Review of Yumi and the Nightmare Painter

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Personal Rating: 13+

What It's About

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter is a very unique story, told through the perspectives of Yumi and Painter. Yumi is a very important figure in her town, one of only a handful of people with the abilities she possesses. Yumi and others like her can stack rocks in intricate towers and by doing so, beckon forth spirits. These spirits are used for many practical purposes, but are impossible to draw forth unless done by one with the same arsenal of abilities as Yumi.

Painter lives on a planet with no sunrise, and no nightfall; his realm is one of a perpetual darkness. He lives ina city located inside of a bubble of light and comfort- except for one large, rather terrifying factor. Creaures known as Nightmares come to feast on the fear of people in thier sleep, growing steadily with each attack. Painter is part of an operation that eliminates these Nightmares by configuring them into painted shapes. For example, Painter could paint a picture of bamboo, and the targeted Nightmare would turn into a stalk of bamboo.

One day, though, Painter wakes up in the body of Yumi on her planet, while moments ago he was completely oblivious to the knowledge of her mere existence. Yumi's spirit follows Painter, unable to interact with the physical world, and unable to step outside of an invisible boundary surrounding Painter. As soon as Painter, in the form of Yumi, falls asleep, he wakes up in his own world, though he is unable to be heard or seen. Yumi also comes with Painter, in her own body, and has to learn the customs of Painter's people in order to stay inconspicuous. This book was written as a special addition to the universe Brandon Sanderson created (the Cosmere), which gives it a special flare that I've never seen before.

What I Liked

I liked the very unique aspect of Yumi and Painter switching worlds and bodies, giving the book some hilarious moments because of the gender swap. The Nightmares are also very creative, especially the fact that they can be turned into painted objects. 

What I Disliked

I didn't dislike anything in the book...

Conclusion

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter is a witty, light read about two characters that switch worlds. The characters are amazing and funny, and the story is undeniably genious!