YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

In Oathbringer, the third volume of the New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive, humanity faces a new Desolation with the return of the Voidbringers, a foe with numbers as great as their thirst for vengeance.

Dalinar Kholin’s Alethi armies won a fleeting victory at a terrible cost: The enemy Parshendi summoned the violent Everstorm, which now sweeps the world with destruction, and in its passing awakens the once peaceful and subservient parshmen to the horror of their millennia-long enslavement by humans. While on a desperate flight to warn his family of the threat, Kaladin Stormblessed must come to grips with the fact that the newly kindled anger of the parshmen may be wholly justified.

Nestled in the mountains high above the storms, in the tower city of Urithiru, Shallan Davar investigates the wonders of the ancient stronghold of the Knights Radiant and unearths dark secrets lurking in its depths. And Dalinar realizes that his holy mission to unite his homeland of Alethkar was too narrow in scope. Unless all the nations of Roshar can put aside Dalinar’s blood-soaked past and stand together―and unless Dalinar himself can confront that past―even the restoration of the Knights Radiant will not prevent the end of civilization.

I am insanely excited about this book coming out! But I much prefer the US cover for this. I have no idea why it's not the default cover on goodreads.

Sooooo excited for this book! This series is one of my all time favourites.

Yes! It's sooooo good!

Through chapter 7. (view spoiler)[Kaladin is still my favorite. I loved that reunion. And he has another brother!

Dalinar was definitely a ruthless guy back in the day. And I wonder what will happen with Elhokar... (hide spoiler)]

Through chapter 10. (view spoiler)[I really love Adolin and Renarin's relationship. And he's learning to use his abilities! (hide spoiler)]

Up to chapter 10 (view spoiler)[ It's so easy to get back into this world! Even though I can't remember all of the details, it's still very easy to follow along and I'm picking bits up as I go. Kaladin is wonderful as always, seeing him with his family was so emotional and showed a different side to him. Dalinar seems really strong and I love that he married Navani! Adolin I am unsure of-did he commit the second murder too or is there a copycat trying to mess with him? Either way, after murdering Sadeas, he is questionable. (hide spoiler)]

Through chapter 16. (view spoiler)[He remembers her! Now what will we learn?

And what is going on with the parshmen? This definitely wasn't the expected behavior. (hide spoiler)]

Through chapter 18. (view spoiler)[I'm finding Shallan's changing more bothersome here. I like when it was more of an act and less this "becoming" it has turned into. (hide spoiler)]

Through chapter 24. I'm really enjoying it so far, but it seems like a somewhat slow start. Oh, and I didn't mention this before, but (view spoiler)[I love when Kaladin thinks of the sword Syl as a Sylsword. (hide spoiler)]

Through part one. (view spoiler)[Since I was expecting Jasnah, this didn't have as much bang as I had hoped. And Shallan is still bugging me. I don't like her calling Kaladin bridgeboy, for one. When Adolin does it it can be annoying, but you can usually tell he doesn't really mean anything by it. With her it just seems rude.

And I loved that Adolin was thinking about Kaladin with Amaram. That part made me smile, when he talked about the time they spent locked up.

Renarin with bridge four is fantastic. I hope we get to see a lot more of that. (hide spoiler)]

Up to chapter 20 (view spoiler)[ This is so good! I'm loving seeing about Dalinar's wife and it seems his forgetting magic is wearing off, he now knows her name was Evi. He was so brutal in his youth, walking around in highstorms casually and eating steak with a knife he'd just killed an assassin with. Kaladin is so compassionate, helping the freed Parshmen who don't seem to have become voidbringers-what is going on with that? (hide spoiler)]

Through the first set of interludes. (view spoiler)[I think he needs to finish that novel that Ellista was reading. That would be hilarious!

