AleStaar

Reading The Way of Kings. Got less than 300 pages left. So excited to get to the sanderlanche

I don’t think that’s true. Like I said, Preservation had a competent plan that spanned thousands of years and involved multiple characters and events throughout the trilogy. A plan that stemmed from his ability to foresee and manipulate events. A plan that worked. We also shouldn’t forget Ruin’s precognitive ability pales in comparison to Preservation and seemingly Autonomy. The difference between Preservation and a competent Sazed would be that Preservation is finally on his deathbed and mainly active in the Cognitive Realm. And just trusting that the pieces he laid out (including the one he seeded years ago at the Pits) play out as he hoped. While a competent Sazed is capable of direct and active action. He can plant and trust his seeds, and/or directly fight the villains in each book. And again, I wouldn’t really say Sazed is incompetent. He’s impotent and inexperienced, especially because of his Shard’s Intent and the enemy he’s facing. Even then we can’t ignore the implications throughout The Lost Metal. Also, I couldn’t click that spoiler block from earlier

I don’t think anyone misunderstands Preservation’s plan. We all get the gist. The genius behind the plan was that Preservation set into motion many parts of the plan before giving up his mind. Then directly facilitated the plan across the millennia after giving up his mind. Such as Kelsier to Survive in the Pits of Hathsin. All while Ruin was unaware of the desired outcomes. Not only that, but Preservation maneuvered many people (not just Vin) into being vital pieces that would oppose Ruin and lead the way towards Sazed taking up both powers. I think it’s valid to be unimpressed by Harmony. But I think there are hints that he was more aware of things and planned for more than he let on. Plus ultimately I don’t think Harmony’s faults come from incompetence. Rather they come from inexperience, the limits of his current Intent, and facing a Shard with much better future sight than Ruin. Most of this didn’t apply to Leras, hence his ability to outplan Ruin. The Alloy of Law - Harmony set things up so Wax’s trunk appears in the Vanishers’ hideout. So it can be there for him at the right place at the right time. Shadows of Self - Harmony foresaw a disaster if Wax knew he was hunting Lessie. He also confirmed Marasi is one of his agents. This is notable because he never explicitly sent an agent Marasi’s way, at least not in the same manner he did for Wax. It’s also notable when you consider what Marasi accomplished in the climax of each book. The Bands of Mourning - He notes that only one of many possible Waxilliums would’ve killed Paalm if he knew her identity as Lessie. This means that was a small future possibility. He also subtly notes that he trusted Marasi to use the Bands of Mourning and give them to Wax. And for the group to stop the Set’s plan to retrieve the Bands of Mourning and ettmetal bomb. The Lost Metal - I personally think this is the primary book that showcases Harmony’s potential for planning and precognition. - The envelope he sent to Wax. “You’ll need to make a second [earring], once the proper metal arrives.” The metal is trellium, which the group only obtained when Wayne and Marasi got the Cycle’s trellium spike. This means Harmony foresaw they would do that, and kept an eye on their activities. It’s also notable because the Cycle was in an underground hideout. - Harmony had help be would send Wax. Some of that help did not realize he was behind their mobilization. This could either Tobal, Maraga, or especially the Ghostbloods. - During Kelsier’s epilogue, when Kelsier says it was almost the end, Harmony says he had it in hand. Kelsier says it’s lucky Wax could function after what Harmony put him through six years ago. Lucky that Wayne was a Slider. Kelsier even says he can’t figure out how he managed the partial detonation in the ship’s hold. Harmony said in response “Luck is a different thing for a god who can see futures, I think.” That all implies he set a precognitive plan into motion before he was blinded. And still has plans in motion. Hence why he “has it in hand” even now.

