Oathbringer

Hello guys,

As I said in my earlier post, I wanted my first post since I resumed blogging to be about a book that I read, Brandon Sanderson's Oathbringer, book three of the stormlight archive series. In summarizing the third book, I will dedicate one paragraph each for every main character involved in the story and finally provide a general summary of the book.

Kaladin: Kaladin is grappling with inner turmoil and a deepening sense of failure. He struggles with depression and doubts his abilities as a leader and protector. Throughout the story, Kaladin's mental health is explored in depth, shedding light on the impact of his past experiences and the weight of his responsibilities. By the end of Oathbringer, Kaladin's character undergoes significant transformation. While he still faces personal struggles, he emerges as a more resilient and self-assured individual, committed to his role as a protector and ready to face the challenges ahead.

The Kholin lineage (Adolin, Navani and Renarin): Throughout the narrative, Adolin struggles with feelings of inadequacy and a desire to live up to the reputation of his powerful and honourable family. As the story progresses, Adolin begins to exhibit a more reckless and unpredictable nature. He feels disconnected from his family and their ideals, struggling to fit into the mould of a traditional Alethi noble. I do not want to spoil the twists and turns in Jasnah's life as I want the readers to experience it themselves.

Navani's character undergoes significant development as she forms a close bond with Dalinar, her late husband's brother. Their relationship evolves from friendship to a romantic connection, and they ultimately become a couple. Navani's influence and support play a crucial role in Dalinar's personal growth and his efforts to unite the various factions of Roshar against the Voidbringers.

Renarin's character arc in Oathbringer centers around his unique abilities and his struggle to find his place among the Knights Radiant. Renarin's powers manifest differently and are initially misunderstood by those around him. However, his visions are often chaotic and difficult to interpret accurately. Renarin's ability becomes a source of internal conflict and uncertainty for him, as he questions the impact his visions may have on the outcome of the ongoing conflict.

Taravangian: Taravangian's character arc revolves around his pursuit of power and his quest to save humanity from the coming desolation caused by the Voidbringers. He believes that to achieve this, he must make difficult decisions and sacrifices, even if they seem morally questionable. Taravangian's actions in the book are driven by his desire to protect his people and prevent the destruction of Roshar. He forms alliances, manipulates events, and makes calculated moves to consolidate power and further his agenda. His actions often involve deception and manipulation, and he is willing to make ruthless choices to achieve his goals.

Szeth: Szeth's past is explored, and he embarks on a journey of redemption. Through the guidance and teachings of his spren, Nightblood, Szeth learns to channel his powers and confront his inner demons. Szeth's storyline intertwines with the broader conflict against the Voidbringers and Odium. He becomes a crucial ally in the fight against the forces of darkness, utilizing his skills as an assassin

Voidbringers: The Voidbringers, also known as the Parshendi, are the primary forces aligned with Odium. In Oathbringer, the true nature and history of the Voidbringers are revealed. It is discovered that they were once humans who were transformed into powerful warriors by the ancient spren known as the Unmade. The narrative delves into the internal conflict within the Parshendi as some of them, known as the Singers, strive to reclaim their autonomy and resist Odium's influence. The characters seek to understand the history and motives of the Voidbringers in order to find a way to counter them.

Odium: Odium continues to exert his influence and pose a threat to Roshar and its inhabitants. His presence is felt through his minions and the actions of his agents. Throughout the narrative, Odium seeks to corrupt and manipulate individuals to serve his purposes. He exerts his influence over powerful figures, sowing discord and exploiting weaknesses. His ultimate goal is to shatter the unity and resistance of the human factions and gain dominion over Roshar.

Dalinar Kholin: Dalinar is one of the important character's in this book. Dalinar's character arc revolves around his past, redemption, and his role in uniting the nations of Roshar against the threat of the Voidbringers. He grapples with his memories, which were previously suppressed, and confronts the actions he committed as the ruthless Blackthorn in his youth. Dalinar experiences vivid flashbacks that reveal his brutal and violent past. Through these recollections, he begins to understand the extent of his actions and the impact they had on others.

Dalinar seeks to unite the fractured nations of Roshar and form a coalition to stand against the Voidbringers and Odium. Dalinar's bond with the Stormfather, a powerful spren, deepens. His story highlights themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of personal growth and change. Dalinar's journey also involves the recovery and deciphering of ancient texts and codes, revealing critical knowledge about the nature of the conflict and the ancient history of Roshar. This information becomes vital in their battle against the Voidbringers and sheds light on the true extent of the challenges they face.

Shallan Davar: Shallan's story delves into her internal struggles, her identity, and the complexities of her past. She tries to cope with the struggles through the manifestation of her multiple personas, "Veil" and "Radiant." Her complicated dynamics with her romantic interest, Adolin Kholin, undergo development and exploration. By the end of this book, she begins to integrate her various personas, embracing her true self and finding strength in her vulnerabilities. Shallan's journey highlights themes of self-acceptance, personal growth, and the power of embracing one's true identity.

Overall: Oathbringer is a worthy successor to Words of Radiance and delves deeper into the world of Roshar, unveiling its history, magic system, and the enigmatic forces that shape it. The emotional turmoil that the "heroes" undergo in this series is relatable to what happens to a person in real life. In the book, it is shown that no human being is perfect and that everyone is flawed one way or another. Personal growth is achieved by not only accepting and understanding the flaws of others but also overcoming one's own limitations through self-realization. The book also demonstrates through its characters that by being compassionate, kind and respectful towards others, harmony can be realized.

See you soon with another book read!

-Thejas 😉