Reading The Stormlight Archive for the first time

[AleStaar he/him]

After so long reading the stories of Scadrial, Sel, and Nalthis, it is finally time for me to take my first trip to Roshar. 

It is time I read The Stormlight Archive. Writing my thoughts here in case anyone finds them interesting. I tried this thread with the Wax & Wayne series, but those books went by so quickly. Hopefully, The Stormlight Archive will be an opportunity to interact with you all. Like my Wax and Wayne thread, I was inspired by the idea of @Amira  to do her Stormlight Archive reaction thread.

The Cosmere community is amazing. 

Edited January 21 by AleStaar
Changing title

[Treamayne]

23 hours ago, Ale the Metallic Conjurer said:

It is time I read The Stormlight Archive. Writing my thoughts here in case anyone finds them interesting. I tried this thread with the Wax & Wayne series, but those books went by so quickly. Hopefully, The Stormlight Archive will be an opportunity to interact with you all. Like my Wax and Wayne thread, I was inspired by the idea of @Amira  to do her Stormlight Archive reaction thread.

@Amira is amazing, but I would caution that a chapter-by-chapter appraoch is a huge investment. It's your choice (and maybe that works better for climaxes), but I would suggest maybe posts by-Part (Part 1, Interludes 1-3, Part 2, interludes 4-6, etc.) and, as always, if you ask questions we will spoiler tag the relevant stuff and warn if the answer is a spoiler (so you can decide if you want to read, or come back and open th espoiler tag after you have reached the relevant section). I will point out one thing that may have helped Amira if she had known before starting (it was a few chapters before the question came up and clarified things). I'll copy it here in case you don't want to read spoilers at that link:

Spoiler

On 4/16/2022 at 8:36 PM, Treamayne said:

I didn't see anybody mention this when scanning through the thread - but on the "Part X" page (Part 1-5) you should see a list of names. Those are the Viewpoint characters for that Part. When you experience something different (e.g. Cenn's viewpoint) you know not to expect them to develop into a main character (cause "Cenn" wasn't in the list of Part 1 viewpoint characters):

  Hide contents

From my eBook version of TWoK

 

At the start of every chapter, you should also see some awesome artwork. The center image is specific to the character whose viewpoint that chapter follows. So, as you go along, if you pay attention to those things it can help give you an idea of what to expect.

Looking forward to your journey. Hope that helps and hope you enjoy exploring Roshar.

Edited November 17, 2024 by Treamayne
SPAG

[alder24]

Oh boy, you're in for a ride! I'll be watching your journey with great interest!

[Trusk'our he/him]

For me, the beginning of WoK was kind of slow, but it really, really pays off later.

[Treamayne]

1 hour ago, Trusk'our said:

For me, the beginning of WoK was kind of slow, but it really, really pays off later.

Minor Spoilers:

Spoiler

And confusing, as the Prelude, Prologue, and Chapters 1-3 all have different POVs - which is why I quoted the hint above.

 

[ʟɪɢʜʈ]

On 11/15/2024 at 7:29 PM, Ale the Metallic Conjurer said:

After so long reading the stories of Scadrial, Sel, and Nalthis, it is finally time for me to take my first trip to Roshar. 

It is time I read The Stormlight Archive. Writing my thoughts here in case anyone finds them interesting. I tried this thread with the Wax & Wayne series, but those books went by so quickly. Hopefully, The Stormlight Archive will be an opportunity to interact with you all. Like my Wax and Wayne thread, I was inspired by the idea of @Amira  to do her Stormlight Archive reaction thread.

The Cosmere community is amazing. 

Oh yeah, I love reading these.

[IcedOutPenguin He/Him]

Oh boy, you are in in for quite the treat, don't let anyone spoil any part for you, also once you are a decent chunk in tell us who your favorite character is. Enjoy one of the best serieses ever written. The Stormlight Archive.

[AleStaar he/him]

Hey all! I'm very sorry for updating this thread late. I have been busy during the last month of this semester. For those who've been reading Wind and Truth, hope you've all been enjoying it. 

Well, on with the show!

Prelude to the Stormlight Archive

We follow a guy named Kalak, who stumbles upon a corpse of a giant stone monster called a thunderclast. Kalak mentions how he's been killed by thunderclasts, and yet.. he's still alive? Strange...

