Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment in response to this question for a chance to win a copy of Yumi signed by all the book club guests and Brandon! "What were your thoughts on the narrator and the narrating style? Did it bother you, or did you like it?"
It was definitely a love/hate relationship. There were many moments where I wanted the narrator to not interrupt so much or to give more information/explanation. But knowing who the narrator was, many of those moments became endearing rather than frustrating.
I really liked most of the Hoid stuff, especially the lore interjections. It worked better than in Tress, where it was a bit strange to have him be such a large part of the story in addition to being the narrator. I did NOT care for the endless poop jokes and toe sucking in Tress. In this book, I felt the tone was just right up until the ending part. I really did NOT like the three chapter infodumps at the end. Took me very out of the story. Would rather have preferred that info to not be revealed, or explained another more storywise way. I would also have preferred chapter six without the added Hoid stuff at the start. I did not feel it was necessary, and it took away from Yumi’s part a little bit. (The preview did start of chapter six better) The thing that worked was the general tone of narration in this book, the Hoid jokes and interjections and his role as a somewhat disgruntled coat rack. I also liked the fairytale vibe of his voice in Tress. In Yumi, the more exposition/infodump/explaining of “pause, I’ll let you know what happened here” did not work very well. Overall, I am very fond of this book. I am kind of sad that we did not get this story without the Hoid narration. Would have been such an awesome story on its own, like WB or Elantris. But I also understand the concept of a Hoid narrated story and I feel that it worked well as an experiment to find his voice. Please, please, please --> less poop jokes Thanks for the Cosmere🎉🎉🎉🎉
Wait - you are the reason I even know about Brandon Sanderson! Well, you and the UA-cam algorithm. Don’t know why it fed me your stuff, but from there it figured out I like videos on story and worldbuilding suggested his class lectures. So you’ve got a powerful reach!
The way Painter is his identity in Yumi's body, but Yumi retains her body and identity is very interesting. She gets to remake herself in a world that allows her to have choices, food, clothes, friendships. Painter doesn't need that, he needs to explore creativity, and its value to him, and to be constrained by the environment to discipline himself. That is a favourite focus for me to think about, especially on reread.
I'm glad the narration was more toned back compared to how it was in Tress of the Emerald Sea. Not only because it suits this story better, but also because it tells us something about Hoid-that he adapts his narrative style depending on the story and his audience. I was especially intrigued by the slow realization that Hoid is narrating the story to someone on Roshar, with references to Rosharan people and culture (saying Painter looks Veden, comparing light spirits to spheres). I look forward to knowing at what point in Roshar's story he's telling this, and to whom.
I haven't thought about this until Emily brought up yumi's difficulty with making a choice, but now that reminds me a lot of my wife. She grew up in a very sheltered Asian family and when we moved in together my mom took her to get some essentials for the house and it took her 30 minutes to choose a trash can for the kitchen because she'd never been allowed to make any kind of choice before on her own.
What I like about having Hoid as the narrator is that it makes me imagine him telling this story to another Cosmere character, so it doesn't feel like a real breaking of the 4th wall any more than when he and Kaladin start talking in the middle of the Dog and the Dragon story.
I agree, and on top of that apparently the story is supposed to have an actual audience in Silverlight (well, mainly a Rosharan audience, but there are references to Scadrial as well), so all of the interjections about how they're going slower than a drunk chull or whatever actually make diegetic sense. This does bring up questions about the humor of Silverlight, and also can Hoid publish stuff? That sounds like cheating to me...
What took me a while to understand and then appreciate was the manifestation of Painter's depression. To be told offhandedly you're not good enough, and then finally seeing the reason for it (which most people will never experience) and continuing onward is helpful.
I absolutely love the decor! Rocks! A ramen sign! The lights on the table add to it all too. Brandon's response to the question asked of him was a great one! Regarding the response to the question: I liked the narrator and the style. It fit with Tress but was still unique and had a different voice, even with the same narrator. I don't have an internal monologue, so having someone "read to me" brought me into the story. In Yumi specifically, there was a right level of humor and seriousness, bringing me into the emotions of even the secondary characters.
B$ is absolutely NAILING Hoid's voice. Makes sense given that it's a character of his design but it just matches what's in my head perfectly. I love the feeling of being told the story as if I am part of the Cosmere myself. Very fun and immersive!
"What were your thoughts on the narrator and the narrating style? Did it bother you, or did you like it?" I really enjoyed Hoid's narrating. I liked the different feel of the story and it was fun imagining Hoid actually telling me the story.
I loved having Hoid as the narrator for Yumi! I thought it was the perfect balance of him breaking that wall and stepping back. Such a beautiful story!
I really enjoyed the narrator style. It added to the whimsy but also provided good insight into the world. It made the book very enjoyable to listen to.
I loved how Hoid narrated this book. Every time he tells a story we see his versatility and we learn more about him. He was more toned down in his storytelling, but I really loved his humor in this story.
I love this narrator so much. It fits my sense of humor perfectly, but also manages to pull off the serious moments perfectly well. I’m struggling to find the balance in my own writing.
The narrator was so awesome, the humor perfect. I loved it when the narrator spoke to the reader directly and life advice was spot on! Such a great book, a perfect balance.
This was my favorite book club yet! Great job everyone. I really loved having Hoid as the narrator as we were able to learn more about his character by being "in his head" in a way. I also loved finding all the little hints at who Hoid was telling the story of Yumi and the Nightmare Painter to.
