Summary
Oathbringer is the third epic fantasy in Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive series. Published in 2017, the novel continues the sweeping saga on the world of Roshar as humanity faces the return of the Voidbringers. The story follows the viewpoints of multiple characters, including Dalinar Kholin, Kaladin Stormblessed, and Shallan Davar, as they grapple with ancient magic, political intrigue, and apocalyptic threats.
As with its predecessors, Oathbringer was an instant bestseller and drew praise for its intricate world-building, complex magic system, and character development. The novel delves deeper into the history and lore of Roshar while advancing the overarching plot in significant ways. At over 450,000 words, Oathbringer stands as Sanderson's longest single work to date.
Plot
In Oathbringer, the Voidbringers have returned to Roshar, awakening the once peaceful parshmen to rebel against their human masters. Dalinar Kholin works to unite the nations of Roshar against this threat, while grappling with newly restored memories of his violent past. Meanwhile, Kaladin travels to warn his family and ends up joining a group of escaped parshmen, coming to understand their perspective.
Shallan investigates the mysteries of Urithiru, the ancient city that serves as a base for the newly reborn Knights Radiant. She struggles with her fractured identity as she takes on different personas for her spy work. A group including Shallan, Kaladin, and Adolin travel to the capital city of Kholinar on a mission to reclaim it from enemy forces and reactivate its Oathgate. The mission goes disastrously wrong, however, forcing them to flee into the cognitive realm of Shadesmar.
As Dalinar works to forge alliances, his efforts are undermined when ancient secrets come to light revealing that humans were originally the invaders of Roshar. Most of his allies abandon him, leaving Roshar vulnerable as the enemy prepares to attack the city of Thaylen. Dalinar confronts the evil god Odium and must overcome his guilt and trauma to access new powers as a Bondsmith.
The climactic battle for Thaylen City unfolds as Dalinar and the Knights Radiant fight against Odium's forces, including corrupted humans controlled by an ancient force called the Thrill. Kaladin and the others race back from Shadesmar to join the fight. Through their combined efforts and Dalinar's newfound abilities, they are able to achieve victory and drive back Odium's forces, though many challenges still lie ahead for the people of Roshar.
Themes
Redemption and forgiveness
Confronting past trauma and mistakes
Unity in the face of overwhelming odds
The nature of leadership and responsibility
Struggle between duty and personal desires
Discovery of hidden truths and revelations
Faith and belief in the face of uncertainty
Setting
Oathbringer takes place in the world of Roshar, a vast and diverse continent plagued by violent storms. The story unfolds in an era of renewed conflict, as ancient enemies known as the Voidbringers have returned after millennia to wage war against humanity. This tumultuous period marks the potential beginning of a new Desolation, a cyclical catastrophe that has nearly wiped out civilization multiple times in the past.
Much of the action occurs in several key locations on Roshar. The tower-city of Urithiru serves as a base for the reformed Knights Radiant and their allies. The Alethi capital of Kholinar has fallen under siege, becoming a pivotal battleground. Meanwhile, the coastal metropolis of Thaylen City emerges as another crucial site in the struggle against the Voidbringers. Beyond the physical realm, parts of the story also unfold in Shadesmar, the mysterious cognitive realm that mirrors the physical world.
Characters
Dalinar Kholin: Former warlord turned Bondsmith. Dalinar struggles with his violent past and alcoholism as he tries to unite the nations of Roshar against the Voidbringers. He bonds with the Stormfather and gains powerful abilities.
Kaladin Stormblessed: Former slave turned Windrunner. Captain of the Kholin army's Bridge Four unit. Kaladin continues to struggle with depression and self-doubt as he grows into his powers.
Shallan Davar: Young scholar and Lightweaver. Shallan creates powerful illusions and develops multiple personalities to cope with trauma. Engaged to Adolin Kholin.
Adolin Kholin: Dalinar's son and heir, an expert swordsman who supports his father's efforts to unite Roshar. Engaged to Shallan.
Jasnah Kholin: Dalinar's niece and a powerful Elsecaller. A brilliant scholar, Jasnah returns after being presumed dead.
Odium: The novel’s primary antagonist. The god of hatred, Odium seeks to destroy civilization on Roshar.
Taravangian: King of Kharbranth who betrays Dalinar's coalition. He has a fluctuating intelligence due to a bargain with the Nightwatcher.
Szeth-son-son-Vallano: Former assassin now training as a Skybreaker. He wields the powerful sword Nightblood.
Venli: A listener who inadvertently caused the return of the Voidbringers. Venli struggles with guilt and starts bonding with a Radiant spren (fragments of the power of creation that represent the world’s basic elements and emotions).
Eshonai: Venli's sister and former leader of the Listeners who sought peace with humans. She appears in the novel in flashbacks.
Quick facts
At over 450,000 words, Oathbringer is the longest novel in The Stormlight Archive series so far, and Brandon Sanderson’s longest work to date.
The book's original working title was “Stones Unhallowed” before Sanderson settled on Oathbringer.
Over 100 beta readers helped refine the manuscript before publication.
The hardcover edition features original endpaper illustrations of four Heralds by artists Howard Lyon and Dan dos Santos.
Sanderson wrote a novella called Edgedancer while working on Oathbringer to help bridge the gap between books.
The audiobook version, narrated by Michael Kramer and Kate Reading, is over 55 hours long.
The cover art by Michael Whelan depicts Jasnah Kholin defending a city using her Shardblade and Soulcasting abilities.
Sanderson had to use a different press and bindery to print Oathbringer due to its enormous length.
The book explores themes of redemption and confronting past trauma through Dalinar's character arc.
Sanderson wrote Oathbringer using a program called Scrivener to help organize the complex plot and multiple viewpoint characters.
About the Author
Brandon Sanderson (1975-) is a prolific American author best known for his fantasy and science fiction novels. He has become one of the most popular writers in the genre, with over 21 million copies of his books sold worldwide. He is particularly renowned for creating complex magic systems and interconnected fictional universes, most notably the Cosmere.
Sanderson's career took off with the publication of Elantris in 2005, followed by his acclaimed Mistborn series. He gained further recognition when chosen to complete Robert Jordan's epic Wheel of Time series after the author's passing. Sanderson's own grand epic, The Stormlight Archive, launched in 2010 with The Way of Kings, has become a cornerstone of modern fantasy literature.
In addition to his adult fantasy works, Sanderson has written several young adult series, including The Reckoners and Skyward. He is also known for his “Laws of Magic,” which outline principles for creating consistent and engaging magic systems in fiction. Sanderson's dedication to his craft extends beyond writing; he teaches creative writing at Brigham Young University and co-hosts the writing advice podcast “Writing Excuses."
Sanderson's innovative approach to publishing was highlighted in 2022 when his Kickstarter campaign for four secret novels became the most successful in the platform's history, raising over $41 million. This unprecedented success demonstrates not only Sanderson's popularity but also his ability to connect directly with his fanbase, pushing the boundaries of traditional publishing models in the digital age.
