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Hello again and thanks for the replies! I knew that what I thought might not be met with positivity, so I appreciate the honesty that you all conveyed. In looking back, there are some issues that I'd like to clear up: 1. I am aware of the Cosmere, though not intimately acquainted with it. Stormlight is the only work/series that I have read from the universe, though I did attempt Mistborn a little while back. I do want to read the entire body of work and look forward to doing so. At the moment though, I'm not familiar with what can and cannot be done in the Cosmere. I'd love to get recommendations on key Wiki pages/short stories/other Cosmere books that specifically illuminate the mythology and origin of the Cosmere as a whole. 2. I don't think my intent was to push for Stormlight to become "dark fantasy" but I wanted true variation in all character dynamics. Realistic approaches to various situations and dilemmas that reflect what we see in our world is what I crave from any large series, not just fantasy. Moreover, characters like Kaladin have become somewhat fitted into character tropes. I don't deny that these characters have conflict, they absolutely do! But I feel that Sanderson has begun to write characters in "circles." That is to say the conflict and pain of a character is revisited time and again with no profound movements in character progression. I found that to be the case with Kaladin in Oathbringer. 3. And no, I don't want the "bad guys" to win. I'm not some sort of nihilistic sociopath. I just want elements of storytelling that set this apart from the thousands of other works in this genre. @KalaDANG put it plainly by saying "Journey before Destination bro," and I couldn't agree more. I want to be immersed in a vast, emotional journey in the world of Roshar for many years to come. But I'd like to posit this closing argument, which sums up my qualms of the series. What good is the Journey, when we've seen the Destination countless times before? Once again, thanks!

@Calderis Thanks for the insight into Sanderson's intentions! I haven't really ever had the opportunity to discuss this series, as I'm the only one I know who has read it, and I'd love to what others' thoughts and predictions may be! Where do you see Stormlight going towards in Book Four and beyond?

Thanks for your opinion! Granted, I've only read each book once, so the fine details may sometimes be lost in translation after I've read them. This is for my own piece of mind in moving forward with the series, but I'd like to know where I was incorrect regarding facts in my speculation. Was it my venture that Dalinar could become a new Herald, or something with the Parshendi and the Tranquiline Halls?

Hello All As the wait for Book Four continues, I’ve begun to formulate various thoughts and expectations for how the rest of Stormlight should progress. Now, I have been a lover of the fantasy genre for quite some time, (ASoIaF, LotR, etc.). That being said, I’ve grown tired of the altruistic “good v. evil” fantasy that comes up time and again. Thus far ASoIaF has not really fallen prey to that, but it might depending on the course of the last two books. The show Game of Thrones looks to be heading in that direction based on the ending of Season Seven. One of the main drawbacks I have had with Stormlight is the predictability factor. I am certain that the series (in its current state) will end with Roshar emerging victorious in the brutal struggle against Odium. But Sanderson could subvert all of that, in some ways… End the First Arc (Books 1-5) with a “Last Battle” of sorts between Roshar and Odium. At the end of Book Five, Odium has either been destroyed or incapacitated in such a manner that he is no longer a viable threat to anyone. I believe that there is enough time for this to be accomplished. For one thing, via Venli and the other parshmen, discord, doubt, and anger has already been forged against Odium. With a focus of Venli and Eshonai in Book Four (I’ll call it The Rhythm of Storms. It works well on an ominous note while staying true to Parshendi communication), the “Voidbringers” will slowly start to join the Radiants as the Unmade and Sleepless come into full view. Book Five (Skybreaker) will be critical as it covers a battle that sweeps the entire continent. As Szeth is the focus character for Five, the core of conduct with the Radiants and the war against Odium will come to a head and be called into question. Book Five ends in such a regard. Dalinar dies and becomes a new Herald, and is visibly shaken as to where this will lead him. Hoid welcomes him to the Tranquiline Halls. Granted, this is a significant risk, both from a publisher and author standpoint. Tor may have issues with a large ending in the middle of the series, and the lack of readership and interest that may result. The Second Arc (Books 6-10) is set 30-45 years after the end of Five. The characters who are alive, (most likely Kaladin, Shallan, Lift, not Adolin) are insanely corrupt, and a shadow of the young heroes we once knew. The seek out the destruction of all who cannot stand against supernatural forces. Honor, aka the Almighty, was resurrected by the Radiants in between Five and Six, in an attempt to secure everlasting peace. A war begins to brew, this time with the Three Realms: Physical, Cognitive, and Spiritual. We saw this for a bit at the end of Oathbringer, but now the melding is permanent. It is absolute chaos in what should have been a happily ever after. The Second Arc will follow a conflict between Honor, Cultivation, and other Cosmere forces: Braize, the Tranquiline Halls, etc. It’s hard to map out the exact details, but this second half must show the fallacy and corruption of the true power the young foolhardy heroes were given. Sanderson could end the predictability halfway through! Thanks!