Wax

Even though I had read SOTH before, it was refreshing to reread it.

love Sixth. Starling was like an annoying 2 year old.

Intrigued by the preview of the space age.

The thing that was a little too convenient was Starling coming out of the pool and talking to Vaathi without the translator was just …. Whatever.

Also, 5 years? How long do Aviars live? Saak ?

On 4/9/2025 at 4:52 PM, Oltux72 said:

Well, that makes the implicit assumption that scientific concepts have to be developed in the same order. This is unlikely to be true. For example I am pretty sure that Roshar will have interplanetary travel before they understand plate tectonics. Some discoveries are largely driven by accident. For example the discovery of superconductivity.

 Kal is the first psychologist. Yet, confirmation biases are already a term that a non medical scholar would know. So, no, biases wouldn’t be a specified term without proper research. If Jasnah had said something along the lines of “surest person is only fooling himself” or some thing other colloquial observation - it could have fit.
 

All such medical terms in real life have peer reviewed papers and solid tests for evidence.

I was born and raised in India till I hit 20s as a “Hindu”.  Now as an atheist and even then, IDGAF about a representation of an artificial world inspired by the legacy world.

Kalki 2898AD tried and built a gorgeous offshoot set in the future despite some flawed execution.

Let Brandon do his thing…. So called “true to historical stories “, is overrated IMO.

PS no need to discuss the caste system or going fully into it. It’s just humans doing human stuff. Gita did not prescribe it. It’s just like the lighteyes/darkeyes/parshendi type of system. It’s been all done before.

On 3/11/2025 at 5:04 AM, Oltux72 said:

Why? They have centuries of research and reasoning about logic and psychology. They must know the phenomenon of confirmation bias, at least among upper class women.

That term came from a research in 1960s. So, even in the real world it came waaaay after the steam engine. So, just something that looks out of time.

The prose started to go down in book 4.

Jasnah talking about biases alluding to cognitive bias / confirmation bias made me cringe.

I do hope someone decides to look at this more in the next books.

I think criticisms are valid broadly.

i’d still buy the book 5 times over.

Nobody is perfect. We are all human. It’s a good enough book. I still finished it.

On 12/17/2024 at 8:42 AM, Ain Soph said:

Seems like she might be the biggest chunk of Honor left,

In the Retribution forming scene, a few chunks of Honor split off and leave before the merge.

The Odium interlude said

couldn’t be seen even with his eyes and seemed hidden even to him.

so, is that the missing shard? Odd thing for someone representing

to be hidden?

Send the team an email? Maybe they have some people on waitlisted for cancellations?

Correct or not, I love the detail you’ve put to this.

On 4/8/2024 at 9:04 AM, King Oreo said:

I'm going through hell. Need some hugs please

*Hugs* buddy

On 12/14/2023 at 5:56 AM, Just a Silvereye said:

*hugs*

I'm really sorry you had to go through that. And also I'm amazed by the fact that you are able to have the game still installed and not play it, like I haven't played since almost a month but only because I made it absolutely impossible to download Steam. And even then I've still been filling the void with... literally anything else but studying

How did you not get sucked in something else (watching YT videos, browsing social media... idk there are so many mindless timekilling distractions these days)?

Good luck on your job search! 

There’s always the next frontier in distraction:)

YT, solitaire, Microsoft tiles, surfing….

I can just say this is like the Lord Ruler’s situation. Each solution creates its own set of problems. It works as long as the new problems created are smaller than the original problem.

Lots of strategies... The ones that work for me are are:-

"If I apply for these 5 jobs, I get 1 games of solitaire or freecell, AFTER I've finished applying"

"Music in the background... great way to make it easier to work on something rather than playing games"

On 11/19/2023 at 10:22 PM, Ookla the Dreamer said:

warning: long and completely insane rant incoming

  Reveal hidden contents

So basically I have been addicted to video games (or rather a specific game) for like a year now and it's been completely ruining my life bc i'm a student and instead of doing the work i had to, well i was just playing, sometimes all day long (i do mean that, there has been days i just got out of bed, ate my breakfast, started playing and just kept on until bedtime, pausing olny for lunch and dinner)

it's a miracle i validated last semester honestly the main reason is that most of my grades were group projects where i pulled... lets say far less than my weight

some of you might remember how i basically disappeared from the shard overnight last year, well that was when the addiction ramped up significantly

i've tried all parental control softwares existing out there to try limiting myself but that kind of things is useless when you have the password to give yourself just another hour time and time again

and now it's really starting to crush me i have tons of work to finish in the next days/weeks 

and guess what i have been doing yesterday all day long instead of doing that work

i just kept repeating myself "you'll have time to do all of that later" WELL NOT ANYMORE YOU MORON

i just uninstalled for like the fifth time in two months, i set up several of those parental control things so that they block me from reinstalling steam and then they block each other, but i know one day or another i'll find a way around like all the previous times "come on just an hour each day, this time you'll be able to limit yourself" and then i start playing and never stop

and now all the work i have to do, the exams coming soon, the project to finish tomorrow, the mooc to complete today, the internship i should have found like yesterday but i haven't even started searching... it just feels like a mountain except it's entirely my fault it's like this

