Reading The Stormlight Archive for the first time

[Treamayne]

2 minutes ago, Ale the Metallic Conjurer said:

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.

Did you recognize any of them? Minor Spoiler Hints:

Spoiler

Applicable Stories: Elantris, Hero of Ages, White Sand

 

[AleStaar he/him]

Here are my interpretations of the epigraphs in The Way of Kings Part One:

I think they are visions of the possible future given to people as they die. Collected by a faction who owns ardents. These are my thoughts on what they mean:

Quote

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.

They are of “the enemy” the Heralds fought against. The Everstorm will be a disaster caused by him

Quote

Ten orders. We were loved, once. Why have you forsaken us, Almighty! Shard of my soul, where have you gone?

The Knights Radiant returning to the world after millennia. But instead of abandoning humanity, they’re now abandoned by the Almighty. And they don’t have Shardplate or Shardblade. Or maybe… this is a reference to the past?

Quote

I have seen the end, and have heard it named. The Night of Sorrows, the True Desolation. The Everstorm.

Three apocalyptic disasters caused by “the enemy.” 

Quote

I'm cold. Mother, I'm cold. Mother? Why can I still hear the rain? Will it stop?

I was confused by this at first. Still am. But since this followed the previous one, and a key part of Roshar’s climate are the highstorms, I think this refers to the Everstorm. The Everstorm bringing eternal rain

Quote

Ten people, with Shardblades alight, standing before a wall of black and white and red.

The ten Heralds standing against the Voidbringers

Quote

Three of sixteen ruled, but now the Broken One reigns.

There were once three Shards of Adonalsium active on Roshar. But now only one is active. The Broken One

[AleStaar he/him]

Hello! I’ve been going through some mental health problems over the past few months, so I took a break from this book. But now I’m back. I was originally going to use the audiobook to catch up (stopped at chapter 36). But got bored. Plus I did it once before

So I’ll use the coppermind summaries this time.

Edited July 9, 2025 by Ale the Metallic Conjurer

[Treamayne]

21 minutes ago, Ale the Metallic Conjurer said:

Hello! I’ve been going through some mental health problems over the past few months, so I took a break from this book. But now I’m back. I was originally going to use the audiobook to catch up (stopped at chapter 36). But got bored. Plus I did it once before

So I’ll use the coppermind summaries this time.

Welcome back. I hope you are doing better and can continue to enjoy both the story and this community. 

[AleStaar he/him]

For now, I'll share my theories. Most of them are copy-and-paste from the previous page. 

I also have thoughts on the epigraphs of Part 2

 

Theories up to chapter 36 of The Way of Kings

• 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
• The prologue's epigraph a prophecy saying that the Everstorm will occur 1000 days after it was collected
• The Everstorm will include neverending rain. Hence the "mother I'm cold" epigraph
• As is Dalinar, Gavilar received the visions as well. Eventually repulsed by the Thrill as a result. He wanted Dalinar to read the Codes of War and The Way of Kings, so that he starts contemplating the meaning of honor. And so he 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 (Syl)  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. He was to consolidate his influence in the Vorin kingdoms, by assassinating their most important leaders. Eventually, he’s going to order that Szeth assassinate Dalinar and Elhokar. 
• Shallan secretly has a Shardblade

 

Thoughts on Part 2's epigraphs. Elantris, Mistborn Era 1 and 2 spoilers

Spoiler

There is a lot of Shardic lore in these epigraphs. 

• The author is someone with a grudge against Bavadin and this newly mentioned Vessel named Rayse
• Rayse holds a Shard more frightening and terrible than Ruin and Autonomy. My guess is Rayse is the Vessel of Odium. I remember that Shard from the Lost Metal. 
• It was mentioned in The Lost Metal that Odium has destroyed a few Shards. Rayse caused a disaster on Sel. Aona must be the Vessel of Devotion, while Skai is the Vessel of Dominion. RAYSE CREATED THE DOR!