I'm really interested to see what happens with Venli. I feel sad about Eshonai, she didn't want what happened. And what about those that escaped in the chasms? Are they still out there? (hide spoiler)]

Skye wrote: "Up to chapter 10 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I loved Kaladin with his family as well. It was great seeing that reunion. With Adolin, I never thought he murdered the second person, which was why he was bothered by it. And I really like him, though I am unsure what to think after that whole thing with Sadeas... (hide spoiler)]

Skye wrote: "Up to chapter 20 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I'm wondering what is happening with the parshmen as well. What happened in the past? Obviously the Parshendi transitioned differently, so what really happened before? (hide spoiler)]

Through chapter 38. (view spoiler)[I love getting perspective from Bridge Four! Rock and Sigzil so far, which are great. But I'm worried about what's going on with Teft...

Ahhh, can't wait to find out more about all of them. And see more interactions. I want more of Renarin and Relain, who are kind of the outcasts. Lopen is hilarious, as usual. (hide spoiler)]

Through chapter 41. (view spoiler)[The letter from Mraize was interesting. And things are coning together. I just wish Shallan didn't annoy me so badly.

That Teft chapter broke my heart. And what type of spren is he kind of bonded to? (hide spoiler)]

Up to chapter 30 (view spoiler)[ This is so good! This weird spren that seems to imitate human murders-the Midnight Mother-is so odd. I have to keep reading to see what happens when Shallan touches it. Dalinar and the Stormfather seem to have found the solution to get the other monarchs on his side, so hopefully it works! (hide spoiler)]

Through chapter 49. (view spoiler)[I am so interested in what is happening with Moash and the Parshmen. This could lead to some really interesting things.

And that scene with baby Adolin was adorable. Dalinar though...he was scary back then. And what happened with Jasnah? What was done to her? (hide spoiler)]

Through part two. (view spoiler)[I hope we get more of Rlain. And I don't know what to think of Moash...and Odium! Crazy. (hide spoiler)]

Up to chapter 40. (view spoiler)[ I hate the way Jasnah is treating Shallan! Shallan is a woman now and doesn't need Jasnah to boss her around and demean her, and actually I don't like Jasnah much at all in this book. She's rude to Kaladin too. I'm glad Kaladin is back with Bridge 4. Rock's chapter was actually really interesting and he is hilarious as always! "Air starved lowlander" might be new favourite insult. It's so sweet that his family is around now. (hide spoiler)]

Through chapter 71. (view spoiler)[I love the Kaladin and Adolin friendship. I just wish more of it were shown.

Is Azure wielding an honorblade? Very curious.

And did Dalinar kill Evi? That's kind of what I'm thinking now. Guess we'll find out. (hide spoiler)]

Through chapter 77. (view spoiler)[I'm really enjoying this, for the most part. The plot is interesting and Elhokar has improved a lot. The flashbacks are crazy! Not a fan of Shallan though. Her lightweaving is interesting, the idea of her forming split personalities is even interesting, but I feel like she has taken about a thousand steps backward in development. (hide spoiler)]

Through chapter 85. (view spoiler)[I can't believe Elhokar is dead! He was making so much progress, and almost swore the first ideal, and then that. :( Moash is horrid. I know that he has been wronged, but that doesn't make what he did ok.

I wonder what is going to happen with tye oathgate...it could go badly.

And Azure is Viveena from Warbreaker right? Is her sword one of the honorblades or something else? (hide spoiler)]

Through chapter 105. (view spoiler)[I hope Dalinar can find himself. And what is Jasnah up to? What is she trying to find out about the spren?

Syl being wanted for running away. it's great, haha.

And what is with chickens in these books? They always pop up...

Kaladin and Adolin are finally, truly becoming friends. Is it odd that Adolin doesn't seem to be becoming a squire? He is very close to multiple Radiants. (hide spoiler)]

Skye wrote: "Up to chapter 40. [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I'm not that into Jasnah here, but I am hating Shallan. I am really not a fan of her character arc. She was ok in the first two, but I don't like what/how things are happening with her. Her character seems to have taken about a thousand steps backward. (hide spoiler)]

Through part four. (view spoiler)[I wonder if we will ever meet Tarah. It would be nice if she is out there somewhere.