 

i havent been doing anything with my life for so long now and it's driving me crazy

 

I had a similar challenge years ago with a video game.

I was able to uninstall and let it itgo after a couple of times though.

I recently got back in and the same issue and cycle.

I used a different technique this time. I quit my job recently, and promised myself I won't use the game until I got a new job. It's installed still, but I haven't touched it since.

---

PS I'm unemployed now because I hated my last job. Hopefully, I can get something soon.

I liked the book. Very Mistborn / Yumi like feel to the book. I was initially confused by the worldhopper’s name.

I just had some issues. Basically, the touch to have babies concept was a little out there… kind of broke the fourth wall for me “oh, this is to stop this coming up in WoB”. So yeah, this book had an extra dolllop of fantasy.

Not sure about that romance angle there. Aux was eggy.

Just an update.

My current job isn't going too well. The boss wants me gone, and I am struggling as well. Going to quit next week.

On the positive, had planned a trip with my family and dad in November. I'll be gone and back in time for the Defiant release.

Hoping to get a new job in Nov/Dec/Jan.

Should have had a spoiler tag

I’ve made my peace with a lot of things.

My life has been amazing recently… new car, no major financial woes. Yet, family life has been average. Somehow, I’ve come to the realisation that the things will rarely get better. There will always be a lack of something. But, I am ok with it now.

I was really into crypto up to the bull run in 2021. I was in from 2014… now fully out of it. The underlying tech is a good theoretical idea that doesn’t work in reality. Because we’re human, our underlying greed corrupts everything. So, until AI completely takes over this planet (hopefully never), crypto will remain a ponzi scheme in my eyes. 

I don’t see Kaladin being the champion. It’s a fight to the death and Kaladin won’t kill. Brandon changed the ending of WoR to take away the killing blow by Kaladin.

I think there is a Dawnshard arc still to be explored there.

The loophole I thought was Odium trying to win everything in 10 days on Roshar. So, at worst he’s giving up Alethkar and Herdaz. That sounds impractical though, so that’s not it either. The “El” guy who wrote about the last 10 days might be the Odium champion?

I read Brandon's new Reddit post here and thought I might try ChatGPT to do stuff for fun. The Reddit post spoiled the title of the book. So, I've put that bit of the ChatGPT interaction where I discussed with the name revealed in the spoiler tag. Have fun reading guys!

Quote

Me: Write a book summary for Stormlight archive book 5

ChatGPT: I'm sorry, but as an AI language model, I don't have access to future events or books that haven't been published yet. The fifth book in the Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson has not been released yet, and there is no official information about its plot or contents. It is expected to be titled "The Lost Metal" and to continue the epic fantasy story of the previous four books, following the struggles of various characters in the world of Roshar as they face supernatural forces, political intrigue, and personal challenges. However, I'm unable to provide a summary of a book that does not exist yet.

Me:

Can you make a fan fiction story of what might happen in it?

 

ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I can generate a fan fiction story based on the existing characters and setting of the Stormlight Archive series, but please keep in mind that this is purely speculative and not based on any official information about the upcoming book. Here's a possible fan fiction story for Stormlight Archive Book 5:

The Lost Metal

Kaladin Stormblessed, captain of the Windrunners, had never felt so lost. Despite all his successes in battle, he could not shake the feeling that he was failing those closest to him. His love for Shallan Davar had only grown stronger, but he knew he could never act on it, for fear of damaging their friendship and the delicate balance of their team. Meanwhile, his bond with his spren, Syl, was fraying, and he feared he was losing his ability to use Stormlight and fly.

At the same time, Shallan was struggling with her own secrets and inner demons. She had successfully infiltrated the Ghostbloods, the secret society that her father had once been a part of, but she was finding it harder and harder to keep up the charade. She was also grappling with the knowledge that she had multiple personalities, each with their own memories and desires. And worst of all, she was haunted by the memory of killing her own father.