Chapter 42 - This chapter was basically a long scene between Shallan and Kabsal admitting they like each other but not acting upon it. This is definitely the most meh part of Shallan’s POVs, but I do like Kabsal and the concept of ardents. Definitely the best part of Shallan’s POV so far was chapter 36. I also love Jasnah. Though I do wonder what was up with those creatures she saw when painting the king, and the voice she heard this chapter. It definitely sounds like Jasnah is laser focused on cracking the mysteries of the Knights Radiant and the Voidbringers. Chapter 43 - Will Bridge Four’s suffering ever end??? Kaladin is planning an escape but I’m like “baby noooo” This will go so badly Kal please stop you’ll get them killed. Teft is the GOAT for telling Kal not to give up. Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination. I have no idea what that means but it sounds inspiring. The Knights Radiant chose a good motto. But I vaguely know from the synopsis that those words are ancient oaths. Chapter 44 - Can someone please kill this hoe Roshone?? Petty nobles are so punchable and I hate seeing Kal’s family suffer (even you Lirin). Chapter 45 - I KNEW IT I KNEW IT I KNEW IT!!! SHALLAN HAS A SHARDBLADE!!! AND SHE USED IT TO KILL SOMEONE!!! AND SHE’S BEING FOLLOWED BY STRANGE CREATURES! I THINK THEY ARE SPREN!! SHE DID A SOULCASTING!!!! BUT HOW?! I’M SO CONFUSED!!! Mistborn spoilers Emperor’s Soul spoilers Chapter 46 - I got a lot of thoughts about the passage where Kaladin rode through the highstorm. First off, THE STORMFATHER IS REAL?! Second, he saw Szeth?! Third, I have theories on what the Stormfather told Kaladin. He called Kaladin… Child of Honor. Child of Tanavast. Child of one long since departed. He told Kaladin the Oathpact is shattered and broken. Told him Odium comes. Most dangerous of all the sixteen. ODIUM REIGNS. That gave me chills. I think when the Stormfather mentioned Honor, Tanavast, and Odium he was referring to two Shards of Adonalsium and their Vessels. Tanavast might be the Vessel of the Shard Honor. Rayse (who was mentioned in an earlier epigraph) might be the Vessel of the Shard Odium Tanavast / Honor must’ve died long ago, while Odium is active on Roshar influencing its inhabitants to wage war. My new theory is that before Tanavast / Honor died, he foresaw a purpose for Kaladin. I also think he’s the Almighty. Maybe like Dalinar and his visions, Kaladin has a purpose foreseen by the Almighty. Something the Stormfather knows. In Kaladin’s case, his purpose is to do something with the broken and abandoned Oathpact. Chapter 47 - I think Cenn just said a prophecy before dying, just like the epigraphs from Part 1 (and that one bridgeman) Cenn stopped wheezing. He convulsed once, eyes still open. “He watches!” the boy hissed. “The black piper in the night. He holds us in his palm … playing a tune that no man can hear!” I think the black piper is Odium, manipulating the people of Roshar to wage war while they’re unaware of his existence. Anyway, it’s been so long since I last read a Stormlight fight scene. Storms right, Kaladin is badass. I’m a little peeved he didn’t take the Shardblade but I get his decision. A Shardblade is a weapon used by the petty elitist upper class, and was just used to slaughter his squad. He may have missed a lot of opportunities, probably including financial, but storms right Kaladin is justified. Kaladin needs a hug I wonder who has it now. Amaram?

