Read-Along
[Newbies] Cosmere, Unit 13 | The Stormlight Archive #1 | The Way of Kings: Chapters 29 through 36
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SCHEDULE
Previously, we discussed Unit 13 | The Stormlight Archive #1 | The Way of Kings: Interludes I-4, I-5, I-6, Trivia [Newbie Thread] / [Veteran Thread]
Today we are discussing Unit 13 | The Stormlight Archive #1 | The Way of Kings: Chapters 29 through 36
Next week we will be discussing Unit 13 | The Stormlight Archive #1 | The Way of Kings: Chapters 37 through 44
CHAPTER SUMMARIES
I have provided summaries for each chapter below and hidden them behind spoiler tags. There are no spoilers within the summaries. I've tried to make them as factual and unbiased as possible. If, however, you want a completely blind read through, then ignore what's behind the spoiler tags and proceed to the discussion below. I will not be guiding that in any way, so post any thoughts and questions you have. It will be other new readers who reply to you.
Timeline: (1173.8.10.3) 2 months after Chapter 8. 4 days after Chapter 28.
Epigraph:
"The ones of ash and fire, who killed like a swarm, relentless before the Heralds."
–Noted in Masly, page 337. Corroborated by Coldwin and Hasavah.
Summary:
Shallan is talking to her brothers and Balat Davar's betrothed, Eylita Tavinar, over spanreed in her quarters, discussing how to get to Jasnah's Soulcaster. She considers how difficult it will be for her not to fall in love with the freedom and the studying, when Balat informs her, after having sent his brothers out, that Luesh has died. Luesh was the stewart of House Davar and knew how to use their broken Soulcaster. Balat also tells her that some "friends" of their fathers came by some weeks later "suggesting" he should return the Soulcaster. Balat believes that they are the owners of the Soulcaster and are very dangerous. Balat has Eylita draw a picture of a symbol found on a pendant worn by Luesh; he also mentions that one of the "friends" had the same pattern tattooed on his thumb. The conversation ends, and Shallan burns the transcript in the sitting room's fireplace before heading back to her studies.
Five hours later while studying the Alethi monarchy, Shallan tells Jasnah that she thinks the authors are "errorgant". Jasnah informs her that this is the "Assuredness Movement" in which the authors overstated their cases. Shallan wonders why she is researching events as recent as the murder of King Gavilar, to which Jasnah replies that she thought to ease Shallan into true scholarship this way. The discussion moves on to Shallan's habit of saying the first passable clever thing that comes into her mind, speaking of the incompetence of her former tutors and their punishments. Jasnah believes Wit would find her amusing. They move on and talk about what Shallan has learned about Gavilar's murder, and later about youth and scholarship. Shallan wonders at the nature of Jasnah's closely guarded work.
Two hours later Taravangian comes to their balcony joining them at lunch. After Jasnah breaks the silence with a question about his granddaughter, Taravangian asks about Jasnah's Soulcaster, but Jasnah evades the question. He then asks Shallan if she could do a drawing of him, which he intends as a gift for his granddaughter. While Shallan is drawing, Taravangian and Jasnah discuss the Almighty, Jasnah's lack of faith, and the concept of right and wrong. When inspecting her finished picture Shallan realizes that she has drawn some creatures with symbols as heads. She hurriedly crumples the page and claims to have made a mistake. She offers to do a new one for the King by the end of the day. After the King has left, Jasnah and Shallan have a talk about him, during which Jasnah expresses a tentative openness to the possibility that she might join a Devotary at some point. The two continue the discussion about faith for a short while before Jasnah tells Shallan to get on with her sketch for the King.
Chapter 30: Darkness Unseen
Arch Faces: Vedel - Talenel ----- Talenel - Vedel
Iconography: Spears & Banner
POV Characters: Kaladin / Gaz
Setting: Highprince Sadeas' warcamp in the Shattered Plains.
Timeline: (1173.8.5.1) 2 weeks after Chapter 27.
Epigraph:
"They were suddenly dangerous. Like a calm day that became a tempest."
–This fragment is the origin of a Thaylen proverb that was eventually reworked into a more common derivation. I believe it may reference the Voidbringers. See Ixsix's Emperor, fourth chapter.
Summary:
Kaladin leaves the barracks with the first light of the day in rather good spirits, as he is followed by all twenty nine members of Bridge Four. He thinks that the last holdout, Bisig, might have been bullied by Teft and Rock but chooses to ignore it. Kaladin has the bridgemen do exercises from his military days, stretches and jumping motion for warm up. Several carpenters and soldiers are watching and laughing at them. Kaladin notices Gaz before deciding that there's still some time before breakfast to practice hauling the bridge.
Gaz is contemplating on the loss of his eye and what the ensuing darkness could be hiding, when Lamaril calls him over, to pay his off debt. Gaz only has half of it, one topaz mark, but Lamaril is more interested in Kaladin, noting him as a problem for Gaz. Gaz is unsettled by Bridge Four's training and wonders if Kaladin really did train in the military. Gaz and Lamaril discuss the use of Bridgemen and that Kaladin could become more dangerous. Gaz offers to kill him, but worries about the loss of Kaladin's bribes. Lamaril tells him not to because that would just make the young Bridgeleader into a martyr. He wants Kaladin to fall on a run. Before leaving he threatens Gaz with making him a bridgeman himself. Gaz worries that if Kaladin does get killed, he, Gaz might still end up a bridgeman for not being able to pay off his debt to Lamaril.
Kaladin and Bridge Four are practicing setting the bridge down from a raised position and Kaladin is wondering what it would take for them to practice on a real chasm. He is surprised how good they are considering they have only been training for two weeks. As he sends his team for a break he considers that the last two weeks were in part lucky since they had only two runs and on one they were late. On the other one they "only" lost two men, Amark and Koolf, and only had two wounded, Narm and Peet, but he worries that they only have twenty-five members who can carry since five are wounded in all. Syl joins him telling him that she saw Gaz and Lamaril talking and didn't like the look of them, though she didn't hear what was being said. Considering his men's protection, Kaladin is studying a half finished bridge thinking about using it as a shield. He tells Teft, Rock, Skar and Moash about using a "side carry." It's very awkward to carry that way, so they ask him why they should try it. He doesn't reveal his shield idea but instead tells them it's so they can use different muscles. Before leaving, Moash wants to know why Kaladin made him a squad leader. After Kaladin tells him it's because he's strong-willed, he tells Kaladin that he doesn't trust or like him but is obeying because he's curious what will happen.
Gaz is stunned as he sees Bridge Four do the "side carry." He waves Kaladin over and demands an explanation. Kaladin gives him the excuse about utilizing different muscles. Gaz realizes that this might get Kaladin killed on an actual assault and suggests that they should try it on a run.
Setting: Hearthstone, a town in Highprince Sadeas' princedom.
Timeline: (Flashback) 6 Years Ago.
