Shinovar and the everstorm

[Xabben]

In earlier books, we have seen the consequences of the everstorm in many parts of eastern Roshar. That being said, one could think that the consequences in Shinovar, the part of the continent where the everstorm strikes first, would be much more severe. However, when Szeth and Kaladin visit Shinovar in WaT... Everything seems to be fine (at least from the physical destruction point of view). How could this be explained without considering it a huge oversight from Sanderson?

Edited July 5 by Xabben

[Frustration]

34 minutes ago, Xabben said:

In earlier books, we have seen the consequences of the everstorm in many parts of eastern Roshar. That being said, one could think that the consequences in Shinovar, the part of the continent where the everstorm strikes first, would be much more severe. However, when Szeth and Kaladin visit Shinovar in WaT... Everything seems to be fine (at least from the physical destruction point of view). How could this be explained without considering it a huge oversight from Sanderson?

The Everstorm doesn't destroy with wind like the Highstorm does. It's mostly lightning, which falls where Odium wants it. He didn't have any interest in Shinovar at the time.

[earthexile]

The Highstorm is of Honor, and it simply blows because it must blow. It starts where it starts, moves the same direction at the same speed, and scours across everything without regard for what's there. It is a blind, all-encompassing force.

The Everstorm is of Odium, so it doesn't behave the same. It lurks, it picks targets. It's hateful like an angry toddler, smashing things with lightning but not randomly. If Odium isn't specifically trying to mess you up, the Everstorm is less terrible than the Highstorm. It can pass over Hearthstone and just break some stuff, or it can focus on Thaylen City and smash up everything.

[The White Drake]

On 7/5/2026 at 6:18 AM, Xabben said:

In earlier books, we have seen the consequences of the everstorm in many parts of eastern Roshar. That being said, one could think that the consequences in Shinovar, the part of the continent where the everstorm strikes first, would be much more severe. However, when Szeth and Kaladin visit Shinovar in WaT... Everything seems to be fine (at least from the physical destruction point of view). How could this be explained without considering it a huge oversight from Sanderson?

On the map, you can see Shinovar not only has an eastern mountain range but a western as well. It’s sheltered from both storms and both directions.