This is my reaction blog for Wind and Truth. Beware of spoilers! Index post here. 

Title: Beyond the Brands
Is Kal going to heal from his slave brand? That would say something about his personal development, but I doubt it at this point. Although, I vaguely remember that already happened in the last book? Man, my memory is crem sometimes. Either way, his next intended stop is visiting Rlain’s party, so this title probably is about the developing brotherhood of Bridge Four after all of them (except Dabbid, yet) have achieved radiance. 

Icon: Jes again.
Lots of windrunners at a party. But if this is about Rlain I would have expected the truthwatcher patron, Pali.

Epigraph: Jasnah didn't go to Shinovar, but also apparently didn't know about the expedition when it was happening. Surely Dalinar would have mentioned that in a briefing, right? Maybe she's just saying she didn't know about the bigger events that we readers are also still ignorant of?

Wait, Kaladin's armor spren are usually just hanging out around his body as visible glowing lights? He's got a constant sparkly halo? Windrunners must be way flashier than Elsecallers, because Jasnah didn't walk around with a visible aura of “look at me, I'm awesome.” That is so extra, Kal must hate it…except that he doesn't seem to mind here, in this scene. It doesn't come with the same resentment as the lightened eyes he gets from his radiance, so maybe he's happy to sparkle everywhere he goes. I’m sure Adolin will approve.

Oh, I was confused about the timing. The highstorm is already here, but he's not leaving yet because he can gate to Azimir to catch the same storm further west, which means he has the storm’s travel time (an hour, maybe?) to chat with Rlain and company. 

Teft has a statue? Is that something that happened at the end is RoW? 

Is this tavern where the party is being hosted the same one as the wedding party in the last book? Is it the favorite Windrunner hangout spot? Looks like it must be, with the framed picture of Teft on the wall. Well, maybe not. That seems more like they brought it here especially for the party rather than the establishment already had it up.

Do laughterspren buzz audibly? Or is that just a description of how they move like flying insects? I don't think I remember what they look like. 

That's a good point, Kal, about Rlain choosing to stay at the tower instead of going with Leshwi and Venli to help the new listeners. I was expecting him to at least split his time. Makes sense I guess for him to focus on working with Renarin, since they're both bonded to “corrupted”/“enlightened” truthwatcher spren.

Quote

“Kaladin no longer missed Moash.” 

Good. You've gotten over that grief of betrayal and are justly angry without wanting the old Moash back. 

It feels almost cheap how easily spren like gloryspren are attracted now with the tower so energized. I mean, it's a nice moment and expresses Kal’s sincere depth of feeling, but with how rare they usually are, I have to wonder if this moment really deserves it.

Oh, Renarin is there too. I didn't see him mentioned and forgot that he hung out with Bridge Four.

Okay, yes, Kal’s brands are already healed, and now he's getting the tattoo in a way his body accepts. 

Sugzil being intimidated by his new role is natural, and Kal encouraging him is a great continuation of his habit of inspiring others. Also, Lopen refraining from a joke is a subtle nod to his resolution to be better at the end of Dawnshard.

The rest of the goodbyes didn't really land for me. Lopen's in particular felt like it overstayed its welcome. There's such a thing as drawing out a joke too long. They weren't bad, though, just kind of meh. And it's good that they had the moment on screen, even if it didn't resonate with me. 

Quote

“The three of them…”

Even I forgot to count Syl for a second and got confused about who was with Kaladin and Szeth. If the readers are having trouble treating spren like real characters, no wonder their personhood is sometimes ignored but the people of Roshar.

Quote

“I hunger for something I cannot describe.”
Pancakes? Szeth,I think it might be pancakes. 

If so, his powers of description are severely lacking. Glad to see that Lift is still being a good influence. 

Quote

“Justice or reconciliation, condemnation or salvation. I don't know yet.”

That leaves a lot of room for where this could go. 

Also, adding Nightblood to Szeth’s straight man routine makes for very entertaining comedy.