Dragonsteel Prime

Brandon Sanderson

Genres: I will literally eat scraps, High Fantasy, Chronologically the Beginning, Technically the Start of My Spiral Was Long Ago

We’re starting with a unique addition to the Cosmere today, an as-of-yet formally released novel given to the supporters of Sanderson’s latest Kickstarter campaign.

While this novel is set on Yolen (arguably the heart of the Cosmere), this prime version of Dragonsteel is closer to a first draft than the final iteration that will eventually be released to the public.

Without anything insane in regard to spoilers, dive into the original homeworld of dragons, the Sho Del, and none other than our favorite world-hopping snarkologist, Hoid.

The official Dragonsteel series will be a trilogy written only after book 10 of the Stormlight Archive, so you’re looking at well over a decade at least.

Words of Radiance

Brandon Sanderson

Genre: Found Family With Mental Health Disorders, Almost Nobody Is Having a Good Time Except the Swords

I mentioned the Kickstarter, so obviously, I’m going to mention the book it was for.

Words of Radiance sits as book 2 in the Stormlight Archive but is number one in many, many hearts.

As someone whose chest beats for the series, I am putting this in to brag about getting the leatherbound.

They are the sole reason I took on renter’s insurance.

Continue your journey on Roshar as the Knights Radiant slowly reform, reshaping politics and religion across a world suddenly thrust into battle against an apocalyptic enemy long thought defeated.

Therapy would help so many characters, but that’s only in book 4.

Words of Radiance is the second in the planned 10 book series of the Stormlight Archive.

Wind and Truth

Brandon Sanderson

Genres: Found Family with Mental Health Disorders, High Fantasy, Almost Nobody is Having a Good Time Except the Swords

Wind and Truth represents many things.

Fourteen years of waiting, the realization that I’ve gotten old and that I’m very unprepared for what I will face in this book.

It is also the final book in the first arc of the series, after which we are subjecting ourselves to a timeskip, and boy, I have so much guilt over my doubts about it that I’ve practically become Catholic.

Consider this my suggestion (warning) to get your rereads and first reads done quickly, because Wind and Truth will be dropping December 6th, 2024, and I will not be available for questions at that time.

If you need me, don’t.  

I’ll catch you at Dragonsteel!

To my homie, the Crone-ey...

I have recently been diagnosed with ADHD and autism(nearly 30), and I'm struggling to come to terms with it.

I have a lot of big feelings, and I have family members who keep telling me that "everyone has a bit of ADHD/autism" or that "it's an excuse," and I don't know how to deal with this.

HELP.

To whatever end❤️,

Britishfaelover

Dear Britishfaelover,

Big feelings about this situation are very understandable.

Realizing that many past experiences could have been handled differently had you the awareness and proper tools can inspire outrage, guilt, regret, etc.

Now, though, I hope you are experiencing at least a small measure of relief in knowing your diagnosis.

Let’s address your family.

Unfortunately, they’re expressing a significant lack of tact, though it’s possible that “everyone has a little bit of it” is an attempt at connection and/or sympathy.

Regardless of their feelings toward your diagnosis, your next step is further exploring where your ADHD and autism create obstacles that you wish to tackle.

It certainly IS NOT an excuse to understand that you may need to handle situations (or experience them) differently.

That being said, it doesn’t absolve you from taking care of yourself or pursuing your goals.

It simply means you must explore where you need to adjust your approach to certain situations, whether related to work, relationships, emotional processing, or anything else that may arise.

You have the advantage of being a grown adult, so put that fully developed cortex to work!

I would always suggest speaking to a professional who specializes in adult neuroatypicality, especially given the lateness of your diagnosis and a few family members’ dismissiveness.

With you till the end,

The Crone

Dear Crone,

I’m having a slight crisis because I can‘t seem to get this one guy out of my head.

He just shows up all the time, and my friends are not helping either.

What should I do?

Sincerely,

Bookaddict

Dear Bookaddict,

If he is showing up in your dreams, it sounds like you have a massive crush.

If he’s showing up in the corner of your eye, check the batteries in your smoke alarm.

Given that he seems to be appearing in the physical world (and your friends have confirmed they can see him, too?), why not make a move?

If there’s attraction on your end, why not see if it’s reciprocated?

And if your friends ask why you’re talking to the empty space on your left, you can always begin your journey on antipsychotics!

There are no wrong answers!

Love,

The Crone

Dear Crone,

I broke up with my boyfriend a year ago cuz I wasn't in a good head space (still trying to get better), and I didn’t want to reach a point of no return with him.

However, I still have feelings for him, and the thought of him having someone new upsets me.

I don’t know what to do. Do I try again, or do I let it go?

Sincerely, from a very confused mind,

What is Love?¹

Dear What is Love,

Do you have any sense of how long it will take you to achieve your healthier headspace?

Per your own writing, you are still trying to get better, which is excellent, but you’re simultaneously aware that your mental health diminishes your capacity for a healthy relationship.

You’re interested in this man, which is always a great place to start, but if you’re rekindling this flame to prevent him from having someone else, and you haven’t made the necessary changes for your mental health, you will reach a point of no return with him far faster than if you prioritize your psychological progress.

You cannot have your cake and eat it, too, unless you make sure you won’t throw the cake away a second time.

Focus on yourself, and if he moves on, that is life.

You will never regret growing healthier, but you will certainly regret damaging a relationship beyond repair because you prioritized a man over your mind.

Slow and steady,

The Crone

Dear Crone,

When dealing with an uncomfortable situation (a friend hitting on you, but there is no interest on your side), what is the best approach to stop this without being rude or mean?

Some insight: I was at a friend's house chilling, but one of his friends (an acquaintance of mine) started hitting on me, making me uncomfortable.

Vibrantly,

Strega Luna

Dear Strega Luna,

To start, trust your gut in these situations.

Some people flirt as a hobby, and it's meant to be meaningless and harmless, but if he makes you uncomfortable, you can absolutely shut that down, point blank.

It is not rude or mean to say, “Can you not say that? It makes me uncomfortable.”

Do not minimize; do not use words like “a little,” “kinda,” or “sorta.”

You’re uncomfortable. That is enough reason for him to stop.

If he gets defensive, it's his problem.

You’re not “ruining the vibe” by wanting to be comfortable in a space you were invited to.

If you’re trying to turn the energy back on them, you have to match it.

Take whatever they’re saying and turn it ominous.

“You’re pretty cute.”

“Oh, my last husband thought so… I wish he’d made it,” and then stare wistfully into the distance.

Go forth and vibe,

The Crone

Dear Crone,

My best friends and roommates are a couple.

I love them both dearly, but their relationship is on the rocks, and I feel like the lighthouse.

Both friends have mentioned ending the relationship, but neither takes action.

How do I help them?

Lovingly Concerned Best Friend

Dear LCBF,

You.

Do.

Nothing.

That is their relationship to end or resuscitate, or engage, or annihilate as they please.

Let them hit the rocks.

The door could have fit two people, but certainly not three.

It is none of your business if they break up with each other, and you should definitely make it clear that you should not be put in the middle like that.

If they miscommunicated or you misunderstood, the last thing you want is to encourage one to end the relationship and the other to find out.

Go handle your own stuff; adult couples can take responsibility for their partners.

Swissly,

The Crone

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