Book Review: Edgedancer

Edgedancer is a side novel (#2.5) that follows the Peter-Pan-like Lift and her Captain Hook nemesis, Darkness, through a new part of Sanderson's world, adding color to the vastness and variety that we've had only small glimpses of until now through interludes. Though significantly shorter than the main novels, I felt satisfied both by the content, progression, and conclusion. I haven't yet read the 3rd and final book in the series, Oathbringer, but I sincerely hope Lift continues to be part of it.

Lift is a 13-year-old girl with a tragic back story, like most heroes, having lost her parents and spent most of her life on the street. Her perspective, language, and interactions are all that of an uneducated yet undaunted youth whose enthusiasm and live-by-the-wind attitude is refreshing. She takes sass from no one and goes where she will, whether she's wanted or not, frustrating everyone around her with her inscrutable illogic.

Oh, and she also happens to be a blossoming, all-powerful Radiant. Her spren, Wyndle, is her opposite, the Alfred to her Batman, spawning an endless Odd Couple dialogue between them. Her powers are fueled by food, unlike other Radiants, which gives her the advantage of not needing raw stormlight as a source but leaves her constantly hungry. Hunger heavily influences her actions and even her language (“starving’” is a four-letter word to Lift).

Though some of Lift’s decisions were head-scratching even for a tweenage kleptomaniac, her careless youth, exuberance, and positive attitude makes them easy to forgive. If you’re looking for a fun ride in a fantasy setting, I highly recommend Edgedancer.