What could the second half of Stormlight be?

[Left he/him]

It was definitely a little distracting, but in the end I liked it. I just found the whole thing really funny, kind of like it came out of Alcatraz.

On the other hand Mr. T would be a great book.

[Seonookim]

I wish Renarin and Adolin won't get a flashback, Dalinar's should cover them and that lives space for Mr T.

[FirstSelector]

It's worth noting that Brandon is being careful about revealing too much about the Heralds, as they are important characters in the back five.  In addition, there is a quote (that currently eludes me) that two of the flashback characters will be Heralds - Taln and someone we haven't met.  Granted, that may have changed since the quote, but I think it is a good indicator of what books 6 - 10 will cover.

[Kobold King he/him]

It's worth noting that Brandon is being careful about revealing too much about the Heralds, as they are important characters in the back five.  In addition, there is a quote (that currently eludes me) that two of the flashback characters will be Heralds - Taln and someone we haven't met.  Granted, that may have changed since the quote, but I think it is a good indicator of what books 6 - 10 will cover.

I hope Kalak gets a book! I read a theory somewhere that posits Kalak is Zahel.

[Kasimir he/him]

Kobold King, on 19 Apr 2014 - 9:25 PM, said:

I hope Kalak gets a book! I read a theory somewhere that posits Kalak is Zahel.

Rust, I'm torn between hoping Nalan gets a book or Kalak gets a book, now that you've brought him up. I'm a bit more cautious about Jezrien: I wouldn't mind seeing him, but I'm not straightforwardly certain I want to see a Jezrien book. A viewpoint might be nice though.

[WeiryWriter he/him]

I hope Kalak gets a book! I read a theory somewhere that posits Kalak is Zahel.

 

I don't think I would put much stock in that theory since: (WoR Spoilers)

 

we know Zahel is Vasher.

[Left he/him]

I thought that was the point, because Vasher can awaken, so the curse Kalak's Breath makes sense.

Edited April 19, 2014 by WeiryWriter
please use spoiler tags, this isn't the spoiler forum

[RShara she/her]

That seems unlikely, because

The Manywar was only ~300 yrs ago, and Aharietam was over 4500 years ago.  Also Vasher doesn't seem "broken" to me.  And just 4500 years (not counting the time of the Desolations) is 225,000 Breaths!

[Guest]

I always thought each flashback character was to be a member of each Radiant order. If that really is the case, then it means Eshonai will be a Radiant and Adolin most likely not The fact that Sanderson has not fully decided yet means he hasn't decided what to do with him yet. We basically know who the ten are, except for our Willshaper and our Dustbringer. These are the two that do not seem settled.

 

1) Elsecaller: Jasnah

2) Truthwatcher: Renarin

3) Lightweaver: Shallan

4) Bondsmith: Dalinar

5) Stoneward: Taln

6) Edgedancer: Lift

7) Windrunner: Kaladin

8) Skybreaker: Szeth

9) Willshaper: Eshonai/Adolin/Unknown

10) Dustbringer: Eshonai/Adolin/Unknown

 

We know Eshonai will be a Radiant. Therefore, we have one open spot for one still undecided character. Wow, first time I look at it this way. Quite a bumer for those of us who hope for Adolin to become KR. Small chances. Sad. Meaning he will most likely bite the dust. More sad.

 

Personnally, I am not sure I want to read a book and Mr T. Whereas I found his chapters interesting, I did not enjoy them enought to want to read more. Besides, he is not a Radiant nor will he ever be one.The occasional interlude should do for him.

 

Lift does not bother me. I would be interested in a book about her when she is older.

[Mailliw73 he/him]

I don't think it is confirmed that Eshonai will be a KR, more that it's something special to Parshendi. At least, that's what I think.

Adolin has a fair chance I think. There was at least one interview where Brandon kinda trolled and implied that the Dustbringers would be willing to accept Adolin. There might also have been one where he did the same thing with Willshapers.

[Moogle]

I always thought each flashback character was to be a member of each Radiant order. If that really is the case, then it means Eshonai will be a Radiant and Adolin most likely not The fact that Sanderson has not fully decided yet means he hasn't decided what to do with him yet. We basically know who the ten are, except for our Willshaper and our Dustbringer. These are the two that do not seem settled.

...

We know Eshonai will be a Radiant. Therefore, we have one open spot for one still undecided character. Wow, first time I look at it this way. Quite a bumer for those of us who hope for Adolin to become KR. Small chances. Sad. Meaning he will most likely bite the dust. More sad.

 

There is absolutely no reason for there to only be one Knight of each order. In fact, it would be odd if there were. There's ten books, and it is quite likely that each that will have a theme revolving around one of the Orders.

