Brandon Sanderson's White Sand Volume 3 (BRANDON SANDERSON WHITE SAND HC) Hardcover – October 1, 2019

To be honest, I'd probably rate this one 4/5 stars, but the negative skew on the current reviews compared to Volumes 1 and 2 is absolutely bizarre. This volume is objectively better than the first two. The artwork is more consistent with fewer errors. The story is better defined. It has an ending. I'm heavily involved in Sanderson's fandom, and the UNIVERSAL opinion is that Volume 3 is the best of the three. I don't know how to begin guessing why this one would take the brunt of the negative reviews.Most people disliked the artwork in Volumes 1 and 2. It was busy. Sketchy. Unclear. A guest artist finished off the final chapter of Volume 2, and while most people preferred the artwork, the sudden change of artist for a single chapter was a jolt. The artwork in Volume 3 is a perfect blend of the two, and it's consistent from start to finish. It really looks GOOD. More importantly, in my opinion, it escaped the INUMERABLE errors and issues that plagued the first two volumes. Characters' facial expressions are actually consistent with the words coming out of their mouths here. They don't make observations in their dialog which directly contradict the artwork. There are no boomboxes or electrical lamps (for goodness' sake...) inserted into a society which has no electricity! The magic is actually depicted the way it is described. In other words, the art looks great, but even if you preferred the original style at least it's not full of egregious errors in this volume.Volume 1 spent half the story in a bland desert wasteland and the second half of the story following long conversations between characters in a small number of settings. Volume 2 was a lot of politics--more constant chatter. Volume 3 visited more locations and included more action. The story is more interesting and dynamic. Each chapter follows a clear story arc. Thumbs up.Volume 3 actually has a resolution, unlike the first two which just... ended. It's all based on a single story that I'd argue wasn't adapted well enough, so this is not a surprise. Regardless, it's nice to end with some resolution. And I thought the ending was really good. All of the plot points come together nicely. All the big questions are answered. I felt like one secondary character's development ended on a very unfinished note, but othwerwise I was satisfied with how things concluded. If you've read the Prose version of the story, there are a few changes and a spicy tease at the end. (A sequel trilogy of graphic novels is coming.) From what I've heard, most people preferred the changes that were made, and the tease has received a lot of chatter.Volume 3 is unquestionably the crown of this series. It may not be the shiniest crown, but it looks a heck of a lot better than the foundation it was set upon. I can understand someone seeing the reviews on this series and deciding to skip them altogether. But if you've read Volumes 1 and 2, things can only get better by finishing the series off with Volume 3. If this volume had the same level of quality as the first two, I absolutely wouldn't be recommending the series to people. It does much better than the first two, however, and it makes me optimistic for future Cosmere graphic novels.

I love fantasy and this isn’t your typical fantasy story. It’s got the things you want like good action, good art, good character development, and a good magic system. But it also has political intrigue that sets it apart from the norm. A really enjoyable read.

I stopped reading comics when they went to more than 12 cents, but listened to White Sand 1 and 2, then, thought I’d check the graphic original for 3, just to see how my visualization of the characters compared to the depictions.I’m glad I did- this was, well, delightful and I’m a convert. Loved this, and am amazed at how well the action/plot subleties, etc. can be brought out in this format. Who knew? I didn’t know, now I know!

I've been looking for a long long time. Much rather have this then finish it off with the Omnibus.

You know. It's a Cosmere story. I really wish I could get to where I enjoy graphic novels.I didn't know a thing about The Walking Dead until season six I think. I mean I read a few comic books as a kid. I was aware of The Batman and The Avengers. But I couldn't have picked Thanos or even Captain Marvel out of a lineup. Had no clue that The Guardians of the Galaxy were comic book superheros until Endgame. I have just never been one of those guys.When everyone else at school was reading Spiderman #whatever I was reading A Spell for Chameleon. The Source of Magic. Or The Elric Saga. Read The Wheel of Time as a young man. But didn't finish it until around two years ago. I had already started The Stormlight Archive. That was my introduction to the Cosmere.By the time I finally got around to White Sand I was simply out of Cosmere reading material. Felt like I kinda had to read this. I finally accepted the hard truth that Brandon was absolutely NOT gonna release these as novellas.I read the first chapter of White Sand #1 in the Arcanum Unbounded. Was actually enjoying it til I turned the page and found the grainy black and white version of the graphic novel. Didn't care for it then. Reading it in color did very little to improve the experience.However I am a true and devoted fan Mr.Sanderson. I would have bought the books even if you had printed them on playing cards. But I think it would just be mean to force the one's of us that don't like comic books go through this again.I think the story is probably ok... I guess. It just doesn't "flow" for me in this particular medium. Don't know if I mentioned how profusely I dislike comic books or not.The thing I was really looking forward to was seeing Cephandreus in living color. What I got was a hooded gitfiddle player on a box. Smh... Very Hoid I suppose. But decidedly unsatisfying.Did I tell you how much I loathe comic books...

I usually have a hard time with graphic novels but the Kindle app makes it easier to follow. The story was well done and the illustration was great!

The story arc is good and this is the best of the three volumes. Sanderson's endings always impress. It did leave me wanting as to the greater mysteries of the cosmere, which is a knock against it. I don't know if this story was meant for comics, or if any of his stories are. They're too rich and broad. This was a good read but a not a necessity for fans of the cosmere unless you want to read absolutely everything. Sanderson is my favorite author and so I can't stay away from his material. All this being said, it is a good time and I enjoyed the journey on Taldain. The main character struggles and earns his victories and I found myself rooting for him the deeper into the story I got.