Meanwhile, Dalinar Kholin, the leader of the Knights Radiant, had discovered a new threat to the world of Roshar. A group of rogue Radiants had uncovered an ancient metal that could disrupt the powers of the other Orders, and they were using it to wreak havoc across the land. With the help of his nephew, Adolin, and his loyal bodyguard, Rock, Dalinar set out to stop them.

As the three heroes pursued their separate paths, they began to realize that their fates were intertwined. Kaladin's struggles with his spren were connected to the rogue Radiants' use of the metal. Shallan's infiltration of the Ghostbloods had unwittingly led her to a cache of the metal. And Dalinar's investigations had uncovered a conspiracy that went all the way to the highest levels of the Rosharan government.

In the climactic battle, the Windrunners, Ghostbloods, and Knights Radiant all clashed over the Lost Metal. Kaladin, finally reconciled with Syl, soared through the air and led the charge against the rogue Radiants. Shallan, using her multiple personalities to confuse and distract her enemies, managed to steal the metal and escape. And Dalinar, wielding the power of the Stormfather himself, fought the leader of the rogue Radiants in a duel that shook the very foundations of the world.

In the end, the Lost Metal was destroyed, and the rogue Radiants were defeated. Kaladin, Shallan, and Dalinar all emerged stronger from their trials, having learned to trust in themselves and each other. But as they looked out over the battered landscape of Roshar, they knew that their work was far from over. The world was still in danger, and new challenges lay ahead. And so they vowed to continue fighting, to protect their loved ones and their home, until the end of their days.

Here's the bit with the title spoiled

Me: The fifth book will be called

. Rewrite the fan fiction based on this.

Quote

Spoiler

The Knights of Winds, Truth

Kaladin Stormblessed, captain of the Windrunners, stood on the battlements of Urithiru, gazing out at the stormy horizon. He had come a long way since his days as a slave, but he knew that his journey was far from over. The new title of "Knight of Winds, Truth" bestowed upon him by the other Radiants brought new responsibilities and challenges.

Meanwhile, Shallan Davar, now a master of the Lightweavers, was grappling with her own identity. She had come to terms with her multiple personalities and learned to use them to her advantage, but she still struggled to reconcile her various roles as a wife, a daughter, a spy, and a hero. Her relationship with Kaladin had grown more complicated, with both of them hesitant to express their true feelings for each other.

As for Dalinar Kholin, leader of the Knights Radiant, he was facing a new crisis. A mysterious cult, calling themselves the

Spoiler

"Knights of Truth,"

had emerged in the city of Kholinar, claiming to be the true heirs of the Radiants. They preached a message of harsh discipline and self-denial, and were gaining more and more followers by the day.

With the help of his nephew, Adolin, and his loyal bodyguard, Rock, Dalinar set out to investigate the cult and its leader, a charismatic figure known only as the "Windspeaker." What he discovered was a shocking truth: the Windspeaker was none other than Kaladin's long-lost brother, Tien, whom Kaladin had believed to be dead.

Tien had been taken in by the cult as a child and had risen through the ranks to become its leader. He believed that the true path of the Radiants was one of sacrifice and hardship, and that the other Orders had strayed from their true purpose. He had amassed a powerful army of fanatics, and was planning to launch a violent revolution to overthrow the Knights Radiant and impose his own vision of the world.

As the three heroes pursued their separate paths, they began to realize that their fates were intertwined. Kaladin's brother was the key to the cult's plans, and the only one who could stop him was Kaladin himself. Shallan's mastery of illusion and deception could help them infiltrate the cult's inner circle, while Dalinar's political savvy and military might could help them defeat the cult's forces.

In the climactic battle, the Windrunners, Lightweavers, and Knights Radiant all joined forces against the

Spoiler

Knights of Truth

. Kaladin and Tien faced each other in a final showdown, brother against brother. In the end, Kaladin emerged victorious, having convinced his brother to see reason and abandon his radical ideology.

The cult was disbanded, and its members either joined the Knights Radiant or went their separate ways. Kaladin and Shallan finally confessed their feelings for each other and started a new life together, while Dalinar continued to lead the Radiants and guide the world of Roshar towards a brighter future.

Spoiler

The Knights of Winds, Truth

had prevailed, but they knew that their work was never truly done. The winds of change were always blowing, and the truth was always waiting to be discovered.

Me: In the book, the main plots were, Kaladin and Szeth go to Shinovar, Dalinar has the fight of champions with Odium, Navani using the Urithiru secrets, Adolin helping Maya, Shallan fighting with Ghostbloods and Odium using tricks to beat them all.