 

Edited July 9, 2025 by Ale the Metallic Conjurer

[Treamayne]

15 minutes ago, Ale the Metallic Conjurer said:

• 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
• The prologue's epigraph a prophecy saying that the Everstorm will occur 1000 days after it was collected
• The Everstorm will include neverending rain. Hence the "mother I'm cold" epigraph
• As is Dalinar, Gavilar received the visions as well. Eventually repulsed by the Thrill as a result. He wanted Dalinar to read the Codes of War and The Way of Kings, so that he starts contemplating the meaning of honor. And so he 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 (Syl)  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. He was to consolidate his influence in the Vorin kingdoms, by assassinating their most important leaders. Eventually, he’s going to order that Szeth assassinate Dalinar and Elhokar. 
• Shallan secretly has a Shardblade

Yes, some of those are close. RAFO. 

15 minutes ago, Ale the Metallic Conjurer said:

Thoughts on Part 2's epigraphs. Elantris, Mistborn Era 1 and 2 spoilers

Very Astute. Teaser:

Spoiler

You have previously met the author on-screen, but not the audience. Minor Spoiler Teaser:

Spoiler

You'll get the response in Book 2 - WoR.

Did you catch the reference to WoK Interlude 1 in these epigraphs?

Glad to have you back and hope you are well. Feel free to reach out in-thread or PM if you just need a friendly ear. 

Edited July 9, 2025 by Treamayne
SPAG

[AleStaar he/him]

I'm going to take a break from The Stormlight Archive. In the meantime I'll be playing Kingdom Hearts 2, playing Wizard101, and rereading all of Mistborn. If anyone wants to discuss lore from any of these, send a DM anytime. I'll also be doing a revised analysis of the Terris Prophecies in the Mistborn forums.

[AleStaar he/him]

Hi everyone! Hope someone sees this. After a months-long hiatus and mental health struggle, I'm getting back into reading The Way of Kings. Going to refresh myself using the coppermind's summary. I last stopped at chapter 41.

There's one theory I neglected to mention in my previous comments. My theory is that Dalinar can't remember his wife because his memories were deliberately removed from his mind.

Edited January 21 by AleStaar

[Treamayne]

10 hours ago, AleStaar said:

Hi everyone! Hope someone sees this. After a months-long hiatus and mental health struggle, I'm getting back into reading The Way of Kings. Going to refresh myself using the coppermind's summary. I last stopped at chapter 41.

Welcome back, I hope you are doing better. 

10 hours ago, AleStaar said:

Hey so there's one theory I neglected to mention in my previous comments. My theory is that Dalinar can't remember his wife because his memories were deliberately removed from his mind.

You should edit your post and combine these into one - since double posting is against policy. (Sharder FAQ)
That said, interesting theory. RAFO. 

[AleStaar he/him]

34 minutes ago, Treamayne said:

Welcome back, I hope you are doing better. 

I am

35 minutes ago, Treamayne said:

You should edit your post and combine these into one - since double posting is against policy. (Sharder FAQ)
That said, interesting theory. RAFO. 

Oh I forgot! I’ll edit. Thanks!

[AleStaar he/him]

Just realized I completely skipped over chapter-by-chapter thoughts for Part 2 and some of Part 3. I’ll fix that right now.

Chapter 12 - This was a good introduction to Dalinar. I loves that he’s slowly realizing vengeance, pride, and war are not the most important things. Adolin is great too, I like how much he loves Dalinar and Renarin. He’s so proud of Dalinar’s skill as a warrior, and can talk about anything with Renarin We finally have a positive sibling relationship in the cosmere!  

Some things about fabrials were revealed, that made me wonder where Shardblades and Shardplate come from… if fabrials can’t recreate them. Also, fabrials remind me of certain things from another world. And I gotta wonder if Stormlight making the metal of a grandbow more durable. 

Is a Wit basically a royal jester with privileges?

Chapter 13 - That was amazing. Brandon’s fight scenes never miss. I felt so bad for Renarin when he tried to save Dalinar. Chasmfiends sound so terrifying but their gemhearts are so weird. 

Chapter 15 - This chapter was very long - more than 20 pages - but an amazing introduction to the plotline of Dalinar, Adolin, and Sadeas. I loved the concept of a warlord/prince who wants to become a better person. I’m very excited to see how Dalinar’s evolving morals and Adolin’s love for his father clash against Sadeas. My theory at that point was that Gavilar was encouraging Dalinar to read the Alethi Codes of War and _The Way of Kings_, so that Dalinar could grow into a better person and/or prepare for the Everstorm 

Gotta wonder what exactly is the Thrill…

Chapter 16 - The start of Kal bearing the spear. And his first time doing dumb things to impress a crush Was shocked see the Spiritual Realm mentioned.

