Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Aliya Chen and Brandon Sanderson masterfully blends fantasy and psychological themes. Praised for its compelling characters and imaginative world-building, the book stands out despite occasional pacing issues. Character development is strong, though some readers found the plot's complexity challenging. Overall, it's a unique and engaging read.

Readers who enjoy imaginative world-building, complex characters, and a blend of art and fantasy will find Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Aliya Chen and Brandon Sanderson captivating. Fans of Sanderson's Mistborn series and Patrick Rothfuss's The Name of the Wind will appreciate this intricate, fantastical narrative.

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Aliya Chen and Brandon Sanderson follows a young woman named Yumi, who is an artist tasked with capturing nightmares in a mystical world. The narrative intertwines elements of friendship, responsibility, and self-discovery as Yumi navigates her unique role in society.

- Yumi and the Nightmare Painter is part of Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere universe, which connects many of his novels through shared themes, magic systems, and hidden links.
- The novel was released as part of Sanderson's "Secret Projects" initiative, where he launched a Kickstarter campaign to publish four new books independently.
- Sanderson worked with long-time collaborators and artists, adding unique illustrations and visual elements to Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, enriching the reading experience.

Fantastical / Mysterious / Emotional / Romantic / Adventurous

**Yumi**  
A 19-year-old from Torio, Yumi is one of the two co-protagonists and possesses the power to command primal spirits, acting as a yoki-hijo. Her story revolves around her responsibilities and her growth in seeking personal freedom and identity.

**Nikaro/Painter**  
Known as Painter, Nikaro is a 19-year-old nightmare painter from Kilahito, whose journey in the novel explores themes of self-discovery and artistic passion. His character development is interwoven with his budding relationship with Yumi.

**Hoid**  
A recurrent character in Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere, Hoid serves as both the narrator and a minor character in the story, providing insights and commentary while maintaining a humorous and mischievous presence.

**Father Machine**  
The main antagonist of the story, the father machine is a large stone-stacking device that upends the world due to its misuse of spirit energy, embodying the novel's critique of mechanical art devoid of human touch.

**Liyun**  
Yumi’s strict and severe warden, Liyun enforces rigid discipline over her life and personifies dedication to duty, playing a complex role as both an adversary and eventual helper.

**Akane, Tojin, Izumakamo, and Masaka**  
A group of nightmare painters and friends who reconnect with Painter and help Yumi explore life beyond her duties, these characters support the protagonists and contribute to key events in Kilahito.

Brandon Sanderson

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Yumi and the Nightmare Painter reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Yumi and the Nightmare Painter | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Yumi and the Nightmare Painter and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter Summary and Study Guide

Background

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Yumi and the Nightmare Painter Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 Yumi and the Nightmare Painter Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 18-24

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter Part 3, Chapters 18-24 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 25-30

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter Part 3, Chapters 25-30 Summary & Analysis

Part 4-Epilogue 2

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter Part 4-Epilogue 2 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter Essay Topics

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Yumi and the Nightmare Painter?

Reading Age

Book Details