Yeah I know each book has flasbacks centered around a specific character. So I’m excited for Oathbringer Just realized I didn’t complete a sentence lmao. Just edited it. Meant to say I remembered a healing fabrial from the starfalls vision. That’s what I get for typing at 3 am. Thanks by the way! Chapter 29 - Jasnah is a great character. I liked her argument with King Taravangian about the existence of the Almighty. I also liked her and Shallan’s perspectives on scholarship. Dawnshards. That totally won’t be relevant. And I’m getting more convinced the Honorblades are the Blades abandoned by the Heralds. Jasnah mentioned the cosmere in this chapter, and that a scholar named Gavarah studied the three realms. That threw me off. Also, the Sunmaker was only seventeen when he began his conquest. The Almighty is choosing his instruments from a young age, I think I wonder what Shallan saw I feel like her Memory thing is of the Cognitive Realm. Maybe she saw into Roshar’s Cognitive Realm At this point in the story, I said for certainty there are a lot of moving pieces on Roshar. More so than on the other planets. - Dalinar is getting visions from the Almighty during highstorms - I have a hunch Kaladin is being moved by the Almighty too. Especially after chapter 46, when he was called the Child of Tanavast and Honor. Jasnah seems to think the Parshendi or parshmen are the Voidbringers. Mistborn spoilers: Chapter 30 - It was great reading that Gaz hates how he treats the bridgemen but is trapped under the thumb of a superior. He’s just trying to survive, like the bridgemen themselves. Hope we keep getting POVs of characters besides the MCs. Chapter 31 - Honestly, I was playing “I’m the Highwayman” in my head after finishing the chapter Chapter 32 - He saved Bridge Four, but at the cost of ruining Sadeas’ tactics. Now he’s getting beat up. Poor Kal His lit spheres are dun once again. I think he’s unknowingly becoming the same type of being Szeth is. A Surgebinder. Chapter 33 - Shallan is falling in love with an ardent I liked that talk of glyph and architectural symmetry being proof the Almighty exists. Chapters 34 and 35 - HE SURVIVED!!!! HE SURVIVED THE STORMS!!! HE IS STORMBLESSED!!!! He gives HOPE to the bridgemen!!!! I thought that face in the storms smiling to Kaladin was a stormspren. But now I’m sure it’s the Stormfather. More dun spheres what is happening to him Chapter 36 - Incredible chapter. Brutal scene with Jasnah transmuting those men. And I love the moral ambiguity presented in this chapter. I might side with Jasnah more-so than with Shallan. It’s a bit shady for Jasnah to show off her Soulcaster for this situation to happen, and those were horrific deaths. But at the same time that robbery would’ve happened intentional or not. And it’s an understandable outcome if you want to avoid vengeance. All I know for sure is that this boosted my opinion on Jasnah. I love her pragmatism. Chapter 37 - I love the idea that while Dalinar was preparing for war against the Parshendi, and Shallan was probably in Jah Keved being traumatized, Kaladin was depressed under the petty highprinces. It’s always nice reading about lowborn protagonists. And huh. Turns out Lirin really did steal the spheres from Wistiow. Chapter 38 - I CALLED IT! Kaladin has been draining Stormlight from his spheres! They’ve been healing his wounds, but it seems he’s not a Surgebinder yet. Looks like Teft knows what he is. A group called the Envisagers were mentioned. Guessing they’re an organization who knew about the Knights Radiant and Surgebinders, and anticipated their return. Guessing that Teft wiped them out Kaladin is having a weird dream or vision. Not sure what to make of it. But that passage of Syl standing against deathspren with a sword is storming badass. I think the assumption that the warehouse of corpses belongs to Sadeas is wrong. I wonder if they belong to whoever is collecting the prophetic epigraphs from Part 1 Chapter 39 - Shallan is facing a moral dilemma over Jasnah transmuting those thugs into fire, crystal and smoke. She studies a bunch of philosophical arguments but seems set on seeing Jasnah in the wrong. She tries using the Soulcaster but doesn’t know how, which I’m curious about. Chapter 40 - Kaladin wakes up. Bridge Four has nightly soup gatherings. Rock is gifted a razor. Chapter 41 - Roshone is injured, Rillir dies, and I don’t feel bad for those two idiots. And that’s it for reactions to past chapters. I started reading again last week w/ chapter 42. So future comments will be from then and beyond. And of course I’ll be sharing theories.

