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.
39. Invasion
bySanderson, Brandon
The chapter opens with a philosophical reflection on the nature of Odium’s power, suggesting that its Investiture can develop a will of its own when uncontrolled. This sets a foreboding tone as Teft suddenly collapses in a winehouse, exhibiting symptoms resembling a seizure or stroke. Kaladin, despite grappling with his own mental turmoil, springs into action, assessing Teft’s condition with medical precision. The scene is tense as bystanders, including Rlain, react with alarm, while Kaladin remains outwardly calm, drawing on his surgeon’s training to stabilize his friend.
Kaladin suspects Teft’s collapse could be linked to past firemoss addiction or a stroke, though Teft had claimed to be clean for months. As he prepares to transport Teft to a clinic, he attempts to use Stormlight to Lighten him, but the power fails inexplicably. Meanwhile, Rlain helps clear a path through the crowd, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The chapter underscores Kaladin’s internal struggle with his mental health, as he fights to compartmentalize his own darkness to aid his friend.
In a parallel scene, Navani interrogates a mute Windrunner named Dabbid, who exhibits erratic behavior. Red, a Lightweaver, identifies him as a former Bridge Four member but confirms he lacks a visible spren bond. The interrogation reveals the challenges of navigating Urithiru’s radiant energy, which interferes with Shadesmar perception. Dabbid’s frantic gestures and repeated Windrunner salutes add to the mystery, leaving Navani puzzled about his true nature and intentions.
The chapter weaves together two narratives: Kaladin’s desperate attempt to save Teft amid supernatural interference with Stormlight, and Navani’s investigation into a seemingly unhinged Windrunner. Both threads hint at larger, unseen forces at play—Odium’s influence and the tower’s peculiar energies. The unresolved tension in both scenarios builds anticipation for the next developments, leaving readers questioning the connection between these events and the overarching conflict.
FAQs
1. What medical emergency does Teft experience, and how does Kaladin respond?
Answer:
Teft suddenly collapses, exhibiting symptoms resembling a seizure or stroke—loss of motor control, dilated eyes, trembling, and unconsciousness. Kaladin, drawing on his surgeon’s training, remains calm and checks Teft’s pulse, breathing, and physical signs. He initially suspects a firemoss withdrawal seizure but considers a stroke as an alternative. When Rlain suggests seeking help from Edgedancers (known for healing abilities), Kaladin agrees. He attempts to use Stormlight to Lash Teft (make him lighter for transport), but the Stormlight fails to respond, adding urgency to the situation. This scene highlights Kaladin’s medical expertise and the limitations of his powers in this moment (pp. 488–490).2. How does the chapter portray the psychological struggles of Kaladin, and what makes this episode distinct?
Answer:
Kaladin battles an “oppressive sense of gloom and darkness” that feels external, suggesting it might not solely stem from his depression (referred to as “battle shock”). Unlike previous episodes, he notes the darkness seems more external than internal, hinting at possible supernatural influence (perhaps Odium’s power, as mentioned in the chapter’s opening epigraph). Despite this, he compartmentalizes his struggle to focus on Teft’s emergency, demonstrating his growth in managing mental health crises. The resistance of Stormlight to his commands further complicates the scene, implying a connection between his psychological state and Radiant abilities (pp. 488–489).3. Analyze the significance of the interrogation scene with “Red” and the captive Windrunner. What mysteries does it introduce?
Answer:
Navani interrogates a mute, erratic man named Dabbid, allegedly a former Bridge Four member, who mimics Windrunner salutes but lacks an obvious spren bond. Red (a Lightweaver) confirms Dabbid’s identity but notes the tower’s radiant energy in Shadesmar makes spren detection difficult. The captive’s frantic gesturing—pointing at walls—hints at unseen threats or communication attempts. This scene raises critical questions: Is Dabbid truly a Radiant? Is his behavior due to mental trauma, or is he sensing something others cannot (e.g., the tower’s corruption)? It also underscores Navani’s investigative role and the growing instability within Urithiru (pp. 489–490).4. How does the chapter develop the theme of “Invasion” beyond literal interpretation?
Answer:
The invasion is multifaceted:- Psychological: Kaladin’s externalized gloom suggests an invasive force manipulating his mind, paralleling the epigraph’s warning about Odium’s Investiture gaining a will of its own.
- Physical: Teft’s collapse and Dabbid’s erratic behavior imply an invasion of their bodies or minds—possibly by supernatural forces.
- Structural: The tower’s interference with Red’s Shadesmar perception hints at an invasive corruption within Urithiru’s systems.
The title thus reflects not just military threats but pervasive intrusions into mental, magical, and architectural realms (pp. 488–490).
5. Compare Kaladin’s and Navani’s leadership approaches in their respective crises. What strengths do they demonstrate?
Answer:
- Kaladin leads through medical expertise and quick decision-making, prioritizing Teft’s care despite his own mental turmoil. His calm demeanor (“A calm surgeon inspired trust”) and adaptability (switching plans when Stormlight fails) show pragmatic leadership.
- Navani adopts a methodical approach, gathering information from Red and observing Dabbid’s behavior. She balances authority (“Leave him alone”) with curiosity, seeking to understand rather than suppress the captive’s actions.
Both demonstrate crisis management: Kaladin through hands-on action, Navani through investigation. Their parallel scenes highlight complementary leadership styles—instinctive vs. analytical (pp. 488–490).
- Psychological: Kaladin’s externalized gloom suggests an invasive force manipulating his mind, paralleling the epigraph’s warning about Odium’s Investiture gaining a will of its own.
Quotes
1. “However, though you think not as a mortal, you are their kin. The power of Odium’s Shard is more dangerous than the mind behind it. Particularly since any Investiture seems to gain a will of its own when not controlled.”
This opening epigraph introduces a crucial cosmological concept about Shardic power in the Stormlight Archive. It suggests that Odium’s raw power is more dangerous than its vessel’s intentions, and establishes the theme of Investiture developing autonomy—a key concern in later events of the chapter.
2. “Kaladin felt a striking moment of disorientation. A feeling of oppression on his mind, like a dark force trying to smother him. He gasped, then gritted his teeth. Not now. He would not let his treasonous mind overwhelm him now! His friend was in trouble.”
This quote captures Kaladin’s ongoing struggle with depression while demonstrating his heroic determination. The vivid description of mental health challenges contrasts with his immediate focus on helping Teft, showing his character’s resilience and priorities.
3. “Kaladin commanded the Light into Teft, to Lash him upward in order to make him lighter. And it didn’t work.”
This simple yet impactful moment represents a major turning point in the chapter. The failure of Kaladin’s Surgebinding suggests broader magical disturbances, hinting at larger systemic problems affecting Radiant powers—a crucial plot development.
4. “This tower makes things hard. In Shadesmar, this place glows like Nomon’s own backside. That interferes.”
Red’s colorful description provides important worldbuilding about Urithiru’s unique properties in the Cognitive Realm. The quote hints at why Radiant abilities might be malfunctioning while maintaining the series’ characteristic humor through vivid imagery.