Brandon Sanderson

The Stormlight Archive saga continues in Rhythm of War, the eagerly awaited sequel to Brandon Sanderson's #1 New York Times bestselling Oathbringer, from an epic fantasy writer at the top of his game. After forming a coalition of human resistance against the enemy invasion, Dalinar Kholin and his Knights Radiant have spent a year fighting a protracted, brutal war. Neither side has gained an advantage, and the threat of a betrayal by Dalinar’s crafty ally Taravangian looms over every strategic move. Now, as new technological discoveries by Navani Kholin’s scholars begin to change the face of the war, the enemy prepares a bold and dangerous operation. The arms race that follows will challenge the very core of the Radiant ideals, and potentially reveal the secrets of the ancient tower that was once the heart of their strength. At the same time that Kaladin Stormblessed must come to grips with his changing role within the Knights Radiant, his Windrunners face their own problem: As more and more deadly enemy Fused awaken to wage war, no more honorspren are willing to bond with humans to increase the number of Radiants. Adolin and Shallan must lead the coalition’s envoy to the honorspren stronghold of Lasting Integrity and either convince the spren to join the cause against the evil god Odium, or personally face the storm of failure. Other Tor books by Brandon Sanderson The Cosmere The Stormlight Archive The Way of Kings Words of Radiance Edgedancer (Novella) Oathbringer Rhythm of War The Mistborn trilogy Mistborn: The Final Empire The Well of Ascension The Hero of Ages Mistborn: The Wax and Wayne series Alloy of Law Shadows of Self Bands of Mourning Collection Arcanum Unbounded Other Cosmere novels Elantris Warbreaker The Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians The Scrivener's Bones The Knights of Crystallia The Shattered Lens The Dark Talent The Rithmatist series The Rithmatist Other books by Brandon Sanderson The Reckoners Steelheart Firefight Calamity

Rhythm of War

Annabelle Gauthier

And Lift liked who she was. Who she had been. She wouldn’t be the same when she got older.

Adolin might claim he was different from his father, but in fact they were two shades of the same paint. Often, two similar colors clashed worse than wildly different ones would.

Why couldn’t he remember /those/ times, the warm times? Sitting at the fire with real friends? Real friends including a man who had /just/ tried to persuade him to go kill himself.

Leshwi smiled. He grinned back, a full-toothed grin, even while she was draining away his life.

Will I ever get to the last act of this book without crying my eyes out? 4th time through and the answer is 100% no. No I will not. 

Apiecalypse Jen

Laura Biggs

hana

a slow burn but so interesting and a really good character exploration. i need the next book!!!

Daphne Li-Chen

Elisabeth Thoresen

Christine

Cody Degen

** spoiler alert **
           I’m giving the directors cut of this that cuts 2-500 pages 4 or 5 stars

I am unhappy and stressed and now I have to wait a year

I am absolutely thrilled and saddened this is over. I am never disappointed by Branderson. My favorite book of all time is Way of Kings, this is a very close second. Kaladin remains my favorite character but there are others who I felt were standouts. Adolin, Navani, and Raboniel were some of my favorites. A wonderful addition to my have read list. 

Noah Cross

Alina

Rachel Kanyid

Oh. My. Goodness. How is every book SO FRICKIN GOOD. This was a whirlwind of emotions and the last few hours of the audio book were finger-lickin good.

tina

andrea

stormlight archive is the best series of books i've ever read and everyone has to know it.
how can some words on a page transmit so much raw emotion? as always, stormlight is beautifully written and deals flawlessly with hard topics like trauma and depression, in a way that you can almost believe that kaladin is a real person who is struggling to keep going, to wake up every morning. i can say, without a single doubt, that kaladin stormblessed is the best male main character i've ever encountered in a book. he is complex but at the same time he is so... human, real. this character makes me cry when he is -mentally- in a dark place, makes me smile when he is feeling better, i worry about him but at the same time he is such a strong soul that i know he is going to find a way to keep going even if it hurts and a different person would've given up by then. i'm always rooting for him and believing in him. if i had to trust my life in the hands of someone that would be kaladin. i feel genuine admiration for this character, i love him so much.