More chapter-by-chapter reactions from The Way of Kings, from chapters I read long ago, until I reach my current spot. Chapter 21 - This chapter really had me rooting for Kal. He experiences the endless, nightmarish pain of a bridgeman waking up in the morning. And yet, he still wakes up. He marches through the nightmare, in hopes he can protect these people. And it seems like the march is gradually paying off. He sees the genuine smile of a man he saved from the maws of death. And now, two of his most stubborn men trust him. I loved the part where Teft talks about belonging as a bridgeman and betraying trust. Chapter 22 - I love that Dalinar, Adolin, and Elhokar essentially have different ideas on what it means to be honorable. Dalinar’s honor in his redemption arc is humility, knowing when to walk away. Adolin’s honor means he fights whoever dishonors his family. Elhokar’s honor continuously wars against the Parshendi for breaking the Vengeance Pact. And| I’m excited to see how Dalinar’s arc progresses with Navani here and Sadeas in a high position. And on a funny note, Daddy Dalinar falls apart in front of his crush and I’m all here for it. Mr. Gar vibes for real. Chapter 23 - Rock shared his backstory and MAN he got my respect. Putting chull dung in that creep’s food. Dalinar would like him We learn a bit about Rock’s brightlord or nuatoma going to fight Sadeas to get his Plate, in preparation to fighting someone with a Blade. Hope to see more of lords fighting for Shards. Horneaters sound like an intriguing culture, especially since they can see spren. Kaladin looks for reeds to save Leyten’s life. And he bonds with Rock and Teft. This is the hope I needed to see, it better keep growing Chapter 24 - During the scene Adolin snapped at Dalinar, I felt really bad for both of them. That was a powerful moment I’m beyond excited to learn about the ancient history of Roshar. Turns out Nohadon, his rulership over Alethkar, and The Way of Kings came before the Heralds left. Which I guess means they existed more than 4500 years ago, before the Heralds abandoned the Oathpact Chapter 25 - At this point I just realized Kaladin is experiencing his parent trying to force him into a career. And then I really wanted to hug him. It occurred to me at that time the Kholins, Kaladin, and Jezrien from the prologue have a tendency to look eastward. I wonder if there’s something in the East related to the Almighty that these figures have a sort of attachment towards. Chapter 26 - So the timeline is being expanded a bit. The Hierocracy, and I suppose the Sunmaker, were active 500 years ago. I wonder if either of them received real visions from the highstorms commanding to unify Roshar Dalinar Kholin the Blackthorn is BRUTAL. Out here slaughtering the souls of Parshendi. In his old age. Must’ve been on eternal demon time in his prime. Made a few Cosmere connections at this point. But as for standalone thoughts, I thought the highstorm visions are being created by the Almighty partly as a counter to the Thrill’s emotional manipulation. See: Dalinar’s revulsion and sickness to the Thrill once he realizes the gore brought under its influence. Chapter 27 - I remembered that Kaladin noticed the spheres Gaz gave him were empty the next day. Wondered if he’s developing the same power as Szeth - draining Stormlight from spheres. Also, the scene where he performs a kata with the spear is glorious Bridge Four is his! The scene with the campfire and stew!!! Almighty above!!! And the Parshendi are so cool. Carapace for armor, gemstones in beards. Goddamn. Chapter 28 - I wonder what kind of person Dalinar used to be if he frightened both Gavilar and Navani. And Dalinar’s weird memory of his previous wife was mentioned again. Wiped from his mind by forces he should never have tempted. Hmmmmm I love that Dalinar was thinking about democratizing Shardplate to workers and darkeyes across Roshar. Now if only you could democratize the darkeyes themselves So when it comes to fabrials we’ve seen long distance communication, clocks, philosophers stones, whatever Navani used at that table… I also My impression was that fabrials are essentially a form of magitech that serves as a “loophole” around Roshar’s lack of industry in other areas. That, and a way to streamline construction and food in warfare. Turns out Gavilar was acting oddly seven years ago, losing his thirst for battle. Men started to say he was weak. Much like Dalinar now. I wonder if Gavilar received the visions and they acted as a counter to the Thrill. Like how Dalinar was nauseous after killing the Parshendi troops Jasnah seems to be making a connection between chasmfiends and Voidbringers. From a text before the Recreance, and images generations after the Heralds departed. I think the ancient texts were trying to reference Parshendi and parshmen. Dalinar has made the decision to abdicate. Can’t wait to see how this plays out

