Rhythm of War

This book begins about a year after the end of Oathbringer. Dalinar and Jasnah are trying to win a war that feels interminable. Navani is trying to figure out the secrets of Urithiru. Kaladin is struggling with his mental health and how to keep on fighting. Shallan and Adolin are trying to unite the spren and the humans to help win the war, while Shallan struggles with her own past.

The character building we got in Navani and Kaladin's characters is exemplary. Sanderson is a master at character. He makes characters feels so real and relatable. Navani deals with Imposter Syndrome that was worsened by her relationship with Gavilar. She doesn't consider herself a scholar, but a patron to scholars. Her faith in herself is put to the test as she is forced to work on her own to find a solution to fixing their tower. This book propelled Navani to one of my favorite characters.

Kaladin's plot line really showcased the ups and downs of living with depression. It shows that no matter your status or wealth, depression can effect anyone. His evolving relationship with Syl is always such a joy to read. I do think that every book has been a little repetitive with his story. The arc in each book feels very similar.

The pacing of the book for the most part was engaging. I do think that Sanderson can become pretty long-winded about things that aren't necessary. For example, I don't think the in depth descriptions of the science behind fabrials was necessary. A brief overview of them would've been enough. There were a few areas that felt a little dragged out, but none were long enough that I wanted to put the book down.

I think the flashback chapters of Venli and Eshonai, while adding depth to their characters, didn't really feel necessary to me. I don't feel much connection to either of them.

I think Shallan's big reveal at the end was rushed through, and I don't think the stakes were high enough. Her plot was a little disappointing to me, and she is normally one of my favorite characters to read about.

The ending. Oh my gosh, the ending. Sanderson really pulled through in making me SO ANXIOUS for the fifth book. If you know, you know.

All in all, this book was a huge success. The tie-ins to the rest of the Cosmere were so enlightening and really built this world to be so much bigger than originally perceived. I am so excited for the next book.