4 Answers2025-07-11 12:43:13
I’ve been eagerly theorizing about which characters will return in the next installment. Given the cliffhangers in 'Rhythm of War,' I’m certain Kaladin, Shallan, and Dalinar will continue their arcs—especially with Kaladin’s mental health journey and Shallan’s identity struggles. Navani’s newfound role as a Bondsmith is bound to play a huge part, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Adolin’s connection to Maya deepens.
Secondary characters like Lift, Renarin, and Jasnah are also likely to return, considering their unresolved plots. Lift’s quirky humor and growing importance to the Knights Radiant make her a fan favorite. Renarin’s visions and his bond with Glys could take center stage, especially with the looming threat of Odium. And Jasnah—queen, scholar, and badass—will probably have more political maneuvering ahead. My wildcard pick? Szeth, given his oathstone arc and potential redemption. The next book is shaping up to be epic!
2 Answers2025-07-16 08:32:17
Reading 'Oathbringer' after 'The Way of Kings' and 'Words of Radiance' feels like watching a massive storm finally break after years of buildup. The first two books set up this intricate world and characters, but book three is where everything collides. Dalinar’s backstory hits like a freight train—I never saw that level of depth coming. His past isn’t just tragic; it reshapes how you see every decision he’s made. The way Sanderson peels back layers of his guilt and redemption is masterful. It’s not just about flashy Radiant powers anymore; it’s about the cost of those powers.
Then there’s the scale. The battles in 'Oathbringer' dwarf the earlier books. Thaylen Field isn’t just a fight; it’s a cinematic, heart-pounding climax where every character’s arc converges. Kaladin’s struggle with his oaths feels heavier here, like he’s carrying the weight of the entire series. Shallan’s identity crisis gets messier, too—less quirky, more raw. And the Spren? Their role evolves from cute sidekicks to pivotal players. The stakes don’t just rise; they explode. This isn’t just a sequel; it’s the moment the series grows up.
2 Answers2025-07-16 12:17:37
Oh man, 'Oathbringer' hits like a stormwall when it comes to character deaths. I remember reading late into the night, completely unprepared for the emotional gut punches Sanderson delivers. The most devastating loss is definitely Elhokar—just as he's starting to redeem himself and say the Words, Moash does the unthinkable. That scene shattered me. The way his son cries out for him... Ugh. It's brutal because Elhokar was finally becoming someone worthy of respect, and then it's all ripped away.
Then there's Jezrien. His death at Moash's hands feels cosmically tragic—the once-glorious Herald reduced to a beggar, then murdered in cold blood. It underscores how far the Radiants have fallen. Even minor deaths like Rillir's (Adolin's brother) carry weight, reminding us that past actions have consequences. Sanderson doesn't pull punches, and every loss reshapes the characters left behind. Dalinar's grief, Navani's quiet fury—it all feels raw and real. The stakes in this book aren't just about battles; they're about how loss changes people forever.
3 Answers2025-07-16 20:32:11
Book 3, 'Oathbringer,' has one of the most compelling villains in fantasy. The main antagonist is Odium, but what makes him terrifying isn't just his raw power—it's how he manipulates people. He's not some mindless force of destruction; he's cunning, patient, and preys on the weaknesses of others. Take Dalinar's past, for example. Odium twists his guilt and trauma, trying to break him. Even the Fused, his immortal servants, are tragic figures, enslaved by his will. Odium feels like a villain who could actually win, and that's what makes him so chilling. The way Brandon Sanderson writes him makes you understand why characters fear him beyond just 'he's evil.'
3 Answers2025-09-02 19:58:20
I can’t help grinning talking about these — the Stormlight novellas really highlight some of my favorite side characters in such intimate ways.
The two main published Stormlight novellas are 'Edgedancer' and 'Dawnshard'. 'Edgedancer' very clearly stars Lift, with her spren Wyndle playing a huge role alongside her. It’s basically Lift’s spotlight: her voice, her weird priorities (food first, then mysteries), and the way she grows into someone who actually tries to help people. Wyndle is right there with her, and you get the mix of levity and surprising heart that makes Lift such a strange and lovable lead.
'Dawnshard' centers on Rysn — you see her stepping up from the merchant-interlude spot she had before into a full-on protagonist role. She’s joined by a small, quirky crew (you’ll recognize at least one familiar Bridge Four face) and the novella leans into exploration, old powers, and how a comparatively ordinary person deals with extraordinary things. Both pieces also bring back spren and recurring world figures in cameos, so you get both the personal stories and the wider Cosmere threads peeking through. I loved how each novella used one core viewpoint character to open up corners of the world the main novels only teed up; they feel like little side quests that leave a surprising emotional aftertaste.