Surgebinders and Shardblades were mentioned here, just like the blurbs. There are also vanishing Blades with power beyond Shardblades.

There's another guy named Jezrien. I guess both Kalak and Jezrien are people called Heralds, experienced with going through torture and pain. And… dying? They died yet they’re alive? The Heralds ended something called the Oathpact. They’re worried about the enemy “finding a way” around this. “He” will find a way around this?

Other small bits like Desolations and Taln were mentioned.

Prologue

Szeth-son-son-Vallano, Truthless of Shinovar, wore white on the day he was to kill a king. 

This is such a powerful opener. I can already tell this story will be unlike anything else I’ve read in the cosmere. I was not expecting all... this. This level of brutality from a cosmere magic system wtf. Summoning magic swords that sever the soul. Magic armor. Breathing in Investiture. What is going on???!!! Even the fight's prose was unlike anything in Mistborn. And I’m seeing connections with the other magic systems.

The circumstances of Gavilar’s assassination will surely be a big mystery as we advance. It’s weird the employers of an assassin would be waiting at the location of his mission. Plus, Gavilar mentioned many possible suspects who’d want him dead. He must’ve had many enemies.

The vibe was so mysterious towards the end. Why would Gavilar give his killer that sphere? Gavilar said he expected Szeth was coming. Did he have many enemies, or could he have been seeing the future?

Gavilar’s last words were strange. Why would he want his killer to send his brother a message?

“Tell … tell my brother … he must find the most important words a man can say. …”

 

 

Edited December 10, 2024 by Ale the Metallic Conjurer

[Trusk'our he/him]

7 minutes ago, Ale the Metallic Conjurer said:

I was not expecting all... this. This level of brutality from a cosmere magic system wtf.

Mistborn spoilers:

Spoiler

Personally, I found the Steel Inquisitors way more brutal.

Hooks through the mouths and throats of rebels, Marsh's massacre of multiple innocents, and getting wedges of sharp metal violently shoved through their eye sockets. . . 

You know, classic Mistborn brutality. 

 

[Treamayne]

6 minutes ago, Ale the Metallic Conjurer said:

The circumstances of Gavilar’s assassination will surely be a big mystery as we advance.

Very Minor Spoilers:

Spoiler

This will be a theme of the first five books. Each Prologue is this same night, but from a different POV (giving new pieces of the puzzle each book).

 

9 minutes ago, Ale the Metallic Conjurer said:

I was not expecting all... this. This level of brutality from a cosmere magic system

Interesting Factoid:

Spoiler

This scene is what helped Brandon decide how Shardblades would kill. WoB:

Spoiler

Edited for spoilers

Brandon Sanderson

As you might know (maybe, maybe not), Shardblades originally did cut flesh. I wrote the entire prologue with Szeth and them cutting flesh and... ooh, boy, was that bloody! These are books about war, but man, it was just so gory that I'm like, "I'm gonna back off on this. Let's have it burn out the eyes instead." And I liked it way better that way.

San Diego Comic-Con@Home 2020 (July 23, 2020)

 

Hope you enjoyed your start with Stormlight!

[TwinStorm He/Him]

22 minutes ago, Ale the Metallic Conjurer said:

Hey all! I'm very sorry for updating this thread late. I have been busy during the last month of this semester. For those who've been reading Wind and Truth, hope you've all been enjoying it. 

Well, on with the show!

Prelude to the Stormlight Archive

We follow a guy named Kalak, who stumbles upon a corpse of a giant stone monster called a thunderclast. Kalak mentions how he's been killed by thunderclasts, and yet.. he's still alive? Strange...

Surgebinders and Shardblades were mentioned here, just like the blurbs. There are also vanishing Blades with power beyond Shardblades.

There's another guy named Jezrien. I guess both Kalak and Jezrien are people called Heralds, experienced with going through torture and pain. And… dying? They died yet they’re alive? The Heralds ended something called the Oathpact. They’re worried about the enemy “finding a way” around this. “He” will find a way around this?

Other small bits like Desolations and Taln were mentioned.

Prologue

Szeth-son-son-Vallano, Truthless of Shinovar, wore white on the day he was to kill a king. 