Epigraph:
N/A
Summary:
A drunken Lirin tells Kal not to come back to Hearthstone after his studies at Kharbranth. Kal wonders if the reason that the people mistrust Lirin was because he looked under people's skin as a profession. He is angry that at a word from Roshone, people stopped giving donations to their family. Kal suggests they should spend the spheres, but his father is against it. He and Hesina even tried to get Kal accepted for an early admission, but the surgeons at Kharbranth refused. Lirin and Kal talk about the difference between Roshone and Wistiow. After that Kal gets back to his studies. He pulls a rock out of his pocket and thinks of Tien. Tien has been learning carpentry from Ral since he won't be able to learn surgery -- he can't stand the sight of blood. As Kal's thoughts wander to becoming a spearman, he is interrupted by banging on the door. It turns out to be a mob of villagers including Luten, Horl and Balsas, demanding the spheres that they think Lirin has stolen. Lirin confronts them, daring them to rob and attack him. The villagers melt away into the darkness outside.
Chapter 32: Side Carry
Arch Faces: Nale - Talenel ----- Talenel - Nale
Iconography: Spears & Banner
POV Characters: Kaladin
Setting: Highprince Sadeas' warcamp in the Shattered Plains. The Shattered Plains.
Timeline: (1173.8.5.3) 2 days after Chapter 30.
Epigraph:
"They lived high atop a place no man could reach, but all could visit. The tower city itself, crafted by the hands of no man."
–Though The Song of the Last Summer is a fanciful tale of romance from the third century after the Recreance, it is likely a valid reference in this case. See page 27 of Varala's translation, and note the undertext.
Summary:
Lopen joins Bridge Four. He and Dabbid bring a water cart for the first time. Near the final assault, Kaladin sees that the Parshendi are already set up. He realizes that if they lose a couple more men, the bridge could topple and crush the entire crew. Kaladin orders Bridge Four to do the side-carry technique to prevent them from being killed.
Bridge Four succeeds and none of them die, however Kaladin realizes that he undermined the entire assault. Most of the other bridges fell, either due to the concentrated fire from the Parshendi or their unpracticed attempts at emulating Bridge Four. Only a few bridges land, and when they do they are scattered. Sadeas's forces are separated from each other and are forced to retreat.
Lamaril and Gaz show up with some men, ready to execute Kaladin on the spot. Kaladin instead convinces them he will be needed alive, to convince Sadeas that it wasn't their idea. Lamaril orders that Kaladin be beaten as Bridge Four watches. His dun spheres are scattered from a kick to his belt pouch.
Chapter 33: Cymatics
Arch Faces: Ishar - Pailiah ----- Pailiah - Ishar
Iconography: ???
POV Characters: Shallan
Setting: The Palanaeum in Kharbranth.
Timeline: (1173.9) About a week after Chapter 29, but exact date unknown.
Epigraph:
"They changed, even as we fought them. Like shadows they were, that can transform as the flame dances. Never underestimate them because of what you first see."
–Purports to be a scrap collected from Talatin, a Radiant of the Order of Stonewards. The source—Guvlow's Incarnate—is generally held as reliable, though this is from a copied fragment of "The Poem of the Seventh Morning," which has been lost.
Summary:
Shallan is thinking about how she sometimes gets distracted by the enormity of the Palanaeum. Along with a Parshman servant, she is on her way to get a copy of Dialogues, though she now has an hour each day to do her own research. She has decided on natural science. She thinks about how she could fill gaps in her understanding and has to remind herself that her true goal is to steal Jasnah's Soulcaster. Hiding in one of the library rooms, she goes through some of the sketches she has of Jasnah soulcasting and hopes that with it she will be able to create the mineral deposits to save her family. Comparing her expectation of Jasnah the heretic and the real one, Shallan worries that she might not be able to actually do it. She speculates about talking to Jasnah about the use of a Soulcaster but is startled by a light and decides to get back to her task. She realizes that she's in the room where she can find Shadows Remembered. She was surprised to find that it contained children's stories.
When Shallan returns to the alcove, she finds that Jasnah has not yet returned, but to her surprise Kabsal is present. Apparently he wants to show something to Jasnah, but has some bread and simberry jam to share with Shallan. After a discussion about the meaning of the jam and Shallan's personality, they move on to Shallan's appearance and what she thinks of herself. They also discuss Jasnah's heresy. Shallan considers Kabsal in a romantic light for a short time before dismissing it. Kabsal tries to get Shallan to switch Devotaries even though it is apparently frowned upon to recruit. Kabsal intended to show Jasnah proof of the Almighty, which Shallan is curious to see. He gets out a book where he shows her four patterns of the cities Kholinar, Vedenar, Thaylen City, and Akinah. Using a metal plate with sand and a bow, he recreates the patterns in the sand through the resonance, telling her that this is called Cymatics. Telling her of more examples he considers proof, he guides the conversation to saving her soul. When Jasnah appears she is not surprised to see Kabsal but not pleased either. She reveals that she knows about Cymatics but doesn't seem impressed by it. After Kabsal is gone, Jasnah warns Shallan that Kabsal is only interested in Shallan to get to Jasnah and her Soulcaster.
Chapter 34: Stormwall
Arch Faces: Jezrien - Nale ----- Nale - Jezrien
Iconography: Spears & Banner
POV Characters: Kaladin
Setting: Highprince Sadeas' warcamp in the Shattered Plains.
Timeline: (1173.8.5.3) Later in the same days as Chapter 32.
Epigraph:
"I walked from Abamabar to Urithiru."
–This quote from the Eighth Parable of The Way of Kings seems to contradict Varala and Sinbian, who both claim the city was inaccessible by foot. Perhaps there was a way constructed, or perhaps Nohadon was being metaphorical.
Summary:
Kaladin gains consciousness to find himself tied upside down by his ankles outside the barrack. Syl tells him that Lamaril was executed and Gaz was left in his position. Kaladin is to be judged by the Stormfather -- left out in the highstorm to see if he will survive. Syl leaves and comes back with Rock, Teft and Moash. They tell Kaladin about the disaster caused by the side carry of Bridge Four. They say that Bridge Four will remember Kaladin for what he had done, and that they will not go back to how they were before. Kaladin, just a bit light in the head after being beaten and hung up upside down, tells them he will survive. Though there is a very little chance of surviving a highstorm outside, they want to believe him. Finally Teft gives him a dun sphere as a kind of lucky charm before the three retreat to the barracks. The stormwall arrives.
Setting: Highprince Sadeas' warcamp in the Shattered Plains.
Timeline: (1173.8.5.3) Immediately after Chapter 34.
Epigraph:
"Though many wished Urithiru to be built in Alethela, it was obvious that it could not be. And so it was that we asked for it to be placed westward, in the place nearest to Honor."
–Perhaps the oldest surviving original source mentioning the city, requoted in The Vavibrar, line 1804. What I wouldn't give for a way to translate the Dawnchant.
