Rhythm of War had some really cool ideas, but the research slowed it down for me.
I liked the idea of learning more about Stormlight, Voidlight, and how the rhythms connect to them. Sanderson puts a lot of thought into his magic, and Navani’s work gives us a closer look at how it functions. Some of those discoveries are fascinating. Getting through all the experiments and explanations took more patience than the fighting did, though.
The story follows the continuing war against Odium’s forces, with danger closing in on Urithiru. Kaladin is struggling with his place among the Radiants, Navani is making discoveries that could change the conflict, and Adolin and Shallan travel into Shadesmar to seek help from the honorspren.
Going deeper into Shadesmar was one of the things I enjoyed.
We’ve already seen pieces of this other realm, but spending more time there gives us a better look at the spren, their society, and how they view humans. Adolin and Shallan have to deal with people who have their own reasons to distrust them. That makes the trip more interesting than simply going somewhere strange and asking for help.
Adolin’s relationship with Maya also belongs in that part of the story. It brings a personal connection into all the larger questions about humans, spren, and the history between them.
The fighting and magic are some of my favorite parts of these books, and Kaladin’s storyline gives us both.
Sanderson makes the abilities matter to how a fight unfolds. Movement, positioning, and what an opponent can do all become part of the problem. When Kaladin can’t rely on everything working the way he’s used to, his experience and ability to adapt become especially important. That’s the kind of action I enjoy: a dangerous character having to figure things out under pressure.
There’s also a lot weighing on him beyond the immediate threat. Being good in a fight doesn’t make the rest of his life easy, and the book spends time with that struggle.
For me, the strongest parts were exploring Shadesmar and seeing the magic put to use in dangerous situations. The research had a great concept behind it, but there were stretches where I was ready for the story to move on.
Who I’d recommend it to: Readers already invested in Stormlight who want a deeper look at the spren, Shadesmar, and the workings of the magic. There’s plenty here for people who enjoy the combat and character stories too.
Caution: Read the first three main novels first. The magical research gets detailed and can slow the pace. Expect violence, grief, and substantial attention to depression and trauma.
Discussion question: Did Navani’s research pull you further into the magic, or did you prefer the action and the journey through Shadesmar?
— Cory Lane