Chapter 17 - To be honest, I had a lot of scattered thoughts in this chapter. This book is the slowest burn of Brandon’s slow burns, and I’m loving it. Kaladin tried to save a bridgeman’s life, and he said something cryptic before his death. Reminds me of Part One’s epigraphs  

Right there I just got why the Alethi want the chasmfiends’ chrysalises. They hold gemhearts, which are massive gemstones. So gemhearts are vital for currency, commerce, lights, and Soulcasting. But I wonder why the Parshendi want gemhearts so badly. I also realized why life blooms right after a highstorm. It’s because of the massive amount of Investiture.

Also what’s with all the carapaces and crustaceans on Roshar? Chulls, chasmfiends, lugs I think, and now the carapace of parshmen and Parshendi. I’m loving it but it’s so so unique compared to anything else I’ve seen so far in the cosmere Hope I see another CRAB FIGHT! CRAB FIGHT! I WANT MORE GIANT CRAB FIGHTS!

Chapter 18 - Everstorm mention #4. The True Desolation and the Night of Sorrows mentioned again. And this time, the warning comes from the visions  My theory at that point was that Part One’s epigraphs are cryptic messages that foretell (possible) future events, said right before a person dies. And I think a being who sees into the future is sending Dalinar visions during highstorms. 

Dalinar talked to Renarin and told him he doesn’t need to be a fighter, but promises to gift his next Plate and Blade to Renarin. He also questions the Callings and Glory He also expresses joy in sticking it to Sadeas The Shattered Plains Kholins are already my world. Not you Elhokar. I already dislike you. 

 A lot happened this chapter
Adolin is trying to look out for Elhokar and Dalinar. He talked with an ardent, and get some info about the Hierocracy.  The Hierocracy was when the old Vorin Church - which dictated belief in priests rather than the gods - tried to take control of Roshar. By claiming they had visions and prophecies. But were cast down by the Sunmaker who discovered the visions and prophecies were false, made by the priests for their campaign. 

Apparently, the Heralds denounced visions and prophecies. Something called Voidbinding was mentioned, and its soul is trying to divine the future. It seems the Heralds’ denouncement of seeing into the future stems from what the Voidbringers did with their magic system, while the roots of Vorinism stem back to the 4500 years before this book’s events

Dalinar tries to increase patrols and reduce Soulcasting taxes. And he had a pretty sweet talk with Renarin.

Dalinar argued with Elhokar. They’re both trying here, but I definitely empathize more with Dalinar’s attempts to unite the highprinces and make this war less brutal. I wonder what’s going on with his visions and inability to remember his wife. Definitely think a being deliberately removed Dalinar’s memories of his wife.

A highstorm has come. A vision begins.

Chapter 19 - Dalinar enters a vision during a highstorm. The vision has him in the place of a man protecting his father from dark creatures called Midnight Essence, before they’re saved by Shardbearers with glowing Plate and body

Turns out the vision takes place in ancient times, in the Eighth Epoch. In the kingdom of Natanatan, before it became the Shattered Plains. With the Shardbearers from Alethela - ancient Alethkar where fighting is taught to protect the other kingdoms

The Shardbearers are two members of the Knights Radiant. A place called Urithiru was mentioned - headquarters of the Knights Radiant. The Knights Radiant stand vigilant against Desolations, and apparently this Midnight Essence is a sign of a coming Desolation.

A voice talked through Taffa and told Dalinar to trust Sadeas.

“This is important. Do not let strife consume you. Be strong. Act with honor, and honor will aid you.” 

Something called the Honorblades was mentioned I think the modern Plate used by Alethkar is an imitation of the Plate used by the Knights Radiant. And the Shardbearers who saved “Dalinar” were Surgebinders like Szeth. I noticed Stormlight was coming off their bodies like him. 

Chapter 20 - Kaladin lost a patient Lirin kind of sucks here? Bro, comfort your son.