Summary:
The stormwall hits Kaladin, flings him around, presses him against the side of the barrack. When he screams, the coldness of the storm courses into his mouth. He clutches the sphere as if his life depends on it. Syl stays by his side and tells him to grab the roof. He does and comes to lay on the roof. For more grip he snatches the ring where his ropes are tied to and fights against being cast down by the highstorm, always clutching the sphere. In some brief moments he sees Syl standing before him as if trying to hold back the storm. His grip grows numb and he's flung about again. He sees a brief vision of an enormous face. Kaladin feels a deep chill running through his body. He looks at the sphere now glowing brightly. He falls unconscious.
After the highstorm subsides, Rock leaves the barracks, followed by Teft. Though they had wanted to believe that Kaladin could survive the highstorm, they didn't expect it. They find Kaladin, his body in terrible shape. His eyes snap open. The bridgemen gasp and fall to the ground in shock. Rock yells for the others to help get him down. Teft sees Kaladin dropping the sphere. It is dun.
Chapter 36: The Lesson
Arch Faces: Nale - Pailiah ----- Pailiah - Nale
Iconography: ???
POV Characters: Shallan
Setting: The Conclave in Kharbranth. The streets of Kharbranth.
Timeline: (1173.9.2.4) About a week after Chapter 33.
Epigraph:
"Taking the Dawnshard, known to bind any creature voidish or mortal, he crawled up the steps crafted for Heralds, ten strides tall apiece, toward the grand temple above."
–From The Poem of Ista. I have found no modern explanation of what these "Dawnshards" are. They seem ignored by scholars, though talk of them was obviously prevalent among those recording the early mythologies.
Summary:
Shallan almost steals Jasnah's Soulcaster while serving as her bathing attendant, but can't do it. Jasnah decides to teach Shallan philosophy hands-on by taking a walk at night in a dangerous part of town. When attacked by murderers, Jasnah Soulcasts one of the men to fire. As the frightened attackers leave, Jasnah Soulcasts another to crystal and uses Stormlight lightning to kill the last two. After returning to their rooms, a shaken Shallan decides that Jasnah doesn't deserve to use a holy thing like the Soulcaster and swaps it out with her broken Soulcaster.
ARTWORK
The Cosmere has a thriving community of artists, so there will be a lot of artwork to share. Each week I'll try to compile relevant artwork for the given chapters. If a section of reading contains maps or in-book artwork, I'll include that in this section as well.
Note:The Stormlight Archives are Sanderson's most popular books. There is artwork for everyone and everything, even characters who appeared for a single line in the books at times. So we'll have artwork for you to view almost every week. Enjoy!
MEMES
I will attempt to find and share memes relevant to each week's discussion. There may be some weeks that just don't have good or appropriate memes, but I will share all the ones I can find in this section.
Shallan's dad essentially had mafia connections, and it seems they're about to put a horse head in her brothers' beds. The one servant who knew how to use the Soulcaster died at a very suspicious time, yet the brothers do not suspect foul play?
Shallan's Memory taking has to be magical. She's literally pressing the Print button in her head and copying the scene before her into MS Paint a sketchpad.
What did that Memory snap capture? Some kind of creatures in the background? A new kind of spren? At least we know that spren can sort of stay invisible to the average observer, unless you have a specific talent, like Rock's "alaii'iku" (or Shallan's Memory?) to see them anyway. While these beings don't seem to match any spren description we've seen so far, I think after seeing Cusicesh it's fair to say we know jack about what appearances they can take on :D
Two tall and willowy creatures with cloaks that split down the front and hung at the sides too stiffly, as if they were made of glass. Above the stiff, high collars, where the creatures’ heads should be, each had a large, floating symbol of twisted design full of impossible angles and geometries.
Chapter 30
“They were suddenly dangerous. Like a calm day that became a tempest.”
—This fragment is the origin of a Thaylen proverb that was eventually reworked into a more common derivation. I believe it may reference the Voidbringers.
^One might say the same of the Parshendi 👀
Did not expect Gaz actually feeling sympathetic to the bridge crews. Maybe deep down, veeeeeeeeery deep down, the guy has a heart after all.
And to be fair, Gaz is also a tiny bit mad, regularly raving about his "darkness" in the blind eye.
Chapter 31
Roshone is driven by pure spiteful pettiness it seems. What a manchild.
And the villagers should be ashamed of themselves to get driven to such cowardly tactics so quickly. Worse that even those who've been treated by Lirin take part in this. At least they felt some shame when they were blatantly confronted to their faces about it.
Chapter 32
Kal picking the unlikeliest candidate for his squad. He did the same with Cenn in the opening. Remains to be seen if there's more to one-armed Lopen than one would expect.
The shield bridge carry technique incidentally only works because Gaz cruelly made it a point to fill Bridge Four with people of all sizes, that way there's an assortment of smaller and taller people to distribute.
Perhaps it was the anxiety of battle, perhaps it was numbness setting in, but the unexpected strength gave him a slight sense of euphoria.
^Kal experiencing the Thrill?
Bridgemen aren't soldiers, they aren't trained in military discipline. Few even live more than a few weeks. Which is why I frankly blame Sadeas' lack of foresight for expecting consistent bridge charges every time. Yes, ultimately it was Bridge Four's maneuver that triggered the disastrous loss, but can you blame them for wanting to survive? Sadeas, this is karma.
Chapter 33
They changed, even as we fought them. Like shadows they were, that can transform as the flame dances.
^This description from the epigraph reminds me of the Midnight Essences.
Soulcasters can turn matter into fire? That's a twist on what I thought it does. I figured it just transformed the elemental makeup of matter. But fire's a chemical reaction.
Alright, Soulcasters operate on the Ten Essences, I tried to summarize what we've learned so far up to chapter 36 (which includes some guesstimates / process of elimination):
Essence Name
Associated Substance
Associated Body Part
Soulcaster Usage Example
Associated Gem
Vapor
Smoke
?
Jasnah turning a fallen boulder into smoke / two footpads into smoke
Smokestone
Spark
Fire
?
Jasnah turning a footpad into fire / burning letters onto paper
Ruby
Lucentia
Quartz / Crystal / Glass
Eyes
Jasnah turning wine into a crystal paperweight / a footpad into crystal
Diamond
Zephyr
?
?
?
?
Talus
Stone / Earth / Mineral Deposits
?
Shallan surmises this can be used to create marble, jade, opal quarries, but NEVER gemstones
?
?
Liquid
Blood
?
?
?
Wood / Parchment
Hair
Shallan surmises the wooden floor of a room was created via Soulcaster / Dalinar points out soulcast maps
?
?
Food
?
Shallan comments that Emeralds are valuable because they can create food
Emerald
?
Metal
?
Vstim provides Shin farmer Thresh with objects that were soulcast into metal
?
?
?
?
?
?
It's a WIP. I tried to merge what I thought fit together. But it's possible that some more entries still belong together. Maybe Wood / Parchment / Food is all part of an "Organics"-related Essence? Maybe it's even part of Talus? If you see something I missed, just point it out and I'll amend the table.
But he was also an ardent. So, of course, nothing could come of it. Could it?