Shadesmar is so interesting! And I wonder what happened with Azure and Zahel since the end of Warbreaker.

What is Renarin up to? I hope he doesn't get dragged into something bad.

That was a bleak end to that part. I mean, how should they react? (hide spoiler)]

I finished last night. Aside from Shallan, who mostly just bugged me, I really enjoyed this one. Now I need book four!

C.P. wrote: "I finished last night. Aside from Shallan, who mostly just bugged me, I really enjoyed this one. Now I need book four!"

I'm not even halfway yet, but I am loving this! I don't like Shallan as much in this one, but Jasnah is the one really getting on my nerves.

Jasnah is a bit irritating, but never bothered me an excessive amount.

Just hit 51%! I had to take an extended reading break for a few weeks to finish off my mountain of essays but I'm finally back to reading and can get stuck into this now. I absolutely adore this book so far.

Glad you're able to get more reading done!

75% (view spoiler)[ Where does Sanderson get his talent from? This got so incredible. The fall of Alethkar was absolutely insane and Elhokar's death broke my heart, he was so close to finishing the oaths and just wanted to be a good king. I didn't think his death would upset me so much! We had a super cute Kaladin and Shallan scene, I ship them so much, Kaladin deserves all of the happiness in the world. I do love Adolin, but I don't particularly like him and Shallan together. All of the Warbreaker references are super noticeable, though I do feel like some of it is going over my head, I find it hard to pick out who is meant to be the same character in another book. Like, is the Herald Vasher? I am a tad confused. (hide spoiler)]

Finished! Insanely good as always, Sanderson is just brilliant.

Glad you enjoyed it!

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Date changed. Restarting May 28th 2021. Happy Reading ☺

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Part One - End of Chapter 10

(view spoiler)[Finally some background for Dalinar!!! I was hoping this one would be about him. I wanted to know more about his wife and how he changed from the Blackthorne to who he is now.

Also, I'm so happy Kal got to visit his family again and they're alive. AND HE HAS A BABY BROTHER!!!!! So cute! It felt a little bit rushed, but I was happy for it, because I tend to feel Sanderson starts his books a little bit slow paced.

I'm still in shock about Shallan killing her mother using Pattern. I was not expecting that at all!!! (hide spoiler)]

I started this because I have a few days off from work, but don't worry, I'll be super busy again next week and I'm sure you'll catch up quickly. I tend to be a slow reader specially when I love the characters and I make voices in my head for them :D

Beatrice wrote: "Part One - End of Chapter 10

Finally some background for Dalinar!!! I was hoping this one would be about him. I wanted to know more about his wife and how he changed from the Blackthorne to who he..."

I'll be starting this next month but am excited to catch up with your thoughts :)

Part One - End of Chapter 20

(view spoiler)[This part has been a little bit slow for my taste, specially when Shallan is involved. I am a lot more invested in Kaladin's POV, specially now that he's trying to get to know the parshmen and he actually seems to like them!!!

Even though I knew Dalinar wasn't the best version of himself when he was younger, I did not expect it to be SO TRUE. He's a monster!! hahaha

Obviously that won't change my opinion on him, but I was very surprised to dislike his younger self SO MUCH. I guess I was expecting him to be more like Adolin, but Adolin is so sweet in comparison.

Anyways, I can't wait for Jasnah's return. (hide spoiler)]

Part One - End of Chapter 30

(view spoiler)[I feel like not much has happened since my last comment, so I don't have much to say. Everything is developing quite slowly, specially everything involving Shallan and all the alter egos she creates for herself.

I'm very eager to learn more about Dalinar and his powers, about Kaladin and the parshendi, even about Renarin... so I don't care much about the mysterious spren killing people around camp. I'm sure it will be very important to the plot though.