[Treamayne]

Thanks for your thoughts. One thing that may help (context, not spoilers)

5 hours ago, AleStaar said:

Also what’s with all the carapaces and crustaceans on Roshar? Chulls, chasmfiends, lugs I think, and now the carapace of parshmen and Parshendi. I’m loving it but it’s so so unique compared to anything else I’ve seen so far in the cosmere  Hope I see another CRAB FIGHT! CRAB FIGHT! I WANT MORE GIANT CRAB FIGHTS!

WoBs:

Spoiler

Quote

Ian M Mackay, PhD

Was much of the Shattered Plains inspired by the beach?

Peter Ahlstrom

A lot of the life on Roshar is inspired by tide pools.

General Twitter 2015 (April 10, 2015)

Quote

Questioner

Just wanted to ask how you come up with all your different universes?

Brandon Sanderson

You know, it’s hard to say where specifically where they come from. You can point to certain ones and say, okay, Mistborn, Mistborn came from me driving through a fog bank at 80 miles an hour and saying, “Wow that looks cool, can I use that?” And you can point at Warbreaker with me saying, “I’ve done this whole world of ash and I need to do something colorful, let’s build a color based magic system.” Way of Kings is definitely influenced by tidal pools and things like that. And so, each one’s different, it’s just things I see that I think will make interesting stories and settings.

West Jordan signing 2012 (Dec. 6, 2012)

Quote

unknown

As silly as this may sound, one of my favorite things about The Stormlight Archive thus far has been the flora you describe in the world.

What inspired you to spend time developing unique and world-appropriate plants? I feel like plants are so often an overlooked detail, even in books with heavy world-building.

Brandon Sanderson

I knew that I wanted some worlds in the cosmere to be truly strange. Fantasy tends to shy away from very odd ecosystems, but I think it shouldn't. (Even in Mistborn, we started with strange flora.)

For Roshar, I started with the storms, then worked toward what I think would have evolved there (erring on the side of the fantastical.) The primary inspirations were tidal pools and coral reefs.

/r/fantasy AMA 2017 (Feb. 13, 2017)

 

 

 

[AleStaar he/him]

More chapter-by-chapter reactions from The Way of Kings, from chapters I read long ago, until I reach my current spot.

 

Chapter 21 - This chapter really had me rooting for Kal. He experiences the endless, nightmarish pain of a bridgeman waking up in the morning. And yet, he still wakes up. He marches through the nightmare, in hopes he can protect these people. And it seems like the march is gradually paying off. He sees the genuine smile of a man he saved from the maws of death. And now, two of his most stubborn men trust him. I loved the part where Teft talks about belonging as a bridgeman and betraying trust.

Chapter 22 - I love that Dalinar, Adolin, and Elhokar essentially have different ideas on what it means to be honorable. Dalinar’s honor in his redemption arc is humility, knowing when to walk away. Adolin’s honor means he fights whoever dishonors his family. Elhokar’s honor continuously wars against the Parshendi for breaking the Vengeance Pact. And| I’m excited to see how Dalinar’s arc progresses with Navani here and Sadeas in a high position. And on a funny note, Daddy Dalinar falls apart in front of his crush and I’m all here for it. Mr. Gar vibes for real.

Chapter 23 - Rock shared his backstory and MAN he got my respect. Putting chull dung in that creep’s food. Dalinar would like him We learn a bit about Rock’s brightlord or nuatoma going to fight Sadeas to get his Plate, in preparation to fighting someone with a Blade. Hope to see more of lords fighting for Shards. Horneaters sound like an intriguing culture, especially since they can see spren.

Kaladin looks for reeds to save Leyten’s life. And he bonds with Rock and Teft. This is the hope I needed to see, it better keep growing  

Chapter 24 - During the scene Adolin snapped at Dalinar, I felt really bad for both of them. That was a powerful moment  

I’m beyond excited to learn about the ancient history of Roshar. Turns out Nohadon, his rulership over Alethkar, and The Way of Kings came before the Heralds left. Which I guess means they existed more than 4500 years ago, before the Heralds abandoned the Oathpact 

Chapter 25 - At this point I just realized Kaladin is experiencing his parent trying to force him into a career. And then I really wanted to hug him. 

It occurred to me at that time the Kholins, Kaladin, and Jezrien from the prologue have a tendency to look eastward. I wonder if there’s something in the East related to the Almighty that these figures have a sort of attachment towards.

