Summary
Wind and Truth, the highly anticipated fifth installment in Brandon Sanderson's epic fantasy series The Stormlight Archive, was released on December 6, 2024. This massive 1344-page novel serves as the explosive conclusion to the first story arc of the series, which has sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Sanderson's intricate world-building and complex characters have captivated readers since the series began with The Way of Kings in 2010.
As with previous books in the series, Wind and Truth features multiple viewpoint characters and storylines that weave together to form a grand tapestry. The novel includes flashback chapters from the perspective of Szeth, the mysterious Assassin in White. Fans eagerly anticipated learning more about this enigmatic character's backstory. The book also continues plotlines involving beloved characters like Kaladin, Shallan, Dalinar, and others as they face their greatest challenges yet.
The unabridged audiobook version of Wind and Truth is narrated by the acclaimed duo of Michael Kramer and Kate Reading. Their performances have been praised for bringing Sanderson's vast cast of characters to life and enhancing the immersive quality of the Stormlight Archive. With a runtime of over 50 hours, the audiobook offers listeners an epic journey through the world of Roshar.
Plot
In Wind and Truth, the fifth installment of Brandon Sanderson's The Stormlight Archive series, Dalinar Kholin challenges the evil god Odium to a contest of champions, with only ten days for the Knights Radiant to prepare. The ascension of the cunning Taravangian as Odium's new vessel complicates matters further. Meanwhile, battles rage across Roshar, with Adolin fighting in Azir, Sigzil and Venli at the Shattered Plains, and Jasnah in Thaylenah.
Szeth and Kaladin embark on a journey to Shinovar, Szeth's homeland, to cleanse it from the dark influence of the Unmade. Their mission also involves helping the insane Herald Ishar and confronting their own inner demons. As they travel, they uncover secrets about the Honorblades and the corruption of Szeth's people.
Shallan, Renarin, and Rlain work to solve the mystery surrounding the Unmade Ba-Ado-Mishram, investigating her role in enslaving the singer race and the ancient Knights Radiant's decision to kill their spren. Their quest leads them through dangerous territories and reveals shocking truths about the history of Roshar. Shallan also faces challenges from the Ghostbloods, who are pursuing their own agenda involving Kalak and the imprisoned Ba-Ado-Mishram.
Dalinar and Navani seek an advantage against Odium's champion by venturing into the Spiritual Realm, where memory and possibility intertwine chaotically. They experience visions of the past and search for the hidden power of Honor, which could potentially turn the tide of the impending contest. As the ten-day deadline approaches, the fate of not just Roshar, but the entire Cosmere, hangs in the balance.
Themes
Power and responsibility of leadership
Struggle between good and evil
Overcoming personal demons and trauma
Importance of unity and cooperation
Quest for knowledge and truth
Consequences of past actions
Balance between duty and personal desires
Setting
Wind and Truth takes place in the fictional world of Roshar, a vast and diverse planet characterized by powerful storms and unique flora and fauna adapted to survive them. The story unfolds across various regions of Roshar, including the nations of Alethkar, Jah Keved, and Azir, as well as more remote locations like Shinovar and the mysterious Shattered Plains.
The era depicted is one of political turmoil and impending apocalypse, as the world faces the return of ancient enemies and the potential end of civilization. Technology in Roshar blends medieval elements with magical innovations, creating a unique setting where swords and spears coexist with magically-powered transportation and communication devices.
Characters
Kaladin Stormblessed: A skilled warrior and leader of Bridge Four. He struggles with depression while striving to protect others. Kaladin travels to Shinovar with Szeth to find Ishar and cleanse the land of the Unmade's influence. His journey forces him to confront his own demons while helping others face theirs.
Shallan Davar: A complex character with multiple personalities. She is on a mission to unravel the mystery of Ba-Ado-Mishram and thwart the Ghostbloods' plans. Shallan's quest leads her to confront her past and explore the Spiritual Realm, pushing her abilities to new limits.
Dalinar Kholin: The leader of the Knights Radiant who challenged Odium to a contest of champions. He seeks an edge against Odium's champion in the Spiritual Realm. Dalinar must navigate political tensions and prepare for the climactic battle that will determine Roshar's fate.