I relate to both Yumi and Painter in different parts of my life. My family was not wealthy growing up, so I was raised with the mindset that I have to strive hard in life (mainly studies) to lift the family from poverty. I have a duty to my family and am blessed to have the opportunity to study like how Yumi was blessed by the sprits but also have the duty to everybody else. It was something that was implanted to you growing up. You can see your friends having an easier time with their day-to-day life but at the same time see the results of your hard work in school like how Yumi can attract more spirit that everyone else. Then, as a university student, I related more with Painter as I was slapped by my failures. I thought I was better than everyone else and can make the cut easily, but I had to strive more to eventually be good enough. Question: I wonder if Sanderson also felt like a Yoki-Hijo blessed with fans and success but also have the duty to continue to write series as opposed to just writing whatever he felt like (these Secret Projects).
I wanna get to read this book soooooo bad!!!! I’ve been having a hard time finding (and being able to afford) books by Brandon Sanderson here in Brazil, but I don’t plan on giving up because all year I couldn’t find the strength to do what makes me the happiest - which is reading nonstop - until I got to buy Tress of the Emerald Sea and it was the first time excitement and motivation came to me easily in months!
This was phenomenal discussion!!! I loved Hoit... his humor his interjections! My favorite scene was when painter was going home to leave the nightmare to someone else, but then he turns back, bursts back into the frame and goes to get it. You guys are doing great can't wait for episode two.
I liked how hoid told the story, while taking a step back from breaks in the narrative as he did in Tress. I believe this is because he wasn't an active character in this story, unlike in Tress
I quite enjoyed the Hoid narration and all the included interjections. I think what made it work so well is the fact that "Hoid" was able to step back from adding quirky comments when the tone was more emotional so that it was never a distraction and instead added to the story, at least for me anyway. I was presently surprised by the extensive explanation at the end of the book, because I was not at all expecting it. It almost felt wrong to me to be getting that much information without having to try and piece things together from small tid-bits of information like many of Brandon's other books, but was quite refreshing at the same time.
I liked the narration! Hoid's voice came across distinctly but not distractingly so. I thought he was both informative and funny, which is always something I appreciate in a narrator.
This was my favorite Sanderson book. I got the ebook through the kickstarter, but after I finished, I HAD to buy the hardcover too. I'm an artist myself, and I SO identified with Painter (at least until he turned out to be really talented). ;) He really felt like me back in college, to cringy.
The fact that Hoid is giving the narration further dives into the character of who he is that we’ve been seeing in all of your books. I’m so excited to buy it for myself!
I particularly like narration like this, I had actually planned on writing books in such a narration style. It is nice to see it done like this as a sort of example.
Loving this side of Brandon Sanderson. Yumi and Tress are some of my favorites. Hoid telling the story helps brings the entire cosmere together for me plus he is hilarious
I enjoyed the narration in this book! I liked the difference in Hoid's voice in this compared to Tress, and I like how it changed to fit the story being told in Yumi vs. the story being told in Tress
I thought the narrator was wonderful. I'm sure most people have already said this but Hoid is such an incredible story teller, not too surprising given his circumstances (at least what we know of them). But I like that this story gave us a bit more of a more almost somber take from him as opposed to Tres. I can't wait to someday learn the context in which these stories are told, I wonder if it'll come up in Stormlight someday like we over hear him telling a few lines of one of these stories to somebody or something like that. But I really enjoyed that touch from the narration, this was my favorite of the secret books so far, I suspect it won't happen but I hope we get to see Yumi and Painter again in some capacity in the future!
I enjoyed the narrator. The flip between characters was nice and felt unique for this book. I’ve enjoyed each of these Secret Projects - thanks for all your hard work! There was no bother at all. Great read.
"What were your thoughts on the narrator and the narrating style? Did it bother you, or did you like it?" The narration style was perfect. I loved the hints towards a in cosmere audience but I also loved the explanations provided by Hoid. I have let several people read this book as their first cosmere book because the messages in the book fit them perfectly and because of the style it was easy for them to follow.
Thank you so much to Brandon and his incredible team for inviting me to be a part of this book club. Yumi and the Nightmare Painter was such a pleasure to read and discuss with this group. I can't speak highly enough of the Dragonsteel team's kindness and hospitality. It was amazing to get to know Tim, Tran, and Bethany while we were there, and I can't wait for us to have a summer camp reunion sometime soon! walawalawalawala 🏕
I quite liked the narrator style, it gives a view into the thoughts of the acting characters but also provides context from an outside viewer. And Hoid is just wholesome in this book!
I just started reading the Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson. I just started reading the Way of Kings, and I appreciate the fact it took him at least twenty years write it before publishing it. Especially since it gives me hope for my own novels since I now know that it doesn't matter how long it takes for me to finish writing my novels, so long as I finish them.
I absolutely loved it. I loved seeing the story through the eyes of Hoid. It gave an extra dynamic to an already incredibly cool plot. As well as giving an easier way of having comic relief put into the book through hoid rather than the break some of the serious scenes between Yumi and painter. I do not think the story would have been so exceptional if told in a normal way.