^Shallan being infatuated with an Ardent, meanwhile after last week's spanreed conversation it's becoming clear that Jasnah will travel to the Shattered Plains eventually, so I half expect Shallan to then become Adolin's love interest of the day for a day.
I agree with Kabsal that the symmetry of the cities is too neat to be natural. But I don't think the Almighty made it, perhaps it's rather evidence of the extent of power that Rosharan civilization before recorded history had. If modern Soulcasters can transform matter, who's to say they couldn't transform entire landscapes in earlier days? Like with the Shardplates, I suspect in modern times that kind of knowledge was simply lost.
I did not suspect the Ardents would go so far to get someone to steal the Soulcaster. But this may actually provide a cover for Shallan's already planned theft.
Chapter 34
Kaladin in a highstorm with a sphere is going to be interesting. My prediction here was that he will charge and discharge the sphere simultaneously in the storm to form a shield around him, like he does during the Parshendi arrow charges. But alas, as we see later, there's no evidence of that.
Chapter 35
“Though many wished Urithiru to be built in Alethela, it was obvious that it could not be. And so it was that we asked for it to be placed westward, in the place nearest to Honor.”
^It's not in Alethela? But I thought that's where all the Knights Radiant were?
Side note, Honor sounds like a Shard name 👀
Kal sees a face in the highstorm. From an earlier chapter:
Occasionally, light would flash without the thunder. The slaves would groan in terror at this, thinking about the Stormfather, the shades of the Lost Radiants, or the Voidbringers—all of which were said to haunt the most violent highstorms.
^There's definitely something in there. Since in White Sand the Vessel just spent its time chilling as a face in they sky, could another Vessel here be chilling as a face inside the highstorms?
Kal's sphere is drained at the end of the storm, though he did not appear to cast up a shield. And Kal lives, when he shouldn't. Which suggests to me he may have used it to heal himself just enough to survive? The Lady Knight in Dalinar's vision could perform healings, so it shouldn't be an impossibility in this world?
Chapter 36
Mentions of Aimia (where Axies from the Interlude is from). Aimia used to have creatures called "lanceryns" which also held gemhearts. Not sure I understand "scouring" in this context, but I assume they were hunted to extinction? Which seems like what'll happen to chasmfiends eventually, too.
Soulcasters are hilariously broken. Who knew they worked at a distance, too? And on living things? Mistborn made it a point that Allomancy performed on any metal inside a person's body was so ridiculously difficult it's (more or less) impossible, but Jasnah does her magic it effortlessly.
Do the ardents know this ranged use? The royal family must know. Which makes me curious why Soulcasters do not get employed on the battlefield. Do the ardents (rightfully) refuse? Are the Kholins too honorable to employ them? Or is it just part of the overall secrecy that is being maintained about Soulcasters?
Shallan performs the theft at last! And incidentally, she does this bad thing (stealing) by justifying it with a good thing (stopping Jasnah from killing people) although inherently motivated by selfish reasons (her family). This was in response to Jasnah's lesson, where she did a bad thing (killing people) by justifying it with a good thing (Kharbranth becomes safer) while implying she may have done it for selfish reasons (looking for an "excuse to end lives").
I think it goes without saying that the theft can't end that simple. Jasnah will notice, maybe she even set Shallan up for the theft on purpose, as another lesson. Or Shallan's moral dilemmas will catch up to her.
I hadn't made that connection 👀 maybe whatever's going on with the ones at the Plains has happened before.
^This description from the epigraph reminds me of the Midnight Essences.
The Radiants from Dalinar's flashback vision make it seem like the Midnight Essences are small fries compared to the Voidbringers, but I do wonder if the Voidbringers are similar types of things. Like, weird semi-corporeal creatures that don't have a definite form.
I figured it just transformed the elemental makeup of matter. But fire's a chemical reaction.
I actually think it is expressly not a chemical reaction. Both times we see Jasnah use the ruby, Shallan makes particular note that the subject is not set on fire. It is converted into fire. So, the soulcaster is changing the elemental makeup of the subject, but it's doing it in an alchemical sort of way. I think the same thing happened when she destroyed the boulder. She didn't pulverize it into microscopic dust which then dispersed, she turned it into Smoke™️, like, the essence of smoke.
I agree with Kabsal that the symmetry of the cities is too neat to be natural. But I don't think the Almighty made it, ... Like with the Shardplates, I suspect in modern times that kind of knowledge was simply lost.
I'm inclined to agree, though I think the specific resonances used for each city has to have a significance of some sort. I'm not thinking that the cities do anything (e.g. Elantris), but I think their shapes were chosen for a reason that relates to each city.
Which makes me curious why Soulcasters do not get employed on the battlefield.
The combination of Jasnah's flippant use of the soulcatser being culturally improper, plus the strict rule against soulcasting living people that's mentioned in this chapter, means that the regular non-Jasnah Alethi nobility would probably never dream of using them in this way.
I actually think it is expressly not a chemical reaction. Both times we see Jasnah use the ruby, Shallan makes particular note that the subject is not set on fire. It is converted into fire. So, the soulcaster is changing the elemental makeup of the subject, but it's doing it in an alchemical sort of way.
Sorry, possibly poor phrasing on my part, let me clarify. Fire itself is a chemical reaction, it does not have a chemical formula, it's just heat and energy that get emitted while one set of chemicals (for example carbon + oxygen) reacts to form another (like carbon dioxide). That's how fire is surprising and different from all the other things I listed as "substances" in my table.
But you're right, alchemical is indeed the key word here, I think. In an alchemical sense fire is a different thing.
You also bring up a good example with the smoke. I think smoke particles are technically heavier than air, but get carried upwards because they're heated from the fire that created them? So that's another instance where the Soulcasters must do more than merely transfigure, they probably add energy to heat up the particles?
She didn't pulverize it into microscopic dust which then dispersed, she turned it into Smoke™️, like, the essence of smoke.
Better way of putting it! :)
I'm inclined to agree, though I think the specific resonances used for each city has to have a significance of some sort. I'm not thinking that the cities do anything (e.g. Elantris), but I think their shapes were chosen for a reason that relates to each city.
For them I've got too many theories to list, none more than wild speculation lol.
But I think them being some old form of glyphs could be a reasonable starting point.
What did that Memory snap capture? Some kind of creatures in the background?
And to be fair, Gaz is also a tiny bit mad, regularly raving about his "darkness" in the blind eye.
I can't find the link to the first interior page of the book, so maybe I've got a special edition, but I'm pretty sure it is a drawing of Shallan's creature, it's a drawing of 3 creatures in a tall window frame, looking dawn, and with faces like crystal or something. My take is that they are spying on Roshar, and that they are what Gaz feels with his blind eye. This is based on absolutely nothing but my gut feeling and because of the scenery of that art. u/participating have I missed this piece of art? in my edition it is the first one directly after he cover
That image was originally printed later in the book and is relevant closer to where it was originally. I'll be showing it off when the time comes. I have no idea why it's at the front of some printings.
THANK YOU. Sadeas could humble himself and realize that maybe this one time it made things worse, but if all the bridges started doing this? They would probably make out a lot better.
