RHYTHM OF WAR BLEW MY MIND!!!

 Sanderson does it again: Rhythm of War changes the entire course of the Stormlight Archive!!

    When I started hearing rumblings of people concerned about the future of the series after this book, I wasn't sure what I was going to be walking into.  What I ended up finding, is myself disagreeing with the people who had mixed feelings about this book, and the future of this series.

    There are implications made within this series that give a much further reaching implication for the entirety of the cosmere.  I am truly excited for what will happen on Roshar, as well as within the rest of this universe.

*SPOILER WARNING FOR THIS SERIES, BECAUSE THIS IS BOOK 4. IF YOU WANT TO AVIOD SPOILERS FOR THIS SERIES, IT IS TIME TO CLICK OFF THIS POST!  YOU HAVE OFFICIALLY BEEN WARNED!!*

*A peek at my Sanderson Shelf!*

    Starting out, I would HIGHLY recommend making sure that you read Dawnshard before diving into this book.  I know that it isn't required by the author, but I was able to better grasp a lot of what was happening in this book, because I had already read Dawnshard. 

    With that out of the way, this book begins about a year after the end of Oathbringer.  I enjoyed the passage of time, as I feel like it felt realistic for everything that we accomplish within this book.  This book ended up being a complete masterpiece in evolving characters. Let's talk about some of the key players, and things that are their focus.

    KALADIN: We see Kaladin continually worn down from the anxiety and survivors guilt of those whom he has lost ever since Tien. He finally reaches a breaking point in this novel, where is actually put on leave. At this same time, Bridge Four is breaking into smaller groups because of their duty, and Rock even leaves to go home and face the consequences of his actions from the previous novel to his people. This gives Kaladin a chance to truly explore his purpose, and to reconnect with his family. Kaladin continues to fight his depression and PTSD throughout the course of the novel, and it can be triggering and all consuming sometimes when we are in his perspective.  I definitely had moments where the book was too emotionally heavy, and I had to put it down.

    His journey has a very interesting and gut wrenching moment in the final part of this book that had me going to get a hug from my husband, because it was just so powerful.  Kaladin makes huge strides in his life because of it, and I look forward to the future of his character in the series.  And as always, Syl is just the best spren anyone could ask for.

    DALINAR: We don't get as much time with him in this book, but that was honestly an ok thing for me.  Book 3 was so heavily focused on him, that I think I needed some time with the other characters. We do see him frustrated with his lack of understanding when it comes to his bond with the Stormfather, and it is going to be quite the journey for the two of them in the next book. 

    SHALLAN: Wow the journey that Shallan goes on in this book. GAH!!  We see that she seems in harmony with the Veil and Radiant personalities that she has. We also see that Adolin has come to understand this, and still loves Shallan, even when he is talking to the other personalities.  Shallan and Adolin end up sent on a mission to Shadesmar, to encourage the honor spren to come and bond with humans again. She has also been tasked by Mraize with a mission while she is there. 

    There is a moment of betrayal that guts Shallan. She also reaches a point where she has to begin to remember important things. She continues to try to hide, and to even create another personality to hide, but Veil forces Shallan to remember. That moment is SO POWERFUL!!! Again, I was crying so hard!  From here, we see Shallan begin to reacquaint herself with who she is, with Adolin by her side.

    ADOLIN: He has been feeling pressure from others because he isn't a radiant.  He is told to bond a spren, but none of that feels right.  He continues to feel like he has a connection with is own shardblade, whom he has learned is named Maya. They have a connection that no one seems to understand.  He continues to worry for Shallan, but to try to give her space, and encourage the part he loves the most to come out when she tries to hide it.  I was truly endeared to Adolin over the course of this book. 

    When they reach the honorspren in Shadesmar, they separate him and Maya, and put Adolin on trial for the crimes of humanity. (This feels a bit like Picard and Q from TNG if I'm honest.) During the trial, Maya is actually put on the stand, even though she can't truly speak for herself. This moment was one of the most powerful in the book for me. I adore Adolin all the more for it. 

    NAVANI:  Navani is left alone to deal with what is going on in Uritheru while it is occupied by the Fused. Because of this, she tries to be a Queen and a scholar at the same time.  She discovers "The Sibling" and does all she can to help protect it. In doing so, she actually helps the other side do what they came to do, corrupt the Sibling.

    She essentially has a "come to Jesus" moment, for lack of a better way of describing it, where she truly has to prove her worth not only to herself, but to The Sibling.  This moment is beautiful and powerful.  She is able to face down her enemy with confidence, while protecting everyone and everything that she cares about.

    Her arc of the story was one of the more interesting ones for me. I really enjoyed it. 

    JASNAH: Now Queen, she is trying to do her best.  She can be very diplomatic, but she has a hard time acting like a battle general, but she feels she needs to prove this to herself.  She also spends a WHOLE LOT OF TIME with Wit of all people, as they have entered a ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP!?! I ship it, and I hope that stays part of the story for a long time actually.

    TERAVANGIAN: All I can say for now is WOW HOLY CRAP BRANDON WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING GIVING THIS MAN ALL OF THAT POWER!!!!

    VENLI: She is now being forced to face the actions of bringing the Fused back, and almost making the Listeners extinct.  She is reunited with Rlain, and that seems to help her ground herself back in her roots, and who she is. She also starts to gain more confidence, and truly listen to her spren, so that she can start reciting other ideals.  She is very involved in the politics of the tower, and does her best to protect the Radiants, as well as Kaladin's parents.  I enjoyed her perspective, as well as her memories woven in with Eshonai's.

    We do get perspectives from some of the other characters as needed, but I do feel that these are the main players that we got the most impact from.  I truly enjoyed the journey of this book, and don't even know how to theory craft about the rest of the series from here.  But, I hope that you end up enjoying your journey with this series as well.