Quote

ChatGPT:

As an AI language model, I do not have access to the actual plot of the fifth book of the Stormlight Archive. However, I can create a fan fiction story based on the main plots you provided. Here it is:

---

Spoiler

The Knights of Winds, Truth

Kaladin Stormblessed and Szeth-son-son-Vallano traveled to Shinovar, seeking answers about the mysterious land and its people. They encountered many challenges along the way, including dangerous beasts and harsh weather conditions. However, their perseverance and combat skills allowed them to overcome these obstacles.

In Shinovar, they discovered a hidden society of people who possessed unique powers that could be used to fight against Odium and his forces. Kaladin and Szeth were welcomed into the society and trained in these powers, which included the ability to manipulate wind and create illusions.

Meanwhile, Dalinar Kholin prepared for the fight of champions with Odium, determined to end the long-standing conflict once and for all. The two clashed in a fierce battle, with Dalinar using his knowledge of the Voidbringers and the Radiants to gain the upper hand. However, Odium proved to be a formidable opponent, and the fight ended in a stalemate.

Navani Kholin delved deeper into the secrets of Urithiru, uncovering ancient knowledge and hidden technologies that could turn the tide of the war. She worked tirelessly to understand and utilize these tools, with the help of a small team of trusted allies.

Adolin Kholin continued his quest to help Maya, the spren trapped in his family's Shardblade. He studied ancient texts and consulted with knowledgeable experts, hoping to find a way to free her from her imprisonment.

Shallan Davar found herself in the midst of a dangerous conflict with the Ghostbloods, a secretive organization with mysterious motives. She used her skills as a Lightweaver to infiltrate their ranks and gather information, but soon found herself in over her head.

As Odium's forces grew stronger, the Knights Radiant faced new challenges and obstacles at every turn. Odium used cunning tactics and unexpected tricks to gain the upper hand, leaving the Knights struggling to keep up.

In the end, it was a combination of teamwork, strategy, and sheer determination that allowed the

Spoiler

Knights of Winds, Truth

to emerge victorious. Kaladin and Szeth's training in Shinovar proved invaluable in the final battle, while Dalinar's knowledge of the Voidbringers and Navani's understanding of Urithiru's secrets gave the Knights an edge. Adolin's efforts to help Maya paid off, and Shallan's cunning allowed her to outmaneuver the Ghostbloods.

With Odium defeated and the war finally over, the Knights Radiant emerged as heroes and saviors of Roshar. They knew that their work was far from done, but they also knew that they had the strength, courage, and determination to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Spoiler

The Knights of Winds, Truth

had proven their worth, and they were ready for whatever came next.

So, here you go. AI hasn't quite gotten to the level of poetry, but it's getting better at writing stock sentences!

RoW - 1st reread after 3 years

Listening to the audiobook again after such a long time, the following were the memorable points

• I could actually listen to Venli/Eshonai’s portions. I half listened to them the first time around. Just couldn’t deal with Venli’s redemption arc after what she did.
• Just felt unemotional through the first part which I felt was a bit of setup. I was quite happy with the feeling of moving on. Then the attack on the tower went into full gear and the sense of claustrophobia was back.
• Even now, it feels like big bulgy book. All scenes individually work. Yet, the effect of the bulge was that it just felt too big. For example, I loved Notem’s cameo, yet it could have been sacrificed.
• The emotional pieces still tugged the strings. Maya’s courtroom scene, Veil’s final departure, Teft’s final scene and Kaladin’s oath all stood out. Other memorable ones were Raboniel’s final dialogue, Warlight intro, Venli’s final scene with her mother and Eshonai’s end.
• At times, I felt like there were so many scenes that I had forgotten. I remember listening the whole book the first time. Yet, so many sections just felt brand new! For example, I had completely forgotten that Kaladin’s next quest would involve getting Ishar and going with Szeth.

Things I picked up (everyone else may already know)

• Gavilar wasn’t trying to to bond. He had expressly rejected the voidspren (mentioned by Ulim). His main character assassins were Navani after an argument and Nale. Somehow, I see another redemption arc incoming.
• Lift was now going around with a “chicken”. Did she pick up Mraize’s bird (sixth of dusk)
  Spoiler

  Maybe sixth of dusk bird to give sight?

   

• Renarin sent gemstones to Taravangians with an apology on his last day. And also earlier met him. Interesting Taravangisn internal monologue there. So, he clearly knew about his upcoming death.