This is such a powerful opener. I can already tell this story will be unlike anything else I’ve read in the cosmere. I was not expecting all... this. This level of brutality from a cosmere magic system wtf. Summoning magic swords that sever the soul. Magic armor. Breathing in Investiture. What is going on???!!! Even the fight's prose was unlike anything in Mistborn. And I’m seeing connections with the other magic systems.

The circumstances of Gavilar’s assassination will surely be a big mystery as we advance. It’s weird the employers of an assassin would be waiting at the location of his mission. Plus, Gavilar mentioned many possible suspects who’d want him dead. He must’ve had many enemies.

The vibe was so mysterious towards the end. Why would Gavilar give his killer that sphere? Gavilar said he expected Szeth was coming. Did he have many enemies, or could he have been seeing the future?

Gavilar’s last words were strange. Why would he want his killer to send his brother a message?

“Tell … tell my brother … he must find the most important words a man can say. …”

 

 

Have an awesome time with it! Just finished Wind and Truth, and I must say, read on. These books are truly epic.

What do you think of Szeth so far?

[AleStaar he/him]

6 minutes ago, Ookla the Irreplaceable said:

Have an awesome time with it! Just finished Wind and Truth, and I must say, read on. These books are truly epic.

What do you think of Szeth so far?

I found it fascinating that Szeth considers killing a sin but goes through it. His title of Truthless seems like a big stab to his drive and will. I also love that he hates walking on stone and using Stormlight-filled gemstones as jewelry. And yet, he doesn't think it's a sin to breathe in Stormlight.

His fighting style is insane. Reminds me of Steelpushing from Mistborn. 

[AleStaar he/him]

The Way of Kings Part One

Part One was finished a week ago, but I've been preoccupied with reading Part Two. Which has been an absolute joy. I keep cheering for Kaladin, while Dalinar's arc is so juicy and I hope it's full of lore.

 I can confidently say that Part One was the slow burn among Sanderson's slow burns, but he always does a fantastic job setting up the world and character motives. The star of the show so far has been Kaladin, no doubt. He's been through some storming crem, failing to protect his brother and those he loves. Failing to be a person who fights for honor. And he’s become disillusioned by the lighteyes he once wanted to fight for.

Chapter 11 was whiplash in the best way. The Cosmere has a lot of darkness, but seeing a man almost commit suicide was not on my bingo list. I loved that Syl pulled him out of the moment. I'm praying for Kaladin not to lose his will to survive in pursuit of freedom and protection. And I'm excited to see more of Syl.

Wish I could remember certain descriptions or lines as well as I did with Mistborn Guess that will improve as I read more of Stormlight, and more epic fantasy.

"One more try, Kaladin."

Shallan is fun so far, and like Kaladin her story sounds like a dark one. I hope we get history and worldbuilding out of her POV. Everything about Roshar’s environment, flora, and fauna is so alien compared to the other Cosmere worlds. I’m excited to delve into a more fantastical world.

The theory I have for Part One is that Shallan’s mind is enhanced by the Stormlight dispersed around Roshar. And this either gives her a photographic memory or the power to manipulate her memories.

[Treamayne]

5 hours ago, Ale the Metallic Conjurer said:

I can confidently say that Part One was the slow burn among Sanderson's slow burns, but he always does a fantastic job setting up the world and character motives. The star of the show so far has been Kaladin, no doubt. He's been through some storming crem, failing to protect his brother and those he loves. Failing to be a person who fights for honor. And he’s become disillusioned by the lighteyes he once wanted to fight for.

Very slight spoilers from Sanderson's Altered Perceptions Essay (I would not recommend reading the Full Essay until after WoK - the Content in Altered Perceptions comes from WoK Prime - a very different book than the one that was printed):

Spoiler

Quote

 

I knew that something major was wrong with Kaladin’s character. (Then named Merin.) He was a generic fantasy protagonist in a vibrant, well-built world full of amazing wonders. He felt bland, like a streak of grey on a gorgeous canvas. I would spend nearly ten years reworking Kaladin, drilling down to who he was and who he needed to be. At the same time, I met my wife and fell in love. I began to see how people with depression are treated in the media and books, and I started to wonder. Where are our fantasy heroes with depression? This disease affects a huge percentage of the population. Does every character with depression need to be relegated to being in a story only about their illness? Couldn’t we have a character who was heroic, dynamic, interesting—and, oh, by the way, he has depression. Not something for the story to be about, just something that—like exists in so many of our lives—is another aspect of who he is, that reflects his worldview.

