Should I Read Edgedancer Before Oathbringer?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You enjoy detailed character development and want to see how Lift’s story intersects with events leading up to Oathbringer. Reading Edgedancer first gives you a richer emotional payoff when her arc resurfaces.
• Good fit: You prefer a chronological reading order and like to experience every published piece in the order they were released, minimizing spoilers from later books.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: You are on a tight schedule and want to finish the primary novels quickly; adding a novella may feel like an unnecessary delay.
• Warning sign: You tend to lose interest in side stories that don’t directly advance the main plot, risking disengagement before reaching Oathbringer.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Provides deeper insight into Lift, a fan‑favorite character, enhancing emotional resonance in later chapters of Oathbringer.
• Offers additional world‑building details—such as the city of Shadesmar and the nature of spren—that enrich the overall reading experience.

Cons

• The novella is relatively short, so it may feel like a pacing interruption for readers eager to return to the main saga.
• Some plot threads introduced in Edgedancer are only minimally referenced later, which could be seen as expendable filler for busy readers.

Decision Checklist

• Do I value extra character depth enough to allocate additional reading time?
• Am I comfortable waiting for the next main novel while reading a side story?
• Will reading Edgedancer affect my understanding of key events in Oathbringer, or can I safely skip it?

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re uncertain, you could start Oathbringer and then read Edgedancer during a break, or read the novella after finishing Oathbringer to refresh the narrative. Another option is to rely on summary articles or fan discussions for Lift’s backstory without committing to the full text.

Final Recommendation

For readers who prioritize character immersion and don’t mind a brief pacing pause, reading Edgedancer before Oathbringer is advisable. If you’re racing through the primary series or tend to lose interest in interludes, it’s perfectly acceptable to skip the novella and revisit it later. As always, consider your personal reading goals and schedule before deciding.