Anyways, I'm reading this one at a slow pace and I can't wait to know what you think. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 28
(view spoiler)[So far, the book is going in none of the directions I would've thought. For one, the Parshmen aren't even turning into voidbringers! Then there's the murderspen, and Flashback Dalinar killing by the hundreds. But at least Kal's parents are alive. And he has a brother! (hide spoiler)]

I'll be starting this one tomorrow :)

Okay, I've actually started it now. On chapter two and confused but enjoying it :)

My updates are going to be pretty lengthy. This is my Instagram book club's buddy read so I'm using this thread so keep my notes for that, as well :)

First quarter of Oathbringer Part One (up to the end of chapter 14) - (view spoiler)[Dalinar and Adolin are having issues with conflicts in the camp. It seems that some of his men see some of their new roles as beneath them, as they were formerly ascribed to the Parshendi.

Dalinar's confused thoughts over Sadeas' death is understandable. He had fond memories with the man but could also see the crimes he had committed, leaving many men to die as he retreated without them being one. It shows his abilities as a good leader that he can assess both sides to his character and not just love him regardless or condemn him for his later evil.

The Desolations are an interesting addition to the book. Them and the Voidbreakers promise future human annihilation if they can't be defeated. The different factions leading this kingdom need to come together in order to do that though and Dalinar seeks to unify the entirety of Roshar for the first time, in order to do so.

I love how this book is providing flashbacks to Dalinar's past! It has been so interesting how each book has focused on the background of one individual. I'm was excited to find out who would feature here. Adolin in the next book, perhaps?

We spent so many pages with Dalinar and Adolin, which I didn't dislike but was also eager to visit Kaladin and Shallan.

I feared reading of Kaladin's return to Hearthstone though. Syl, as sweet as she is, was oblivious to his tumult of emotions as he approached the place. I'm so glad his reunion with his parents was a happy one! Meeting the rest of the townsfolk was less successful though. They looked down on and distrusted him. It was definitely a conceited move, but I giggled when he unleashed his shardblade to demand their attention and obedience.

Page 85 and we were finally reunited with Shallan! I can understand the distrust that now faces her, since her position of a Radiant has been revealed. They have a history steeped in betrayal that Shallan etc. have to work to alter it.

Damn, Elhokar attempted to abdicate and crown Dalinar as a high king, putting his uncle in a role above his! (hide spoiler)]

Beatrice wrote: "Part One - End of Chapter 10

Finally some background for Dalinar!!! I was hoping this one would be about him. I wanted to know more about his wife and how he changed from the Blackthorne to who he..."

(view spoiler)[Eek, I'm so excited to get more Dalinar info!

And seeing Kaladin reunite with his family so sweet. I'm glad it was a happy reunion, even if it was brief. (hide spoiler)]

Second quarter of Oathbringer Part One (up to the end of chapter 29) - (view spoiler)[Dalinar's coversations with the stormfather provide so much information about both the past and what is set to occur again.

It was frustrating how little support Dalinar managed to get, and that was before Kadash revealed that they would side with the voidbringers!! At the close of the same chapter Dalinar's memories of his wife were returned but I never knew he was lacking them. I mustn't have remembered this bit of information.

The stormlight healed Shallan of the alcohol she drank and brought her back to sobriety. I know this is like the least interesting thing in the whole book but I just found it fascinating how stormlight saw no distinction between it and poison.

The voidspren revealed itself to Kaladin. I wonder how they are going to continue to play into this story? She seemed to know more about Kaladin than he showed her, despite his attempts to hide how he knew the storm was due to arrive, his reason for lingering, and his intimacy with Syl. (hide spoiler)]

Beatrice wrote: "Part One - End of Chapter 30

I feel like not much has happened since my last comment, so I don't have much to say. Everything is developing quite slowly, specially everything involving Shallan and..."

