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.
29. A Cage without Bars
bySanderson, Brandon
Adolin and his companions finally spot land after a tedious journey by barge, which he likens to a “cage without bars” due to its confinement. Eager to disembark, Adolin remains cautious, recalling past dangers in Shadesmar and insisting on scouting the obsidian-outlined town ahead. Despite assurances from their guide Ua’pam that the area is free of threats, Adolin organizes a disguised reconnaissance mission, highlighting his responsible leadership and wariness born of experience.
Shallan volunteers to scout, disguising herself and Vathah as cultivationspren. Meanwhile, Adolin reflects on the trip’s rare moments of relaxation, including bonding with Shallan and her alternate personas, Veil and Radiant. However, concerns linger about their dwindling Stormlight reserves, as even larger gemstones are fading. The group’s gifts for their destination—books, puzzles, and weapons—are chosen for their cultural value rather than practicality, underscoring their precarious resource situation.
Adolin ponders Jasnah’s theories about near-flawless gemstones, which could retain Stormlight longer but are suspiciously absent in circulation. This leads him to suspect a deliberate hoarding scheme. As they wait for Shallan’s return, Godeke prepares to trade their remaining Stormlight for supplies, emphasizing the group’s strategic planning. The tension builds as Adolin grows increasingly anxious, sensing unseen dangers despite the apparent safety of the town.
The chapter blends introspection with action, showcasing Adolin’s leadership and the group’s resourcefulness in a hostile environment. Themes of confinement, trust, and preparation dominate, as the characters navigate both physical and metaphysical challenges. The unresolved tension foreshadows potential conflicts, leaving readers anticipating the next developments in their journey to Lasting Integrity.
FAQs
1. How does Adolin view traveling by ship compared to other forms of travel, and what does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Adolin finds traveling by ship excruciating, describing it as “a cage without bars.” He contrasts this with his usual enjoyment of travel, where he appreciates the open breeze, welcoming sky, and discovery of new cultures. This reveals key aspects of his character: his need for physical freedom and activity (noting the lack of sparring grounds), his adventurous spirit, and his preference for engaging with his surroundings directly. The ship’s confinement frustrates his energetic, hands-on nature—a stark difference from his father’s more measured approach, which he also acknowledges when calling for caution upon landing.2. What strategic precautions does Adolin take upon arriving at the Shadesmar outpost, and why are they significant?
Answer:
Adolin insists on scouting the town first, disguising Lightweavers to assess potential threats. He recalls their previous encounter with Fused-controlled territory, demonstrating learned caution despite Ua’pam’s assurances of safety. This highlights his growth as a leader—balancing trust in allies with pragmatic risk assessment. His order to hide the humans under tarps until reconnaissance is complete reflects his understanding of Shadesmar’s dangers and his responsibility to protect the group. These precautions underscore the tension between trust and vigilance in unfamiliar environments.3. Analyze Shallan’s relationship with alcohol and her personas. What contradictions does this reveal about her character?
Answer:
Shallan’s drinking habits vary by persona: Veil and Radiant engage differently, with Radiant being a disciplined sparring partner and Veil enjoying chaotic card games. Despite her ability to metabolize alcohol using Stormlight and avoid hangovers, she sometimes chooses to experience the effects, baffling Adolin. This contradiction reflects her complex psychology—using personas to explore facets of herself while grappling with self-destructive tendencies. The deliberate choice to feel a hangover suggests a subconscious need to experience consequences, hinting at unresolved trauma or a desire for authenticity amidst her constructed identities.4. What logistical challenge does Godeke highlight regarding Stormlight, and how does it connect to Jasnah’s broader concerns?
Answer:
Godeke notes their Stormlight reserves are fading, even in larger gemstones, jeopardizing their journey to Lasting Integrity. This ties to Jasnah’s observation that gemstones in circulation are inexplicably uniformly flawed—unlike natural distributions, which should include some near-perfect specimens. Her concern implies systemic manipulation: someone with knowledge of perfect gemstones’ value (e.g., for Shadesmar travel) may have hoarded them. This foreshadows potential economic or magical exploitation, adding depth to the world’s lore and the crew’s resource struggles.5. How does the chapter’s title, “A Cage Without Bars,” metaphorically extend beyond Adolin’s ship experience?
Answer:
While the title directly references Adolin’s shipbound frustration, it also symbolizes broader constraints. Shallan’s personas act as cages for her true self, and the group’s reliance on dwindling Stormlight traps them in a precarious journey. Even Jasnah’s revelation about gemstones suggests a societal “cage”—an artificial limitation on knowledge and resources. The “bars” are invisible yet palpable: psychological (Shallan), logistical (Stormlight), and systemic (gemstone scarcity), emphasizing themes of confinement and the struggle for agency in the narrative.
Quotes
1. “A ship was a cage without bars.”
This poignant metaphor from Adolin captures the central tension between freedom and confinement that permeates the chapter. It reflects both the physical constraints of their journey and the psychological burdens they carry as they navigate Shadesmar.
2. “Someone who embodies both Preservation and Ruin. A sword, you might say, who can both protect and kill.”
This philosophical musing introduces a key thematic conflict about duality and balance. The quote suggests the complex nature of power and responsibility that will likely become central to the characters’ journey.
3. “She said that they should vary, and more perfect ones should be found on occasion—but that wasn’t the case.”
This observation about the suspicious uniformity of flawed gemstones hints at a deeper mystery in the world’s economic and magical systems. It suggests potential manipulation of fundamental resources that could have far-reaching implications.
4. “I want someone to scout the town before we go in… You will not find danger here… Still… Humans, under the tarp until we’ve done some basic scouting.”
This exchange demonstrates Adolin’s growth as a leader, showing his cautious nature balanced against others’ assurances. The tension between trust and vigilance becomes a recurring theme in their journey through unfamiliar territories.