Warbreaker

Synopsis

WARBREAKER is the story of two sisters - who happen to be princesses, the God King one of them has to marry, a lesser god, and an immortal trying to undo the mistakes he made hundreds of years ago.

Theirs is a world in which those who die in glory return as gods to live confined to a pantheon in Hallandren's capital city. A world transformed by BioChromatic magic, a power based on an essence known as breath. Using magic is arduous: breath can only be collected one unit at a time from individual people.

But the rewards are great: by using breath and drawing upon the color in everyday objects, all manner of miracles and mischief can be performed.

Brandon Sanderson proves again that he is a master of what Tolkien called 'secondary creation,' the invention of whole worlds, complete with magics and myths all their own.

Summary

Chapter 1:

* Introduces Vivenna, a princess of Idris who is sent to marry the God King of Hallandren, who bears the Returned soul of a deity.
* Vivenna's mission is to secure an alliance between Idris and Hallandren to counter the aggression of their mutual enemy, Reod.

Example:

Vivenna's journey to Hallandren is depicted as a perilous journey through the "Bleeder's Way," a treacherous passage filled with dangerous creatures.

Chapter 2:

* Introduces Lightsong, a Returned God King who has lost his memories and is plagued by a sense of emptiness.
* Lightsong's court is filled with eccentric and ambitious individuals, including Bluefingers, a scheming thief who manipulates the court's politics.

Example:

Lightsong's court is described as a vibrant and chaotic place, with people vying for his attention and favor. One of the court's most intriguing characters is Blushweaver, a woman who can create enchanting illusions.

Chapter 3:

* Vivenna arrives in Hallandren and is met with skepticism and disdain by Lightsong's court.
* Vivenna learns about the complex system of Breath, a vital force that fuels magic and societal status.

Example:

Vivenna's first encounter with the court is a disaster, as she is ridiculed for her lack of Breath and her naivete about Hallandren's culture.

Chapter 4:

* Vasher, a mysterious and powerful Returned, appears and takes Vivenna under his protection.
* Vasher reveals that the God King is not the only Returned in Hallandren and hints at a darker secret about the Returned.

Example:

Vasher's intervention in Vivenna's fate is a pivotal moment in the story, as he becomes her mentor and guide in the treacherous world of Hallandren.

Chapter 5:

* Lightsong learns about Vivenna's true intentions and begins to question his role as God King.
* Vivenna's involvement in court politics draws the attention of the evil Returned, Tonk Fah.

Example:

Lightsong's initial anger at Vivenna turns into intrigue and curiosity as he discovers her determination and intelligence. Vivenna, on the other hand, must navigate the dangerous waters of court alliances and avoid the machinations of Tonk Fah.