Oathbringer [October 13, 2020]

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

This is a Buddy Read for Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson starting October 13, 2020.


Join us to gear up for Rhythm of War! :D

[Rob]

Placeholder :)

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

Same!

[Eva]

Coolest place to read Oathbringer?

(He's called Stephen Megison and Sanderson retweeted it here:
https://twitter.com/BrandSanderson/st...)

[Elizabeth]

I'll join in! I'm currently reading book 2 for the first time.

[Paula]

I'm in!

[Rob]

ah ok first time readers. have you use those spoiler tags on full force!

[Choko]

I will be here!

[Beena]

Yasss, excited!

@Eva, Ha that's insane, I'd be scared of losing my book! Not that I'm likely to sky dive or anything haha..

[Elizabeth]

So I've started listening early after I finished the last one I was listening too. I've listened to all so far, so I may spell some names incorrectly.

Chapter 11 (view spoiler)[ Wow it's crazy how different Dalinar is in these flashbacks. He killed the kid too? (hide spoiler)]

[Beena]

Cannot wait for this!! Bring it on!

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

I started a bit early also. Couldn't justify being late by starting the other books on my docket for the month lol.

I swear Sanderson is one of the very few authors who can write 1000+ pages books and not have any single boring passages within them. At least for me - I eat up every moment.

Through Ch. 10 (view spoiler)[ One of my fav moments in this entire book was Dalinar's trip home after all he's been through. It might be because I'm pregnant, but him seeing the new addition to the family choked me up quite a bit lol. (hide spoiler)]

[Lucija]

I'll be starting tommorow. Sooo excited :D

[Rob]

Ok, biased group here, but my registration is due on my car and this is available. Should I get it?

[Rob]

Ergh. My family is overruling me. They like my current license plate which randomly combines my birthday and eggy in. So they call the car eggybirthday.

[Beena]

Noooo! That license plate would be awesome Rob!

[Beena]

Read up to end of Chapter 4, I don't know about anyone else, but I feel like I'm starting again almost because it's a completely new chapter in the story... like WoR just followed on from WoK and you knew the direction the story was going in, now I feel like I'm in uncharted waters again...

Up to Chapter 4 spoilers
(view spoiler)[ Prologue- so fascinating too see that conversation between Eshonai and Gavilar and to see what he was planning, that his motives weren't completely innocent... I wish Sanderson would reveal who the Parshendi Gods are already, what's so terrible about them?!

So intrigued by Dalinar's past, the contrast between the older him and the younger him is great, I have a feeling there are far more terrible things coming though...

There's that thing about not remembering his wife again; whether it's the curse or the gift, I bet in typical Sanderson style that there's something vital hidden in that, something that's a key. I'm glad him and Navani were able to get married though.

I'm also really intrigued by the thing that Kadash remembers that he can't...

Also Adolin killing Sadeas, I think that's gonna come out somehow and be a massive blow to Dalinar. (hide spoiler)]

[Beena]

I swear Sanderson is one of the very few authors who can write 1000+ pages books and not have any single boring passages within them. At least for me - I eat up every moment.

Completely agree, with Stormlight that's so true! Though some parts of Warbreaker did bore me a bit unfortunately! (Even though it's less than a 1000 pages lol).

[Anni]

Beena wrote: "Noooo! That license plate would be awesome Rob!"

100% agreed!!! I'm sure they will come up with another great nickname for your car! Do it, do it, do it!

[Lucija]

Just started and didn't manage to go far

Prologue (view spoiler)[It's amazing we get to see that fateful night of King Gavilar's murder from everyone's perspective. I honestly thought his murder was planned way before that feast and not while it already started.
Also, the spren are in fabrial gems, my theory confirmed. Although, maybe we cleared that even before, I can't remember haha (hide spoiler)]

[Beena]

@Lucija (view spoiler)[Totally agree! It's so interesting to see the different perspectives.

Also, the spren are in fabrial gems, my theory confirmed. Although, maybe we cleared that even before, I can't remember haha

New to me! What is the significance that they are in there? I though the fabrials were powered by Stormlight?