The person Kaladin became was shaped by two major changes, his psychology being one of them.

 

Kaladin is confirmed to have both Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder - and you will see the signs in his flashbacks, and his journey thought the series.

 

 

5 hours ago, Ale the Metallic Conjurer said:

Shallan is fun so far, and like Kaladin her story sounds like a dark one. I hope we get history and worldbuilding out of her POV.

In case you were unaware, each book will have a Flashback character highlighted. As you see Kaladin's Flashbacks in this book, you will get Shallan's flashbacks in Words of Radiance. Slight Spoilers for Flashback Characters:

Spoiler

1. Kaladin
2. Shallan
3. Dalinar
4. Eshonai
5. Szeth

Charachters are not guaranteed to be alive in the Main storyline of the book featuring their Flashbacks

 

Glad you are enjoying the story thusfar.

Edited December 23, 2024 by Treamayne
SPAG

[Through the Living Shadow he/him]

15 hours ago, Ale the Metallic Conjurer said:

The Way of Kings Part One

Part One was finished a week ago, but I've been preoccupied with reading Part Two. Which has been an absolute joy. I keep cheering for Kaladin, while Dalinar's arc is so juicy and I hope it's full of lore.

 I can confidently say that Part One was the slow burn among Sanderson's slow burns, but he always does a fantastic job setting up the world and character motives. The star of the show so far has been Kaladin, no doubt. He's been through some storming crem, failing to protect his brother and those he loves. Failing to be a person who fights for honor. And he’s become disillusioned by the lighteyes he once wanted to fight for.

Chapter 11 was whiplash in the best way. The Cosmere has a lot of darkness, but seeing a man almost commit suicide was not on my bingo list. I loved that Syl pulled him out of the moment. I'm praying for Kaladin not to lose his will to survive in pursuit of freedom and protection. And I'm excited to see more of Syl.

Wish I could remember certain descriptions or lines as well as I did with Mistborn Guess that will improve as I read more of Stormlight, and more epic fantasy.

"One more try, Kaladin."

Shallan is fun so far, and like Kaladin her story sounds like a dark one. I hope we get history and worldbuilding out of her POV. Everything about Roshar’s environment, flora, and fauna is so alien compared to the other Cosmere worlds. I’m excited to delve into a more fantastical world.

The theory I have for Part One is that Shallan’s mind is enhanced by the Stormlight dispersed around Roshar. And this either gives her a photographic memory or the power to manipulate her memories.

Some of the Kal scenes are so freaking awesome…

Some people don’t like some aspects of his depression, but I think it’s interesting.

[AleStaar he/him]

I'm currently reading Part Two and coming up with a lot of theories. Right now, my reactions are on a Part-by-Part basis. Though, I wonder if that will change as I progress through the series.

[Treamayne]

1 hour ago, Ale the Metallic Conjurer said:

I'm currently reading Part Two and coming up with a lot of theories. Right now, my reactions are on a Part-by-Part basis. Though, I wonder if that will change as I progress through the series.

Feel free to post on whatever frequency you feel you have something to say.

[AleStaar he/him]

General Thoughts on Way of Kings Part 2  

This was phenomenal.

 Dalinar and Adolin are fascinating characters. The direction of Dalinar’s character seems to be a redemption arc where he finds the definition of honor, and tries to become a better man than the Blackthorn. While he fights against Alethkar’s definition of honor. Fights against a nation’s sense of honor that wages war over the Vengeance Pact, fights for glory over gemhearts, and treats darkeyes as lowly. I wonder if Adolin will be somewhat of a foil to Dalinar, and realizes his own tendency to fight duels over honor isn’t the best way to live. 

But I think Dalinar slightly believes his way is the best way. He’s bullheaded. That could go wrong as he clashes against Sadeas or Elhokar, or clash against what the Almighty wants him to do. 

The visions are real, and I think it ties into a cosmere-relevant thing. I don’t know if it’s the Almighty, the Stormfather, or the Heralds sending them. But they have a purpose, and so does Dalinar. The Thrill seems real too, and I think the visions counter that. 

