Oathbringer

The Way of Kings really focused on Kaladin, and Words of Radiance on Shallan, but now Oathbringer gives us a deeper look into Dalinar’s past.

The first two books in The Stormlight Archive really teased the big storm, and now it’s here. Where the first two books establish the surface of the magical system of Roshar,Oathbringer gives us a peek behind the curtain into a nearly parallel world on Roshar that powers the magic, and the cost of that magic.

The real magic though is tied back to the emotional journey of the characters and how that growth leads to them live up to new ideals, which strengthens their bond with the spren. Dalinar’s journey is a much more brutal one, where he is depicted as being the warlord known as the “Blackthorn”. The flashbacks to his time as the Blackthorn reveal him to be ruthless and terrifying, being controlled by some emotional power called the “Thrill”. As we go back and forth, we see the changed Dalinar confronting his past riddled with guilt and regret over his actions and a revelation about his and Adolin’s past that fractures their relationship.

All this and the now more stakes at play as Odium steps onto the stage as a cosmic threat and antagonist. Odium is revealed to be a shard, one that represents Passion and human emotion. He starts to confront and challenge Dalinar, eventually putting Dalinar up to a test.

At 1,200 pages, yes its a behemoth, and yes there are parts that go on and on, and of course there is more growth and challenges we get to see Kaladin, Shallan, the bridge crew, Adolin, and others face. Some of the character arcs feel realistic, for instance with Kaladin, we are given the impression that he needs more time to work things out. Ultimately, some progress across the board, but you ca’n’t help but feel that in the end its massive set up.