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.
36. The Price of Honor
bySanderson, Brandon
The chapter opens with Radiant observing the distressed honorspren Notum, who is deeply troubled by an unprecedented attack on spren by humans. The scene highlights the cultural shock and confusion among the spren, as such violence contradicts their understanding of honor. Radiant and Adolin’s group are recovering from the skirmish, with Adolin’s soldiers keeping watch while Shallan’s agents search the dead for clues. The absence of Stormlight complicates their situation, as Adolin’s wound and Notum’s weakened state could benefit from its healing properties. The attack leaves Notum questioning the motives behind the humans’ actions, emphasizing the chapter’s theme of honor’s fragility.
Adolin insists on bringing the exiled Notum to Lasting Integrity despite the potential political repercussions, showcasing his commitment to protecting others. Notum warns that his presence may harm Adolin’s standing, but Adolin remains resolute, prioritizing safety over diplomacy. Meanwhile, Radiant and her agents continue their investigation, with Beryl’s visceral reaction to the corpses casting doubt on her potential involvement with the Ghostbloods. The group’s dynamics are strained by the aftermath of the battle, blending tension with moments of camaraderie, such as Adolin’s lighthearted remark about repairing his bloodied uniform.
Godeke, an Edgedancer, takes time to honor the fallen Tukari soldiers, reflecting her order’s ethos of remembering even enemies. This contrasts with Adolin’s pragmatic focus on survival, underscoring the differing perspectives within the group. Shallan and Adolin share a tender moment, where Adolin admits his struggle to find purpose, revealing his vulnerability beneath his confident exterior. Their conversation hints at deeper emotional currents, as Shallan resolves to revisit the topic later. The chapter balances action with introspection, exploring the characters’ moral and emotional dilemmas.
As the group travels back to camp, they encounter the Cryptics and the Stump, signaling a return to their larger mission. Notum, recovering slightly, questions Adolin about Maya’s unexpected aid in battle. Adolin’s response—that Maya acted of her own will—hints at the evolving relationship between humans and spren. The chapter closes with a sense of cautious optimism, as the characters regroup and reflect on the day’s events, leaving readers to ponder the broader implications of honor, loyalty, and identity in their world.
FAQs
1. How does the chapter portray the relationship between humans and spren in this world, particularly in light of the attack on Notum?
Answer:
The chapter highlights a significant shift in the human-spren dynamic, as evidenced by the unprecedented attack on Notum and other spren by humans. Notum expresses deep confusion and distress, stating, “Humans have never… attacked spren. What would be the point, the use, the purpose? There is no honor in this!” (p. 457). This event challenges the traditional understanding of spren as intangible or inviolable beings, especially since spren in this world have physical forms and can be harmed. Radiant’s observation that spren “sometimes had to be pushed away with a weapon” underscores their newfound vulnerability. The attack suggests a breakdown in mutual respect, raising questions about human motives and the broader implications for their coexistence.2. Analyze Adolin’s internal conflict as revealed in his conversation with Shallan. What does this reveal about his character development?
Answer:
Adolin’s dialogue with Shallan reveals a struggle with self-worth and purpose. He admits, “These days it’s not common that I find a place where I’m useful” (p. 458), showing his frustration over feeling sidelined. His reckless defense of Notum—despite his injury—reflects a need to prove his competence. This moment contrasts with his usual confident demeanor, hinting at deeper insecurities. Shallan’s concern (“You need to be careful”) and his dismissive response (“basically it’s how it’s been for most of my life”) further emphasize his emotional fatigue. The chapter portrays Adolin as grappling with his identity beyond his princely role, seeking validation through action rather than title.3. What symbolic or practical significance does Maya’s decision to fight alongside Adolin hold?
Answer:
Maya’s choice to wield a sword for Adolin is both symbolically and practically significant. Notum’s question—”How did you train her to fight for you like that?“—highlights how extraordinary this behavior is for a deadeye spren (p. 459). Adolin’s response (“She chose to help me”) suggests Maya is regaining agency, possibly hinting at healing or restoration of her kind. Practically, her intervention demonstrates that deadeyes may not be entirely lost, offering hope for repairing human-spren bonds. This moment also reinforces Adolin’s unique connection with spren, contrasting with the hostility shown by other humans in the chapter.4. Evaluate Godeke’s actions toward the fallen Tukari. How does this reflect Edgedancer philosophy?
Answer:
Godeke’s insistence on remembering the dead Tukari—”I want to remember them. In case no one else does” (p. 458)—exemplifies Edgedancer values of compassion and attention to the marginalized. Despite their role as attackers, he humanizes them, considering their potential motives (“soldiers following orders” or “confused”). This aligns with the Edgedancer ideal of “listening to those who have been ignored.” His actions contrast with others’ focus on practicality (e.g., looting the bodies), emphasizing a moral commitment to honor all lives, even enemies. This moment challenges the group’s perspective on justice and memory in conflict.5. How does the absence of Stormlight affect the characters’ decisions and vulnerabilities in this chapter?
Answer:
The lack of Stormlight heightens tension and forces cautious behavior. Radiant worries about Adolin’s untreated wound: “Sepsis could claim any wound, but especially gut wounds” (p. 456). Notum’s dulled glow and weakened state further illustrate its importance for spren vitality. The dun spheres also symbolize their resource scarcity, making conflicts riskier. Adolin’s remark about living without Stormlight (“how it’s been for most of my life”) underscores their dependence on it for healing and combat advantages. Its absence strips away their usual safety net, amplifying stakes in confrontations like the Tukari attack.
Quotes
1. “I find this difficult to do on an intrinsic level, as although I am neither Ruin nor Preservation, they make up me.”
This introspective quote reflects the complex nature of identity and duality, setting a philosophical tone for the chapter. It suggests that even beings of power struggle with their composite natures.
2. “What would be the point, the use, the purpose? There is no honor in this!”
Notum’s anguished cry captures the central conflict of the chapter - the violation of longstanding norms between humans and spren. This moment marks a turning point where traditional understandings of honor are challenged by brutal reality.
3. “Your honor does you credit, Prince Adolin, but you must realize my presence in your party will do you harm.”
This exchange highlights the tension between personal honor and practical consequences. Notum warns that good intentions may backfire, introducing the theme of honor’s potential costs and complications.
4. “I want to remember them. In case no one else does.”
Godeke’s quiet statement embodies the Edgedancer philosophy of remembering the fallen, even enemies. This poignant moment provides moral depth amidst the violence and raises questions about compassion versus justice.
5. “I didn’t train her, Notum. She chose to help me.”
Adolin’s simple statement about Maya’s actions carries profound implications about spren agency and the potential for healing broken bonds. This revelation suggests hope for reconciliation between humans and spren.