 

If I may make some (off the mark) predictions about how this will all go down (WoR spoilers):

• Windrunners: Kaladin, themes of leadership (mostly on Dalinar's end) and protection.
• Lightweavers: Shallan, themes of creativity, lies (Shallan), secrets (Kal/Shallan/Dalinar).
• Skybreakers: Szeth, possible themes of justice/punishment? I expect Kaladin to get back at Roshone or Amaram in any case.
• Willshapers: Eshonai, though it's quite possible she won't be a Radiant. Possible themes of doing what you feel is right despite others disagreeing (Resolute) and working towards goals. I expect Dalinar to make a serious global power-grab along with Taravangian.
• Bondsmiths: Dalinar, possible themes of unity and faith. Expect the Desolation to thoroughly break the world, and for humanity to attempt to keep faith in something while also sticking together as plenty of people die around them. Possibly the end of the Desolation as well.

I have no idea where it's heading after that, but I'd link up the PoV characters with the Orders like so:

• Stonewards; "Taln"
• Edgedancers: Lift
• Dustbringers: Taravangian, though he won't be a Radiant in all likelyhood. He still exemplifies their attributes if speculation about the Dustbringers being those who do the ugly things which need to be done (like certain murders) is close to the mark. Also, a possible heavy Adolin focus if he manages to stick around until here.
• Truthwatchers: Renarin
• Elsecallers: Jasnah

 

I'm curious as to what Order Navani's book was supposed to be. Elsecallers? Truthwatchers?

 

Can't wait for the Taravangian book. It should be filled with exquisite sadness.

Edited April 29, 2014 by Moogle

[Guest]

I'm curious as to what Order Navani's book was supposed to be. Elsecallers? Truthwatchers?

 

Can't wait for the Taravangian book. It should be filled with exquisite sadness.

 

I am not sure Navani will be a Radiant.... but is she were to be, then she would definitely fit into either one of these two. If she does become a KR, I would love to see her share an order with her daughter :-)

 

Personally, I have always thought the first five books would focus on the hunt for the 10 orders with book 5 ending with the last knight being found. My two cents are the Dustbringer will be the last one to come by, no matter who he (or she) ends up being. That also fits with my secret hope/theory Adolin would fit into these shoes. He has a long way to go to be KR and him being the last makes sense, if it does happen.

 

The Desolation would hit in book 5 and in book 6, we would see how the fight has gone by in the last 10 years. I also think Dalinar is likely to die in book 5...

 

The second part of Stormlight would show the orders expend and would feature many many more knights.

 

Anyway those are just my thoughts.

[DSC01 he/him]

That seems unlikely, because

The Manywar was only ~300 yrs ago, and Aharietam was over 4500 years ago.  Also Vasher doesn't seem "broken" to me.  And just 4500 years (not counting the time of the Desolations) is 225,000 Breaths!

 

He doesn't need them on Roshar: the Stormlight takes their place. I don't think anyone outside of Nalthis has any. That said, the chronology seems all wrong for him to have been on Roshar for that long.

 

EDIT: I hope it's okay that I didn't use spoiler tags. I figured that what I said was vague enough that if you needed them, you would have no idea what I'm talking about.

Edited April 30, 2014 by DSC01

[Left he/him]

Yeah, I don't think eshonai is going to be KR, I think that if there's a parshendai KR it will be Shen. He's just so cool, that it would be a shame to see him just as a squire. I think that Eshonai will die in stones unhallowed (book 3) right before her flashback book.( book 4)

[Cheese Ninja he/him]

I think by the end of book 5

they will have freed the Parshendi from Odium's control and have undone the Everstorm.

  And then an even greater danger will surface.  Most likely still Odium related.  We'll have the Herald's (Taln and the other) flashback books in the 2nd half, so I imagine we will see a lot of all this how started.  There's a WoB that says that Honor and Cultivation were on Roshar for quite a while before Odium arrived.  So I wouldn't be surprised if there is stuff from before the Cycle of Desolations and the Oathpact began, and why those were necessary sacrifices to begun with.

[Guest]

Yeah, I don't think eshonai is going to be KR, I think that if there's a parshendai KR it will be Shen. He's just so cool, that it would be a shame to see him just as a squire. I think that Eshonai will die in stones unhallowed (book 3) right before her flashback book.( book 4)

 

Brandon did mentioned a character did not need to be alive for his flashback book. I have always interpreted that as an omen for Dalinar's death.

 

However, it could be Eshonai.

 

It would be nice for her to die redeeming herself and saving her people or what's left of it. I wonder how this could go... If we look at history, the war started because Eshonai pushed for Galivar's assassination. She is the only left among those responsible. Because of her actions, her people were massacred and are on the verge of extinction. The war triggered her sister to uncover the stormform thus dooming what's left of the Parshendi.

 

It started because she killed one Kohlin.

 

Could it end because she saves another Kohlin? Could it be the gesture that would link her people to the other nations and expunge their crimes? Some sort of token of goodwill? Would that be enough?

 

Just some thoughts.

[DSC01 he/him]

I don't think Listeners can be Radiants, but I do think Eshonai will get a chance to redeem herself, probably in the 5th book. I could be wrong about Listener Radiants, but only, I'd wager, because things are different this time than in previous Desolations.

