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.
89. Voice of Lights
bySanderson, Brandon
Navani immerses herself in scientific research, finding solace in meticulous experimentation amid the chaos of her circumstances. She embraces the structured process of science, reveling in precise measurements and orderly charts, free from distractions and societal expectations. Her collaboration with Raboniel, though fraught with underlying tension, yields fascinating discoveries—particularly with the black sand that measures Investiture. The sand’s behavior reveals new insights about Light and spren, captivating Navani as she loses track of time in her work.
Raboniel introduces Navani to the concept of other worlds, casually mentioning her knowledge of offworld travel and the limitations imposed by their planetary system. Navani is astounded by the revelation that humans originated from another planet, aligning myth with reality. Raboniel explains the dangers of traveling to Braize (Damnation) and the necessity of using Shadesmar for interplanetary journeys. Navani struggles to reconcile these vast ideas with her current focus on their experiments, yet the conversation expands her understanding of the cosmere.
Their scientific partnership continues as they test a makeshift fabrial designed to alter the polarity of Voidlight-infused gemstones using stormform lightning. Navani cautions Mizthla, her stormform guard, to control the energy output, reflecting her meticulous approach. Despite their collaborative work, Navani remains wary of Raboniel, aware of their opposing allegiances. She discreetly plans to conceal future discoveries, balancing cooperation with self-preservation.
The chapter concludes with Navani observing the darkened shield around the Sibling, a silent reminder of the high stakes of their research. Though she finds joy in the scientific process, the underlying tension with Raboniel and the looming threat of their larger conflict linger. Navani’s dedication to her work provides temporary escape, but the weight of her responsibilities—and the secrets she keeps—remains ever-present.
FAQs
1. Comprehension Question
What is the significance of the black sand in Navani’s experiments, and what properties does it exhibit?
Answer:
The black sand is a crucial experimental material that Raboniel provides to Navani. It demonstrates unique reactions to different forms of Investiture (magical energy). When exposed to Stormlight or Voidlight, the sand slowly turns white. However, if a fabrial (magical device) is actively using the Light, the color change accelerates. The sand can be reset to black by wetting it, though it must dry before reacting again. Additionally, it changes color in the presence of spren (spiritual entities), albeit slowly. This sand serves as a measurable indicator of Investiture usage, making it invaluable for Navani’s scientific research on Light and fabrials.2. Analytical Question
How does Navani’s approach to science contrast with the methods of other scholars mentioned in the chapter?
Answer:
Navani’s scientific methodology emphasizes order, precision, and incremental progress, which starkly contrasts with scholars who claim to thrive on chaos. She believes good science relies on meticulous planning—creating precise experiments, maintaining neat charts, and never skipping steps. This structured approach allows her to impose order on the inherent chaos of magical phenomena. The chapter highlights her satisfaction in working without distractions, suggesting that her methodical nature is key to her breakthroughs. In contrast, other scholars might prioritize spontaneous inspiration, but Navani’s results demonstrate the efficacy of her disciplined, systematic approach.3. Critical Thinking Question
What does Raboniel’s revelation about other worlds and interplanetary travel suggest about the broader cosmere (universe) in which the story is set?
Answer:
Raboniel’s casual discussion of other planets—such as Braize (Damnation) and the concept of interplanetary travel—expands the scope of the narrative beyond Roshar. Her mention of the Tranquiline Halls as an actual location and the migration of humans to Roshar blurs the line between myth and reality. The challenges of space travel (lack of air, lethal pressures) and the use of Shadesmar (a cognitive realm) as a pathway between worlds hint at a complex, interconnected cosmere. This revelation forces Navani (and the reader) to reconsider the scale of the conflict and the nature of divinity, as even gods and souls are bound to specific planetary systems.4. Application Question
How might Navani’s experiments with the black sand and fabrials be applied to solve larger problems in the story’s context?
Answer:
Navani’s research could have far-reaching implications, particularly in understanding and countering Raboniel’s plans. By measuring Investiture usage, the black sand could help identify weaknesses in enemy fabrials or track the Sibling’s deterioration. The polarity-swapping experiment with gemstones filled with Voidlight might lead to devices that disrupt Fused technology or protect the tower’s defenses. Additionally, her findings could aid in creating new fabrials that harness Stormlight more efficiently, potentially turning the tide in the war. However, Navani must balance discovery with secrecy, as Raboniel could exploit any breakthroughs for her own ends.5. Reflective Question
Why does Navani find such deep fulfillment in her isolated research, despite the dire circumstances surrounding her?
Answer:
Navani’s immersion in her work provides a temporary escape from the war’s horrors and her personal guilt. The chapter reveals her relief in letting go of external worries—about Dalinar, Jasnah, or the tower—and focusing solely on science. For her, the laboratory represents a space of control and clarity, where meticulous effort yields measurable results. This contrasts with the chaos of leadership and loss she faces outside. Her passion for “imposing order on chaos” reflects a deeper need to find meaning and agency amid helplessness. However, the text also hints at avoidance; by fixating on science, she may be delaying confrontation with her emotions and failures.
Quotes
1. “Instead I think, if I were to remember my life in detail, I would become even worse. Paralyzed by my terrible actions. I should not like to remember all those I have failed.”
This introspective opening sets the tone for the chapter, revealing Navani’s internal struggle with guilt and the psychological burden of past failures. It introduces a key theme of memory and its paralyzing potential.
2. “Science was all about lines, about imposing order on chaos. Navani reveled in her careful preparations, without anyone to tease her for keeping her charts so neat or for refusing to skip any steps.”
This quote captures Navani’s scientific philosophy and her meticulous approach to research. It highlights the contrast between her methodical nature and the chaotic circumstances of the siege, showing how science becomes her refuge.
3. “Two opposing forces in harmony, focused on a single goal.”
This powerful statement describes Navani’s unexpected collaboration with Raboniel, encapsulating the chapter’s central dynamic. It represents the temporary truce between enemies united by scientific curiosity, foreshadowing deeper revelations about their relationship.
4. “Other worlds. It seemed too vast a concept for her to grasp right now—and that was saying something, as she was presently contemplating the death of a god.”
This quote marks a pivotal moment where Navani’s scientific horizons expand dramatically. The juxtaposition of cosmic scale (other worlds) with divine scale (killing a god) illustrates the chapter’s exploration of profound scientific and metaphysical concepts.
5. “Working closely together did not make them allies, and both recognized it.”
This concise statement captures the delicate tension underlying Navani and Raboniel’s collaboration. It serves as an important reminder of their fundamental opposition despite their scientific partnership, maintaining the chapter’s underlying conflict.