Adolin and Renarin are interesting characters. It’s so refreshing to see a loving sibling relationship in the cosmere. 

It was fun reading the Jasnah and Shallan cameo. I’m very excited to see how the Voidbringers, Parshendi and parshmen plots develop. 

Kaladin and Bridge Four are lovely characters. Don’t have much to say here, it’s definitely a slower burn than Dalinar’s arc. But I love it. One of Sanderson’s strengths is his ability to quickly attach us to characters

It seems as time goes on, Syl becomes smarter and more knowledgeable. Hope we learn more about her. 

 

Theories: 

- The visions are sent by the Almighty to communicate the foreseen threat of a new Desolation and the Everstorm. And they serve a secondary purpose of countering “the enemy’s” Thrill - its emotional manipulation. The Almighty plans for Dalinar to unite Alethkar against the returning Voidbringers

- Gavilar received the visions as well, eventually repulsed by the Thrill. He wanted Dalinar to read the Codes of War and The Way of Kings, so he starts contemplating the meaning of honor and receives the visions. Gavilar knew about the potential Desolation and Everstorm

- Kaladin is slowly awakening the power of a Surgebinder - draining Stormlight as fuel for powers such as Lashings. This is why his spheres were suddenly empty. Szeth and the Knights Radiant in the midnight essence vision are Surgebinders as well.

- The Almighty has a plan for Kaladin. He nudged for the unique talking windspren to follow Kaladin, and did some weird mind stuff for Kaladin to feel an… attachment?… to the spear. He wants Kaladin to be the first Surgebinder in millennia.

- Szeth received the visions and it’s why he was made Truthless 

- Sadeas hired Szeth. Eventually, he’s going to order that Szeth assassinate Dalinar and Elhokar. Did I mention I hate Sadeas?

Edited February 7, 2025 by Ale the Metallic Conjurer

[alder24]

I just looove seeing someone read SA for the first time  I’m glad you're enjoying it.

[Treamayne]

Glad you are enjoying the story so far. You didn't mention anything about the interludes? What did you think of the glimpses of other Roshar cultures? Notice anything else?

@alder24 is correct - it's great following somebody's first journey through Stormlight Archive.

3 hours ago, Ale the Metallic Conjurer said:

Theories:

So much RAFO

3 hours ago, Ale the Metallic Conjurer said:

Did I mention I hate Sadeas?

Doesn't everybody but Ialai?

Edited February 7, 2025 by Treamayne
SPAG

[AleStaar he/him]

I'm trying to revive this thread, and I took so many reading breaks that I forgot some of the plot. Was kinda detached from the story’s events when I read ch 29 a few days ago So I'm using the audiobook and reading along my kindle's copy, highlighting whatever strikes out to me. Doing this until I reach my phyiscal copy's most recent point - chapter 29.

Plus, I haven't been discussing the individual chapters as much as I'd like. This book really is a slow burn lol.

Prelude and Prologue - Amaazing as I said before. Though I wonder what the deal with Szeth and the Heralds are. From the descriptions of the Heralds' ordeal, I have a small theory.

Chapter 1 - Yeah. This is awesome. Something i didn't mention before was that Sanderson is great at writing war and massive battles. Even if it’s just a minor skirmish. This is way too early to do this, but I wonder if it will be a contrast to Scadrial and Nalthis Those massive battles focused more on the most powerful individuals instead on the movements of armies. Cenn's POV sounds very accurate to the experiences of a new soldier, especially a child. But what would I know lol. Also, Kaladin is surprisingly dangerous with a spear. I wonder who would win between him, Kelsier, and Vin if they fought with just hands or weapons, without powers.

Chapter 2 - My heart broke when Kaladin lost the blackbane. Tvlakv is awful. I'm curious about the full circumstances of Kaladin becoming a slave. He kileld a lighteyes, but did not kill a lighteyes?

Chapter 3 - My humor is probably broken but I like Shallan's jokes. Also it seems like a coping mechanism for her trauma. I admire her persistence to find Jasnah.

Chapter 4 - With all this talk of highstorms giving life, and life in the wind via windspren or skyeels (I think?), I’m wondering if the storms and wind are living entities on Roshar The trend on Roshar seems to be that nature and emotions have sentient embodiments. I wonder why Syl said there many people like Kaladin in the Shattered Plains. I don’t think she was talking about slaves Surgebinders, perhaps? 