Chapter 26 - So the timeline is being expanded a bit. The Hierocracy, and I suppose the Sunmaker, were active 500 years ago. I wonder if either of them received real visions from the highstorms commanding to unify Roshar

Dalinar Kholin the Blackthorn is BRUTAL. Out here slaughtering the souls of Parshendi. In his old age. Must’ve been on eternal demon time in his prime. 

Made a few Cosmere connections at this point. But as for standalone thoughts, I thought the highstorm visions are being created by the Almighty partly as a counter to the Thrill’s emotional manipulation. See: Dalinar’s revulsion and sickness to the Thrill once he realizes the gore brought under its influence. 

Chapter 27 - I remembered that Kaladin noticed the spheres Gaz gave him were empty the next day. Wondered if he’s developing the same power as Szeth - draining Stormlight from spheres. Also, the scene where he performs a kata with the spear is glorious  

Bridge Four is his! The scene with the campfire and stew!!! Almighty above!!!  And the Parshendi are so cool. Carapace for armor, gemstones in beards. Goddamn.

Chapter 28 - I wonder what kind of person Dalinar used to be if he frightened both Gavilar and Navani. And Dalinar’s weird memory of his previous wife was mentioned again. Wiped from his mind by forces he should never have tempted. Hmmmmm

I love that Dalinar was thinking about democratizing Shardplate to workers and darkeyes across Roshar. Now if only you could democratize the darkeyes themselves

So when it comes to fabrials we’ve seen long distance communication, clocks, philosophers stones, whatever Navani used at that table… I also My impression was that fabrials are essentially a form of magitech that serves as a “loophole” around Roshar’s lack of industry in other areas. That, and a way to streamline construction and food in warfare. 

Turns out Gavilar was acting oddly seven years ago, losing his thirst for battle. Men started to say he was weak. Much like Dalinar now. I wonder if Gavilar received the visions and they acted as a counter to the Thrill. Like how Dalinar was nauseous after killing the Parshendi troops

Jasnah seems to be making a connection between chasmfiends and Voidbringers. From a text before the Recreance, and images generations after the Heralds departed. I think the ancient texts were trying to reference Parshendi and parshmen. 

Dalinar has made the decision to abdicate. Can’t wait to see how this plays out

[Treamayne]

Glad to hear you are enjoying the recap in preparation to continue reading.

5 hours ago, AleStaar said:

Dalinar Kholin the Blackthorn is BRUTAL. Out here slaughtering the souls of Parshendi. In his old age. Must’ve been on eternal demon time in his prime.

Are you familiar with the flashback strategy? Minor anticipatory spoilers:

Spoiler

Each book will feature a different flashback character - the first three are (slightly more spoiler):

Spoiler

1. Kaladin (WoK)
2. Shallan (WoR)
3. Dalinar (Oathbringer)

 

 

6 hours ago, AleStaar said:

So when it comes to fabrials we’ve seen long distance communication, clocks, philosophers stones, whatever Navani used at that table… I also My impression was that fabrials are essentially a form of magitech that serves as a “loophole” around Roshar’s lack of industry in other areas. That, and a way to streamline construction and food in warfare. 

Very interesting deduction

[AleStaar he/him]

14 hours ago, Treamayne said:

Are you familiar with the flashback strategy? Minor anticipatory spoilers:

Yeah I know each book has flasbacks centered around a specific character. So I’m excited for Oathbringer

 

14 hours ago, Treamayne said:

Very interesting deduction

Just realized I didn’t complete a sentence lmao. Just edited it. Meant to say I remembered a healing fabrial from the starfalls vision. That’s what I get for typing at 3 am. Thanks by the way!

 

Chapter 29 - Jasnah is a great character. I liked her argument with King Taravangian about the existence of the Almighty. I also liked her and Shallan’s perspectives on scholarship.

Dawnshards. That totally won’t be relevant. And I’m getting more convinced the Honorblades are the Blades abandoned by the Heralds.

Jasnah mentioned the cosmere in this chapter, and that a scholar named Gavarah studied the three realms. That threw me off. 

Also, the Sunmaker was only seventeen when he began his conquest. The Almighty is choosing his instruments from a young age, I think

I wonder what Shallan saw I feel like her Memory thing is of the Cognitive Realm. Maybe she saw into Roshar’s Cognitive Realm

At this point in the story, I said for certainty there are a lot of moving pieces on Roshar. More so than on the other planets.

