Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
“Rhythm of War” is the fourth installment in Brandon Sanderson’s epic fantasy series, The Stormlight Archive. Set on the planet Roshar, the novel continues the conflict between Dalinar Kholin’s coalition of Knights Radiant and the forces of Odium, a malevolent god seeking dominion. The story delves deeper into the psychological and emotional struggles of key characters, including Kaladin, Shallan, and Navani, as they grapple with war, trauma, and the mysteries of ancient magics. Themes of resilience, identity, and the cost of power are explored amidst intricate world-building and high-stakes battles. The book expands the Cosmere universe, revealing new layers of lore and setting the stage for future confrontations.
17. A Proposal
bySanderson, Brandon
The chapter opens with an epigraph detailing a unique metal used by the Fused, which is lightweight, resistant to Shardblades, and interferes with Radiant powers. Navani Kholin notes its scarcity, as the Fused reserve it for themselves rather than their soldiers. This sets the stage for the ongoing conflict and the technological disparities between the factions. The epigraph underscores the strategic challenges faced by the coalition of monarchs in their war against the Fused.
Navani observes Shallan and Dalinar collaboratively summoning a luminous, interactive map of Roshar using their combined Radiant abilities. Shallan’s Lightweaving merges with Dalinar’s Bondsmith powers to create a detailed, topographical representation of the continent. The Mink, a paranoid newcomer, reacts with awe and curiosity, testing the map’s boundaries. Navani, ever the scholar, focuses on the mechanics behind the phenomenon, sensing an almost dreamlike quality to the Light’s transformation.
The map’s capabilities are demonstrated as Dalinar zooms in on Azimir, revealing troop numbers and strategic details. The Mink meticulously examines the data, while Navani observes his reactions. Queen Jasnah Kholin arrives with her enigmatic Wit, adding a layer of tension and intrigue. The Wit’s changed demeanor and cryptic behavior hint at deeper mysteries, contrasting with Jasnah’s practical and commanding presence. Their dynamic suggests underlying political and personal complexities.
The chapter concludes with the Mink analyzing the war’s two main fronts, particularly the stalemate in Emul. The coalition’s cautious advances are complicated by the lurking threat of Tezim, the mad Herald Ishar, who remains a wildcard. Navani’s reflections on the Mink’s potential conclusions highlight the precarious balance of power and the uncertain future of the conflict. The interplay of magic, strategy, and personality drives the narrative forward, leaving readers anticipating the next developments.
FAQs
1. How do Shallan and Dalinar combine their Radiant abilities to create the map of Roshar, and what are the limitations of this technique?
Answer:
Shallan (a Lightweaver) and Dalinar (a Bondsmith) combine their powers by breathing out Stormlight—Shallan’s forms a disc while Dalinar’s spirals across it, creating a luminous, interactive map. Shallan’s Lightweaving interacts with Dalinar’s Connection to the land to render a detailed, topographical representation of Roshar. However, the map has limitations: it isn’t real-time (updated only during highstorms) and cannot track movements during storms when troops shelter. Additionally, while the Stormfather suggests Bondsmiths could collaborate with other Radiant orders, such experiments have so far failed (p. 237–238).2. Analyze the Mink’s reaction to the Radiant map. What does it reveal about his character and the broader societal perception of Radiants?
Answer:
The Mink’s initial panic (nearly fleeing) and subsequent awe (manifesting awespren) highlight his wariness and admiration for Radiant powers. His cautious inspection—testing the map’s tangibility—reflects his tactical, analytical nature. Navani notes that while Radiant abilities are becoming familiar, they retain an awe-inspiring, “sunlike” majesty, suggesting that even seasoned leaders view them as extraordinary. The Mink’s reverence (“By Kalak’s mighty breath”) underscores how Radiants are perceived as both powerful and semi-mythical figures in Rosharan society (p. 238–239).3. How does the chapter characterize the relationship between Jasnah and Wit, and what mysteries surround Wit’s behavior?
Answer:
Jasnah and Wit share a close, conspiratorial dynamic, often whispering during meetings. Wit’s demeanor has shifted since Elhokar’s reign; he now exudes an enigmatic, almost intrusive familiarity, as if “knowing everyone intimately.” Navani speculates he adapts to each monarch he serves, but his current behavior—carrying a sword, smirking as if privately mocking others—hints at deeper secrets. His alignment with Jasnah suggests shared strategic goals, yet his unpredictability leaves Navani unsettled (p. 239).4. What strategic challenges does the coalition face in the Emul conflict, and how does the presence of Tezim complicate their plans?
Answer:
The coalition’s forces in Emul are locked in a stalemate with Odium’s singers. While Azish and Alethi troops have reclaimed northern Emul, advancing further risks provoking Tezim (the mad Herald Ishar), whose army lurks behind enemy lines. His unpredictable, volatile nature makes him a wildcard; Dalinar had hoped Tezim would disrupt Odium’s rear but notes his recent inactivity. This forces the coalition to balance cautious gains with the looming threat of a two-front conflict if Tezim reengages (p. 239).5. Evaluate Navani’s scientific approach to Radiant abilities. How does her perspective differ from others in the chapter?
Answer:
Navani treats Radiant powers as phenomena to be studied methodically, focusing on the mechanics of the map’s creation and potential applications (e.g., sensing Shadesmar). Unlike the Mink’s awe or Jasnah’s pragmatic use of the map, Navani seeks underlying principles—noting how Stormlight “snaps into shape” and speculating about Dalinar’s untapped Bondsmith potential. Her analytical lens contrasts with the emotional or utilitarian responses of others, reflecting her role as a scholar bridging magic and science (p. 237–238).
Quotes
1. “The simplest Fused weapon against us isn’t truly a fabrial, but instead a metal that is extremely light and can withstand the blows of a Shardblade. This metal resists being Soulcast as well; it interferes with a great number of Radiant powers.”
This epigraph introduces a critical weakness in the Radiants’ arsenal—a mysterious metal used by the Fused that disrupts their abilities. It sets the stage for the chapter’s exploration of magical mechanics and warfare limitations.
2. “Watching the Radiants work was like experiencing the intensity of the sun or the majesty of a mountain. Yes, it was becoming commonplace to her, but she doubted it would ever become common.”
Navani’s observation captures the awe-inspiring nature of Radiant powers, even to those familiar with them. This quote highlights the persistent wonder of magic in this world, contrasting mundane familiarity with eternal grandeur.
3. “The combined powers of a Lightweaver and a Bondsmith… It is not a picture of the world as it exists at this moment, unfortunately. We update the map every few days when the highstorm blows through.”
Dalinar explains the limitations of their magical map-making capabilities, revealing both the impressive cooperation between Radiant orders and the practical constraints they face in warfare. This demonstrates the intersection of magic and strategy.
4. “He treated Navani—and, well, everyone—as if he knew them intimately. There was a mystery about this Wit that Navani had never noticed during Elhokar’s reign.”
This description of the Queen’s Wit reveals his enigmatic nature and shifting persona, suggesting deeper layers to his character. It hints at the intrigue surrounding this recurring figure in the series.
5. “Nestled behind Odium’s forces was the army of Tezim, the god-priest. A man they now knew was Ishar, the ancient Herald gone mad.”
This revelation about the true identity of Tezim/Ishar represents a major turning point in the story’s mythology, connecting present conflicts with ancient history and divine madness.