark, and the people with dark skin have no magic, but, um... when you put it like that, it seems even MORE racist.
Oh, and why would a character who has grown up on a world where the sun is always in the same place in the sky, never moving, even have to narrate about that to himself? He's never known anything different, and he's not explaining it to anyone but the readers sooooo... that's just some really clunky exposition delivery right there. The entire thing is like that too. That's what I meant when I said that there's way too much narration to explain all of the worldbuilding instead of working it into the story in some way.
I'll still read the other two graphic novels when they're released. I'm interested enough in what's happening to continue to the end. I just wish this was a book, rather than a graphic novel. Seems like the story really isn't suited to the medium.
Also... shouldn't the skin colors on the Daysiders and Darksiders be reversed? Shouldn't the people who live in the lands where the sun never sets have darker skin than those who live in the lands where it's always night? I don't know if that was just a choice of the artist, or if it was in the actual Sanderson manuscript, but either way, someone fails at common sense. A pretty decent argument could be made for racism as well, unintentional or otherwise, in "Darksiders" all having dark skin. I mean, if a 30-something white guy from Utah, the whitest place on earth, noticed it, I can only imagine what other people who are, perhaps a little more racially sensitive than myself, must be thinking about it. I suppose it might be an illustration of the concept that white sand when drained of magic turns dark, and the people with dark skin have no magic, but, um... when you put it like that, it seems even MORE racist.
Oh, and why would a character who has grown up on a world where the sun is always in the same place in the sky, never moving, even have to narrate about that to himself? He's never known anything different, and he's not explaining it to anyone but the readers sooooo... that's just some really clunky exposition delivery right there. The entire thing is like that too. That's what I meant when I said that there's way too much narration to explain all of the worldbuilding instead of working it into the story in some way.
I'll still read the other two graphic novels when they're released. I'm interested enough in what's happening to continue to the end. I just wish this was a book, rather than a graphic novel. Seems like the story really isn't suited to the medium.
January 12, 2018
Her şey çok hızlı oluyor. Konu ilginç ama karakterler, kültür, evren derinlik hissi vermiyor.
Sanderson kitaplarında yarattığı evreni o kadar güzel ve detaylı anlatır. Burada ise bu yok. :D
Sanderson kitaplarında yarattığı evreni o kadar güzel ve detaylı anlatır. Burada ise bu yok. :D
May 20, 2017
Read 1 of my Cosmere chronological extravaganza
White Sand is a series of graphic novels that are technically one story. It is set on the planet Taldain in the Cosmere, where sand mastery is this particular magic of Investiture--the ability to manipulate white sand at the cost of the manipulator's water supply. Without water, they are left to dehydrate and, therefore, their powers are wasted.
After a warring attack against the raging Kerztians, the sand masters on Dayside--the light side of the world--are left in disarray, their monarchy completely ruined. So the Lord Mastrell's (their 'ruler-like' figure) son, Kenton (one of these sand masters) ventures across Dayside to attend to the matters, as well as the mystery of the Kerztians. Why did they attack them? For what purpose? And who, among his kin, could be the traitor behind the attack? Who exposed the sand masters to their enemies?
Brandon Sanderson did an amazing job of weaving multiple storylines together. I came to the sudden realisation of Khriss's backstory, her beginnings with Gevin. I really liked the way this panned out, as well as how it adds to the completeness of the Cosmere. I loved the differences between the Darksiders and the Lightsiders, the two different locations of the world (and two different races). Their different ways of understanding culture, language, arts, weaponry and the stances on the battlefield was just so intriguing and it brings life to Sanderson's world.
"Spoilers. Spoilers everywhere." Down below!
I believe next on the Cosmere chronology (in-world) is Elantris, so I'll be reading that for the first time! I did get some 200 pages in at first but I wasn't concentrating heavily on the text. Hopefully I'll pick up some interesting theories and speculations about its involvement to the Cosmere!
White Sand is a series of graphic novels that are technically one story. It is set on the planet Taldain in the Cosmere, where sand mastery is this particular magic of Investiture--the ability to manipulate white sand at the cost of the manipulator's water supply. Without water, they are left to dehydrate and, therefore, their powers are wasted.
After a warring attack against the raging Kerztians, the sand masters on Dayside--the light side of the world--are left in disarray, their monarchy completely ruined. So the Lord Mastrell's (their 'ruler-like' figure) son, Kenton (one of these sand masters) ventures across Dayside to attend to the matters, as well as the mystery of the Kerztians. Why did they attack them? For what purpose? And who, among his kin, could be the traitor behind the attack? Who exposed the sand masters to their enemies?