- Dalinar is getting visions from the Almighty during highstorms

- I have a hunch Kaladin is being moved by the Almighty too. Especially after chapter 46, when he was called the Child of Tanavast and Honor.

Jasnah seems to think the Parshendi or parshmen are the Voidbringers. 

Spoiler

The Ghostbloods seem to be using House Davar and Szeth to take control of Jah Keved, by assassinating its king and placing a puppet highprince.

Mistborn spoilers: 

Spoiler

Three interlocking diamonds in a curious pattern… Does this mean the Ghostbloods gave Shallan’s father the Soulcaster??

Nan Balat talked about how their father’s benefactors might’ve wanted him to gain enough wealth to become highprince. Could they be the ones who hired Szeth to kill King Hanavanar?! Maybe they want control over Jah Keved?!

But how the hell does that protect Scadrial??

Chapter 30 - It was great reading that Gaz hates how he treats the bridgemen but is trapped under the thumb of a superior. He’s just trying to survive, like the bridgemen themselves. Hope we keep getting POVs of characters besides the MCs.

Chapter 31 - Honestly, I was playing “I’m the Highwayman” in my head after finishing the chapter

Chapter 32 - He saved Bridge Four, but at the cost of ruining Sadeas’ tactics. Now he’s getting beat up. Poor Kal His lit spheres are dun once again. I think he’s unknowingly becoming the same type of being Szeth is. A Surgebinder.

Chapter 33 - Shallan is falling in love with an ardent  I liked that talk of glyph and architectural symmetry being proof the Almighty exists.

Chapters 34 and 35 - HE SURVIVED!!!! HE SURVIVED THE STORMS!!! HE IS STORMBLESSED!!!! He gives HOPE to the bridgemen!!!!  

I thought that face in the storms smiling to Kaladin was a stormspren. But now I’m sure it’s the Stormfather.

More dun spheres what is happening to him

Chapter 36 - Incredible chapter. Brutal scene with Jasnah transmuting those men. And I love the moral ambiguity presented in this chapter. I might side with Jasnah more-so than with Shallan. It’s a bit shady for Jasnah to show off her Soulcaster for this situation to happen, and those were horrific deaths. But at the same time that robbery would’ve happened intentional or not. And it’s an understandable outcome if you want to avoid vengeance. All I know for sure is that this boosted my opinion on Jasnah. I love her pragmatism.

Chapter 37 - I love the idea that while Dalinar was preparing for war against the Parshendi, and Shallan was probably in Jah Keved being traumatized, Kaladin was depressed under the petty highprinces. It’s always nice reading about lowborn protagonists. And huh. Turns out Lirin really did steal the spheres from Wistiow.

Chapter 38 - I CALLED IT! Kaladin has been draining Stormlight from his spheres! They’ve been healing his wounds, but it seems he’s not a Surgebinder yet. Looks like Teft knows what he is. A group called the Envisagers were mentioned. Guessing they’re an organization who knew about the Knights Radiant and Surgebinders, and anticipated their return. Guessing that Teft wiped them out 

Kaladin is having a weird dream or vision. Not sure what to make of it. But that passage of Syl standing against deathspren with a sword is storming badass.

I think the assumption that the warehouse of corpses belongs to Sadeas is wrong. I wonder if they belong to whoever is collecting the prophetic epigraphs from Part 1

Chapter 39 - Shallan is facing a moral dilemma over Jasnah transmuting those thugs into fire, crystal and smoke. She studies a bunch of philosophical arguments but seems set on seeing Jasnah in the wrong. She tries using the Soulcaster but doesn’t know how, which I’m curious about.

Chapter 40 - Kaladin wakes up. Bridge Four has nightly soup gatherings. Rock is gifted a razor. 

Chapter 41 - Roshone is injured, Rillir dies, and I don’t feel bad for those two idiots.

 

And that’s it for reactions to past chapters. I started reading again last week w/ chapter 42. So future comments will be from then and beyond. And of course I’ll be sharing theories. 

[Treamayne]

9 minutes ago, AleStaar said:

Mistborn spoilers: 

  Hide contents

Three interlocking diamonds in a curious pattern… Does this mean the Ghostbloods gave Shallan’s father the Soulcaster??