i also love how sanderson decided to give her own pov to navani. until now, she was a secondary character which i liked even if we readers hadn't seen much of her. but in this book... navani kholin the woman you are. she CARRIED this book on her back. she is amazing, one of my favorite stormlight characters now. it is crazy to me how she has been there since the very first book, but now is like 'you like navani? well i'm going to make her one of your favorites'. i loved her plotline, her investigation and her realization that she is, indeed, an amazing scholar. it was beautiful to see navani accomplish what she has always secretly wanted. you ARE worthy, navani, you are incredible. along with kaladin, navani is the true hero of rhythm of war and no one can change my mind. the team kaladin and navani make was something i never knew i needed until i saw them cooperating and plotting to save their people at urithiru.

venli was the other major character, and though rhythm of war is 'her' book because it includes her flashback viewpoints as well as eshonai's, i feel like we could have seen even more of her. i like her character and the internal conflict she has, but i think we don't know her as much as we know kaladin, shallan and dalinar thanks to their own books and past. i'm excited to see venli in the future, i hope we can still follow her and the singers in stormlight 5.

i really liked the plot. it wasn't as action-focused as others because we mainly followed kaladin (dealing with his inner darkness, his mental struggles) and navani (trying to save her people and the tower through her investigation and discoveries), but i found it refreshing nevertheless. dalinar and jasnah are literally in the middle of a war and we don't see much of it, but i didn't mind it. then we have adolin and shallan and their lasting integrity arc and don't mind me but *chefs kiss*. i loved it, i don't care what anyone else says. and adolin is still my favorite character.
i don't mind to admit that i cried a few times because how could i not? god. and the final revelation? oh. my. god. i'm so excited to continue reading the cosmere books i have left.

i love stormlight, i could talk for hours about the characters and the plot. this series has become very precious to me in a short amount of time. i'm already thinking about stormlight 5 and how good it is going to be. szeth's flashbacks? are you kidding me? I NEED IT RIGHT NOW.

Alejandro

This book made me feel things I didn't think possible. 

What an impressive piece of work. It's incredible how on every book the story goes to places you couldn't imagine at all.

The bad thing of Rhythm of War is how it pulled me off a bit between half of Part 2 to half of Part 3. I think the change of POV to things I was really not interested slowed my reading down a bit. It took me many days to cross that brige, while I finished Part 4 in 2 days and 5 in 1 day 😂 

(view spoiler)[The ending is yet again one of the best pieces of writing I've seen. How everything tied together in ways I couldn't expect. How, despite seeing our characters win, I have the feeling that we are lost. How after reading the epilogue I had a pure sensation of PANIC. 

But even before getting to the end. Reading how every character is able to overcome their problems, the description of the illness that every one of them needs to fight against... it's all so real, so well done, that really made me feel for them. I was reading fantasy but I knew those characters, I've been in their shoes, and there is nothing more powerful than this. The hope is there, to learn from them and see the light.

But please can we get only Shallan from now on? I was so tired of her POVs 😢  (hide spoiler)]

Marisa Petri

Honestly some of my favourite moments are in this book, can't wait for the release of next one!!

The fourth book in the stormlight Archive series, Rhythm of War, marks the eagerly awaited sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling Oathbringer, from epic fantasy writer Brandon Sanderson. After forming a coalition of human resistance against the enemy invasion, Dalinar Kholin and his Knights Radiant have spent a year fighting a protracted, brutal war. Neither side has gained an advantage, and the threat of a betrayal by Dalinar’s crafty ally Taravangian looms over every strategic move. Now, as new technological discoveries by Navani Kholin’s scholars begin to change the face of the war, the enemy prepares a bold and dangerous operation. The arms race that follows will challenge the very core of the Radiant ideals, and potentially reveal the secrets of the ancient tower that was once the heart of their strength. At the same time that Kaladin Stormblessed must come to grips with his changing role within the Knights Radiant, his Windrunners face their own problem: As more and more deadly enemy Fused awaken to wage war, no more honorspren are willing to bond with humans to increase the number of Radiants. Adolin and Shallan must lead the coalition’s envoy to the honorspren stronghold of Lasting Integrity and either convince the spren to join the cause against the evil god Odium, or personally face the storm of failure.

