Warbreaker

Brandon Sanderson proves his expertise in magic once more with Warbreaker, a story of two princesses, separated and each trying to prevent a war. In theShardworld of Nathis, every individual is born with a single breath, similar to a soul, which provides a sixth sense and can be gifted to others. The breath can also be used for BioChromatic magic, which comes in several different forms. Those with multiple Breaths gain ‘heightenings’ like disease resistance, the ability to sense auras, and even agelessness. These all help magic users to gain more breaths over time, which can be used in other ways. Breath allows users to raise the dead, bring objects to life, and more. Use of breath is illegal in the country of Idris, where the princesses were born, creating a fascinating power dynamic and culture differences. Topping it off is Sanderson’s overarching lore that ties many of his novels together. As well as Breaths, Warbreakerhints at use of Stormlight, though in a very different way to what can be found inThe Stormlight Archive. As well as its ingenious action sequences, the magic system propels an overarching threatthat drives an engaging plot.