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.
43. Men and Monsters
bySanderson, Brandon
The chapter opens with Kaladin and his family exhausted after a grueling night tending to patients in the clinic, as news arrives of Queen Navani’s surrender to the Fused. The messenger, Alili, reveals the queen’s failed attempt to restore the Radiants, resulting in the deaths of those involved. The surrender means living under singer rule, a prospect met with mixed reactions—Kaladin’s father, Lirin, downplays the impact, while his mother, Hesina, worries about the tower’s collapsing infrastructure without functional fabrials. Kaladin, however, is visibly agitated, recognizing the dire implications of losing control of the Oathgates and the Radiants’ diminished powers.
Kaladin’s frustration grows as he grapples with the war’s sudden turn. He argues that the surrender isolates their forces and questions whether the enemy can replicate their suppression of Radiant abilities elsewhere. The messenger points out that Kaladin is the only Radiant still standing, a fact that surprises him. His thoughts drift to his patients, particularly those suffering from battle shock, who now face renewed trauma. The weight of the night’s events and his concern for others leave him emotionally and physically drained, though he resists his mother’s urging to rest.
The conversation shifts to the broader strategic implications of the surrender. Kaladin reflects on how warfare has evolved, with traditional tactics rendered obsolete by the Fused’s abilities. The messenger suggests Kaladin might help other Radiants recover, but he is uncertain what sets him apart. His anxiety peaks as he anticipates the inevitable consequences of the enemy’s victory, comparing it to waiting for the thunder after a lightning strike. The tension is palpable as the group struggles to reconcile their new reality.
The chapter closes with a moment of unease as a Regal-form singer briefly inspects the clinic, hinting at the increasing surveillance under the new regime. Syl’s warning of the approaching enemy soldier underscores the loss of freedom they now face. Kaladin’s family realizes their open discussions may soon be impossible as the singers tighten their control. The chapter ends on a somber note, emphasizing the uncertainty and fear gripping the tower’s inhabitants as they brace for the fallout of the surrender.
FAQs
1. What significant event occurred in the chapter, and how did it impact the characters’ situation?
Answer:
The chapter reveals that Queen Navani has surrendered to the Fused army, marking a turning point in the war. This surrender means the enemy now controls Urithiru Tower and the Oathgates, effectively isolating the remaining human forces. The characters—particularly Kaladin and his family—react with a mix of resignation and concern. Kaladin recognizes the strategic implications: without the Oathgates, coordinating a multi-front war becomes nearly impossible, and the potential loss of Radiant powers across all battlefields could be catastrophic. The surrender also raises practical concerns, such as the failure of fabrials (magical devices) that sustain daily life in the tower, hinting at a looming humanitarian crisis.2. How does Kaladin’s reaction to the surrender differ from his parents’ and the messenger’s responses?
Answer:
Kaladin reacts with urgency and distress, emphasizing the dire strategic consequences of the surrender. He points out the loss of the Oathgates and the potential for the enemy to disable Radiant powers globally, which would cripple their war effort. In contrast, his parents and the messenger, Alili, adopt a more resigned or pragmatic stance. Lirin suggests adapting to singer rule and using Voidlight to power fabrials, while Hesina focuses on immediate practical problems like heating and water. Alili tentatively hopes Kaladin can help other Radiants recover, but her tone reflects acceptance of the new reality. Kaladin’s heightened anxiety underscores his deeper understanding of the war’s stakes.3. What unique role does Kaladin play in this chapter, and why is it significant?
Answer:
Kaladin is revealed to be the only Radiant in the tower still standing after the enemy’s apparent suppression of Radiant powers. This uniqueness is highlighted by Alili, who notes that every other Radiant has been incapacitated. The significance lies in the mystery of why Kaladin remains unaffected—a question the chapter leaves unresolved. His endurance suggests he may possess a resilience or connection to his powers that others lack, potentially offering hope or a path to resistance. This role also intensifies his personal burden, as others look to him for solutions amid the crisis.4. How does the chapter portray the psychological toll of the war on Kaladin and his patients?
Answer:
The chapter emphasizes exhaustion and trauma. Kaladin has worked for 20 hours straight, and even the exhaustionspren around him seem lethargic. His patients—soldiers recovering from battle shock—are implied to be reliving their trauma due to the renewed conflict. Kaladin himself exhibits signs of stress, pacing “like a caged animal” and sweating coldly. His mention of waiting for the “thunder” after the “lightning” of the surrender metaphorically captures his anticipation of further suffering. This portrayal underscores the war’s lingering psychological scars, even beyond physical battles.5. What thematic tension arises from Lirin’s suggestion to use Voidlight for fabrials?
Answer:
Lirin’s proposal to adapt fabrials to Voidlight—the enemy’s power source—creates a moral and ideological tension. The messenger, Alili, immediately reacts with discomfort, stating it “feels wrong,” hinting at the ethical dilemma of relying on the enemy’s resources. This tension reflects broader themes of compromise versus resistance. Lirin, ever the pragmatist, prioritizes survival, while others grapple with the implications of embracing the invaders’ technology. It also foreshadows potential conflicts between those willing to collaborate and those who view such actions as betrayal.
Quotes
1. “Regardless, please make yourself known to me when you travel my lands. It is distressing that you think you need to move in the shadows.”
This opening line sets a tone of unease and distrust, hinting at the underlying tensions between characters and factions in the chapter. It reflects the broader theme of hidden motives and the psychological toll of conflict.
2. “I never realized how blind I’d feel without spanreeds.”
Kaladin’s lament captures the sudden disorientation and vulnerability felt after the loss of Radiant powers and communication tools. This quote underscores the technological and magical dependencies that shape their society and warfare.
3. “You’re all taking this too calmly… They control the tower. They control the Oathgates. That is it. The war is over.”
Kaladin’s outburst highlights the gravity of the surrender and the strategic implications of losing key infrastructure. It represents a pivotal moment of realization about the war’s turning point and the bleak future ahead.
4. “I keep waiting for the thunder to hit. The lightning struck last night. We saw the flash, and need to brace ourselves for the shock wave.…”
This metaphorical reflection by Kaladin poignantly conveys the anticipation of impending disaster following the initial blow of the queen’s surrender. It encapsulates the chapter’s mood of dread and unresolved tension.
5. “Brightlord Stormblessed… you’re the sole Radiant I’ve seen in the tower who is still standing. Whatever the enemy did, it knocked out all the others. Every single one. Except you.”
This revelation underscores Kaladin’s unique resilience and hints at deeper mysteries about his abilities. It raises critical questions about the nature of the enemy’s attack and Kaladin’s role in the unfolding conflict.