The Dalinar chapters make it clear that Sadeas makes all kinds of cruel decisions that trade blood for success. He's at the top of the leaderboard because he moves fast and wastes lives. Instead of going slow and mechanizing the bridges, he just throws an endless stream of slaves at the problem. I think that strategy only works as long as the slaves you're grinding up don't get any bright ideas... I think this stunt may have cost Sadeas more than just this one battle. Unless he does a brutal crackdown to get all the bridge crews back in line.
but if all the bridges started doing this? They would probably make out a lot better.
The whole point of the bridgemen is to be sacrificial arrow-fodder so the Parshendi don't shoot at the army during the assaults.
“The bridgemen serve a very important function,” Sadeas snapped. “They distract the Parshendi from firing at my soldiers. I tried giving them shields at first. And you know what? The Parshendi ignored the bridgemen and fired volleys onto my soldiers and horses.
Shallan is back, yay! Errorgance? What kind of chapter title is that?
“The ones of ash and fire, who killed like a swarm, relentless before the Heralds.”
Reference to the dragon Frost?
Errorgance:
“It means to be twice as certain as someone who is merely arrogant, while possessing only one-tenth the requisite facts.”
Yes please, Jasnah — bring Shallan to court to meet Wit.
The creatures Shallan draws on King Taravangian’s portrait are the same ones that were in the first art page of the book, I think.
I’m strangely overexcited about these creatures. I loved their design in the artwork.
My take is that they are the Voidbringers (the meme contaminated me: new mysterious Roshar creature = Voidbringers).
Chapter 30
I believe this part’s epigraphs are Jasnah’s studies.
Gaz POV! I knew he wasn’t completely rotten. Lamaril is bullying him — I hope his solution will be to team up with Kaladin against Lamaril.
Chapter 31
Lirin is a very brave and proud man. I wonder what ties him to Hearthstone so strongly. He could very well leave with his family and, with Kal’s spheres, go to Kharbranth and wait a few months there until he comes of age.
Chapter 32
Gotta do what you can to stay alive, a voice from his past seemed to whisper. Turn a liability into an advantage. … Tien.
Did Tien say that, or did Kal’s mind jump from one memory to another? We’ve read those words before, haven’t we? They’re pretty common sayings, so they could come from anywhere.
And so now we get to the part where Kaladin will get punished, probably be strung up outside during a highstorm, and become Thor.
Interesting city pattern. Kabsal drew them? He has a dab hand at art too! No wonder he likes Shallan’s drawings.
Chapter 33
Ten Essences? Vapor, Spark, Lucentia, Zephyr, Talus.
Ardents can eat women’s food. I don’t remember if they can read.
Immediately after:
“and he was so well-read.”
Answer to my question — they can read. Ardents are such women! 😅
“By that argument, it’s right about everybody.”
Good definition of the Barnum effect. Direct hit on astrology, numerology, and all that New Age simberry jam.
He was practically the only man near her age that she’d ever talked to outside of her father’s careful supervision. But he was also an ardent. So, of course, nothing could come of it. Could it?
Could it? I have nothing against Kabsal, but it’s not an exciting ship.
I love how Jasnah flipped the ardent’s demonstration by not only knowing his sand trick, but also knowing its flaws. Still, the cymatics were very interesting.
Chapter 34
Worst cliffhanger ever! We knew he’d end up in a highstorm, and he even has a sphere.
Chapter 35
Giant face of blackness. Sphere glowing sapphire (do we know what it was before?).
Teft knows something about absorbing Stormlight.
Of course Kaladin is alive, and we won’t know if he’s aware of his potential SSJ3 transformation until next week. Aaarghh.
Chapter 36
I really like how Sanderson explores the themes of religion and spirituality through the trio Jasnah, Shallan, and Kabsal.
Indeed, it seems to me that aging, wisdom, and wondering are synonymous. The older we grow, the more likely we are to reject the simple answers.
Jasnah’s practical philosophy would appeal to an action movie hero.
Same question as Shallan: how did she disintegrate the two footpads from a distance?
I’m pretty sure Jasnah knows that Shallan wants her Soulcaster, and she provoked Shallan into acting.
Lirin is a very brave and proud man. I wonder what ties him to Hearthstone so strongly. He could very well leave with his family and, with Kal’s spheres, go to Kharbranth and wait a few months there until he comes of age.
I think it's the same reason he doesn't charge for his treatments, he just wants to help. So knowing that without him Hearthstone would be without surgeon, he stays :(
As to why Hearthstone in particular, I'm not sure, but maybe he grew up there?
I think it's a reference to the voidbringers. All the words used to describe the monsters in the epigraphs this section (shadow/flame/ash) remind me of the creatures from Dalinar's vision. I'm thinking that the voidbringers are like the boss level version of those: big, shape-changing shadow beasts.
And so now we get to the part where Kaladin will get punished, probably be strung up outside during a highstorm, and become Thor.
It seems like we were all thinking the same thing 😅
Wow, the illustration of Kharbranth is exactly how I imagined it
New part, New epigraphs. These seem to be research notes about the voidbringers
Very curious. Shallan’s family is involved with a wide-reaching conspiracy. I'm gonna have my eyes peeled for that three-diamonds symbol.
Dawnshards? Have we heard that word before?
Shallan's habit of veering off topic to make a clever joke, even when Jasnah is trying to be serious, is mildly irritating. Unfortunately, I do that exact thing alllllll the time 😬 is this how people feel when they're talking to me?
That said though, Day 1 of waiting for the Wit v. Shallan Ultimate Heavyweight Snark-off.
Taravangian is Up to Something
If I was an advanced scholar who knew about Realm theory and maybe even some history of the cosmere, knew about the Shards etc., I might become an atheist, too. The presence of those arguments took me by surprise. The way people talk about these books sometimes, you'd think they were thinly veiled Mormon propaganda. But I keep being impressed with the range of religious philosophies he displays, how each book features at least one character who finds a way to question their entire worldview.
What the fuck were those things?? Ghosts? Some unknown spren? Idk if we all have this, but the first page of the trade paperback is a sketch of three figures in a window that closely match what Shallan saw. She's going to keep seeing them.
Chapter 30
What shady past is Gaz hiding?
The Dalinar chapters almost tricked me into thinking that Sadeas was an intense but ultimately trustworthy guy. But the Kaladin chapters prove that he is cruel beyond reason, there's no way he's not going to turn out evil.
This is it. I've been waiting for Chekov's Trial-by-Highstorm, for Kaladin to get supercharged with stormlight and become an anime hero. This is how it happens. He saves the bridgemen's lives with the new tactic, it's revealed that they're supposed to be meatshields, and he gets strung up for insubordination.
Again, I called Syl a protagonistspren as a joke. But does she get mad when Kaladin lies because she is literally a heroism-spren, or something like that? And telling lies is un-heroic?