(view spoiler)[Right!? Who is this Dalinar?? (hide spoiler)]

Quirks wrote: "Chapter 28
[spoilers removed]"

I agree that it is not the book I thought it would be, so far. It is far slower than I anticipated too but still really enjoyable. (view spoiler)[I loved that Kaladin had the chance to return home. I wish he had longer with his parents and new brother but can understand his haste to leave. (hide spoiler)]

Third quarter of Oathbringer Part One (up to the end of chapter 42) - It's a lengthy one... (view spoiler)[I had hopes Kaladin could unite the humans and the parshman but even he knows it is a lost cause. They seemed like eternal enemies, doomed to fight each other. The only happy conclusion is one were they join forces and fight together though.

I didn't enjoy reading of Kaladin arguing with Syl. Kaladin bargained with the stormfather to dissipate the storm and he refused. I found it super interesting that the stormfather was just a spren as I thought them completely different entities. Kaladin showed both the parshman and the reader his strength when he used wind spren to divert the storm.

And were the spren once human??? Shallan's studies and Kaladin's conversations with the stormfather are suggesting this. They are both proving endlessly interesting.

I also enjoyed the conversations about exactly where spren stemmed from. Anger spren came from anger but did glory spren still come when a drunk individual felt full of glory even when those around were ridiculing him? His glory, in the moment, felt as real as any battlefield hero but without any action worthy of that emotion attached to it. Interesting thoughts!

I had longed to see Shallan completely bond with Pattern again. I could completely understand her reluctance to though. There's a shit ton of trauma there! They held each other close when the Unmade sought to replace Pattern, which showed their continued closeness and I was glad of it.

In interlude 1-3 there is a reference to the 'Rhythm of the Lost'. Will this prove significant as it bears a resemblance to book four's title? All current titles have referred to something else inside of this world, so far.

Jasnah has finally entered the book!!! She is an Elsecaller? And went to Shardsmar to survive? Lots to unpack, here! I can foresee Jasnah and Shallan falling out as the latter seems annoyed at returning to her former role when she had achieved so much alone and in the time that Jasnah was absent. I can understand both their positions.

Sigzil brought the idea that Bridge Four might become Radiants and leave to Kaladin, which is troubling. I liked seeing their position elevated and their abilities growing, but also liked them all united so I hope this doesn't become so.

The flashbacks to Dalinar's past were pretty hard to read. He was a very bloodthirsty individual! The return of Rathalas meant rebellion and, after a period of calm, he was surprised by the glee he felt at the impending fight. He had to find a way to tamp down these urges inside of him.

Dalinar of the present lost a whole limb in his vision? And continued fighting? He might have been bloodthirsty but he is also a badass!

The latter Shallan found gave both her and the reader so much new knowledge! I had to read the chapter twice to really understand it all. It revealed that Gavilar and Amaram were responsible for the Desolations and used them for their own religious gain. Also, that it was once believed (by Nale) that humans who bonded with spren were stopping the creation of more voidbringers. I wonder if this is true? (hide spoiler)]

Fourth quarter of Oathbringer Part One (up to the end of interlude i-6) - (view spoiler)[Shallan as Veil wanted to gather information and mingle with the men. Shallan as Radient wanted to practise with the sword. And Shallan as Shallan didn't know what she wanted. It must be very exahusting being her.

Moash started to understand that lighteyes still rule, in other parts of the kingdom, and they still also abused their position of power. Kaladin's rule was a fair one but Bridge Four was an exception to the ordinary rule. I can understand why he joined the Fused.

I'm so glad that Skar's abilities have finally manifested themselves. I was starting to worry for him. He was so eager to prove himself and it was sweet how it occurred after he aided Lyn.

Teft is starting to distrust Kaladin and I was really hoping this wouldn't continue or give any others in Bridge Four reason to question him.

The flashback to Adolin's birth showed where Dalinar altered to the figure we know him in the present sections. I really enjoyed witnessing his growth.

Dalinar's meeting with Odium was very unsettling but also informative. His character is definitely going to appear more in the second part, I think. (hide spoiler)]