Wind and Truth sticks the landing for The Stormlight Archive’s first arc (SPOILER-FREE review)

As a long-time devotee of the fantasy genre, I must say that Brandon Sanderson’s latest masterpiece, “Wind and Truth,” has truly outshone many a sunset in my reading career. With each page turning, I found myself swept away by the grandeur of this epic tale, much like the mighty Stormlight Archive itself sweeps across the landscape of Roshar.

As a devoted fan and ardent reviewer of epic fantasy novels, I’ve just finished devouring “Wind and Truth,” the monumental fifth installment in Brandon Sanderson’s extraordinary series, “The Stormlight Archive.” Known for his lightning-fast publication pace, Sanderson never fails to impress his legion of followers. However, even by his own exceptional standards, this latest offering feels nothing short of epic.

As a devoted cinephile of literature, I’d say that “Wind and Truth” represents the pinnacle of Sanderson’s grand, interwoven Cosmere cosmos in its initial phase. Each of his adult fantasy sagas, such as “Mistborn” and “Elantris,” are set within this imaginative universe, across distinct planets in various solar systems.

It’s quite a significant responsibility to shoulder onto one book, as Sanderson has invested an extensive amount of time into “The Wind and Truth.” In fact, he has spent more hours on this work than most of his previous novels combined, and he even penned several different endings to ensure the perfect resolution.

So how did it turn out? Is Wind and Truth the epic Cosmere novel we’ve all been waiting for?

I’m excited to share my thoughts with you: Indeed, in my view, yes, it certainly does! I was fortunate enough to get an early peek at “Wind and Truth” before its release, and let me tell you, Brandon Sanderson masterfully navigated this pivotal moment in “The Stormlight Archive”. Since the book has just hit the shelves and spans a massive 1,330 pages, this will be a SPOILER-FREE REVIEW – at least when it comes to “Wind and Truth”; we’ll delve into the stunning revelations from “Wind and Truth” later on, once it’s been out for a while and you’ve had a chance to read it yourself. We’ll touch upon a few plot points from previous books in our discussion.

The journey has been an incredible one, and at last, we’ve arrived at a major destination. So strap in, and let’s return to Roshar.

Book review: Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson

The narrative unfolds around the central conflict between the Knights Radiant, headed by figures like Dalinar Kholin, Shallan Davar, and Kaladin Stormblessed, and the forces of a deity named Odium. He has managed to control the native Parshendi people of Roshar. Throughout the first four books, we witness the Knights Radiant reappearing after being absent in ancient times, and eventually Dalinar agrees to a duel with Odium to determine Roshar’s destiny for good.

In the preceding novel, titled “Rhythm of War,” the narrative primarily focused on the takeover of the Radiant tower of Urithiru, following Odium’s troops being expelled from there. Post this event, Dalinar and Odium deemed the ongoing war expenses to be excessive, leading them to propose a battle of champions. Within ten days, they would each present their chosen warriors. During this pause, the territories under control on the map would remain static. Whichever side managed to seize additional territory by the appointed time would retain it. As an extra incentive, if the Radiants emerged victorious, Odium would restore several valuable kingdoms to human control; conversely, if Odium prevailed, Dalinar would be compelled to serve as his general in a crusade to conquer regions beyond Roshar within the wider Cosmere.

Starting off with “Wind and Truth,” those are some significant responsibilities indeed, as we delve into the intricacies of characters such as Kaladin, Shallan, Adolin (Dalinar’s son), the assassin Szeth, among others. Initially, Kaladin seemed like a typical Chosen One figure in the series, but Brandon Sanderson skillfully transformed that trope in “Rhythm of War.” Instead of embodying the battle-hardened hero society anticipates at this critical juncture, Kaladin undergoes a profound shift, almost transitioning into the role of the world’s pioneer therapist. This transformation stems from his prolonged struggle with depression and trauma, which have equipped him with an intuitive grasp of how to assist others in grappling with their own shadows.

As Shallan traveled through the dimension of Shadesmar with her husband Adolin by her side, she came to terms with her condition of having multiple personalities. Meanwhile, Szeth committed himself to following the Skybreaker path and serving Dalinar Kholin. Lastly, Odium took on a new, more menacing form after discarding his previous one.

As the tension builds towards the Champion’s competition, “Wind and Truth” offers a compelling beginning. The story improves significantly, boasting an ending that ranks among Sanderson’s finest work. I must confess, there was a moment that brought tears to my eyes. The emotional resolution of this phase in “The Stormlight Archive” is heartrending, and Sanderson dared to take some daring leaps as he lays the groundwork for future installments. It’s challenging to imagine any Cosmere enthusiast being underwhelmed by this book.

The Format

Something that is very interesting to me about Wind and Truth is the format, which in some ways is indicative of the larger ethos of this work. So far, The Stormlight Archive is probalby the most static series in Sanderson’s catalog from a format perspective. Each book is broken into five distinct parts, with interludes peppered in between. There are lots of little formatting traditions Sanderson follows in Stormlight, right down to the titles: when they’re all put together they roughly form a “ketek,” a symmetrical poem unique to Roshar.

