Aon Ene

Did anyone else think about Warbreaker when the white-haired girl was mentioned in Shallan's story?

Why is Taravangian so likable? I feel a bit evil because of how much I want to side with him... Epigraphs are kinda useful now! Kaladin....... I feel conflicted. I assume Mraize is just manipulating Shallan with the Helaran stuff because he's dead..... I still feel a twinge of doubt though.

Dalinar is excellent. I 'm looking forward to more of his flashbacks. Oh Kaladin..... helping people is just your nature and we love you for it. Shallan continues to be slightly scary and infuriatingly entertaining. Just let me decide whether I like you or not!

I agree that Tyn was irritating, but I mostly disliked her because of how she influenced Shallan. I guess dishonesty really bothers me. The cons, Tyn's pride, and the boots scene really made me detest her.

I don't know much about Rosharan mythology, but if the Heralds aren't superior to the Knights in power, they might be considered greater because they possessed the power first, like how a teacher is seen as superior to the student. However, it doesn't seem like the Heralds are just normal people with Honor Blades. They obviously underwent a lot of torture that is probably more that a human Radiant could endure. They also are skilled with their powers and have undeniable leadership skills. Additionally, I think they're revered a lot more than the Radiants because they weren't seen as traitors to mankind.

I have to say Lopen. He's got an interesting mixture of carefree and intense. He's always making jokes and is ever-optimistic, appearing to take everything in stride. He's unswervingly loyal to Kaladin and is resourceful. I really enjoyed the Lopen POV in WoR, and thought it was particularly interesting when it was mentioned he "practiced" inhaling stormlight every day after Kaladin had recognized his abilities.

Edgedancer spoilers:

Right before Tien's death flashback in WoK: "Storming fools," Kaladin muttered. "Shouldn't have followed me. Proud of them anyway." I feel like that shows how much Kaladin loves his men, which is really sweet. There's also the obvious "honor is dead" line. It gives me chills every time I read it.

In no particular order, I just like numbered lists: 1) Taln interlude in WoR, the servant says he crossed paths and rode with Wit. Wit's insult about the ride registering at around 4-5 blows to the head with a rock was hilarious to me. 2) The sequence from Kaladin training with his mangled leg to "Stretch forth thy hand!" and Kaladin's swearing the second oath. Whenever I read it I'm torn between laughing and crying. 3) Chasm scene in TWoK when Kaladin picks up a spear shaft and performs the kata exercise. You can almost feel the shift in the bridgemen. 4) Amaram's apology scene. It was so satisfying to see him finally subject to the truth, and it was a huge relief to me that Kaladin didn't end up killing him in the name of vengeance. Also, the whole part with Kaladin assuming he had to apologize and Dalinar saying, "Not you, son," melted my heart. 5) In TWoK, when Navani finally gets Dalinar to see her as a person rather than a threat. The cracks in her facade added a lot of depth to her character. 6) Lopen's POV at the end of WoR. Proved once and for all that 1) Herdazians are all incredible people, not just Lopen and 2) Lopen will not ever underestimate himself, and rightly so. 7) Every scene with Lift in it. She is a light to all the world. 8) Beginning of WoR, when Jasnah tells Shallan she apologizes too quickly. Shallan's reply is embarrassingly funny to me: "I'm uh, indignant?" 9) In TWoK, when Kaladin fights Eshonai in order to help Dalinar. That image is frozen in my mind, and makes me wish I had even an inkling of artistic ability 10) In WoR, when Kaladin and Szeth enter the storm while fighting. I'd been waiting for another Kaladin scene inside a Highstorm, where he was less helpless and was able to use the stormlight provided to survive. Reading that scene felt like exhaling a long-held breath. (Obviously, Kaladin's my favorite character)

My tentative guess is that Shallan showed some natural (or unnatural) ability like Kaladin did, which caused her mother to hurt her in some way.

Does this reflect on cultivation spren in general being more careful planners? It would make sense, seeing how much planning goes into growing crop.

Have a good day as well, kind sir. (I still haven't learned, have I? Never say what you wish for.)