I love Hoid as the narrator. Tress and Yumi, so far, are my favorite of the Secret Projects. And it is mostly because of his narration. Most of my favorite scenes in Stormlight were scenes that involved him. I am glad that you listened to your wife and toned him back a bit. And having him "technically be a character" in the story, but having him on the sidelines for 95% of it was a great decision.
I loved the narration. Hoid is such a fun and interesting character, and I liked his off-hand explanations about some off the more Cosmere-connected stuff.
I truly enjoyed the narration in this book. The sense of humor added some levity some fairly heavy themes in this book, while also providing that extra link to the Cosmere as a whole.
I loved the narrator here, I mean, I already knew who it was since I have heard the sample of Yumi when Brandon read it, but still, I loved it. It feels so different than Brandon's usual voice, and for me, the narration is so interesting, and it was so beautiful. It really did not bother me as much, because like I said earlier, I loved that it is different from Brandon's usual voice. It was so poetic, and really reminds me of Patrick Rothfuss. Loved it so much. Literally my new favorite book of all time.
I am really loving the secret projects. Sometimes, the entire cosmir can be a little overwhelming to recommend, so it's been great to have this as an option. My wife loved tress and really hoping she loves this one too.
My thoughts on the narrator and narrating style - I love Hoid as a narrator. To my knowledge this and Tress of the Emerald Sea have been the only books where Hoid has been the narrator and I have absolutely loved them both. I am not very good at describing why but I do know that when Brandon uses Hoids voice it really pulls me in. It almost feels like I am sitting around a campfire on the shattered plain listening to him weave the tale. I also love that he states what other people say about him and the disagrees with it in a comment. This style can fall flat on its face and it has with a couple of other books that I have read. I think Brandon really pulled it off well in Yumi and the Nightmare Painter. It was a beautiful way to tell their story. I was completely sucked in and couldn’t put it down. It has been really fun to listen to this podcast and hear the reading group’s thoughts.
I personally liked it. When people tell stories in real life, there are often moments of 4th wall breaking, backing up, and re-explaining certain aspects. I think the narration of this book felt both fun and natural. I don’t necessarily want too much more of it, but for this book it was very much enjoyed
I quite enjoyed the style of narration. It never felt intrusive or jarring; just extra flavor to the story. Any time we learn more about Hoid or his abilities is a plus!
Big fan of hoid story telling. Listing to hoid tell the story and break the 4 wall makes me feel like he is right there telling me a story around a campfire in storm light
I enjoyed the narration, it reminded me of my favourite teacher who recently passed. I was being told a story but there was an undercurrent, a bit of a sly wink from the narrator to bits they found funny or situations calling other things out. Personality in narration is no bad thing, it's why I've always loved the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and Discworld so much.
I really enjoy the narration style, it worked specially good for me since I was listening to the audiobook, so it really feels like someone telling you a story
I love the narration style. I’ve always been a fan of multilayer storytelling, because it gets me invested in the deeper layers. When I occasionally get brought up a layer it gives me an emotional break and a way to checkpoint my experience. Then I get to dive in anew and reinvest in the deepest layers. One of my favorite examples is a VR game called Alone (by Greenwood Games).
I'm glad you ended your discussion with the idea of working together to solve the problem as Yumi and Painter do right from the start. This was one of the reasons this book reminded me of a favorite story by George MacDonald called The Day Boy and the Night Girl. Except, of course, with Yumi and Painter it's the day girl and the night boy. 😊
I really enjoyed Hoid as the narrator for this book. I wouldn’t want it for every cosmere book, but i honestly think it did this book justice. It for one, made it feel like he was genuinely telling some in world people(s) this story which was really cool, but also it gave Yumi and Painter a new angle to be explored from which was really fun
4:10 That is so true. Reading let's you focus on just that oen thing. If you listen to it, you are doing other stuff and don't focus on either. You may get the whole, but not the details
I love Hoid as a narrator, I have the same juvenile sense of humour so it suits me very well. Also, he's inevitably going to drop hints or lies about his own past, which always intrigues me.
Trying to do this without using any spoilers but just incase be warned... It was fun with the way this book was narrated. Felt like I could see Hoid pulling an "Emperor's New Groove" when ever he added insight to the story which made it fun. And after hearing how he was in Tress he was just more eloquent with Yumi and Painter's story, though he did do his few jabs here and there for great comedic effect. Definitely enjoyed hearing this from the cosmere storyteller himself. It was a beautiful and motivating piece, and wouldn't have worked without him guiding the reader in how the world he is show casing works.
I greatly enjoyed how the book was narrated. What I liked was the feeling of experiencing the story with someone who had also experienced the story, in one way or another, and how he would input sometimes very good advice, make jibes at a character, or compare to other worlds. Referencing "chulls" being one of those. However, it did not completely sit right with me all of those references. I can't remember one without going back to look, but I remember that it took me out of it a bit. I still found them funny and thought it was great because it was a Stormlight thing, but I think I also felt that they were sometimes just that. Or close to that. A reference for reference's sake, justified though it may be. It felt strange or distracting at times. Though I would have to reread to be sure of my thoughts, as I read it the month it came out and so its been a while.
I know you’ll never see this, but I would absolutely love to join this book club for SP4, especially considering it’s my most anticipated of the 4 secret projects! I’m just a small channel, but an avid Brandon Sanderson fan and reviewer! Would love the chance to talk with others in person (even in Utah 😅)!
