I went into this with high expectations when it came to writing and world-building and wasn't disappointed! I'm not a huge high fantasy nerd (although I'm an enthusiast) and I usually lose myself in some of the nuances, plot aspects and continuity in the Cosmere. Long story short, I have too much of a fishbowl memory to remember some of the details in The Stormlight Archives, but was interested in reading the novellas in-between.
I didn't really click with Lift at first; her powers are being a human oil slick and... healing? I then started connecting the dots and started realising there's more to her persona and character. I also really loved Wyndle and the city in this was just lovely. The small annex at the end of the book really resonated with me (how Sanderson had intended this to be around 18k words long and ended up publishing a 40k book; very Sanderson), and how some of the characters in this will be present in the next novels; it felt like a good way to give them their own space for character progression and development.
Lift and Wyndle are my favorite duo! I already knew Wyndle was potentially my fav creature in the series (I just didn't bond with anyone in the first 2 books in that way, but Wyndle had won me over in that side story, haha), but now I love them both together. He was so happy being a magical fork.
Lift's deeper look into her own life and fears was done so well, imo. In the end, she's also just a kid who tries to listen! And it matched all so well with Nin and listening to his own issues. I really liked we saw some kind of new... race, the Sleepless. Though, I'd be happier if they weren't made of... bugs, haha. Interesting to see how that plays out.
Seeing Szeth trying to be normal was nice, as well. Though, I can't wait to know more about his afterimage abilities and his new sword.
This book really grew on me (like a stubborn vine, Wyndle-style!) Although I didn't enjoy this cast as much as the main characters in The Stormlight Archive, this was a fine novella.