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.
35. The Strength of a Soldier
bySanderson, Brandon
Adolin finds solace in reconnecting with Shallan after their encounter with the starspren, appreciating Ua’pam’s suggestion for alone time. Despite their bond, he reflects on their differing strengths—Shallan excels in deception and artistry, while politics should be his domain as a former heir to the throne. As he prepares for their journey, Adolin loads Gallant, his Ryshadium, musing on the simplicity of a horse’s life compared to human complexities. His thoughts shift to strategy, recalling Arshqqam’s advice to appeal to honor when negotiating with the honorspren, though he struggles to formulate a concrete plan.
The group sets out, with Adolin leading and Godeke scouting ahead despite their depleted Stormlight reserves. Adolin’s initial calm fades as he grapples with the pressure of diplomacy, nearly snapping at Felt, a reliable scout. Felt reports that the mysterious Tukari, who had been trailing them, have abruptly turned southward. Adolin questions their motives, sensing something off about their behavior. Climbing an obsidian outcrop to observe, he remains uneasy, unable to shake the feeling that the Tukari’s departure is suspicious, even as they visibly retreat.
Adolin’s suspicion deepens as he realizes the Tukari may have been observing rather than pursuing them. He orders Felt to keep watch during their break, though the group’s immediate threat seems to dissipate. Meanwhile, Veil—one of Shallan’s personas—checks the communication cube, using a trick learned from Tyn to detect tampering. Finding it undisturbed, she contemplates using it as bait to expose the spy among them. Her focus on the mission contrasts with Adolin’s diplomatic anxieties, highlighting their shared tension.
The chapter underscores Adolin’s internal conflict between his warrior instincts and diplomatic responsibilities, as well as the group’s vulnerability in Shadesmar. His care for Maya, a deadeye spren, reflects his empathy, while Veil’s vigilance underscores the lurking threat of betrayal. The shifting dynamics—between Adolin and Shallan, the Tukari’s odd behavior, and Veil’s spy hunt—create a sense of unease, setting the stage for impending challenges in their quest to win the honorspren’s alliance.
FAQs
1. How does Adolin demonstrate his understanding of leadership and delegation in this chapter?
Answer:
Adolin shows nuanced leadership by recognizing and respecting areas of expertise outside his own. While he takes responsibility for political strategy (his supposed strength), he acknowledges Shallan’s superior skills in espionage and illusions, trusting her to handle the spy situation. He also demonstrates effective delegation by having Godeke scout ahead and Felt monitor the rear guard, playing to their respective strengths. This reflects mature leadership that understands not all problems require his direct intervention, as seen when he thinks, “That was Shallan’s area of expertise though” while focusing on his political responsibilities.2. What symbolic significance does Gallant hold in Adolin’s character development?
Answer:
Gallant serves as both a mirror and contrast to Adolin’s struggles. The Ryshadium’s simple existence (“to not have to worry about things like politics or relationships”) highlights Adolin’s complex burdens, while their shared care for Maya reflects Adolin’s growing compassion. The “light deep within” Gallant’s eyes parallels Adolin’s own untapped potential. Notably, Gallant’s intuitive understanding of Maya’s needs (“You took special care of a soldier who had left part of herself on the battlefield”) foreshadows Adolin’s developing ability to connect with deadeyes—a theme central to his character arc.3. Analyze the chapter’s portrayal of the Tukari situation as a study in strategic thinking.
Answer:
The Tukari subplot demonstrates layered strategic analysis. Initially framed as pursuers, their behavior defies expectations by maintaining distance rather than attacking. Adolin and Felt’s discussion reveals critical thinking—weighing whether they were truly being chased or merely followed the same route. The sudden departure triggers Adolin’s suspicion, showcasing how good strategists question convenient developments. This mirrors real-world intelligence work where anomalies matter more than obvious threats, as emphasized by Adolin’s unease about their watching behavior despite lacking concrete evidence of hostility.4. How does the chapter develop the theme of unconventional warfare through Veil’s subplot?
Answer:
Veil’s trunk surveillance operation exemplifies asymmetric warfare tactics. Her use of powdered dust to detect tampering (learned from Tyn) shows tradecraft adapted to magical environments. The plan to bait the spy reflects psychological warfare—understanding that trapping requires exploiting the enemy’s habits rather than direct confrontation. This contrasts with Adolin’s honor-bound approach to politics, demonstrating how Shallan’s personas employ deception as a strategic tool. The interrupted final thought about Radiant eating terrible rations further hints at how different “soldiers” endure hardships in their own ways.5. What does Maya’s portrayal reveal about the chapter’s exploration of trauma and recovery?
Answer:
Maya’s physical description (“made of thick cords that were tight and dense, like muscle”) metaphorically represents trauma’s lingering effects. The mounting process—once difficult, now routine with minimal assistance—parallels rehabilitation after injury. Adolin’s insistence on seeking permission (“he did prefer to ask”) shows respect for agency in recovery. Most profoundly, the observation about soldiers leaving “part of herself on the battlefield” reframes deadeyes not as broken objects but as veterans deserving care. This foreshadows later narrative developments about healing spiritual wounds through patience rather than force.
Quotes
1. “You say that the power itself must be treated as separate in our minds from the Vessel who controls it.”
This opening italicized line sets a philosophical tone for the chapter, hinting at the broader theme of separating innate power from its wielder—a concept that resonates with Adolin’s later reflections on leadership and responsibility.
2. “You took special care of a soldier who had left part of herself on the battlefield.”
Adolin’s thought while caring for Maya encapsulates the chapter’s core theme of soldierly compassion and the unspoken bonds between warriors, reflecting his growth in understanding trauma and resilience.
3. “Appeal to their honor, he thought, remembering Arshqqam’s suggestion.”
This strategic reflection represents a key turning point in Adolin’s diplomatic approach, showcasing his attempt to bridge Alethi political training with the realities of Shadesmar’s unique challenges.
4. “Must be nice to not have to worry about things like politics or relationships.”
Adolin’s wistful remark to Gallant humorously underscores the chapter’s tension between personal relationships and political duties, while the horse’s “dismissive” snort adds a layer of irony about unseen complexities.
5. “There is something odd about them. The way they hovered so close, the way they watched us…”
This internal monologue captures the chapter’s mounting suspense regarding the Tukari, foreshadowing future conflicts while demonstrating Adolin’s developing instincts as a leader in uncertain circumstances.