Brandon Sanderson did an amazing job of weaving multiple storylines together. I came to the sudden realisation of Khriss's backstory, her beginnings with Gevin. I really liked the way this panned out, as well as how it adds to the completeness of the Cosmere. I loved the differences between the Darksiders and the Lightsiders, the two different locations of the world (and two different races). Their different ways of understanding culture, language, arts, weaponry and the stances on the battlefield was just so intriguing and it brings life to Sanderson's world.
"Spoilers. Spoilers everywhere." Down below!
I believe next on the Cosmere chronology (in-world) is Elantris, so I'll be reading that for the first time! I did get some 200 pages in at first but I wasn't concentrating heavily on the text. Hopefully I'll pick up some interesting theories and speculations about its involvement to the Cosmere!
October 2, 2019
I thought this was pretty awesome. But why is it set in a desert. It always feels so Star Wars when something is set in a desert. Why not use a swamp? I know, they have to conserve their water. I get it.
The magic systems is so clever. I like that there was some power escalation in the story and we didn't have to wait to see a jump with our main character.
We open with a mysterious clan going through a ritual to raise and student up to a level. We learn that the student is the son of the clan leader. He is a most powerful leader and he is ashamed of his son because his son is so weak. The ritual is very dangerous and only strong members do well. The son is determined to do the ritual and so he is allowed to do so. They have to find 5 power balls of some kind in a maze.
It's a great start to the story. I can't wait for the next issue.
This is my first story in the Cosmere universe and I can't wait to start the Mistborn trilogy.
The magic systems is so clever. I like that there was some power escalation in the story and we didn't have to wait to see a jump with our main character.
We open with a mysterious clan going through a ritual to raise and student up to a level. We learn that the student is the son of the clan leader. He is a most powerful leader and he is ashamed of his son because his son is so weak. The ritual is very dangerous and only strong members do well. The son is determined to do the ritual and so he is allowed to do so. They have to find 5 power balls of some kind in a maze.
It's a great start to the story. I can't wait for the next issue.
This is my first story in the Cosmere universe and I can't wait to start the Mistborn trilogy.
February 28, 2017
Final rating: 3/5 stars
I know this is just a start of it, but for now it's 3 stars..
I am not really into characters, except for Khriss, and she was just cool enough for me to wait for the other two parts. Interesting world and there are many poc characters and it's like a mix of modern and fantasy at the same time.
Gooooooooorgeous art and designs though. Really gorgeous.
I know this is just a start of it, but for now it's 3 stars..
I am not really into characters, except for Khriss, and she was just cool enough for me to wait for the other two parts. Interesting world and there are many poc characters and it's like a mix of modern and fantasy at the same time.
Gooooooooorgeous art and designs though. Really gorgeous.
October 5, 2019
2.75
All I can say is I wish this was a book.
It just feels too important of a story to be told in a 3 volume graphic novel.
All I can say is I wish this was a book.
It just feels too important of a story to be told in a 3 volume graphic novel.
January 29, 2018
3.5 stars
Story: ★★★★☆
This is a unique story concept, although it's slightly confusing at first when you're trying to learn about the world. I wasn't expecting that big attack early on and of course, some of my new favorite characters died. Duchess Khrissalla is a strong character who is quite the fashionista! I also like Senior Trackt Ais. She's starting to grow on me. I'm still not sure what I think of Kenton. I know for sure that Drile is a jerk and probably a traitor. lol
Art: ★★★☆☆
I wasn't thrilled with the art. At the beginning, a lot of the sand masters looked alike, especially since they were wearing white, hooded outfits and you couldn't see their faces well enough. Some of the scenic illustrations of the world was pretty cool.
Overall, it's an enjoyable graphic novel and I'll definitely read the next volume!
Story: ★★★★☆
This is a unique story concept, although it's slightly confusing at first when you're trying to learn about the world. I wasn't expecting that big attack early on and of course, some of my new favorite characters died. Duchess Khrissalla is a strong character who is quite the fashionista! I also like Senior Trackt Ais. She's starting to grow on me. I'm still not sure what I think of Kenton. I know for sure that Drile is a jerk and probably a traitor. lol
Art: ★★★☆☆
I wasn't thrilled with the art. At the beginning, a lot of the sand masters looked alike, especially since they were wearing white, hooded outfits and you couldn't see their faces well enough. Some of the scenic illustrations of the world was pretty cool.
Overall, it's an enjoyable graphic novel and I'll definitely read the next volume!