Chapter 5 - Jasnah is freaking beautiful and I loved the Soulcasting scene. Stormlight is Investiture, right? I think the trend of Investiture stored in objects is very cool. On Scadrial, it’s stored in metal. On Nalthis, it’s stored in anything that can be Awakened. On Roshar, it’s stored in gemstones. The Soulcasting honestly reminded me of things I saw on Sel and Scadrial. Felt bad for Shallan.

Chapter 6 - Holy crap, bridge crews are horrific. Storm you, Tvlakv. But I liked the bit of humanity from him. Kaladin needs a hug RIGHT NOW THOUGH! By the way. that scene where Gaz was giving orders reminds me of the start of "Deliver Us"

 

 

 

 

[Treamayne]

3 hours ago, Ale the Metallic Conjurer said:

I'm trying to revive this thread, and I took so many reading breaks that I forgot some of the plot. Was kinda detached from the story’s events when I read ch 29 a few days ago So I'm using the audiobook and reading along my kindle's copy, highlighting whatever strikes out to me. Doing this until I reach my phyiscal copy's most recent point - chapter 29.

Welcome back, hope you enjoy catching up and that life lets you keep a decent reading pace.

You are asking interesting questions. Some may be answered inthis book, some in future books.

One answer(ish): (Mistborn, Warbreaker Ref)

Spoiler

You should see some similarities between Stormlight, The Mist, and BioChromatic Breath

 

Edited March 5, 2025 by Treamayne
SPAG

[AleStaar he/him]

Chapters 7 and 8 - I’m really liking Jasnah’s character. I think she’s a person who admires competency, honesty, and knowledge the most in a person. She’s in control of her emotions but demands respect. She’s more sympathetic than I first thought. Went back to reread her dialogue with Shallan. I think I'll like Shallan. I like her quips, her Memory power gets the gears turning, and I'm intrigued about her past and home life. My heart broke a little when she intiially failed to become Jasnah's ward. I think there's something of the Cognitive Realm about her. Something I picked up when looking into Feruchemy. Shallan's skill in drawing and memorization is definitely not natural. How is she drawing all this within two hours of famliaritiy with Kharbranth There’s definitely something weird with the brief implication Shallan wielded a Shardblade in the past. House Davar is probably too insignificant to have a Shardblade, and no way they would let go of one if they did.

I'm loving the implication that Kharbranth is an ancient city built millennia ago. I bet the highstorms are similarly ancient.

Just realized chapter 9’s epigraph says the subject is one of their own ardents… So these last words are being collected by a faction that owns ardents. I should jot down part 1’s epigraphs. I have theories for what they are and what they mean. 

Chapter 9 - Oh Kaladin... someone please get him out of Bridge Four...... This is definitely one of the most heartbreaking scenes I've read so far in the cosmere. Along with chapter 11's suicide, though that had a light of hope. Thank you Syl.

Chapter 10 - Flashback chapters?! This is a nice surprise! I always wished cosmere books delved into the past POVs of characters. Guess ths is the series that will do it! Not much here of note. But I find it weird that according to Lirin the Heralds were sent to teach mankind and lead them against the Voidbringers, after mankind was cast from heaven. How the hell does humanity "being cast from heaven" work.... I wonder why the Radiants supposedly betrayed mankind after the Heralds left.

Chapter 11 - Thank you Syl. One more try, Kaladin... May he be the best bridgeleader ever!!! 

 

 

[Treamayne]

8 hours ago, Ale the Metallic Conjurer said:

 So these last words are being collected by a faction that owns ardents. I should jot down part 1’s epigraphs. I have theories for what they are and what they mean. 

You can view them collected here, but I will copy them below in case you are worried about accidentally scrolling too far and spoiler later Epigraphs for the book (but please note that teh Coppermind has all Stormlight Archive epigraphs collected by-book, simply search <book>/Epigraphs - e. g. The Way of Kings/Epigraphs or The Hero of Ages/Epigraphs, etc.)