Szeth-son-son-Vallano: The former Assassin in White, now seeking redemption. He accompanies Kaladin to Shinovar to cleanse his homeland. Szeth must confront his past and the corruption of his people while battling his own inner turmoil.
Adolin Kholin: Dalinar's son and a skilled duelist. He leads the defense of Azimir against Odium's forces. Adolin must prove his leadership skills in a desperate battle to hold the city.
Jasnah Kholin: The brilliant and ruthless queen of Alethkar. She defends Thaylen City while contributing to the overall strategy against Odium. Jasnah's tactical mind and powerful abilities are put to the test in this critical conflict.
Navani Kholin: Scholar and wife of Dalinar. She accompanies him to the Spiritual Realm, seeking knowledge to gain an advantage against Odium. Navani's expertise in fabrials and technology proves crucial in understanding the nature of the Spiritual Realm.
Taravangian: The new vessel of Odium, having ascended to godhood. His cunning and ruthlessness make him a formidable opponent. Taravangian must learn to wield his new powers while pursuing his own agenda for Roshar.
Venli: A Listener who fights alongside the humans at the Shattered Plains. She seeks to redeem herself and her people. Venli's unique perspective as a former enemy provides valuable insights in the battle against Odium's forces.
Sigzil: A member of Bridge Four who leads the defense of the Shattered Plains. He must step up as a leader in Kaladin's absence. Sigzil's worldly knowledge and strategic mind are put to the test in this critical battle.
Renarin Kholin: Dalinar's younger son with unique abilities. He assists Shallan and Rlain in their search for Ba-Ado-Mishram. Renarin's visions and connection to the future play a crucial role in unraveling the mysteries of the past.
Rlain: A former Listener now allied with humans. He works with Shallan and Renarin to understand Ba-Ado-Mishram's role in history. Rlain's knowledge of singer culture provides valuable context for their investigation.
Quick facts
Wind and Truth is the fifth book in The Stormlight Archive series and concludes the first story arc.
The book was published on December 6, 2024, making it one of the most anticipated fantasy releases that year.
At 491,000 words, it is the longest book in The Stormlight Archive series so far.
The flashback chapters in this book focus on the character Szeth, the Assassin in White.
Brandon Sanderson started writing the book in January 2022 and finished the first draft in December 2023.
The book's working title was originally “Knights of Wind and Truth” before being shortened.
The audiobook version is narrated by the husband-and-wife team of Michael Kramer and Kate Reading.
Sanderson has stated that the ending of this book was planned as far back as 1999 for an RPG he was developing.
The novel features multiple viewpoint characters, including Kaladin, Shallan, Dalinar, Adolin, and Jasnah.
After completing this book, Sanderson plans to take a break from The Stormlight Archive to work on other projects.
About the Author
Brandon Sanderson is an acclaimed American fantasy and science fiction author best known for his intricate magic systems and expansive fictional universes. Born in 1975, Sanderson rose to prominence with his debut novel Elantris in 2005 and has since become one of the most prolific and popular writers in the speculative fiction genre. He is perhaps most famous for his Mistborn series and The Stormlight Archive, as well as for completing Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series.
Sanderson's works are notable for their interconnected “Cosmere” universe, which spans multiple series and planets. His novels feature intricate, rule-based magic systems that he calls “hard magic,” as opposed to the more mystical “soft magic” found in some fantasy works. This approach, along with his fast-paced plotting and complex worldbuilding, has earned him a dedicated fanbase. In addition to his adult fantasy novels, Sanderson has written several young adult series and children's books.
Beyond his writing, Sanderson is known for his prolific output and engagement with fans. He regularly provides detailed progress updates on his projects and has conducted highly successful crowdfunding campaigns for special editions and secret projects. Sanderson also teaches creative writing at Brigham Young University and co-hosts the writing advice podcast Writing Excuses. His work has earned him numerous awards, including a Hugo Award for Best Novella. As Sanderson continues to expand his literary universe and push the boundaries of the fantasy genre, he remains one of the most influential and innovative authors in contemporary speculative fiction.