Just realized I completely skipped over chapter-by-chapter thoughts for Part 2 and some of Part 3. I’ll fix that right now. Chapter 12 - This was a good introduction to Dalinar. I loves that he’s slowly realizing vengeance, pride, and war are not the most important things. Adolin is great too, I like how much he loves Dalinar and Renarin. He’s so proud of Dalinar’s skill as a warrior, and can talk about anything with Renarin We finally have a positive sibling relationship in the cosmere! Some things about fabrials were revealed, that made me wonder where Shardblades and Shardplate come from… if fabrials can’t recreate them. Also, fabrials remind me of certain things from another world. And I gotta wonder if Stormlight making the metal of a grandbow more durable. Is a Wit basically a royal jester with privileges? Chapter 13 - That was amazing. Brandon’s fight scenes never miss. I felt so bad for Renarin when he tried to save Dalinar. Chasmfiends sound so terrifying but their gemhearts are so weird. Chapter 15 - This chapter was very long - more than 20 pages - but an amazing introduction to the plotline of Dalinar, Adolin, and Sadeas. I loved the concept of a warlord/prince who wants to become a better person. I’m very excited to see how Dalinar’s evolving morals and Adolin’s love for his father clash against Sadeas. My theory at that point was that Gavilar was encouraging Dalinar to read the Alethi Codes of War and _The Way of Kings_, so that Dalinar could grow into a better person and/or prepare for the Everstorm Gotta wonder what exactly is the Thrill… Chapter 16 - The start of Kal bearing the spear. And his first time doing dumb things to impress a crush Was shocked see the Spiritual Realm mentioned. Chapter 17 - To be honest, I had a lot of scattered thoughts in this chapter. This book is the slowest burn of Brandon’s slow burns, and I’m loving it. Kaladin tried to save a bridgeman’s life, and he said something cryptic before his death. Reminds me of Part One’s epigraphs Right there I just got why the Alethi want the chasmfiends’ chrysalises. They hold gemhearts, which are massive gemstones. So gemhearts are vital for currency, commerce, lights, and Soulcasting. But I wonder why the Parshendi want gemhearts so badly. I also realized why life blooms right after a highstorm. It’s because of the massive amount of Investiture. Also what’s with all the carapaces and crustaceans on Roshar? Chulls, chasmfiends, lugs I think, and now the carapace of parshmen and Parshendi. I’m loving it but it’s so so unique compared to anything else I’ve seen so far in the cosmere Hope I see another CRAB FIGHT! CRAB FIGHT! I WANT MORE GIANT CRAB FIGHTS! Chapter 18 - Everstorm mention #4. The True Desolation and the Night of Sorrows mentioned again. And this time, the warning comes from the visions My theory at that point was that Part One’s epigraphs are cryptic messages that foretell (possible) future events, said right before a person dies. And I think a being who sees into the future is sending Dalinar visions during highstorms. Dalinar talked to Renarin and told him he doesn’t need to be a fighter, but promises to gift his next Plate and Blade to Renarin. He also questions the Callings and Glory He also expresses joy in sticking it to Sadeas The Shattered Plains Kholins are already my world. Not you Elhokar. I already dislike you. A lot happened this chapter Adolin is trying to look out for Elhokar and Dalinar. He talked with an ardent, and get some info about the Hierocracy. The Hierocracy was when the old Vorin Church - which dictated belief in priests rather than the gods - tried to take control of Roshar. By claiming they had visions and prophecies. But were cast down by the Sunmaker who discovered the visions and prophecies were false, made by the priests for their campaign. Apparently, the Heralds denounced visions and prophecies. Something called Voidbinding was mentioned, and its soul is trying to divine the future. It seems the Heralds’ denouncement of seeing into the future stems from what the Voidbringers did with their magic system, while the roots of Vorinism stem back to the 4500 years before this book’s events Dalinar tries to increase patrols and reduce Soulcasting taxes. And he had a pretty sweet talk with Renarin. Dalinar argued with Elhokar. They’re both trying here, but I definitely empathize more with Dalinar’s attempts to unite the highprinces and make this war less brutal. I wonder what’s going on with his visions and inability to remember his wife. Definitely think a being deliberately removed Dalinar’s memories of his wife. A highstorm has come. A vision begins. Chapter 19 - Dalinar enters a vision during a highstorm. The vision has him in the place of a man protecting his father from dark creatures called Midnight Essence, before they’re saved by Shardbearers with glowing Plate and body Turns out the vision takes place in ancient times, in the Eighth Epoch. In the kingdom of Natanatan, before it became the Shattered Plains. With the Shardbearers from Alethela - ancient Alethkar where fighting is taught to protect the other kingdoms The Shardbearers are two members of the Knights Radiant. A place called Urithiru was mentioned - headquarters of the Knights Radiant. The Knights Radiant stand vigilant against Desolations, and apparently this Midnight Essence is a sign of a coming Desolation. A voice talked through Taffa and told Dalinar to trust Sadeas. “This is important. Do not let strife consume you. Be strong. Act with honor, and honor will aid you.” Something called the Honorblades was mentioned I think the modern Plate used by Alethkar is an imitation of the Plate used by the Knights Radiant. And the Shardbearers who saved “Dalinar” were Surgebinders like Szeth. I noticed Stormlight was coming off their bodies like him. Chapter 20 - Kaladin lost a patient Lirin kind of sucks here? Bro, comfort your son.

