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.
94. Sacrifice
bySanderson, Brandon
Adolin approaches the final day of his trial with a heavy heart, burdened by the weight of judgment from the honorspren. Despite his reluctance, he recognizes this as his last opportunity to defend himself and his people. He grapples with self-doubt, questioning whether accepting imprisonment might serve as a testament to human honor. As he arrives, he notices Shallan’s absence and the replacement of the High Judge, Kelek, with the stricter Sekeir, signaling a shift in the trial’s tone.
The situation grows more dire when Sekeir reveals that Shallan attempted to influence Kelek and is now detained. Adolin feels a fleeting hope but is quickly reminded of the stakes. Sekeir’s authoritarian approach contrasts sharply with Kelek’s leniency, and Adolin senses division among the honorspren. Some seem willing to listen, while others regard him with hostility. The trial begins with Sekeir delivering a lengthy, accusatory speech, which Adolin interrupts, only to be threatened with a gag.
The proceedings take a cruel turn when Maya, a deadeye, is brought forth as a witness. Adolin is outraged by her exploitation as a spectacle, though he notes discomfort among some honorspren. Maya’s confusion and distress amplify his anger, yet he restrains himself, maintaining a disciplined stance. The crowd’s mixed reactions hint at underlying tensions, offering a glimmer of hope that not all honorspren support Sekeir’s harsh methods.
As the trial resumes, Adolin is permitted to speak but questions the legitimacy of Maya’s testimony. The chapter underscores his internal struggle between defiance and sacrifice, as well as the broader conflict between humans and spren. The honorspren’s rigid judgment contrasts with Adolin’s resilience, setting the stage for a pivotal confrontation. The chapter leaves readers questioning whether Adolin’s integrity can sway his judges or if he will be forced to accept an unjust fate.
FAQs
1. What internal conflict does Adolin face regarding the outcome of his trial, and what does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Adolin grapples with whether to accept potential imprisonment as a testament to human honor or to escape with Shallan’s help. He worries that fleeing would validate the honorspren’s distrust of humans, yet he questions his own worth—feeling he contributes little as a prince who refused the throne (pg. 1020-1021). This conflict highlights his self-doubt but also his commitment to principles over personal freedom. His willingness to suffer for a greater cause reflects his growth beyond superficial nobility into a deeper, if reluctant, sense of responsibility.2. How does the shift from Kelek to Sekeir as High Judge alter the tone of the trial, and what strategic concerns does this raise for Adolin?
Answer:
Sekeir’s strict, formal approach contrasts sharply with Kelek’s laxity, introducing hostility (e.g., ejecting whispering spren) and removing Adolin’s ability to interrupt (pg. 1021-1022). This forces Adolin to recalibrate his strategy, as Sekeir frames the trial as humans “paying for their sins.” The change also reveals factionalism among the honorspren—some seem sympathetic, while others grow more adversarial. Adolin must now appeal to divided observers under harsher constraints, testing his diplomatic skills and patience.3. Analyze the significance of Maya’s appearance as a witness. Why does her treatment provoke Adolin’s anger, and what might this suggest about spren society?
Answer:
Maya’s forced participation as a deadeye—hunched and distressed by the crowd (pg. 1022)—exploits her vulnerability for theatrical effect, violating Adolin’s protective bond with her. His outrage underscores his empathy for spren, contrasting with Sekeir’s manipulation of Maya as a prop. This moment exposes ethical rifts among the honorspren: some disapprove, hinting at dissent over deadeye treatment. It also symbolizes broader tensions between spren authority and the Radiant-spren relationship Adolin represents.4. How does Shallan’s off-page attempt to influence Kelek reflect her character arc, and what unintended consequences does it create?
Answer:
Shallan’s covert action aligns with her pattern of operating in shadows (e.g., as Veil), but backfires: Kelek is left “suffering,” she’s imprisoned, and the trial becomes more adversarial (pg. 1021). This mirrors her recurring struggle with divided identities and impulsive solutions. Ironically, her effort to help undermines Adolin’s case by fueling honorspren distrust. The incident underscores how her fragmented self-perception (“something glimmers deep within me,” pg. 1020) complicates her relationships and missions.5. Evaluate the chapter’s title, “Sacrifice,” in relation to its key themes. How do Adolin’s and Maya’s roles embody this concept?
Answer:
Adolin considers sacrificing his freedom to prove human honor, while Maya—a literal sacrifice of the Recreance—is exploited as a symbolic pawn (pg. 1020-1022). Both represent collateral damage in larger conflicts: Adolin in human-spren tensions, Maya in the Radiants’ betrayal. The title also hints at Shallan’s risky sacrifice of transparency for subterfuge. These threads collectively explore sacrifice as both noble (Adolin’s idealism) and tragic (Maya’s objectification), questioning who bears its costs and who assigns its meaning.
Quotes
1. “I was there when Ba-Ado-Mishram was captured. I know the truth of the Radiants, the Recreance, and the Nahel spren.”
This cryptic statement hints at deep historical secrets about the Radiants’ betrayal (the Recreance) and the nature of spren bonds. It suggests the speaker holds key knowledge that could reshape understanding of these pivotal events.
2. “Perhaps the best thing he could do for humanity was become a living testimony of their honor.”
Adolin wrestles with whether accepting unjust imprisonment might paradoxically prove humanity’s honor to the skeptical spren. This reflects his internal conflict between self-sacrifice and defiance.
3. “We discovered a weapon of curious design, perhaps used to intimidate the Holy One. Your wife is being held, and the Holy One is… suffering from his long time as a Herald.”
This revelation about Shallan’s secret actions and Kelek’s instability marks a major turning point in the trial, shifting power dynamics and raising stakes dramatically.
4. “How dare they use Maya as part of their spectacle?”
Adolin’s outrage at the honorspren exploiting Maya shows his protective relationship with deadeyes and highlights the ethical tensions in the trial’s proceedings.
5. “You may speak now, prisoner. Do you recognize this deadeye?”
The cold formality of this question underscores the trial’s prejudiced nature while setting up the climactic confrontation involving Maya’s testimony.