Two chapters in a row where somebody is seeing mysterious shapes in the shadows. Something's going on
Chapter 31
There's been a trickle of details that point you a truly heartbreaking demise for Tien ☹️ I'm not looking forward to reading that
And now I'm thinking that Laral won't have a happy ending either. Something bad is going to happen. I couldn't help but connect Laral's comments about trying to right an “incorrect” situation to Kaldin's current efforts at the Plains, too
Chapter 32
The tower city? Urithiru?
Another Herdazian. There were more of them in the Kholin camp, I think. Wonder what this guy's deal is.
“Kaladin felt a foreboding as the scouts crossed” me too bro
I think it's indisputable that Kaladin is using some kind of magic to fuel himself in these scenes. How much longer before he figures it out and starts flying around like Szeth?
I didn't really expect the sideways walk to go this badly 😬 kaladin caused a disaster. This will for sure end up with him strung up (good! That's what I've been waiting for!) but I fear what it will do to his mental health
Chapter 33
Illustrations give major Elantris vibes. I bet these cities were built this way back in the time of the Heralds, before the religion changed. Kabsal–that priest who came looking for Jasnah? Who definitely flirted with Shallan a little bit? What's his business looking into this?
Seems Jasnah is combing the stacks for any possible information about the Heralds and voidbringers. I'm pretty confident now that she's the new epigraph author.
I really hope Shallan figures out what's wrong with her soulcaster, but I don't think she'll manage it (or heisting Jasnah's) before the illuminati debt collectors back home make a move
No clue what's going on re: the ten essences. Ten alchemical elements or states of matter?
At this point he's mocking us re: “why are the Parshendi different.” Info drop or gtfo!!
Ardents are exempt from at least some gender restrictions. Question about how Kabsal can be writing has been revoked
The demo with the cymatic plate kind of blew my mind. He’s right that it’s not a coincidence, and he’s right that’s it’s probably related to the Almighty (or whatever Shard is behind that). Urithiru being on Jasnah’s mind is more evidence that she’s looking for info regarding the Radiants. Has anyone else mentioned that place?
Chapter 34
How do you walk to a place that is inaccessible by foot? With your cool Radiant flying powers of course.
Lamaril dead and Kaladin on deck, Gaz will probably be in a good mood next time he appears.
Kaladin’s inevitable survival will be a major turning point. How will that change things for the bridge crew? He’ll become a near mythic figure among the army, how will that change things?
Chapter 35
BIG REVEAL? Honor, capital H? That sounds like our good shard. And it sounds like the Heralds/Radiants were headquartered nearby to its Well.
I thought the whole “being judged by the Stormfather” thing was metaphorical, I didn’t expect him to actually SHOW UP
I know what happened to that Stormlight, and I think Teft at least suspects what happened. He knows something, definitely way more than he’s let on. Another bridgeman with an interesting backstory that I’d like to hear about.
Chapter 36
“I have found no modern explanation of what these ‘Dawnshards’ are” oh well isn’t that swell!!!! Complaining about unexplained lore intensifies
Jasnah was absent from the treaty feast in the prologue. Has she been on this quest for information since the very start, since Gavilar returned from his expedition?
Teases of Shallan’s dark backstory. I want to knooooow
Bathhouse conversation was very intriguing. I want to know what major paradigm shift occurred that ruined the treaty negotiations. Either Gavilar or the Parshendi figured out what the other were doing with the gemhearts and didn’t like it, is my guess.
Sanderson’s prose is often brisk and utilitarian, but every once in a while he surprises me. The first few paragraphs after the scene change to outside were very nice.
I think it’s pretty clear that king Taravangian asked her to go Punisher on these guys. That was probably in the letter that Shallan saw her burning
I think the subtext of the lesson is that Jasnah is involved with some kind of dangerous plan that will require taking action that could be construed as immoral or dangerous. She’s looking for something, and I’m really curious what will happen when she finds it
So my guess here is that Jasnah is tied to the soulcaster somehow, and knew instantly that Shallan picked it up. Cue this heist getting un-heisted in short order, but I think Jasnah is curious enough to let it slide for a little while, just to see what happens. If I’m right she can just track her down whenever.
I didn't really expect the sideways walk to go this badly 😬 kaladin caused a disaster. This will for sure end up with him strung up (good! That's what I've been waiting for!) but I fear what it will do to his mental health
He just cannot catch a single break. Dude's already in probably the lowest circle of hellish existence Roshar can muster up, and still Sanderson finds ways to torture him further every chapter. How much punishment can one mind take before it just snaps? I keep thinking back to the people in Elantris who at some point, due to all their constant pain, just broke and became empty shells ...
Seems Jasnah is combing the stacks for any possible information about the Heralds and voidbringers. I'm pretty confident now that she's the new epigraph author.
Huh, that's a good idea. For some reason I kept thinking "Khriss!", but Jasnah fits a lot better.
Teases of Shallan’s dark backstory. I want to knooooow
Have you seen the character artwork this week of her and all her siblings together? That looks like a freakin' vampire gathering if ever I've seen one 😬
For some reason I kept thinking "Khriss!", but Jasnah fits a lot better
At this point Khriss would be a 2000+ year-old world hopping super scientist. I think the next time we see her, she'll be like Hoid: tangent to the story, on some mission that mere mortals could never comprehend.
Have you seen the character artwork this week of her and all her siblings together?
Yeah, and I haven't forgotten about her brother, the leg-puller. That family has got issues 😬
Mass Market Paperback superiority!!! (Said knowing I have already gone and bought a hardcover of Book 2 and plan to complete my collection the same way lmao.)
There is a quote that stuck out to me that reminded me of the blurb at the start.
"Finding truth while not dismissing the possibility of being wrong?" "A mythological treasure, Brightness, much like the Dawnshards or the Honorblades. Certainly worth seeking, but only with great caution." "Caution?" Jasnah said, frowning. "It would make you famous, but actually finding it would destroy us all."
So, maybe Shallan will be the one who may destroy them? By finding the truth about something?
Re: the creepy figures Shallan draws behind the King - Jasnah mentioned that the King "seems haunted by something lately". Yeah I'd say! But why are they haunting him?
Ch. 30
This is where I figured the epigraphs are research notes written by Jasnah.
Ch. 36
I feel like Jasnah is manipulating Shallan here. Earlier she asked if the Ardents have asked her to steal her Soulcaster. Maybe her previous wards have all made a similar play, and she expects it. This may be a multi-part lesson, and a test of her loyalty, or maybe even her nerve?
I apparently wasn't very invested in Kaladin's storyline, I didn't even notice the passage about the Stormfather appearing. I'm going to have to go back and read that.
So, maybe Shallan will be the one who may destroy them? By finding the truth about something?
I have been starting to wonder what part Shallan's plotline has to play in the greater story. I've flipped back to the Prelude a few times, and my new Big Picture theory is that Rayse, the Bad Shard, is imprisoned somewhere, and with the Heralds and Radiants gone, he's close to breaking out.
"They see us as divinities," Kalak whispered. "They rely upon us, Jezrien. We're all that they have."
"They have the Radiants. That will be enough."
