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.
56. Nodes
bySanderson, Brandon
Venli examines an intricate model of the ancient Radiant tower, marveling at its design and pondering its original purpose. The model, split to reveal a cross-section, emphasizes the tower’s vast scale. She reflects on the fallen Radiants housed in a guarded chamber, noting their surprising resilience despite their inexperience. The Fused expected weakness, but the Radiants’ lack of traditional training may have granted them unexpected adaptability, as suggested by Timbre, her spren companion.
Venli observes a stirring Windrunner among the unconscious Radiants, noting Raboniel’s interest in their awakening. She discusses with Dul the possibility of waking a Windrunner to aid their escape, though Dul is skeptical. Venli argues that their suppressed powers would minimize danger, and their potential rebellion could provide a distraction. Despite her lingering instincts of dominance, she suppresses them, recognizing the need for cooperation to survive.
Dul reluctantly agrees to test the Windrunners but raises concerns about their deteriorating health, suggesting the need for a surgeon. Venli recalls a hidden human surgeon who might assist their cause, proposing to bring him into the tower. Dul approves, and Venli leaves to arrange this, passing Regals guarding the model chamber. The chapter ends with her navigating the atrium as curfew approaches, hinting at the tension between secrecy and survival.
The chapter explores themes of adaptation, alliance, and the clash between old and new powers. Venli’s internal conflict—balancing her past instincts with her newfound pragmatism—drives her decisions. The Radiants’ unexplained resilience and the potential alliance with a human surgeon underscore the unpredictability of their struggle against the Fused. The tower’s mysteries and the Radiants’ latent power create a sense of impending upheaval.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the tower model Venli inspects, and what does it reveal about her character?
Answer:
The intricate tower model represents both a historical artifact from the Radiants of old and a source of mystery for Venli. Its cross-section design highlights the tower’s vast scale, emphasizing how ancient Radiant constructions dwarf modern understanding. Venli’s curiosity about its purpose—whether an art piece or functional structure—shows her intellectual curiosity and willingness to question assumptions. This contrasts with the Voidspren’s simplistic theory that it was merely a dwelling, demonstrating Venli’s capacity for deeper reflection. Her attention to detail here foreshadows her later strategic thinking about the Radiants’ potential utility.2. How does the chapter portray the tension between the Fused’s expectations and the modern Radiants’ capabilities?
Answer:
The Fused anticipated weakness in the newly reformed Radiants due to their lack of historical training and centuries-long absence of the Radiant bond. However, the modern Radiants defy these expectations through their adaptability and innovation. Timbre suggests their ignorance of past limitations may actually be an advantage, allowing unconventional approaches. The chapter also contrasts the “weary old Fused souls” with the “enthusiastic” young spren, implying that the Radiants’ fresh perspective and energy compensate for their inexperience. This theme challenges assumptions about tradition versus innovation in conflict.3. Analyze Venli’s evolving leadership approach in her interaction with Dul. What contradictions does she grapple with?
Answer:
Venli demonstrates pragmatic leadership by proposing to awaken Windrunners as potential allies for escape, showing strategic foresight. However, she struggles with lingering authoritarian instincts—her initial urge to slap Dul for questioning her reveals unresolved flaws. Her self-awareness about this (“a few Words didn’t suddenly make her something better”) adds depth to her character arc. The negotiation with Dul also highlights her growing ability to justify decisions rationally rather than through dominance, as seen when she explains the suppressed powers safeguard and distraction benefits. This mirrors her broader tension between self-interest and cooperation.4. What symbolic and practical roles do the unconscious Radiants play in the chapter’s themes?
Answer:
The Radiants’ corpselike state symbolizes the suppressed potential of both humans and rebel singers—dormant but stirring, much like Venli’s own rebellion. The Windrunners’ near-waking state creates narrative tension, representing hope amid oppression. Practically, they serve as a resource for Venli’s escape plans, with their care allowing her faction to stockpile supplies covertly. Their arranged rows under sheets also visually mirror the tower’s structured oppression, while their involuntary movements hint at resilience against Odium’s corruption. The broth/hungerspren imagery reinforces themes of sustenance and deprivation under occupation.5. How does the chapter use environmental details to reinforce its political and psychological themes?
Answer:
The violet moonlight bathing the model tower creates an ominous yet mystical atmosphere, reflecting the intersection of ancient power and current conflict. The single-entrance chamber’s practicality for guarding also metaphorically represents the singers’ trapped existence under Odium’s forces. The vertical atrium shaft emphasizes the tower’s hierarchical structure, while curfew timing underscores the occupation’s control over daily life. Even functional choices—like placing Radiants near basement access—carry dual meanings, suggesting both utility and the lurking threat of Raboniel’s experiments. These details ground the political maneuvering in tangible space.
Quotes
1. “But how can we not, in searching, wish for a specific result? What scientist goes into a project without a hope for what they will find?”
This epigraph from Rhythm of War sets the thematic tone for the chapter, questioning the nature of discovery and the inherent biases we bring to exploration. It frames Venli’s own investigative journey as she examines the Radiant tower model and the unconscious Windrunners.
2. “Sometimes ignorance was an advantage, as you weren’t limited by the expectations of the past.”
Venli reflects on why the modern Radiants—despite their lack of traditional training—have surprised the more experienced Fused. This quote captures a key insight about innovation often arising from unconventional perspectives, a recurring theme in the story.
3. “A few Words didn’t suddenly make her something better.”
As Venli resists her instinct to punish Dul for questioning her, this moment reveals her ongoing struggle with self-improvement. It’s a poignant acknowledgment that personal growth is gradual, not instantaneous—even for those who have sworn Ideals.
4. “Escaping and hiding will be far easier with the help of one like these. At the very least, we’ll need a distraction to get out. The Windrunners waking and suddenly fighting would provide that.”
This strategic dialogue between Venli and Dul represents a turning point in their plans. It shows Venli’s pragmatism in leveraging unexpected resources (the stirring Windrunners) while highlighting the precariousness of their rebellion against Raboniel.
5. “I don’t like humans any more than you do. But if we truly want to escape, we’ll need to make use of every advantage we can find.”
Venli’s admission underscores the chapter’s tension between ingrained prejudices and practical survival. It marks a significant evolution in her willingness to collaborate across traditional enemy lines for a greater goal.