February 5, 2020
I prefer the original novel by Sanderson, as opposed to this adaptation by Rik Hoskin. Doesn't seem authentic to have Sandersons' name front and center, while the poor narration is derived from someone else. Would hate to have someone read this on the basis that its Sanderson material and then get an erroneous idea of what his actual work is like.
Having read the unpublished novel certainly curved my impression since the book has added depth, background characterizations and explains motivations, as opposed to the graphic novel that doesn't explain motive.
Like many other reviewers have expressed, I also found the art to be uninspired and lacking visual vitality.
Having read the unpublished novel certainly curved my impression since the book has added depth, background characterizations and explains motivations, as opposed to the graphic novel that doesn't explain motive.
Like many other reviewers have expressed, I also found the art to be uninspired and lacking visual vitality.
June 1, 2020
Το ξεκίνησα με κάποιον δισταγμό είναι η αλήθεια αλλά εν τέλει μου άρεσε!!
Στην αρχή διάβαζα αργά και προσεκτικά μη τυχόν και χάσω τίποτα (ομολογώ ότι γκούγκλαρα και κάποια πράγματα) αλλά όσο προχωρούσε η ιστορία όλο και πιο εύκολο γινόταν να παρακολουθώ τι συμβαίνει!
Δεν είμαι σίγουρη αν έχω κατανοήσει πλήρως πώς λειτουργεί η μαγεία ή τι συμβαίνει με τις διάφορες φυλές του πλανήτη αλλά μέχρι να φτάσουμε στο τέλος κατάφερε να με ιντριγκάρει αρκετά ώστε να θέλω να πιάσω άμεσα το επόμενο και να μάθω ακόμη περισσότερα!!
Όσο αναφορά το σχέδιο....μερικές φορές μου χτυπούσε, σε κάποιες σκηνές η πολύ λεπτομέρεια με κούραζε στο μάτι και μερικές φορές το έβρισκα καταπληκτικό!!
(Στο arcanum unbounded υπάρχει σε πεζό κείμενο μια σκηνή αυτού του τόμου. Και πραγματικά η απόδοσή του σε εικόνες και διάλογο είναι εξαιρετική!!)
Στην αρχή διάβαζα αργά και προσεκτικά μη τυχόν και χάσω τίποτα (ομολογώ ότι γκούγκλαρα και κάποια πράγματα) αλλά όσο προχωρούσε η ιστορία όλο και πιο εύκολο γινόταν να παρακολουθώ τι συμβαίνει!
Δεν είμαι σίγουρη αν έχω κατανοήσει πλήρως πώς λειτουργεί η μαγεία ή τι συμβαίνει με τις διάφορες φυλές του πλανήτη αλλά μέχρι να φτάσουμε στο τέλος κατάφερε να με ιντριγκάρει αρκετά ώστε να θέλω να πιάσω άμεσα το επόμενο και να μάθω ακόμη περισσότερα!!
Όσο αναφορά το σχέδιο....μερικές φορές μου χτυπούσε, σε κάποιες σκηνές η πολύ λεπτομέρεια με κούραζε στο μάτι και μερικές φορές το έβρισκα καταπληκτικό!!
(Στο arcanum unbounded υπάρχει σε πεζό κείμενο μια σκηνή αυτού του τόμου. Και πραγματικά η απόδοσή του σε εικόνες και διάλογο είναι εξαιρετική!!)
October 14, 2019
Brandon Sanderson can do no wrong across all mediums.
White Sand is a well constructed world about a group of people who are able to manipulate sand to do as they wish, however it requires the manipulator's own water to fuel the magic. This is where Sanderson shines when it comes to magic systems and world building. He creates such amazing and interesting magic systems, but knows how to limit them in realistic ways thereby making them pragmatic and help move the plot along with an organic way.
What I enjoyed most about this graphic novel is that you think you have an idea of where the story is headed, but then something happens that changes the plot entirely. This plot point enhances the world building on top of keep the reader on their feet.
I cannot wait for the second volume!
White Sand is a well constructed world about a group of people who are able to manipulate sand to do as they wish, however it requires the manipulator's own water to fuel the magic. This is where Sanderson shines when it comes to magic systems and world building. He creates such amazing and interesting magic systems, but knows how to limit them in realistic ways thereby making them pragmatic and help move the plot along with an organic way.
What I enjoyed most about this graphic novel is that you think you have an idea of where the story is headed, but then something happens that changes the plot entirely. This plot point enhances the world building on top of keep the reader on their feet.
I cannot wait for the second volume!
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