Another month, and another Stormlight novel has been conquered. After my breakneck reading of Words of Radiance, I slowed my pace to savor this middle entry of the first arc. Spoilers ahead: I will try my best to limit information solely to Roshar and its direct happenings, but be warned.
The State of the World
The book is named for Dalinar Kholin’s former Shardblade, Oathbringer. Following a shocking (but not unwarranted) murder in the epilogue of the previous book, Urithiru is down one Highprince, and the culprit has gone missing. Adolin Kholin is on the case, appointed by his father despite his own reservations. The Highprinces and their armies have now trekked across the Shattered Plains and through the Oathgate to the mystical city of Urithiru. The city is massive. While it has room to house the entire retinue, it lacks creature comforts. Investigations reveal non-functional plumbing and heating systems, and beyond its gargantuan halls, mysteries await that will take our characters on journeys both physical and emotional.
Dalinar: Bondsmith or War Criminal?
Dalinar Kholin has been with us for two novels, but we have distinctly missed his past. Characters that are one-note are boring, but thankfully, Dalinar is multidimensional. We know his morals and honor, but we also know he changed after his brother’s death, becoming “weak” in the eyes of the Alethi. Now, we finally see the man everyone else fears. We witness the brutal campaign where Gavilar and Dalinar wreaked havoc across Alethkar. We see Dalinar embrace “The Thrill,” killing indiscriminately and slaughtering countless lives. This is the true motivator behind the ghosts that haunt him—or would have haunted him, were it not for a chance encounter with a specific being of the “horticultural” persuasion.
For two stories, we knew Dalinar couldn’t remember his wife, Evi. We assumed this memory loss was a curse, but it was actually a mercy. It allowed him to escape his pain. But escapism is not sustainable. The narrative and format converge here: as we read the flashbacks, Dalinar remembers them. As we learn of the pain he caused, he begins to feel it. This crescendos in a moment of failure where he relapses into the drunken stupor of his youth. But when all seems darkest, confronted by Odium and tempted to give up his guilt, Dalinar chooses to accept it. He shouts, “You cannot take my pain!” This defiant declaration saves his soul and powers the Radiants to save the day. Dalinar’s path to—not necessarily redemption, but his Next Step—is the heart of this story.
The Rest of the Radiants
Venli: Eshonai’s sister realizes her fatal error. Her people are dead, and the survivors are being transformed into the unholy Fused. Her journey sees her questioning Odium and embarking on a path that may yet see her become Radiant.
Kaladin: He finally reunites with his family and meets his new baby brother, but the joy is brief. He begins to humanize the “enemy,” realizing the Parshmen have their own grievances. This leads to a tragedy in Kholinar where he freezes in combat, and the return of Moash earns a collective “FK MOASH”** from the entire Cosmere reader community.
Adolin: He struggles with his identity following his murder of Sadeas. He questions his role and his romance with Shallan (who seems to have eyes for Kaladin). However, a trip to Shadesmar helps him deepen his bond with his blade.
Shallan: She is losing herself. Her personas—Veil (the spy/hero) and Radiant (the warrior)—are becoming autonomous. Shallan is pulled in too many directions, eventually stranding the group in Shadesmar. But in the end, she makes her choice. The wedding we’ve all been waiting for finally happens! Shaladolin forever!
Final Thoughts
Talk about a JOURNEY. It feels like three books of content crammed into a single tome. The investigation of Dalinar was powerful; for once, I believe that the reformation of a true villain is possible. Dalinar chose to own his pain rather than seek freedom from it. While I rank Words of Radiance slightly higher, Oathbringer sits comfortably above The Way of Kings for its emotional bravery.