Yes, for the most part. I don’t think Ruin revealed the eleventh metal to Gemmel. But he did direct Gemmel to Kelsier, who then found Shezler’s notebook starting the obsession. Then Kelsier went all around Scadrial searching for rumors, stories, legends, and prophecies about the metal. All fabricated by Ruin. Until he found the bar of metal in the north. Kelsier then passed the bar to Vin, who used it to kill the Lord Ruler. I’ve always thought Ruin was executing an elaborate precognitive gambit wherein he manipulated many Scadrians to get to Kelsier, who would get to Vin. Hoping Vin would burn malatium and the Mists, so she could use them to kill the Lord Ruler. Allowing her to release Ruin.

I am Oh I forgot! I’ll edit. Thanks!

While I don’t think Harmony is a master Machiavellian manipulator either, and might even be a bumbling idiot compared to Preservation, I think you’re underestimating him. There are several lines, both in dialogue and narrative, that either subtly or explicitly point towards his capabilties in planning and precognition. Especially in The Lost Metal.

Hi everyone! Hope someone sees this. After a months-long hiatus and mental health struggle, I'm getting back into reading The Way of Kings. Going to refresh myself using the coppermind's summary. I last stopped at chapter 41. There's one theory I neglected to mention in my previous comments. My theory is that Dalinar can't remember his wife because his memories were deliberately removed from his mind.

Just realized “I will hold the future of the entire world on my arms” could also refer to Kelsier. His scars. Not implying that Kelsier is / was the Hero of Ages. But it could be another sign that Kelsier had a massive role to play in Preservation’s plan

I’m surprised Alendi vaguely mentioned religion. He didn’t come across as a religious person in any of the epigraphs. “I’m the one with the armies” gives me chills. I’m also curious how much manpower and how many nations he had under his belt I’m about to sound like a heretic the further I get into the Prophecies Okay so… we know “I will have the power to save the world” refers to Sazed picking up Preservation. We know “I will have the power to destroy it” refers to Sazed picking up Ruin. Since the prophecies have both lines, combined they refer to Sazed picking up both Preservation and Ruin. Ascending to the new Vessel of both. But I wonder if “power is a heavy burden” and “bound by its chains” are subtle wording in the prophecies. “heavy” could refer to the Hero being a Feruchemist. The prophecies do mention a Burden by which the Hero shall be dubbed. Alendi believed it was his defense of the Summer Hill. Sazed was never called the Hero, so… perhaps Sazed hasn’t fulfilled his Burden yet. Unless the Catacendre was the Burden. “heavy burden” or “power is a heavy burden” could refer to the Catacendre. Or being the Vessel of Preservation and Ruin. Or just generally the heavy burden of being seen as a hero to so many people. Or I’m overanalyzing it. “bound by its chains”…. how about the chains of stagnation that comes from Harmony / the responsibility of being Harmony or Discord. Or bound by the duty of being the hero. All this could also refer to Alendi’s relatively mundane career of leading humanity against the Deepness.