Summary reviewed by:
Terrence Timmons
Terrence Timmons
Analyst
Bachelor of Arts (BA), University Of California, Santa Barbara 2019
With over 4 years of experience as an analyst. Terrence Timmons is committed to analyzing summaries without compromising on quality.
Imagine a world where plants retract into the ground to escape violent highstorms, and gemstones gather mystical Stormlight – that's Roshar, the setting for the thrilling novella 'Edgedancer: The Stormlight Archive' by Brandon Sanderson. In this masterful work, Lift, the unconventional, energetic, and enigmatic teenager takes center stage, unraveling her story within the grand narrative of the cosmere. Underpinned by Sanderson's unique magic system, Lift sets off on an adventure in the magnificent city of Yeddaw, navigating the strange and beguiling alleyways of the underground.
Navigating the peculiarities of the spren-bound Surgebinding powers and evading the creepy clutches of the malevolent voidbringers, Lift uses her indomitable spirit and impulsive wit to unravel the mysteries that cloud her path. A riveting blend of enigmatic lore, tantalizing adventure, and the candid innocence of a protagonist unlike any other, 'Edgedancer' is an invaluable steppingstone into the grander 'Stormlight Archive' saga – a beacon of light illuminating the obscure corners of an intricate fantasy universe.
Date Published: November 22, 2016
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Fiction
Fantasy
High Fantasy
Epic Fantasy
Lift: A whimsical, tenacious teenager and an Edgedancer, Lift is endearing with her street-smart wit, love for pancakes, and sense of humor. Her value lies in her compassionate heart, exemplified when she uses her ability to grow things to save an orphanage in Yeddaw.
Wyndle: Lift’s spren companion, a sentient vine-like being. He is a voice of reason to Lift’s impulsiveness, yet deeply respects her humanity, as shown when he reveals he chose Lift for her empathetic nature.
Darkness (Nale): A Skybreaker Herald turned law enforcer. He’s stern and absolute, but his encounter with Lift begins to change his rigid worldview.
Humanity and Compassion: Lift’s decisions are primarily driven by empathy for those in need. Her rescue of the orphanage and her intervention for Stump reflect this theme.
Morality: The conflict between Nale’s strict adherence to law and Lift’s more flexible, empathy-based approach raises questions about justice and morality.
Acceptance: Lift’s journey involves accepting her role as a Knight Radiant and the responsibilities it brings. Her acceptance is evident when she decides to help the Radiants against Odium.
Edgedancer is a novel that delves deeply into character development and worldbuilding rather than a complex plot. The story revolves around Lift, a central character who pronounces her third Ideal, leading to significant character growth.
The narrative also brings forth Nale's acceptance of the impending Desolation. Set in a new region of Roshar, the book offers readers an insight into its unique culture, introduces them to the Sleepless, and provides a glimpse of the Skybreaker order. Additionally, a new Radiant is introduced, who is distinctively a "true" Truthwatcher, contrasting with Renarin's bond to a corrupted spren.
Lift's character, which was previously met with mixed reactions, is further explored, leading many to develop a newfound appreciation for her. A notable quirk of Lift's is her love for pancakes. The book "Arcanum Unbounded" is recommended for those seeking a deeper understanding of Lift and the world she inhabits, as it contains Edgedancer among other enriching tales. Overall, Edgedancer offers a fresh perspective on Lift, making her character more intriguing and relatable for many readers.