Nan Balat talked about how their father’s benefactors might’ve wanted him to gain enough wealth to become highprince. Could they be the ones who hired Szeth to kill King Hanavanar?! Maybe they want control over Jah Keved?!

But how the hell does that protect Scadrial??

This, unfortunately (Mistborn Spoilers)
 

Spoiler

Is one of the pitfalls of reading Era 2 before Stormlight books 1-4. Knowing anything of the Ghostbloods changes all perception of them in the first three Stormlight books. Mild non-plot Spoiler WoB (your choice to read or ignore):

Spoiler

Chaos

I definitely think Shallan learning about cosmere stuff is a good intro for Stormlight-only readers to get interested in the cosmere, kind of like Mistborn: Secret History is for Mistborn-only readers.

Brandon Sanderson

In Roshar if you learn, "Hey, there's more planets out there," and they see Roshar as something with a very valuable resource. That's enough of an intro to the cosmere to make it work in Roshar, and to make you prep for the future. That's why I did it the way I did. And also knowing people were more okay with this. But also I needed to get it in, I almost should have done it earlier. I saw people guessing that one by Words of Radiance. But by the time I was releasing Words of Radiance I was seeing fan theories that were like, "What if this."

Chaos

So like throwing darts on a dart board. "Ah, like this person's this other person."

Brandon Sanderson

Yeah, it might be that. The whole philosophy of the Ghostbloods was suppose to dove-tail with Survivorism. Survival of the fittest type stuff very much. I'm hoping from the things they've read in that they were able to connect the philosophies rather than throwing darts at a dart board, but it could have been the dart board thing.

 

 

17 minutes ago, AleStaar said:

Kaladin is having a weird dream or vision. Not sure what to make of it. But that passage of Syl standing against deathspren with a sword is storming badass.

Yes, yes it is.

 

18 minutes ago, AleStaar said:

And that’s it for reactions to past chapters. I started reading again last week w/ chapter 42. So future comments will be from then and beyond. And of course I’ll be sharing theories. 

Happy to have you back - hope you enjoy!

[AleStaar he/him]

Chapter 42 - This chapter was basically a long scene between Shallan and Kabsal admitting they like each other but not acting upon it. This is definitely the most meh part of Shallan’s POVs, but I do like Kabsal and the concept of ardents. Definitely the best part of Shallan’s POV so far was chapter 36. I also love Jasnah.

Though I do wonder what was up with those creatures she saw when painting the king, and the voice she heard this chapter. 

It definitely sounds like Jasnah is laser focused on cracking the mysteries of the Knights Radiant and the Voidbringers.

Chapter 43 - Will Bridge Four’s suffering ever end??? Kaladin is planning an escape but I’m like “baby noooo” This will go so badly Kal please stop you’ll get them killed. 

Teft is the GOAT for telling Kal not to give up. Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination. I have no idea what that means but it sounds inspiring. The Knights Radiant chose a good motto. But I vaguely know from the synopsis that those words are ancient oaths.

Chapter 44 - Can someone please kill this hoe Roshone?? Petty nobles are so punchable and I hate seeing Kal’s family suffer (even you Lirin).

Chapter 45 - I KNEW IT I KNEW IT I KNEW IT!!! SHALLAN HAS A SHARDBLADE!!! AND SHE USED IT TO KILL SOMEONE!!! AND SHE’S BEING FOLLOWED BY STRANGE CREATURES! I THINK THEY ARE SPREN!! 

SHE DID A SOULCASTING!!!! BUT HOW?! I’M SO CONFUSED!!! 

Mistborn spoilers 

Spoiler

It’s a good thing I read Secret History before!  

I think that however a Soulcasting works, it teleported Shallan to Shadesmar - the Cognitive Realm. I think like how Scadrial’s Physical objects were represented by mists in the Cognitive Realm, Roshar’s Physical objects are represented by spheres / beads

Living beings in Scadrial’s Physical Realm were represented by misty bodies and glowing souls. I think on Roshar they’re represented by moving flames.

Emperor’s Soul spoilers 

Spoiler

And I’m guessing that similar to Forgery, Soulcasting transmutes objects by interacting with the Spiritual (the soul) and Cognitive Realms (the object’s mind).