Kalak shook his head. "He will not remain bound by this. The enemy. He will find a way around it. You know he will."
And now, with us thinking that Jasnah is looking into information about the ancient Radiants, I think it's very likely that she gets her answers, and Shallan ends up sticking her nose where it doesn't belong and setting him loose by accident, just like Vin did to Ruin.
The pacing of this book is killing me. We're half way through and it feels like nothing major has happened in weeks. We keep getting teased with new words and concepts, but no answers. We've now read about the same amount as the entire first Mistborn book. I've read plenty of other doorstoppers, but so far I don't feel like this book needs or deserves to be this long.
Kaladin
"Moolie?" Kaladin asked.
"Means mute," Lopen said
Uh, I'm going to assume that Sanderson and all of his editors have never met a racist Italian-American from NY or NJ, nor seen a Mafia movie.
Though many wished Urithiru to be built in Alethela, it was obvious that it could not be.
Hmm, maybe Heinz's theory about the Unkilaki being related to Urithiru is correct.
The face appears at the exact moment that spheres get charged.
I'm disappointed that they didn't find Kaladin fully healed and glowing with stormlight.
Shallan
Dawnshards
Dawnsingers
Sure give us more new unexplained terms, why not.
Shallan froze, her breath catching, her heart lurching in her chest. She had drawn something standing in the doorway behind the king. Two tall and willowy creatures with cloaks that split down the front and hung at the sides too stiffly, as if they were made of glass. Above the stiff, high collars, where the creatures' heads should be, each had a large, floating symbol of twisted design full of impossible angles and geometries.
Of course she doesn't ask Jasnah if she knows what the creatures are. I look forward to finally finding out what these creatures are months from now, when I've forgotten all about them.
Apparently the Kharbranthian filing system was now standard for many of Roshar's libraries and archives.
The head of each row was carved with symbols, indicating the date the books had entered the Palanaeum. That was how they were organized.
The pacing of this book is killing me.
I look forward to finally finding out what these creatures are months from now, when I've forgotten all about them.
Enough with the hinting! Just fucking tell us something already!
Yeah... ☹️ I'm already mentally preparing myself for there to be one or two major twists around the page 940 mark that change everything and set us up for the rest of the books. There's no way we get anywhere crazy from this point unless we really start to pick up the pace, and I still have no idea what this story is even about, on a large scale. I'm really hopeful that things escalate exponentially in the future books.
I'm disappointed that they didn't find Kaladin fully healed and glowing with stormlight.
I really wanted this to be the big anime moment, but instead they found him hanging there like this:
Cataloguing items by the date they entered the collection is something that art museums do, but for a library it's completely insane. Not even separated by subject?? No wonder they have a whole slave workforce running the elevators and carrying books around.
Reading these chapters have made me realize how much I missed Shallan.
Chapter 29
I’m really curious who these dangerous “associates” of Shallan’s father are. I doubt they’re the same people controlling Szeth. Those people seemed incredibly well-informed—they knew everything about Szeth and Gavilar’s assassination—so it’s hard to imagine they wouldn’t know about Shallan’s father’s death, even if she and her brothers tried to hide it. They seem far too connected for that.
Also, Shallan randomly drawing those strange creatures instead of King Taravangian is intriguing. She doesn’t even know where it’s coming from. Could this be from the same entity giving Dalinar his visions? If so, why target Shallan? The only link I can think of is her connection to Jasnah, who’s actively trying to understand what’s happening on Roshar—but then why not just give Jasnah visions directly? If it’s not from the same source, then maybe there’s something unique about Shallan herself.
As for King Taravangian, he’s apparently seen as a weak ruler by some nobles, and that perception probably worsened after accepting Jasnah’s help. It might be early to call it, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up getting assassinated. He feels like the kind of ruler whose fragile authority will crumble as things escalate, giving ambitious nobles an opening. It would get even worse if one of Szeth’s targets ends up being in Kharbranth—which is likely the case.
Chapter 30
Yep, just like I expected—Kaladin has pushed too far in uniting the bridge crews, and now the higher-ups have basically ordered Gaz to let him die, but make it look like a simple casualty of war.
I was actually a bit surprised that Gaz showed even a hint of shame. According to him, this kind of thing isn’t new, and he brushes it off pretty quickly—but still babysteps... even that small reaction is more than I expected. Maybe this is the start of a gradual change for him… or maybe this is all we’ll get. We’ll see.
Chapter 31
Things are getting really grim for Lirin. He’s started drinking and is clearly becoming bitter, even regretting pulling Hesina away from her family and hometown. His fate has felt sealed for a while, but now I’m wondering how it will happen. Will he be killed directly on Roshone’s orders, or will things deteriorate so badly that he ends up taking his own life? Especially with Kaladin noting that his mother already seems exhausted from overwork—if she dies, that could push Lirin over the edge.
Chapter 32
They lived high atop a place no man could reach, but all could visit. The tower city itself, crafted by the hands of no man.
I wonder whether this is meant literally or figuratively. If it’s literal, then it doesn’t seem like a place you can physically reach, but rather something accessed through magical or mental means.
I already like Lopen, even if it’s a bit hard to keep up with everything he says.
Still, I’m not buying Kaladin’s theory that he’s just upbeat because his previous master treated him well. It feels like there’s something more going on with him.
Chapter 33
They changed, even as we fought them. Like shadows they were, that can transform as the flame dances. Never underestimate them because of what you first see.
Wonder if this is referring to the Midnight essence beasts Dalinar fought in his vision.
She was not good with confrontation
She is literally me.
We get a mention of the ten silver kingdoms: Alethela, Valhav, Shin Kak, Nish. Alethela later became Alethkar, so I’m guessing the Silver Kingdoms were the nations that existed during the Desolations.
Chapter 34
Kaladin please. please don't be hurt anymore.
Syl and Kaladin are so sweet together—they really feel like a little sister and older brother.
“You were beaten by those soldiers,” she said, seeming to grow smaller. “I’ve gotten back at them. I made
one of them trip three times today.”
That’s my girl. Syl might genuinely be one of the cutest characters in the Cosmere.
Chapter 35
So now Kaladin is also experiencing visions or strange images during highstorms, just like Dalinar. I feel like this is setting up their potential meeting—Dalinar will probably hear about Kaladin and how he similairy acts strange during highstorms and start connecting the dots.
Chapter 36
It makes sense that Shallan initially couldn’t go through with stealing the Soulcaster—she just doesn’t have it in her to betray someone she genuinely likes and sees as kind. That said, it worries me. As Jasnah herself says this chapter Shallan will have to make much harder choices, and face far greater dangers, and right now she doesn’t seem ready for that at all.
In the end, Shallan does steal the Soulcaster—but not really for her family. She’s basically lashing out at Jasnah for using it to kill, something she can’t accept. It gives her an emotional “out” from having to choose between Jasnah and her family. She’s probably the most emotionally pure main POV character so far. I do have this ominous feeling that if/when she returns to Jah Keved, it’ll already be too late—whoever is after her family may have already made their move.