Brandon Sanderson demonstrates his readiness for innovation in “Wind and Truth,” even though he has established a consistent pattern in his Cosmere storytelling. The distinctive structure of “Wind and Truth” sets it apart, which is not considered a spoiler given its open discussion, such as at the “Reactor” where they have been releasing excerpts from the book. Rather than the standard five-part narrative, “Wind and Truth” unfolds over the course of ten days leading to the contest of champions, with the usual interludes included between.

In my perspective, one drawback is that this novel is set within a relatively brief span of time contrasting with epic works like “The Way of Kings,” which encompasses years. However, through some daring narrative decisions, it never truly feels as if the story unfolds over such a compact period. These are the pivotal days etched into the history of Roshar, and Sanderson skillfully exploits each one to its full potential.

The Plot & Characters

Let’s delve into some key components that make a story compelling: the narrative flow (plot) and the personalities populating it (characters). “The Stormlight Archive” captivates readers with vast, breathtaking plots brimming with unexpected events, such as deceit and conflicts. It also showcases some of Sanderson’s most memorable characters like Kaladin Stormblessed and Shallan Davar. Does “Wind and Truth” hold its ground against the rest of this acclaimed series?

The book, “Wind and Truth,” leaves me with a mixed bag of feelings. I believe it stands out within “The Stormlight Archive” series, yet certain elements might spark disagreements among fans, much like the fourth installment, “Rhythm of War.” Reading this book felt like a rollercoaster: from being amazed, to feeling slightly perplexed, and then being astounded again. This book is truly a journey, and I anticipate that readers’ sentiments will evolve as they progress through it. However, overall, I’d describe “Wind and Truth” as skillfully concluding the initial storyline of “The Stormlight Archive” impressively. By the end, I was left incredibly content. The so-called “Sanderlanche,” or the barrage of climactic events typical of Sanderson’s novels, is definitely present here.

Sanderson skillfully manages his characters once more, as he excels at doing so. In “The Stormlight Archive,” the distribution of character focus isn’t always balanced; various novels prioritize different individuals, thereby leaving some on the sidelines. For instance, Szeth had a minor role in “Rhythm of War,” whereas Navani Kholin emerged as a key character. Conversely, in earlier books, Navani was less prominent while other characters received more focus.

Given that “Wind and Truth” marks the conclusion of this story arc and a 10-year time leap is imminent, Sanderson finds it harder to pull off certain elements casually. To maintain balance among the characters already introduced, he ensures each gets their moment in the spotlight. Moreover, he invests significant effort in developing new characters, who are likely to play pivotal roles later in the series. He also expands on some surprising character evolutions from earlier books, such as Kaladin’s transformation into Roshar’s first therapist, and develops them respectfully within their overall arc since the series began. Although fans may have mixed reactions to certain plot points in “Wind and Truth,” I believe Sanderson has truly excelled in his writing.

The Writing

One thing that piqued my interest as I started reading “Wind and Truth” was, of course, the writing itself. If you’ve delved this far into Sanderson’s Cosmere, you’re familiar with his quirky humor and occasional use of contemporary language. I don’t mind these elements at all, as if you’re on book five of “The Stormlight Archive“, you should have a good idea by now whether you enjoy his writing style or not.

The gauge for me is how Wind and Truth stacks up to Sanderson’s own previous works and standards. I always thought that the prose in the third book in The Stormlight Archive, Oathbringer, was a little looser than usual, perhaps because Sanderson wrote it while coming off an insanely exhausting tour schedule for the previous book, Words of Radiance, that was so bad it made him “physically ill.” For whatever reason, that’s something that has always stuck out in my mind; Oathbringer was a solid book, but is still probably my least favorite in The Stormlight Archive.

In contrast, “Wind” and “Truth” are polar concepts. This extensive book, “The Stormlight Archive,” showcases Sanderson’s significant effort to create a masterpiece. The writing style in this piece is among the finest Sanderson has ever crafted. It does tend to become profound and philosophical at times, but that’s something I’ve always appreciated about it. Interestingly, he manages to blend these deep thoughts with scenes of exhilarating action very effectively.

The Setting

One captivating feature that stands out in the epic The Stormlight Archive is the unique backdrop of the world Roshar, unlike any other fantasy realm. Its distinct features – shelled flora, highstorms, crustacean-like creatures, and breathtaking landscapes – make it a truly extraordinary place to visit. Returning to this wondrous land will undoubtedly evoke a sense of awe once again.

In the realm of “Wind and Truth,” Sanderson dedicates slightly fewer pages to describing the landscape compared to his typical style. Given our extensive exploration of the world within “The Stormlight Archive,” there’s less need for extensive geographical descriptions, as was present in earlier books. Although I didn’t mind this change, I did miss the awe-inspiring moments that earlier books provided through their focus on the peculiarities of the environment compared to our own world. A significant portion of “Wind and Truth” also delves into the Spiritual Realm, which by its very nature is more abstract. Consequently, the setting, which has always been a standout feature in “Stormlight,” felt less captivating in “Wind and Truth.