Chapter 46 - I got a lot of thoughts about the passage where Kaladin rode through the highstorm. First off, THE STORMFATHER IS REAL?! Second, he saw Szeth?!

Third, I have theories on what the Stormfather told Kaladin. He called Kaladin… Child of Honor. Child of Tanavast. Child of one long since departed. He told Kaladin the Oathpact is shattered and broken. Told him Odium comes. Most dangerous of all the sixteen.

ODIUM REIGNS. That gave me chills.

I think when the Stormfather mentioned Honor, Tanavast, and Odium he was referring to two Shards of Adonalsium and their Vessels. Tanavast might be the Vessel of the Shard Honor. Rayse (who was mentioned in an earlier epigraph) might be the Vessel of the Shard Odium 

Tanavast / Honor must’ve died long ago, while Odium is active on Roshar influencing its inhabitants to wage war. My new theory is that before Tanavast / Honor died, he foresaw a purpose for Kaladin. I also think he’s the Almighty. Maybe like Dalinar and his visions, Kaladin has a purpose foreseen by the Almighty. Something the Stormfather knows.

In Kaladin’s case, his purpose is to do something with the broken and abandoned Oathpact.

Chapter 47 - I think Cenn just said a prophecy before dying, just like the epigraphs from Part 1 (and that one bridgeman)

Cenn stopped wheezing. He convulsed once, eyes still open. “He watches!” the boy hissed. “The black piper in the night. He holds us in his palm … playing a tune that no man can hear!”

I think the black piper is Odium, manipulating the people of Roshar to wage war while they’re unaware of his existence.

Anyway, it’s been so long since I last read a Stormlight fight scene. Storms right, Kaladin is badass. I’m a little peeved he didn’t take the Shardblade but I get his decision. A Shardblade is a weapon used by the petty elitist upper class, and was just used to slaughter his squad. He may have missed a lot of opportunities, probably including financial, but storms right Kaladin is justified. Kaladin needs a hug 

I wonder who has it now. Amaram?

Edited February 4 by AleStaar

[Treamayne]

Many very interesting theories and deductions. Good job. 

6 hours ago, AleStaar said:

Anyway, it’s been so long since I last read a Stormlight fight scene. Storms right, Kaladin is badass. I’m a little peeved he didn’t take the Shardblade but I get his decision. A Shardblade is a weapon used by the petty elitist upper class, and was just used to slaughter his squad. He may have missed a lot of opportunities, probably including financial, but storms right Kaladin is justified. Kaladin needs a hug 

Just a point of context, in case you are interested. Excerpt from Sanderson's Altered Perceptions essay about The Way of Kings Prime (2002) regarding Kaladin:

Spoiler

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.

<snip>

For this book, it was the scene of the spearman and the Shardbearer. The man who fought when others fled. In the enormous battlefield full of strange creatures, armies, and broad strokes of the Blade, the man who felled a Shardbearer would be a young man with very little to recommend him other than his courage.

The scene turned out exactly how I imagined it, and was perfect. It was exciting, introduced the characters, and showed off the world of Roshar. This chapter was everything I wanted a chapter to be, and was one of the few starts to a book that I never cut or revised wholesale.

Until I realized it was the absolute wrong place to start the book.

You hold in your hands a darling that had to be killed. As Kaladin evolved as a character, I realized that in this chapter, he made the wrong decision. I wrote an entire book about him learning to be a Shardbearer, when I needed to write a book about the one man in a world of knights who would turn down these fantastical weapons if offered them.

Thanks again for your insights. 

Edited February 4 by Treamayne
SPAG

[bedtime]

14 hours ago, AleStaar said:

Chapter 45 - I KNEW IT I KNEW IT I KNEW IT!!! SHALLAN HAS A SHARDBLADE!!! AND SHE USED IT TO KILL SOMEONE!!! AND SHE’S BEING FOLLOWED BY STRANGE CREATURES! I THINK THEY ARE SPREN!! 

SHE DID A SOULCASTING!!!! BUT HOW?! I’M SO CONFUSED!!! 

I won't say how. That will be revealed, eager one. 

And if you think it's already good, it's still gonna get better and better. Not much I can say without giving the plot away. I'm about 50% through Words of Radiance, and I'm blown away at the shift things have taken.