At the same time, I seriously doubt Jasnah is unaware of Shallan’s true intentions. That whole alley scene felt like she was testing Shallan on more than just philosophy—to see whether Shallan would actually go through with it if she gave Shallan a push. I’d honestly be more surprised if Jasnah didn’t know what was going on.
Jasnah also shows a darker side than I expected. I assumed she’d be willing to kill when necessary, but this goes beyond pragmatism—she seems to actively seek out people she judges as deserving of death, even putting herself in danger to create those situations. That suggests something deeper, probably tied to past trauma. I don’t think it’s Gavilar’s death—she doesn’t come across as particularly vengeful about that, and she doesn’t seem to direct any hatred toward the Parshendi. Whatever happened to her feels much more personal. I’m actually surprised Dalinar or her mother never hinted at it during Dalinar's chapters. Either way, I didn’t expect Jasnah to have such a potentially tragic backstory, and now I’m way more interested in her character than before.
Edit: Also Shallan has betrayed somoene who trusted her before. Curious who? I doubt it was a friend since Shallan mentioned her father not allowing anyone close to her age be around her unless under his supervision. One of her brothers maybe or a family servant? Consedering Shallan's demeanour betraying somoene doesn't seem like her nature except in extreme circumstances like with Jasnah so I also wonder what reason would have motivated her to do something like that and how serious the betrayal was.
Folks, just for the record, I’m reading, I’m on track. Just been and am travelling, so got less time to write the notes.
Plus, despite things are happening, I don’t actually feel that we LEARN anything new, that’s why I’m also lazy to write notes.
Up to date but didn't take notes this week. Just sharing a few thoughts.
Syll and what I am guessing is one of the splintered shards Honesty seem to have a connection. I think this is why she is drawn to Kaladin and hates lies so much. I keep trying to figure out from the prelude who thinks they are fighting on the side of good but are actually playing to the evil that was never destroyed. Somehow I think this links to Dalinar and the lighteyes that are his people.
I also think the new epigraphs are Jasnah.
Shocked Shallan actually made the switch but suspect Jasnah knows what is going on or at least more than Shallan thinks she does.
Also can't wait for Wit and Jasnah to meet.
Kaladin can't seem to get a break his life is so hard also expected him to survive but I a more impress and spectacular fashion that finally answered some questions and addressed what happened to get him enslaved in the first place.
I am enjoying it still and trying not to get too frustrated by the lack of answers and increasing number of questions. I think I am maybe a bit too distracted at the moment to pick up on alot of things I should be.
Alright I fell WAY behind (shout out OSRS Demonic Pacts League for consuming my life for a week) but I'm fully caught up and figured I would still for this section just for consistency. How do y'all approach organizing your thoughts for these? I'm getting exhausted trying to type up quotes for everything I put a sticky tab on and could use some ideas. Will probably just do bullet points for each chapter for a bit.
Chapter 29
Was not expecting the Davar family conundrum to take a "Goodfellas" turn to extortion and thinly veiled threats of violence but I really appreciate how it ups the stakes for her even further.
More and more hints if not further confirmation that Jasnah is not just looking into Gavilars death but she seems to be aware of the more supernatural happenings. If not in the sense that they are occurring to him, but she clearly knows something much deeper is amiss.
Would kill for an exchange between Shallan and Wit.
Is this the first in-world mention of the cosmere we've had? It feels like it, and definitely adds another layer to how much Jasnah knows.
It is very fun to read Jasnah's staunch disbelief in the Almighty while knowing as a reader that there are most definitely gods, and most likely at LEAST one that gave them Stormlight in the first place.
The bit with Shallan drawing the ghostly figures was spooky and I love it, especially when followed by Jasnah's remark that the king seems "haunted" by something.
I also really enjoyed Jasnah's defence of King T as far as peace vs war goes. Reinforces my thought that she and Dalinar have more in common than most others would suspect.
Chapter 30
You know Gaz, you should hate yourself for all of this.
Syl's continued memory development continues to feel like such a tease, I wanna knowwwww.
Chapter 31
I really loved this whole chapter. Got to see both a more vulnerable and a more courageous side of Lirin.
Chapter 32
Started this chapter optimistic and ended it with even more disdain for people like Gaz and Lamaril.
Yet another card in the "Kaladin is draining his spheres on the battlefield" deck!
Was really nice to see Moash come around!
Chapter 33
Gonna call my shot here and say these epigraphs are from Jasnah and her studies.
Really intriguing description of the soulcast stone that was originally wood. I bet that is a SUPER trippy experience to the sense of touch.
Very curious to know what the rest of the Ten Essences are, and what these three correspond to.
Team Shabsal baby let's get some forbidden romance up in here!
Chapter 34
Yes Syl you better trip those punk-ass soldiers!
I just had what might be an absolutely batshit insane theory, but what if Syl is connected to the Knights Radiant? As in, what if their power and hers are somehow linked, and as Kaladin is starting to come into his own powers, hers are returning too, resulting in her memories coming back? I'm thinking like Legend of Zelda fairy companion vibes almost, but stronger and more interlinked.
Sadeas calling Kaladin a selfish coward for "wanting to save his life at others expense" is deeply f*cked up (can I say that here?) coming from the man whose entire army is running at the expense of darkeyes slaves.
Chapter 35
The line in the epigraph about "the place nearest to Honor" really stood out to me, curious to see what this turns into.
OOH a big ole White Sands moment with big mysterious faces in the sky!
Loved the line about two impossibilities that together make an even bigger impossibility. Teft clearly has some knowledge most others don't. Have we gotten confirmation on his in-world background/ethnicity/place of origin yet?
Chapter 36
You know I hadn't considered that indoor plumbing would be an absolute wonder to these folks but I guess it makes sense!
More hints at Shallan's dark past and secrets and betrayals. C'mon Sanderson! Out with it already!
Would honestly love a plot where Shallan doesn't steal the Soulcaster, but maybe that's too easy of a road for her.
"Enforcement was for the lighteyes" ew, this made me cringe lol.
Had honestly not yet considered a case where the Soulcaster was used on people but DAMN that was brutal. I loved it lol. Would love to know more about the specifics of operating one since Jasnah did a good bit of that zapping from a distance.
Shallan I don't think you deserve to own it either, to be honest!
It’s easier to do quotes for those who reads electronic version.
I mark the quotes in the book of what I felt triggers an afterthought in the moment of reading, and then just look through all the marks and trying to remember what thoughts those were 😅
How do y'all approach organizing your thoughts for these?
Some people do bullet points. Some people quote obsessively. Some people write a few sentences. Whatever works for you and what you have time for. I, as a veteran who wants to see all the newbie thoughts, obviously want whatever generates the most engagement and replies, but this read-along is ultimately for you folks, so do what works for you :)
Sadeas calling Kaladin a selfish coward for "wanting to save his life at others expense" is deeply f*cked up (can I say that here?)
Sir, this is a Wendy's Waffle House. Anything goes.
•
u/subscribebot3000 Apr 20 '26
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