I'm pretty sure every single person on that table is family, friends, acquaintances (some of whom work for Sanderson) etc. Even Bethany I imagine is a niece or cousin, or the daughter of a friend from Church (temple?)
@@3choblast3r4Well, Tim from HelloFutureMe at least isn't connected as far as I know, he's just a large UA-camr who has mentioned liking Brandon's books.
@@3choblast3r4 pretty sure Brandon and/or his team reaches out personally to these people beforehand. It’s a long shot but hey, maybe in a few years if I’m able to grow!
@@TheSandbox_Official I just watched your warbreaker review. I don't really care for brandonson books. I just like his podcast. But I wanted to say, your review was very well done. Much better than the average book review on youtube even from bigger channels. Good luck with your channel and .. the whole being picked by Sanderson for his bookclub thing!
I loved this book. It was so fun to discover yet another world in the Cosmere. I really enjoyed the narrating style of Yumi. It was good Hoid but also not too much Hoid. There were times when I forgot that he was telling the story and I think that that was a good thing, as he can be distracting sometimes. Brandon defenitly found a good balance.
I love the narration style and how Hoid's voice is being developed. I am looking forward to seeing how it works in Dragonsteel--however many years from now that might be.
I liked Hoid's narration in both this book as well as in Tress. I have always liked Hoid's stories (except maybe the poop story). I enjoy seeing a storyteller crafting his stories and Hoid is one of the greats!
I enjoyed the narration style 90% of the time. I love Wit and the way it talks and tells stories, so for me it was a really good time, 90% of the time. The other 10% of the time I felt like it pulled me out of the story at really emotional moments. I wouldn't change a thing about it though. The narration is part of the reason this is my favorite Kickstarter novel so far.
I loved the Narrator and Narrating Style! In fact I expected it to be more like Tress and the Emerald Sea where it was more integral. It makes sense plot wise since the narrator is a statue the entire story but his quips were much missed. Each quip led to so much theorization! A new insight into the cosmere I could mull over! However on the other side it did help me focus more on Yumi and Painters story instead of being distracted by humor. I think we forget sometimes that while humor is great, it's also amazing to just be invested in a story and to take it seriously.
I really have enjoyed Hoid’s narration. I loved it in Tress and really enjoyed it here. While I enjoyed Hoid’s participation in the actual story for Tress, I was also happy to see him tell a story that really didn’t involve him or his direct influence in this one. Thanks!
It took me a couple chapters to get used to the narrating style, but once I did it felt nostalgic to hear Hoid tell another excellent story. I loved it
Hoid as the narrator is delightful. I loved him and the whole of his presence in Tress, but having him take a more narrative style-and making it be diegetic to the wider Cosmere and then FEEL diegetic on top of that let’s me feel like I’m on Roshar or somewhere learning about this strange other world. That and his narrative voice is just so cheeky.
This was my favorite book of the secret projects so far. Hoid narration was fine but glad he was toned down, think it could even have been toned down a bit more. I also like that he didn't play a huge role in this one. In Tress, it kind of seemed like it was too easy and neat for Hoid to just come in and save everyone. A lvl 100 comes in and destroys all the lvl 1 goblins rescuing the villager type of thing.
Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment in response to this question for a chance to win a copy of Yumi signed by all the book club guests and Brandon! "What were your thoughts on the narrator and the narrating style? Did it bother you, or did you like it?"
I love that sort of narration! Why I filled my own novel with it. Not a bother at all.
I loved it for the most part..the info dump narration at the end was a little much
It was definitely a love/hate relationship. There were many moments where I wanted the narrator to not interrupt so much or to give more information/explanation. But knowing who the narrator was, many of those moments became endearing rather than frustrating.
I really liked most of the Hoid stuff, especially the lore interjections. It worked better than in Tress, where it was a bit strange to have him be such a large part of the story in addition to being the narrator. I did NOT care for the endless poop jokes and toe sucking in Tress. In this book, I felt the tone was just right up until the ending part. I really did NOT like the three chapter infodumps at the end. Took me very out of the story. Would rather have preferred that info to not be revealed, or explained another more storywise way. I would also have preferred chapter six without the added Hoid stuff at the start. I did not feel it was necessary, and it took away from Yumi’s part a little bit. (The preview did start of chapter six better)
The thing that worked was the general tone of narration in this book, the Hoid jokes and interjections and his role as a somewhat disgruntled coat rack. I also liked the fairytale vibe of his voice in Tress. In Yumi, the more exposition/infodump/explaining of “pause, I’ll let you know what happened here” did not work very well.
Overall, I am very fond of this book. I am kind of sad that we did not get this story without the Hoid narration. Would have been such an awesome story on its own, like WB or Elantris. But I also understand the concept of a Hoid narrated story and I feel that it worked well as an experiment to find his voice. Please, please, please --> less poop jokes
Thanks for the Cosmere🎉🎉🎉🎉
I listened to the audiobook due to some road-trips I had to take. I thought the voice actors did a great job. I truly enjoyed Hoid’s voice throughout.
It's hard to say just how amazing and meaningful this was for all of us
You make W content and your world building books are amazing
Wait - you are the reason I even know about Brandon Sanderson! Well, you and the UA-cam algorithm. Don’t know why it fed me your stuff, but from there it figured out I like videos on story and worldbuilding suggested his class lectures. So you’ve got a powerful reach!