Book Four of The Stormlight Archive

roan

i adore these characters and this world so much

Abdul H

Bradley Jordan

Celeste Richardson

Rhythm of War is hands down my favorite book of the year, and I’ve read some truly incredible books over the course of 2020. At the moment, it’s also my favorite fantasy book I’ve ever read. That title has been held by The Name of the Wind for over a decade, but in Rhythm of War Sanderson has usurped it. 
Humans are a poem. A song.
For ones so soft, they are somehow strong.
For ones so varied, they are somehow intense.
For ones so lost, they are somehow determined.
For ones so confused, they are somehow brilliant.
For ones so tarnished, they are somehow bright.
Radiant.
The thing that sets Sanderson apart from other fantasy authors in my mind is his phenomenal world building. There is no other author who can evoke such vibrant and absorbing images in my mind as I read. When I pick up a Sanderson book, I feel like it completely transports me, and like the real world doesn’t exist while I’m nestled between the pages. His worlds are so tangible and easy to visualize, and no world exemplifies this better than Roshar. Sanderson is also exceptional at crafting magic systems. Every single magic system in his Cosmere is captivating and cinematic, which is doubly true for the Stormlight Archive seeing as the magic system varies so vastly from person to person. There’s a science and a method to each system that makes them believable. Even with the magic system of Roshar, which seems almost religious in nature, there are rules that make sense.
“We need to remember the past.. We need to remember what we passed through to get here.”
Character development is yet another area in which Sanderson truly excels. So much of the plot in this installment revolved around divided minds. Whether that divide is between light and dark, or intellect and emotion, or the division involves hiding from the truth or the past behind a self-created fiction, almost every perspective character is dealing with an internal division of some sort. Some of these struggles are more evident and dramatic than others, for sure, but a giant part of the development for any of these characters is learning to forgive themselves and accept themselves.
“Some people charged toward the goal, running for all they had. Others stumbled. But it wasn’t the speed that mattered.
It was the direction they were going.”
I love what Sanderson conveys through his characters about the differences between empathy and sympathy. Even when we can’t understand what someone we love is going through, such as clinical depression or another mental struggle, we can still have empathy. We can still care deeply and be there for them without being able to grasp what they’re feeling. He also reminds us of the importance of having that kind of empathy for ourselves. We’re always our own worst critics, and the characters in this series exemplify that. 
“Had she done harm without realizing it? Possibly. Had she made mistakes? Certainly. But she’d been trying to help. That was her journey.”
Rhythm of War also deftly addresses inclusion and prejudice. Whatever our differences physiologically, ideologically, or psychologically, we should still be able to respect one another and treat one another with dignity. Common ground is great when it can be found, and I think it should carry far more weight than our divisions. But common ground shouldn’t be necessary for us to treat other people like, well, people. That comes into play a good deal in this story. 
“No one ever accomplished anything by being content with who they were… We accomplish greta things by reaching toward who we could become.”
Honestly, there is an astonishing amount of philosophy woven into this entire series, and that makes the entirety of it more meaningful to me. The blending of philosophy, religion, and science in this particular installment is absolutely fascinating. The character development is second to none, the world building is insane, the pacing is solid and the action sequences are captivating. These are all building blocks of a great fantasy series. But that extra deep dive into the crossroads of science and religion? The graceful handling of mental illness and societal failings in a way that never weighs down the story itself? Those elements are what lift Stormlight Archive from great into the realm of near perfection, in my eyes.
“Never underestimate the strength of a soldier trained to stand fast.”
“Never underestimate the simple intimidating force of a man who won’t back down.”
“Never underestimate the worth of being willing to hold. Your. GROUND.”
Music is and has always been my thing. I’m insanely bookwormy, but if I had to define myself to quickly to others, I would call myself a musician first and a reader second. Melody and lyrics are the ways in which I most capably express myself. Because of this, I should have been more excited than I was about Rhythm of War based on the title alone. But I thought I knew what that title referenced and, while ecstatic to revisit the world and characters I have come to love with my entire heart, there was something about that title that dampened my enthusiasm just the tiniest bit. I should have known better. Sanderson completely surprised me in the best way when it became time to reveal the source of the title. That particular element of the plot is in large part why this is now my favorite Stormlight novel. I can’t say anything more about it without spoiling what I view as an incredibly important plot point. What I will say is, if you’re someone whose life has been defined by music, there’s going to be some special resonance here for you.
“What is a secret but a surprise to be discovered?”
Sanderson fans have coined the term “Sanderlanche” to describe the insane epicness of how he brings all of his plot points together. There were multiple little Sanderlanches mixed into this book, and each and every one of them was incredible. Every single one packed a huge emotional punch that I found very, very satisfying. Then there was the giant Sanderlanche. I lost so much sleep, y’all. I read the last 300 or so pages in one sitting because I was physically incapable of putting it down. It was almost infuriatingly good. I’m constantly blown away by Sanderson’s imagination, work ethic, and craftsmanship.
“Our weakness doesn’t make us weak. Our weakness makes us strong. For we had to carry it all these years.”
If you’re invested (ha) in the Cosmere, this book is going to bring you a little something extra. In the pages of Rhythm of War, various stands of the Cosmere start tying together. I found this almost as exciting as the plot and character development. However, if you’re not caught up on the Cosmere and have only read the Stormlight Archive, you’re still going to be able to enjoy this without feeling lost. But if you’re a lover of Easter egg hunting in your media consumption, you’re in for some serious fun.
“Honor is not dead so long as he lives in the hearts of men!”
In my opinion, there has never been a better time in the history of publishing to be a fantasy fan. And for me personally, that is in large part due to Brandon Sanderson. His work captivates and inspires me so much, and I can’t wait to see where he takes his readership next. Is it too soon to start counting down the days until Book 5? But in the meantime, I’ll be reading whatever he puts out and rereading what he’s already given us. If you’re looking to escape from reality for a while, and would prefer to do so in a way that will lift you up emotionally and feed your soul, there’s no author I’d rather recommend. 

