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Wind and Truth

Wind and Truth

Epic FantasyFantasy
Pages
1232
Published
2024
Language
English

Synopsis

The conclusion to the first arc of The Stormlight Archive brings Dalinar Kholin and Szeth-son-son-Vallano to the moment the entire series has been building toward: a contest of champions that will determine the fate of Roshar. While Dalinar and Szeth march across the continent, Taravangian — now holding the Shard of Odium — prepares a plan that could shatter the contest's terms entirely. Wind and Truth closes out the stories of the original five main characters before the series jumps forward in time for the second five-book arc. It is the longest Stormlight Archive volume published to date and contains the most overt Cosmere crossover of the series.

Prose complexity
7/10

Vibe

DarkTenseAdventurousAtmosphericEmotional
Chosen OneMultiple POVsRedemption ArcSacrificeBetrayalMorally Grey

Genres

Epic Fantasy Fantasy High Fantasy

About the author

B
Brandon Sanderson

Born in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1975, Brandon Sanderson spent his early twenties working graveyard shifts at a hotel — writing novels at the front desk between guest check-ins. By the time his debut, Elantris, was published by Tor Books in 2005, he had completed thirteen novels in the drawer. His subsequent Mistborn trilogy and the ongoing Stormlight Archive series established him as the primary architect of the Cosmere, an interconnected fictional universe in which most of his fantasy series share...

Characters

Dalinar KholinProtagonist

The Blackthorn turned peacemaker, facing his ultimate test as humanity's champion in the contest with Odium.

Szeth-son-son-VallanoProtagonist

The former Assassin in White accompanying Dalinar, seeking to confront and correct the sins of his past.

TaravangianAntagonist

Now holding the Shard of Odium, wielding divine power without the compassion that once tempered his coldness.

Shallan DavarSupporting

Working to undermine the enemy from within while her three identities finally begin to integrate.

Kaladin StormblessedSupporting

Retired from front-line combat to train new Radiants, but drawn back for the final confrontation.

All characters in Wind and Truth

Frequently asked questions

  • Do I need to read other books before Wind and Truth?

    Wind and Truth is the fifth main installment in The Stormlight Archive series. To fully understand the plot, characters, and world-building, it is essential to read the preceding four books in order.

  • How does Wind and Truth connect to the Cosmere?

    This book is a significant entry in Brandon Sanderson's larger Cosmere universe, featuring subtle connections and overarching lore that tie into his other fantasy series. Readers familiar with the Cosmere will recognize recurring themes and potential crossover elements.

  • Does Wind and Truth complete the Stormlight Archive?

    It completes the first arc of five books. The second arc, set later in the Cosmere timeline with a partially new cast, is planned but not yet in progress as of 2024.

  • How long is Wind and Truth?

    At approximately 1,327 pages in the US hardcover, it is the longest single volume in the Stormlight Archive.

  • Do I need to read all four previous books first?

    Yes. Wind and Truth picks up directly from Rhythm of War and assumes complete familiarity with all four previous volumes.

  • Who is Taravangian in this book and why has he changed?

    Taravangian absorbed the Shard of Odium — the divine power of hatred — at the end of Rhythm of War. He now wields it as a god, unconstrained by the compassion he once had.

  • Does this book have major character deaths?
  • What Cosmere crossover appears in this book?

    Wind and Truth contains the most overt Cosmere crossover in the Stormlight Archive, with characters and elements from Mistborn, Warbreaker, and other Cosmere works appearing directly in the plot.

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