Wow I'm excited to see you here! Once I finish reading the novel I'll tune in just to listen to you!
So happy you visited my state, Tim! ❤
The way Painter is his identity in Yumi's body, but Yumi retains her body and identity is very interesting. She gets to remake herself in a world that allows her to have choices, food, clothes, friendships. Painter doesn't need that, he needs to explore creativity, and its value to him, and to be constrained by the environment to discipline himself. That is a favourite focus for me to think about, especially on reread.
Thank you so much for having me! I had a blast talking about this amazing book! 💗
I'm glad the narration was more toned back compared to how it was in Tress of the Emerald Sea. Not only because it suits this story better, but also because it tells us something about Hoid-that he adapts his narrative style depending on the story and his audience. I was especially intrigued by the slow realization that Hoid is narrating the story to someone on Roshar, with references to Rosharan people and culture (saying Painter looks Veden, comparing light spirits to spheres). I look forward to knowing at what point in Roshar's story he's telling this, and to whom.
I haven't thought about this until Emily brought up yumi's difficulty with making a choice, but now that reminds me a lot of my wife. She grew up in a very sheltered Asian family and when we moved in together my mom took her to get some essentials for the house and it took her 30 minutes to choose a trash can for the kitchen because she'd never been allowed to make any kind of choice before on her own.
My favorite scene in this section is when Yumi is stressed in Painter's apartment, and just starts stacking dirty dishes
What I like about having Hoid as the narrator is that it makes me imagine him telling this story to another Cosmere character, so it doesn't feel like a real breaking of the 4th wall any more than when he and Kaladin start talking in the middle of the Dog and the Dragon story.
I agree, and on top of that apparently the story is supposed to have an actual audience in Silverlight (well, mainly a Rosharan audience, but there are references to Scadrial as well), so all of the interjections about how they're going slower than a drunk chull or whatever actually make diegetic sense. This does bring up questions about the humor of Silverlight, and also can Hoid publish stuff? That sounds like cheating to me...
What took me a while to understand and then appreciate was the manifestation of Painter's depression. To be told offhandedly you're not good enough, and then finally seeing the reason for it (which most people will never experience) and continuing onward is helpful.
I absolutely love the decor! Rocks! A ramen sign! The lights on the table add to it all too.
Brandon's response to the question asked of him was a great one!
Regarding the response to the question:
I liked the narrator and the style. It fit with Tress but was still unique and had a different voice, even with the same narrator. I don't have an internal monologue, so having someone "read to me" brought me into the story. In Yumi specifically, there was a right level of humor and seriousness, bringing me into the emotions of even the secondary characters.
B$ is absolutely NAILING Hoid's voice. Makes sense given that it's a character of his design but it just matches what's in my head perfectly. I love the feeling of being told the story as if I am part of the Cosmere myself. Very fun and immersive!
B MONEY!
"What were your thoughts on the narrator and the narrating style? Did it bother you, or did you like it?"
I really enjoyed Hoid's narrating. I liked the different feel of the story and it was fun imagining Hoid actually telling me the story.
I loved having Hoid as the narrator for Yumi! I thought it was the perfect balance of him breaking that wall and stepping back. Such a beautiful story!
I adore when we get to see Emily, this was great ❤
So glad you're doing this again! Awesome to see Emily leading since the book is dedicated to her. ❤
The narration was great... need more Hoid always and forever
I really enjoyed the narrator style. It added to the whimsy but also provided good insight into the world. It made the book very enjoyable to listen to.
I love when a narrator breaks the third wall, and I love Hoid, so I especially liked the narration style in this book!
YESSSSSSSs!!! I'm so glad they were able to get Tim from "Hello Future Me"
Yumi and the Nightmare Painter was sooo good
I saw this comment before I saw the adonalsium one and I got scared
@@Daimondz1239😂
Are you going to dragonsteeeeeeeeeeeel?
@@TheAmyrlinSeat I'm like a chasmfiend... you rarely see me in the wild.
@@zenthepoet. because we are hunting you to extinction for your precious innards.
I loved how Hoid narrated this book. Every time he tells a story we see his versatility and we learn more about him. He was more toned down in his storytelling, but I really loved his humor in this story.
I'm here after just having finished the book. I'm a mess. I've cried. A lot. Thank you Brandon! Just thank you! ❤
I love this narrator so much. It fits my sense of humor perfectly, but also manages to pull off the serious moments perfectly well. I’m struggling to find the balance in my own writing.
Wow okay you guys absolutely nailed the table decorations!
The narrator was so awesome, the humor perfect. I loved it when the narrator spoke to the reader directly and life advice was spot on! Such a great book, a perfect balance.
This was my favorite book club yet! Great job everyone. I really loved having Hoid as the narrator as we were able to learn more about his character by being "in his head" in a way. I also loved finding all the little hints at who Hoid was telling the story of Yumi and the Nightmare Painter to.
I relate to both Yumi and Painter in different parts of my life.
My family was not wealthy growing up, so I was raised with the mindset that I have to strive hard in life (mainly studies) to lift the family from poverty. I have a duty to my family and am blessed to have the opportunity to study like how Yumi was blessed by the sprits but also have the duty to everybody else. It was something that was implanted to you growing up. You can see your friends having an easier time with their day-to-day life but at the same time see the results of your hard work in school like how Yumi can attract more spirit that everyone else.