Spoiler

Chapter	Death Quote	Source	Seconds Before Death	Date
Prologue	"The love of men is a frigid thing, a mountain stream only three steps from the ice. We are his. Oh Stormfather…we are his. It is but a thousand days, and the Everstorm comes."	Collected on the first day of the week Palah of the month Shash of the year 1171, thirty-one seconds before death. Subject was a darkeyed pregnant woman of middle years. The child did not survive.	31	Shashahes 1171
1	"You've killed me. Bastards, you've killed me! While the sun is still hot, I die!"	Collected on the fifth day of the week Chach of the month Betab of the year 1171, ten seconds before death. Subject was a darkeyed soldier thirty-one years of age. Sample is considered questionable.	10	Betabachah 1171
2	"Ten orders. We were loved, once. Why have you forsaken us, Almighty! Shard of my soul, where have you gone?"	Collected on the second day of Kakash, year 1171, five seconds before death. Subject was a lighteyed woman in her third decade.	5	Kakashan 1171
3	"A man stood on a cliffside and watched his homeland fall into dust. The waters surged beneath, so far beneath. And he heard a child crying. They were his own tears."	Collected on the 4th of Tanates, year 1171, thirty seconds before death. Subject was a cobbler of some renown.	30	Tanatesev 1171
4	"I'm dying, aren't I? Healer, why do you take my blood? Who is that beside you, with his head of lines? I can see a distant sun, dark and cold, shining in a black sky."	Collected on the 3rd of Jesnan, 1172, 11 seconds pre-death. Subject was a Reshi chull trainer. Sample is of particular note.	11	Jesnanach 1172
5	"I have seen the end, and have heard it named. The Night of Sorrows, the True Desolation. The Everstorm."	Collected on the 1st of Nanes, 1172, 15 seconds pre-death. Subject was a darkeyed youth of unknown origin.	15	Naneses 1172
6	"I'm cold. Mother, I'm cold. Mother? Why can I still hear the rain? Will it stop?"	Collected on Vevishes, 1172, 32 seconds pre-death. Subject was a lighteyed female child, approximately six years old.	32	Vevishes 1172
7	"They are aflame. They burn. They bring the darkness when they come, and so all you can see is that their skin is aflame. Burn, burn, burn…."	Collected on Palahishev, 1172, 21 seconds pre-death. Subject was a baker's apprentice.	21	Palahishev 1172
8	"Victory! We stand atop the mount! We scatter them before us! Their homes become our dens, their lands are now our farms! And they shall burn, as we once did, in a place that is hollow and forlorn."	Collected on Ishashan, 1172, 18 seconds pre-death. Subject was a lighteyed spinster of the eighth dahn.	18	Ishashan 1172
9	"Ten people, with Shardblades alight, standing before a wall of black and white and red."	Collected: Jesachev, 1173, 12 seconds pre-death. Subject: one of our own ardents, overheard during his last moments.	12	Jesachev 1173
11	"Three of sixteen ruled, but now the Broken One reigns."	Collected: Chachanan, 1173, 84 seconds pre-death. Subject: a cutpurse with the wasting sickness, of partial Iriali descent.	84	Chachanan 1173

 

8 hours ago, Ale the Metallic Conjurer said:

Flashback chapters?! This is a nice surprise! I always wished cosmere books delved into the past POVs of characters.

Each book will feature a different set of Flashbacks. Characters are not guaranteed to still be alive in the main storyline when their flashbacks are featured.

Minor Spoilers for first arc:

Spoiler

Flashback characters for the Front five:

1. Kaladin
2. Shallan
3. Dalinar
4. Eshonai/Venli
5. Szeth

Hope that helps

Edited March 5, 2025 by Treamayne
SPAG

[AleStaar he/him]

Here comes Part 1's Interludes!

I-1: The Purelake is a lot of fun. I wonder why those three people are looking for Hoid. Guess they're from another world.

I-2: Oh great, Nan Balat kills animals for fun. One step away from being a serial killer. I liked the descriptions of axehounds and songlings. Roshar's fauna is awesome.

I-3: Szeth-son-son Vallano, Truthless of Shinovar, is a strange individual. It mentioned he's a Surgebinder (which were mentioned in prelude) and Windrunner, like the Radiants of old... The rules of being a Truthless are so cruel, and he's definitely feeling strife over what he did to Gavilar.