“Shinovar stands out as the notable exception and my preferred backdrop within the novel, ‘Wind and Truth’. This fresh setting is explored from both Szeth’s familiar viewpoint and that of someone accustomed to Roshar’s rougher terrain. I found myself immersed in every moment of the Shinovar narrative and believe Sanderson excelled at depicting its geography, history, and cultural aspects.

The Flashbacks

Another aspect I want to shout out is the flashbacks; so far, we’ve learned about a different character’s past in each book. It’s no secret at this point that the flashbacks in Wind and Truth are from the perspective of Szeth-son-Neturo, the mysterious assassin who kickstarted the events of the series when he murdered Dalinar’s brother, King Gavilar. Szeth has undergone a lot of change throughout the series, and at last, we get to find out how he became the morose assassin we met at the start of The Way of Kings.

Szeth’s flashbacks have a unique allure within the fandom, as they were initially intended for inclusion in the third novel. However, they were pushed back to book four, and later to “Wind and Truth“. In an interview with Esquire, Sanderson stated that it seemed fitting not to explore his story until the conclusion of the first half of “The Stormlight Archive“, aligning with his plans for this book without revealing the specific reasons.

After completing the book, I wholeheartedly concur with that viewpoint. It’s challenging to envision Szeth’s flashbacks fitting as seamlessly elsewhere in the series as they do here. Similarly, just as Kaladin’s flashbacks enhanced the primary events of “The Way of Kings“, Szeth’s add an additional depth to the main storyline of “Wind and Truth“. I believe delaying their introduction until this point was a wise decision, and they seem very well-executed. Fans who have been eagerly anticipating the unveiling of Szeth’s secrets for over a decade will be satisfied.

Roshar & the Cosmere

The last aspect of Wind and Truth I want to discuss is how this book relates to the wider Cosmere. Since this is the culmination of the first part of The Stormlight Archive, and we’re now at a point in the Cosmere where things are starting to cross over a bit, you might be wondering if this is a novel you need to have done a lot of homework to understand. Will this have an Avengers-level amount of references and easter eggs? Will it still be comprehensible if you haven’t read all seven Mistborn books, Warbreaker, Elantris, and all the various short fiction of the Cosmere?

Sanderson consistently maintains that each individual series in the Cosmere can be understood independently. However, if you choose to explore all the other works, you’ll gain a richer experience. I believe this is particularly applicable to “Wind and Truth”. At times, it felt deeply rooted in Roshar, as expected. Yet, it also served as an introduction to the broader Cosmere story. The book contains numerous references to other Cosmere novels, but even if you fail to catch them, you’ll still be able to fully appreciate “Wind and Truth”. Primarily, this is a book from the “Stormlight Archive” series, which receives priority focus.

Furthermore, Wind and Truth seems to be the novel that clarifies the ongoing conflict of the Cosmere in significant aspects. For years, the intricate lore of the Cosmere has been largely limited to fan websites and discussions with Sanderson, but now it’s beginning to play a crucial role. What makes this even more appealing is that its relevance is seamlessly integrated into the story, rather than appearing as an added element solely for expanding the universe akin to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

If you find that term a bit daunting, don’t fret. I’ll share two instances where my lack of knowledge didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the story. The first instance is when I encountered a reference to a character from one of Sanderson’s other Cosmere books in “Wind and Truth.” Initially, I felt a sense that I should understand its significance, but couldn’t recall exactly where it was from. However, I continued reading and later discovered the meaning online. My mind was truly astounded, but at the moment of reading, it didn’t disrupt my experience at all; I just knew a few sections were more significant than I could fully grasp immediately.

Another way to put it is: Admit it or not, I haven’t gotten around to reading “The Lost Metal,” the concluding book in the Mistborn Era 2 series. I’ve been patiently waiting for the mass market paperback version so they can all match on my bookshelf. However, even though I haven’t read it, I understand that “The Lost Metal” carries significant implications across the Cosmere, which are likely to impact “Wind and Truth.” Interestingly enough, not having read it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of “Wind and Truth”; if anything, it has heightened my eagerness to finally dive into “The Lost Metal.

Regardless if you’ve delved deep into the Cosmere universe or just skimmed through, as long as you’re up-to-date with The Stormlight Archive, I believe you’ll greatly enjoy reading Wind and Truth. And when you decide to expand your knowledge of the Cosmere, revisiting this book will enhance your experience even more.

Verdict

In an era overflowing with fresh fantasy and science fiction titles each month, “The Stormlight Archive” truly distinguishes itself. Brandon Sanderson demonstrates his exceptional storytelling prowess in this work, employing every craftsmanship skill at his disposal to weave a grand epic worthy of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the genre’s finest. This is a substantial fantasy novel tailored for readers who appreciate the depth and magnitude of such tales; it doesn’t strive to mimic mainstream appeal for wider acceptance. As an ardent fan of sprawling fantasies, I find myself even more enamored with this extraordinary book known as “Wind and Truth.

In the initial part of “The Stormlight Archive,” the combination of Wind and Truth conclusively ends, yet at the same time, it paves the way for an exciting new phase in the Cosmere’s narrative. If you’ve been relishing the ride so far, I believe you’ll be thoroughly satisfied with this upcoming stopping point.

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2024-12-06 19:42