Then, as a university student, I related more with Painter as I was slapped by my failures. I thought I was better than everyone else and can make the cut easily, but I had to strive more to eventually be good enough.
Question: I wonder if Sanderson also felt like a Yoki-Hijo blessed with fans and success but also have the duty to continue to write series as opposed to just writing whatever he felt like (these Secret Projects).
Bump
I wanna get to read this book soooooo bad!!!! I’ve been having a hard time finding (and being able to afford) books by Brandon Sanderson here in Brazil, but I don’t plan on giving up because all year I couldn’t find the strength to do what makes me the happiest - which is reading nonstop - until I got to buy Tress of the Emerald Sea and it was the first time excitement and motivation came to me easily in months!
This was phenomenal discussion!!! I loved Hoit... his humor his interjections! My favorite scene was when painter was going home to leave the nightmare to someone else, but then he turns back, bursts back into the frame and goes to get it. You guys are doing great can't wait for episode two.
I liked how hoid told the story, while taking a step back from breaks in the narrative as he did in Tress. I believe this is because he wasn't an active character in this story, unlike in Tress
I quite enjoyed the Hoid narration and all the included interjections. I think what made it work so well is the fact that "Hoid" was able to step back from adding quirky comments when the tone was more emotional so that it was never a distraction and instead added to the story, at least for me anyway.
I was presently surprised by the extensive explanation at the end of the book, because I was not at all expecting it. It almost felt wrong to me to be getting that much information without having to try and piece things together from small tid-bits of information like many of Brandon's other books, but was quite refreshing at the same time.
I liked the narration! Hoid's voice came across distinctly but not distractingly so. I thought he was both informative and funny, which is always something I appreciate in a narrator.
This was my favorite Sanderson book. I got the ebook through the kickstarter, but after I finished, I HAD to buy the hardcover too. I'm an artist myself, and I SO identified with Painter (at least until he turned out to be really talented). ;) He really felt like me back in college, to cringy.
The fact that Hoid is giving the narration further dives into the character of who he is that we’ve been seeing in all of your books. I’m so excited to buy it for myself!
This works better than previous book clubs. I also enjoy Brandon "interludes".
I particularly like narration like this, I had actually planned on writing books in such a narration style. It is nice to see it done like this as a sort of example.
Loving this side of Brandon Sanderson. Yumi and Tress are some of my favorites. Hoid telling the story helps brings the entire cosmere together for me plus he is hilarious
Yumi has been my favorite of these projects by far, but I'm most excited for SP 4!
Same, same, same!
Very much enjoyed Yumi and the Nightmare Painter.
I enjoyed the narration in this book! I liked the difference in Hoid's voice in this compared to Tress, and I like how it changed to fit the story being told in Yumi vs. the story being told in Tress
When they first switched i was expecting Your Name style switching but then there was the ghost. Definitely made it its own thing
I thought the narrator was wonderful. I'm sure most people have already said this but Hoid is such an incredible story teller, not too surprising given his circumstances (at least what we know of them). But I like that this story gave us a bit more of a more almost somber take from him as opposed to Tres. I can't wait to someday learn the context in which these stories are told, I wonder if it'll come up in Stormlight someday like we over hear him telling a few lines of one of these stories to somebody or something like that. But I really enjoyed that touch from the narration, this was my favorite of the secret books so far, I suspect it won't happen but I hope we get to see Yumi and Painter again in some capacity in the future!
I love this book. My favorite of the secret projects. Loved the narration and most definitely loved the art.
I enjoyed the narrator. The flip between characters was nice and felt unique for this book. I’ve enjoyed each of these Secret Projects - thanks for all your hard work! There was no bother at all. Great read.
"What were your thoughts on the narrator and the narrating style? Did it bother you, or did you like it?"
The narration style was perfect. I loved the hints towards a in cosmere audience but I also loved the explanations provided by Hoid. I have let several people read this book as their first cosmere book because the messages in the book fit them perfectly and because of the style it was easy for them to follow.
Thank you so much to Brandon and his incredible team for inviting me to be a part of this book club. Yumi and the Nightmare Painter was such a pleasure to read and discuss with this group. I can't speak highly enough of the Dragonsteel team's kindness and hospitality. It was amazing to get to know Tim, Tran, and Bethany while we were there, and I can't wait for us to have a summer camp reunion sometime soon! walawalawalawala 🏕
I have to ask, where did you get the octopus shirt you wore in this video?? I'm in love with it
You mentioned Violet Evergarden and it brought me so much joy btw. Love that anime so much!
Walawalawalawalawala
@@PetrikLeo It's so good, I love it too! That poor studio has had so many troubles the last few years, I really hope we end up getting a season 2.
I quite liked the narrator style, it gives a view into the thoughts of the acting characters but also provides context from an outside viewer. And Hoid is just wholesome in this book!
I just started reading the Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson. I just started reading the Way of Kings, and I appreciate the fact it took him at least twenty years write it before publishing it. Especially since it gives me hope for my own novels since I now know that it doesn't matter how long it takes for me to finish writing my novels, so long as I finish them.
Och and Hoid - Narrator - was awesome. Can't wait for more.
I absolutely loved it. I loved seeing the story through the eyes of Hoid. It gave an extra dynamic to an already incredibly cool plot. As well as giving an easier way of having comic relief put into the book through hoid rather than the break some of the serious scenes between Yumi and painter. I do not think the story would have been so exceptional if told in a normal way.