You can find  this review and more at Novel Notions.

Brianna

Rests more at a 3.5 stars for me

There are many reasons I should have loved this, and many reasons I didn’t. Perhaps the biggest contributing factor is reading it over a span of months because I simply lacked the energy. Open to eventual rereads most likely bumping it up.

Overall a solid Stormlight book. Just not what I hoped.

Alost

Elin

God, this book is amazing. Probably one of the best books I’ve read. However, credit’s definitely due to all the Mistborn and Stormlight books that came before it.

An instant #1 New York Times Bestseller and a USA Today and Indie Bestseller! The Stormlight Archive saga continues in Rhythm of War, the eagerly awaited sequel to Brandon Sanderson's #1 New York Times bestselling Oathbringer, from an epic fantasy writer at the top of his game. After forming a coalition of human resistance against the enemy invasion, Dalinar Kholin and his Knights Radiant have spent a year fighting a protracted, brutal war. Neither side has gained an advantage, and the threat of a betrayal by Dalinar’s crafty ally Taravangian looms over every strategic move. Now, as new technological discoveries by Navani Kholin’s scholars begin to change the face of the war, the enemy prepares a bold and dangerous operation. The arms race that follows will challenge the very core of the Radiant ideals, and potentially reveal the secrets of the ancient tower that was once the heart of their strength. At the same time that Kaladin Stormblessed must come to grips with his changing role within the Knights Radiant, his Windrunners face their own problem: As more and more deadly enemy Fused awaken to wage war, no more honorspren are willing to bond with humans to increase the number of Radiants. Adolin and Shallan must lead the coalition’s envoy to the honorspren stronghold of Lasting Integrity and either convince the spren to join the cause against the evil god Odium, or personally face the storm of failure. Other Tor books by Brandon Sanderson The Cosmere The Stormlight Archive The Way of Kings Words of Radiance Edgedancer (Novella) Oathbringer Rhythm of War The Mistborn trilogy Mistborn: The Final Empire The Well of Ascension The Hero of Ages Mistborn: The Wax and Wayne series Alloy of Law Shadows of Self Bands of Mourning Collection Arcanum Unbounded Other Cosmere novels Elantris Warbreaker The Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians The Scrivener's Bones The Knights of Crystallia The Shattered Lens The Dark Talent The Rithmatist series The Rithmatist Other books by Brandon Sanderson The Reckoners Steelheart Firefight Calamity

