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.
90. One Chance
bySanderson, Brandon
Adolin prepares to address the honorspren in their stronghold, knowing this is his one chance to argue for humanity’s worth. He arrives early to project control, avoiding the appearance of a prisoner walking to execution. The audience is stacked against him, with sympathetic spren absent and uniformed honorspren filling the seats. Despite the hostile atmosphere, Adolin remains composed, determined to make his case about the larger question: whether humanity deserves the spren’s trust and partnership.
Adolin begins his speech by appealing to the honorspren’s ideals, contrasting human grudges with their supposed higher nature. He acknowledges human flaws but challenges the spren to prove their own honor by joining Radiants, as the Stormfather has endorsed. His words resonate with some in the crowd, particularly those standing at the top of the forum. However, his progress is interrupted by an aggressive honorspren who demands to know if Adolin was aware of his father’s near-fatal confrontation with the Stormfather.
The confrontation escalates as Adolin tries to stay on message, emphasizing the mutual growth possible through bonding. He argues that Radiants represent the best of both humans and spren, embodying Honor and Cultivation. The honorspren, however, remain fixated on the Stormfather incident, questioning Adolin’s knowledge and the risks of bonding. Kelek, the presiding Herald, intervenes to maintain order, reminding the audience that they are only permitted to ask questions, not make statements.
Despite the disruptions, Adolin holds his ground, refusing to let the honorspren derail his argument. He reiterates his belief in the potential of human-spren bonds, urging the honorspren to rise above their grievances. The chapter ends with tension unresolved, as Adolin’s plea for unity clashes with the spren’s deep-seated distrust. The trial’s outcome remains uncertain, but Adolin’s determination to advocate for humanity’s redemption is clear.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Adolin’s preparation before his speech to the honorspren, and how does it reflect his strategic approach to the trial?
Answer:
Adolin’s careful preparation—arriving early to avoid walking through a crowd and positioning himself as in control rather than a prisoner—demonstrates his strategic mindset. He understands the psychological impact of appearances in this high-stakes situation (his “one chance” to speak for himself). By choosing to stand confidently on the podium rather than being led through a judgmental crowd, Adolin frames himself as proactive and composed. This reflects his awareness that perception matters as much as his arguments, especially when facing an audience predisposed against him (as shown by the uniformed honorspren and absent sympathizers).2. How does Adolin’s speech attempt to reframe the conflict between humans and honorspren, and what rhetorical strategies does he employ?
Answer:
Adolin reframes the conflict by appealing to the honorspren’s core identity as “creations of honor.” He acknowledges human flaws but challenges the spren to prove their supposed superiority by rising above grudges. His rhetorical strategies include: (1) Contrasting human weakness with the honorspren’s claimed ideals, (2) Highlighting the growth potential of bonds (citing Radiant spren who “become stronger”), and (3) Invoking the Stormfather’s authority to validate human-spren bonds. He also uses repetition (“I had hoped to find in you…”) for emphasis and redirects interruptions to maintain focus on his narrative.3. Analyze the honorspren’s interruptions during Adolin’s speech. What do these reveal about their concerns and the broader tensions in the trial?
Answer:
The interruptions—particularly the repeated question about Dalinar “almost killing the Stormfather”—reveal deep-seated fears among the honorspren. Their focus on this event underscores their anxiety about bonding humans: they view it as inherently risky, even to powerful spren like the Stormfather. The aggressive tone suggests emotional wounds from past betrayals (likely referencing the Recreance). The tension also reflects a power struggle; by demanding answers mid-speech, the honorspren test Adolin’s control over the narrative. Kelek’s intervention to enforce trial rules further highlights the trial’s symbolic weight as a clash of ideologies.4. How does Kelek’s role as High Judge influence the dynamics of the trial, and what might his shifting demeanor signify?
Answer:
Kelek’s authority as a Herald lends gravity to the proceedings, but his shifting demeanor—from dismissive (“Let’s get this over with”) to sternly enforcing rules—adds unpredictability. His formal violet robes (unlike his attire the previous day) suggest he may be taking the trial more seriously, though his motives remain ambiguous. By rebuking disruptive spren, he momentarily supports Adolin’s right to a fair hearing, yet his earlier weariness implies skepticism about the trial’s outcome. This duality positions Kelek as a wildcard: his actions could either legitimize Adolin’s arguments or undermine them based on hidden agendas.5. Why is Adolin’s argument about “growth” particularly significant in the context of the honorspren’s society?
Answer:
Adolin’s emphasis on growth taps into fundamental tensions within honorspren culture. Their rigid hierarchy (exemplified by the “ten honored by storms”) values tradition and stability, but Adolin frames their isolation as stagnation. By contrasting solitary honorspren with Radiant spren who “grow” through bonds, he challenges their self-perception as “perfect” beings. This resonates with Cultivation’s influence (a Shard they inherently embody alongside Honor), implying that rejecting bonds contradicts their nature. The standing spren’s positive reaction suggests some recognize this paradox, making growth a potent wedge issue in their debate.
Quotes
1. “Regardless, I write now. Because I know they are coming for me. They got Jezrien. They’ll inevitably claim me, even here in the honorspren stronghold.”
This opening line sets a tone of urgency and impending danger, hinting at a larger conflict affecting even the seemingly safe stronghold. It introduces the stakes of the chapter while remaining mysterious about the specific threat.
2. “It’s just your one chance to speak for yourself. Your one chance to turn all this around.”
Adolin’s internal monologue captures the pivotal nature of his speech to the honorspren. This quote represents the chapter’s core tension - a single opportunity to persuade immortal beings about humanity’s worth through words alone.
3. “Was humankind worth fighting for? Adolin somehow had to make that argument today.”
This concise statement perfectly encapsulates the fundamental question at the heart of Adolin’s trial. The quote frames the entire debate in philosophical terms that transcend the immediate political conflict.
4. “I admit to human weakness. I will not hide it. But I have not seen you admit to your weakness.”
A powerful rhetorical turn in Adolin’s speech where he challenges the honorspren’s claims of moral superiority. This quote represents a key argument in his defense - that true honor requires acknowledging imperfections on both sides.
5. “People may not be perfect, but they’re worth helping strive for perfection. And you are worth more than you can ever be sitting alone and refusing to grow.”
The climactic conclusion of Adolin’s argument, combining his defense of humanity with an appeal to the honorspren’s potential. This eloquent statement captures the chapter’s central theme of growth through partnership.