I love Hoid as the narrator. Tress and Yumi, so far, are my favorite of the Secret Projects. And it is mostly because of his narration. Most of my favorite scenes in Stormlight were scenes that involved him. I am glad that you listened to your wife and toned him back a bit. And having him "technically be a character" in the story, but having him on the sidelines for 95% of it was a great decision.
I loved the narration. Hoid is such a fun and interesting character, and I liked his off-hand explanations about some off the more Cosmere-connected stuff.
The narrator was incredible. I like the style of narration. It feels like a journey the way the story is told.
I truly enjoyed the narration in this book. The sense of humor added some levity some fairly heavy themes in this book, while also providing that extra link to the Cosmere as a whole.
I loved the narrator here, I mean, I already knew who it was since I have heard the sample of Yumi when Brandon read it, but still, I loved it. It feels so different than Brandon's usual voice, and for me, the narration is so interesting, and it was so beautiful. It really did not bother me as much, because like I said earlier, I loved that it is different from Brandon's usual voice. It was so poetic, and really reminds me of Patrick Rothfuss. Loved it so much. Literally my new favorite book of all time.
I really enjoy Hoid as the narrator :) It brings a type of relief and break and often levity to the story in his typical way and I find it fun!
I am really loving the secret projects. Sometimes, the entire cosmir can be a little overwhelming to recommend, so it's been great to have this as an option. My wife loved tress and really hoping she loves this one too.
Love this book club and the book! I always enjoy interactions with Hoid and having him narrate these stories I think is the best.
I love Hoid and his narration. This is by far my favorite secret project and in contention for my favorite Sanderson book.
My thoughts on the narrator and narrating style - I love Hoid as a narrator. To my knowledge this and Tress of the Emerald Sea have been the only books where Hoid has been the narrator and I have absolutely loved them both. I am not very good at describing why but I do know that when Brandon uses Hoids voice it really pulls me in. It almost feels like I am sitting around a campfire on the shattered plain listening to him weave the tale. I also love that he states what other people say about him and the disagrees with it in a comment. This style can fall flat on its face and it has with a couple of other books that I have read. I think Brandon really pulled it off well in Yumi and the Nightmare Painter. It was a beautiful way to tell their story. I was completely sucked in and couldn’t put it down. It has been really fun to listen to this podcast and hear the reading group’s thoughts.
I personally liked it. When people tell stories in real life, there are often moments of 4th wall breaking, backing up, and re-explaining certain aspects. I think the narration of this book felt both fun and natural. I don’t necessarily want too much more of it, but for this book it was very much enjoyed
I loved the narration/narrator. It didn’t take me out of the story, but rather enhanced it and made me laugh so many times!
So happy to see a fellow Kiwi on this Brandon's Book Club!
I quite enjoyed the style of narration. It never felt intrusive or jarring; just extra flavor to the story. Any time we learn more about Hoid or his abilities is a plus!
I like this style. Loved Alcatraz and and love the snarkiness of Hoid.
Big fan of hoid story telling. Listing to hoid tell the story and break the 4 wall makes me feel like he is right there telling me a story around a campfire in storm light
So happy to see Tim here! Been a long time fan :)
I enjoyed the narration, it reminded me of my favourite teacher who recently passed. I was being told a story but there was an undercurrent, a bit of a sly wink from the narrator to bits they found funny or situations calling other things out. Personality in narration is no bad thing, it's why I've always loved the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and Discworld so much.
Yesss I've been waiting for this one! My favorite SP so far, and I cant wait to watch and see the cosmere spoiler section as well.
I really enjoy the narration style, it worked specially good for me since I was listening to the audiobook, so it really feels like someone telling you a story
OMG I LOVE HELLO FUTURE ME!!!! Great to see him on the panel 😄
I love the narration style. I’ve always been a fan of multilayer storytelling, because it gets me invested in the deeper layers. When I occasionally get brought up a layer it gives me an emotional break and a way to checkpoint my experience. Then I get to dive in anew and reinvest in the deepest layers. One of my favorite examples is a VR game called Alone (by Greenwood Games).
I like having Hoid as the narrator. It's a good way to get some exposition and Cosmere refrences.
I'm glad you ended your discussion with the idea of working together to solve the problem as Yumi and Painter do right from the start. This was one of the reasons this book reminded me of a favorite story by George MacDonald called The Day Boy and the Night Girl. Except, of course, with Yumi and Painter it's the day girl and the night boy. 😊
I really enjoyed Hoid as the narrator for this book. I wouldn’t want it for every cosmere book, but i honestly think it did this book justice. It for one, made it feel like he was genuinely telling some in world people(s) this story which was really cool, but also it gave Yumi and Painter a new angle to be explored from which was really fun
4:10 That is so true. Reading let's you focus on just that oen thing. If you listen to it, you are doing other stuff and don't focus on either. You may get the whole, but not the details
I love Hoid as a narrator, I have the same juvenile sense of humour so it suits me very well. Also, he's inevitably going to drop hints or lies about his own past, which always intrigues me.
Trying to do this without using any spoilers but just incase be warned...