yael babayof

Reading this book took me a lot of time and was very prolonged because I just started my academic year, but it was absolutely amazing!!!
There were parts I felt like were stretching for too long, but overall the book is fantastic. 
If you haven’t already read books of Brandon Sanderson I really recommend you to start. This book is just a small piece of his amazing work and it is really worth it reading those very long (and emotionally heavy) books.
I hope you’ll enjoy it!

After forming a coalition of human resistance against the enemy invasion, Dalinar Kholin and his Knights Radiant have spent a year fighting a protracted, brutal war. Neither side has gained an advantage.Now, as new technological discoveries begin to change the face of the war, the enemy prepares a bold and dangerous operation. The arms race that follows will challenge the very core of the Radiant ideals, and potentially reveal the secrets of the ancient tower that was once the heart of their strength.Praise for Brandon Sanderson'Sanderson is an evil genius. There is simply no other way to describe what he's managed to pull off in this transcendent final volume of his Mistborn trilogy' RT Book Reviews (Gold Medal, Top Pick!) on The Hero of Ages'It's rare for a fiction writer to have much understanding of how leadership works and how love really takes root in the human heart. Sanderson is astonishingly wise' Orson Scott Card'Sanderson is crafting an extremely well-thought out saga with Mistborn, one that looks to stand above the pack of his literary peers. The magic system is perfectly detailed, the world, though not completely revealed, has a great sense of natural logic to it, and the characters are a reflection of both' SFF World'Intrigue, politics, and conspiracies mesh complexly in a world Sanderson realizes in satisfying depth and peoples with impressive characters' Booklist on Mistborn'Highly recommended to anyone hungry for a good read' Robin Hobb on Mistborn'Enjoyable, adventurous read' Locus on MistbornOther books by Brandon SandersonThe CosmereThe Stormlight ArchiveThe Way of KingsWords of RadianceEdgedancer (Novella)OathbringerThe Mistborn trilogyMistborn: The Final EmpireThe Well of AscensionThe Hero of AgesMistborn: The Wax and Wayne seriesAlloy of LawShadows of SelfBands of MourningCollectionArcanum UnboundedOther Cosmere novelsElantrisWarbreakerOther books by Brandon SandersonThe ReckonersSteelheartFirefightCalamity

Kim Marie

Over 1200 pages and even MORE plot twists and revelations as usual - with every new information revealed, new questions came up. But I don’t really mind, because this only means we’re in for a long ride and I trust BranSan. How can you not when he had the final of this epic book up his sleeve all those years and managed to execute them perfectly!
Yes, there were slow parts to this book. 
Yes, it coule have been told with fewer words
Yes, there are parts that are a bit repetitive and that overlap with viewpoints from early books
But those all help to create an incredible, satisfying story with a huge eye for small details, different interpretations and versions of the events that took place, seen and experienced from different characters! I lived every second of it and can’t wait to see what part 5 will bring!
And the cosmere tie-ins that are becoming more and more important are just so much fun!

Imane

Review to come once I’ve unravelled the knot made by my mixed feelings lol

Maytal

I've never read any book, let alone a fantasy series, deal with mental health issues so well. It pains me to know I will have to wait a few years for the next instalment.

Rhythm of War

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