Things I don’t get

• Why was Odium so much in panic due to the tower? There was so much of an assumption that he could lose.
• What was Mraize’s motivations here to provide Lift to Raboniel? If the Ghostbloods (Lost Metal Spoilers)
  Spoiler

  wanted to protect Scadrial, surely they would realise that anything that helped Odium could help it escape the Roshar system and potentially head towards it.

Theories

• The hole in the agreement Odium might try and use is that he might keep everything except Alethkar and Herdaz that he already owns. So, that might mean another attack on Thelena, Tukar, Emuul etc. to grab pretty much everything in the intervening 10 days before the contest of champions.
• A common theory I’ve read here is that some Radiants may ascend. I am leaning towards it more. As there is a broken bond now available in the oathpact, Dalinar may bind Kaladin to it.
• Design may help Wit remember / find out about memory tampering by Odium
• I think the Recreance might have been the reaction to the Singer’s becoming Parshmen. So, the KRs were giving up their powers, like a disarmament treaty.
• long held theory - Dalinar’s other visions are from the cognitive shadow of Gavilar.

Mysteries / Looking forward to

• How will the Dawnshard aspect still fit in?
• More inkspren possibly after Maya’s testimony
• Shattered Plains – so many hints towards its formation being man made. Maybe it might get resolved in Book 5.
• This is from Oathbringer – still waiting for Azure’s blade tech for non-spren shardblades

Great audiobook… fantastic audio dramatisation by all. I loved the neurotic Sophie Kwon (?) telling off everyone in a position of power (you can see she doesn’t like any authority figures). 
 

I could pick up that Huck was lying when Tress asked him about his background.

I had a fleeting idea that he might be someone cursed by the sorcoress (I was thinking of the Terry Pratchett book where a talking frog lawyer was a character... I think "The Wee Free Men").

I didn't focus on it though.

I felt it was the best book of Era 2 or 1.

I didn’t feel emotional about Wayne. I loved all the Ghostblood characters.

Couldn’t get why Wax hadn’t turned full mistborn and healed himself in the epilogue. Maybe he hadn’t been told by Harmony? Feels like a red herring for Era 3.

On 19/10/2022 at 0:04 PM, Treamayne said:

Coppermind Links:

Alloy of Law - Set on Scadrial and takes place 341 years after the events of The Hero of Ages. The events from the Mistborn trilogy are now legend, history, and religion.

The book follows Waxillium Ladrian, a descendant of Breeze and former lawman who returns from the Roughs to assume leadership of his house in the wake of his uncle's passing, and Wayne - Wax's formidable partner and old friend. The two of them are Twinborn, with both one Allomantic power and one Feruchemical power.

Shadows of Self - The trilogy’s heroes are now figures of myth and legend, even objects of religious veneration. They are succeeded by wonderful new characters, chief among them Waxillium Ladrian, known as Wax, hereditary Lord of House Ladrian but also, until recently, a lawman in the ungoverned frontier region known as the Roughs. There he worked with his eccentric but effective buddy, Wayne. They are “twinborn,” meaning they are able to use both Allomantic and Feruchemical magic.

Shadows of Self shows Mistborn’s society evolving as technology and magic mix, the economy grows, democracy contends with corruption, and religion becomes a growing cultural force, with four faiths competing for converts.

This bustling, optimistic, but still shaky society now faces its first instance of terrorism, crimes intended to stir up labor strife and religious conflict. Wax and Wayne, assisted by the lovely, brilliant Marasi, must unravel the conspiracy before civil strife stops Scadrial’s progress in its tracks.

Bands of Mourning - The Bands of Mourning are the mythical metalminds owned by the Lord Ruler, said to grant anyone who wears them the powers that the Lord Ruler had at his command. Hardly anyone thinks they really exist. But now a kandra researcher has returned to Elendel with images that seem to depict the Bands, as well as writings in a language that no one can read. Waxillium Ladrian is recruited to travel south to the city of New Seran to investigate, and along the way he discovers hints that point to the true goals of his uncle Edwarn and the shadowy organization known as The Set.

On 19/10/2022 at 11:08 AM, That1Cellist said:

There are summaries on the Coppermind, I believe. Those could be what you are wanting.

Thanks for the summaries. It helped make some sense of the series. I had to go back and read the summary for the Alloy of Law to make any sense. Basically, I had a blank spot for the Steris/Marasi/Wax romantic triangle from the first book (I read the Alloy of Law half asleep originally). So, I couldn’t work out what was happening with any of the female characters.