It was fun with the way this book was narrated. Felt like I could see Hoid pulling an "Emperor's New Groove" when ever he added insight to the story which made it fun. And after hearing how he was in Tress he was just more eloquent with Yumi and Painter's story, though he did do his few jabs here and there for great comedic effect. Definitely enjoyed hearing this from the cosmere storyteller himself. It was a beautiful and motivating piece, and wouldn't have worked without him guiding the reader in how the world he is show casing works.
I greatly enjoyed how the book was narrated. What I liked was the feeling of experiencing the story with someone who had also experienced the story, in one way or another, and how he would input sometimes very good advice, make jibes at a character, or compare to other worlds. Referencing "chulls" being one of those. However, it did not completely sit right with me all of those references. I can't remember one without going back to look, but I remember that it took me out of it a bit. I still found them funny and thought it was great because it was a Stormlight thing, but I think I also felt that they were sometimes just that. Or close to that. A reference for reference's sake, justified though it may be. It felt strange or distracting at times. Though I would have to reread to be sure of my thoughts, as I read it the month it came out and so its been a while.
I know you’ll never see this, but I would absolutely love to join this book club for SP4, especially considering it’s my most anticipated of the 4 secret projects! I’m just a small channel, but an avid Brandon Sanderson fan and reviewer! Would love the chance to talk with others in person (even in Utah 😅)!
I'm pretty sure every single person on that table is family, friends, acquaintances (some of whom work for Sanderson) etc. Even Bethany I imagine is a niece or cousin, or the daughter of a friend from Church (temple?)
@@3choblast3r4Well, Tim from HelloFutureMe at least isn't connected as far as I know, he's just a large UA-camr who has mentioned liking Brandon's books.
@@3choblast3r4 pretty sure Brandon and/or his team reaches out personally to these people beforehand. It’s a long shot but hey, maybe in a few years if I’m able to grow!
@@TheSandbox_Official I just watched your warbreaker review. I don't really care for brandonson books. I just like his podcast. But I wanted to say, your review was very well done. Much better than the average book review on youtube even from bigger channels. Good luck with your channel and .. the whole being picked by Sanderson for his bookclub thing!
@@3choblast3r4 Aw man, you made my day. Thanks so much! Wishing you the best as well!
I loved this book. It was so fun to discover yet another world in the Cosmere. I really enjoyed the narrating style of Yumi. It was good Hoid but also not too much Hoid. There were times when I forgot that he was telling the story and I think that that was a good thing, as he can be distracting sometimes. Brandon defenitly found a good balance.
I loved Hoid's narration. At the end it was a bit in-your-face but it still worked better than I anticipated.
I enjoyed the narrator, it was present, but didn't take me too far out of the actual story. I appreciated the extra information that he gave as well.
I love the narration style and how Hoid's voice is being developed. I am looking forward to seeing how it works in Dragonsteel--however many years from now that might be.
Hoid’s narration hits in this one. I enjoy how he can tone himself down from the voice he had in Tress (which was also fitting for that one!).
This book was such a delightful one! It’s the romance novel I want to go viral for young men, if that makes sense
This is the first time I have actually read the book before the book club video came out!
I enjoyed the narration. The voice made the book feel refreshingly different than a lot of the fantasy I read.
I liked Hoid's narration in both this book as well as in Tress. I have always liked Hoid's stories (except maybe the poop story). I enjoy seeing a storyteller crafting his stories and Hoid is one of the greats!
I enjoyed the narration style 90% of the time. I love Wit and the way it talks and tells stories, so for me it was a really good time, 90% of the time. The other 10% of the time I felt like it pulled me out of the story at really emotional moments. I wouldn't change a thing about it though. The narration is part of the reason this is my favorite Kickstarter novel so far.
I loved the Narrator and Narrating Style! In fact I expected it to be more like Tress and the Emerald Sea where it was more integral. It makes sense plot wise since the narrator is a statue the entire story but his quips were much missed. Each quip led to so much theorization! A new insight into the cosmere I could mull over!
However on the other side it did help me focus more on Yumi and Painters story instead of being distracted by humor. I think we forget sometimes that while humor is great, it's also amazing to just be invested in a story and to take it seriously.
I've been waiting so long for this book club! So excited to watch these!
I really have enjoyed Hoid’s narration. I loved it in Tress and really enjoyed it here. While I enjoyed Hoid’s participation in the actual story for Tress, I was also happy to see him tell a story that really didn’t involve him or his direct influence in this one. Thanks!
Can't wait to hear them discuss the machine! I feel like everyone's takes on that part will be very interesting 🧐
I really enjoyed the narration style, I always enjoy hoyd, and the entire book was a delight.
I really liked Hoid as the narrator for this book. My favorite SP so far.
It took me a couple chapters to get used to the narrating style, but once I did it felt nostalgic to hear Hoid tell another excellent story. I loved it
Hoid as the narrator is delightful. I loved him and the whole of his presence in Tress, but having him take a more narrative style-and making it be diegetic to the wider Cosmere and then FEEL diegetic on top of that let’s me feel like I’m on Roshar or somewhere learning about this strange other world. That and his narrative voice is just so cheeky.
I love that cover art!! Really hoping I can that version of it!
This was my favorite book of the secret projects so far. Hoid narration was fine but glad he was toned down, think it could even have been toned down a bit more. I also like that he didn't play a huge role in this one. In Tress, it kind of seemed like it was too easy and neat for Hoid to just come in and save everyone. A lvl 100 comes in and destroys all the lvl 1 goblins rescuing the villager type of thing.