I don't really want Eshonai flashbacks. I think we know enough about her past. Her sister, on the other hand, is clearly hiding something very interesting.

I project that Shallan will be in the second half as a Jasnah-like figure (Jasnah herself likely dead for real), and Lift will probably take a prominent role. I think she'll be refined and eloquent but without haughtiness, informed by a sense of humor derived from her rough roots. Renarin might fill Dalinar's role as the honorable elder statesman. Also, I think the Aimians will stay in the background until the second half, and then we'll get more info about them.

I also think it very possible that the 2nd Mistborn trilogy (not the Wax & Wayne inter-trilogy) will in some way influence the second half of the Stormlight Archive. I honestly don't have any idea where it will go. I do think someone will ascend and pick up Honor's Shard, though. Probably either Kaladin or Dalinar. Maybe even Eshonai. Whoever it is, that will be in book 5, I'd say.

But who knows?

[Moogle]

If we look at history, the war started because Eshonai pushed for Galivar's assassination. She is the only left among those responsible. Because of her actions, her people were massacred and are on the verge of extinction. The war triggered her sister to uncover the stormform thus dooming what's left of the Parshendi.

 

It started because she killed one Kohlin.

 

Not to be nitpicky, but I'd say that Gavilar started by the war by implicitly telling the listeners that he was going to force them back into slavery to their gods. I feel that saying Eshonai started the war is glossing over that pretty important detail. I think Eshonai holds very little responsibility in the grand scheme of things, and that the person attempting to wake up the Unmade should probably hold the lion's share of the blame for the current state of affairs.

Edited May 1, 2014 by Moogle

[Left he/him]

I also think that Renarin could die in the first five or book six, making him a dead flashbacker.

[Guest]

I also think that Renarin could die in the first five or book six, making him a dead flashbacker.

 

Somehow I do not see Renarin dying. There is more chances Adolin will die even if saying this makes me really sad. I do not want any Kohlin brother to die.

[DSC01 he/him]

I think you're right: Adolin probably will die. It makes the most sense as a way to resolve the impending Adolin/Shallan/Kaladin love triangle. Having Adolin and Kaladin be at odds again after having overcome their mutual dislike seems a clumsy way to tell the story. I think Kaladin will suppress his feelings out of respect for Adolin. After he dies, maybe we'll see something happen there.

 

Then again, I was one of the people yelling, "Wax should get together with Marasi!" after reading Alloy of Law, only to be shot down by WoB that they're not right for each other. Maybe this is a similar thing, but it seems to me that the Adolin/Shallan match is the less workable one in this story.

[Guest]

I think you're right: Adolin probably will die. It makes the most sense as a way to resolve the impending Adolin/Shallan/Kaladin love triangle. Having Adolin and Kaladin be at odds again after having overcome their mutual dislike seems a clumsy way to tell the story. I think Kaladin will suppress his feelings out of respect for Adolin. After he dies, maybe we'll see something happen there.

 

Then again, I was one of the people yelling, "Wax should get together with Marasi!" after reading Alloy of Law, only to be shot down by WoB that they're not right for each other. Maybe this is a similar thing, but it seems to me that the Adolin/Shallan match is the less workable one in this story.

 

I do not believe Kaladin will end up with Shallan. Adolin does not need to die for them to be a couple. I think he may be a goner based on the fact he isn't KR and he may not become one. He is going on a downhill path. His death would be tragic, but sincerely if Sanderson kills him, I may stop reading the whole series. It would be a very frustrating death, more frustrating than Robb Stark death as you just don't get attached to him so much before it happens.

 

As for a couple, I rather liked Shallan/Adolin. I thought they were kind of cute together.

[Mailliw73 he/him]

I was definitely a Shallarin shipper. Feather had me completely convinced of that. I still think they would be cute if it played out like her stories. But I came to quite enjoy Shallan/Adolin together. They were pretty cute and I don't think Kal will get her.

[Left he/him]

Oh, please don't put Kaladin and Shallan together, it just doesn't fit like Shallan and Adolin.

 

I'm expecting Renarin to die because he's the crazy prophet guy that always dies before he can give the crucial information. Thing is that this is Brandon so who knows what's going to happen.

[Argent he/him]

Oh, please don't put Kaladin and Shallan together, it just doesn't fit like Shallan and Adolin.

 

Thing is, they kind of do. Adolin matches Shallan's casual and jovial lighteyes persona, but Kaladin is a better match for her intellect.

 

Words of Radiance Spoilers

After Shallan and Kaladin came back from the chasms and Shallan was reunited with Adolin, there was a brief scene where she made some quip, Adolin laughed or something, and Shallan thought how she had been expecting a quip back, because that's what Kaladin would've done.

So there is some synergy there, and Brandon could make it work well if that's what he wants the books to do. He might lose a few originality points if he goes with the Shalladin ship, because of how many stories turn the main male and female protagonists into a couple, but I don't think the story itself will suffer for it.