Oathbringer, the third book in The Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson, continues the epic saga of Roshar, where the battle between humans and the Voidbringers intensifies. The story follows key characters such as Dalinar Kholin and Shallan Davar as they confront their pasts and the looming threat of destruction. Themes of leadership, redemption, and the struggle for unity are explored as alliances are tested and ancient secrets are revealed. This installment is essential for fans of high fantasy and those invested in the intricate world-building and character development that Sanderson is known for. Oathbringer is a must-read for anyone eager to understand the complexities of the series and its characters’ journeys.

Key Points

  • Explores the conflict between humans and Voidbringers in Roshar
  • Follows Dalinar Kholin’s quest for redemption and unity
  • Delves into Shallan Davar’s struggles with her identity and past
  • Features intricate world-building and character development by Brandon Sanderson
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SIX YEARS AGO
Eshonai had always told her sister that she was certain something wonderful
lay over the next hill. Then one day, she’d crested a hill and found humans.
She’d always imagined humans—as sung of in the songs—as dark,
formless monsters. Instead they were wonderful, bizarre creatures. They
spoke with no discernible rhythm. They wore clothing more vibrant than
carapace, but couldn’t grow their own armor. They were so terrified of the
storms that even when traveling they hid inside vehicles.
Most remarkably, they had only one form.
She first assumed the humans must have forgotten their forms, much as
the listeners once had. That built an instant kinship between them.
Now, over a year later, Eshonai hummed to the Rhythm of Awe as she
helped unload drums from the cart. They’d traveled a great distance to see
the human homeland, and each step had overwhelmed her further. That
experience culminated here, in this incredible city of Kholinar and its
magnificent palace.
This cavernous unloading dock on the western side of the palace was so
large, two hundred listeners had packed in here after their first arrival, and
still hadn’t filled the place. Indeed, most of the listeners couldn’t attend the
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FAQs

What did Eshonai discover about humans when she first met them?
When Eshonai first met humans, she was surprised to find them to be wonderful and bizarre creatures, contrary to her expectations of dark, formless monsters. They spoke without discernible rhythm and wore vibrant clothing, but unlike her people, they could not grow their own armor and were terrified of storms, often hiding inside vehicles. This encounter built an instant kinship in her, as she initially assumed that humans had forgotten their forms, similar to how the listeners once had.
How did Eshonai feel about the humans' treatment of parshmen?
Eshonai initially believed that the humans were caring for the parshmen, whom she thought were a hapless tribe trapped in dull form. However, she later realized that the humans actually owned them, treating them as property rather than helping them. This revelation was shocking for Eshonai, who had come to view the humans as allies, only to discover that they were involved in the enslavement of her people.
What was King Gavilar's intention when he spoke to Eshonai?
King Gavilar wanted to show Eshonai a fabrial, a device powered by stormlight, which he believed could create warmth. During their conversation, he expressed his need for her help to achieve something significant, hinting at a plan to bring back her gods. He believed that by uniting the listeners with a threat, they could regain power and honor, suggesting a complex political maneuvering behind their interactions.
What did Eshonai think about the palace and its decoration?
As Eshonai explored the palace, she was overwhelmed by its beauty and artistry, noting the intricate carvings and inlaid marble patterns. She marveled at the human ability to create such magnificent works, contrasting it with her people's simpler forms of expression. Eshonai pondered whether her people could also create art if they understood the right forms, reflecting her admiration for human creativity despite the underlying complexities of their society.
How did Eshonai perceive the emotions of humans compared to her own people?
Eshonai observed that humans wore their emotions on their faces much more openly than listeners did. While her people could smile, laugh, and cry, the emotional expressions of humans were more pronounced and varied, which fascinated her. This difference contributed to her struggle to understand human behavior and the complexities of their interactions.