I know right, I'm so glad he's reminding us of things that happened previously cos I'm pretty sure I've forgotten a lot of the details lol. (hide spoiler)]

[Beena]

Up to Chapter 9

(view spoiler)[ I'm glad Kaladin's parents are ok, was dreading that he'd find something else to scar him for life! So satisfying that he punched Roshone! But I'm glad he then remembered what he's promised and the man that he's trying to become and rose above his grievances with him, love how he took control of the guards and the soldiers. I don't know why on earth he apologised to Laral, she was a bitch to him! His exit from Hearthstone was epic! Bit shocked that he revealed he's a Knight Radiant, but of course they're not hiding it anymore.

On a side note, how freaking adorable is Syl in her little Havah, safe hand and all with her tiny umbrella lol. She's so cute, I love all those little details about her.

The second murder; Renarin knows that Adolin's lying about Sadeas! I can't remember what type of knight he is, something to do with knowing the truth/ foreseeing it? And the fact that Pattern hummed softly, he does that when a lie is being told. I did think for a second that Adolin might have orchestrated this to cover his back, but immediately dismissed it, he's not like that at all and he did seem genuinely shocked. The sheer irony that Dalinar wants him to look into Sadeas' death! (hide spoiler)]

[Paula]

agreed Beena, I didn't knew what we would see in this book unlike in WoR with all of them in the shattered plains

up to chapter 9(view spoiler)[I loved the prologue, seeing that gavilar wanted to unite alethkar though war...He is not as good as everyone thought. The parshendi were brave sacrificing themselves because they knew that if they killed the king they would be war against them and they would lose.

chapter 1: we started with a dalinar flashback...wow, he has changed so much. He is young, rash, doesn't think before he speaks, doesn't care for anything but to feel the emotion, ruthless, he put a sword to the back of a wounded young soldier without looking and thinking twice...basically the contrary of what he is now.

I also liked that he finally told someone that he doesnt remember his wife. I'm so curious of his past: what happened to her wife, what did he got from the ancient magic, his change to what he is now...

haha, I loved that adolin had to investigate who murdered sadeas. that was fun, but poor adolin, he will have to lie and try to find the killer of the other murderer. Renarin sees more, I think he knows or suspects that adolin murdered sadeas. And maybe something of odiums champion also.

I loved kaladins reunion with his parents. And I must say he is soo dramatic sometimes. Like when he punched Roshan(I'm writing it wrong I know) after he said that. But I love him. Having a new brother will make him try to help harder, and fall harder if he fails.

At first I thought the epigraphs were jasnahs journal or something but now I think maybe dalinars (hide spoiler)]

So great to be in this world again and I can't wait to see more of dalinars past

[Paula]

Beena
(view spoiler)[ yeah, I'm itching to know finally about the parshendi gods

that bit kadash refers is going to be brutal I suspect, when his wife was kidnapped probably.

yeah, he will be disappointed with adolin and angry. that if only dalinar knows and not the whole court, then it would be way worse

agreed. kaladin remembered to be better than that and it was so satisfying. I also agreed about the laral thing, roshones behaviour was way worse than say something against him. she is biased so that's okay, but I don't want her to make trouble for kaladin. He revealed himself in such a dramatic fashion, I love it!

syl is amazing

yeah, renarin sees the future or something about it because he hasn't said much. oh, I didn't connect patterns humming his the lie but it makes sense. and no, he was genuinely shocked so he wasn't the killer. haha, yeah, poor adolin searching for himself... (hide spoiler)]

[Paula]

lucija(view spoiler)[at first I was hesitant of seeing the same night from other people's eyes, but it's genius and I love it. I also thought that the parshendi planned it before. this puts them in a good light and gavilar in a bad one. I think the fabrial thing was said but really it's great that sanderson repeates things because some of them just fade a little. (hide spoiler)]

[Lucija]

Up to chapter 4

(view spoiler)[So weird to see Dalinar as his younger self, he was so different before.
It's always so funny to see shshshshsh when Dalinars wife gets mentioned.
And who is that mysterious champion we saw in Dalinars vision? For some reason I'm convinced it's Eshonai.
Where is Kaladin, though?? Too many chapters withouth him lol (hide spoiler)]

@Paula @Beena
(view spoiler)[Yes, I'm curious about Dalinar's past too. There is something hiding in those forgotten memories.

New to me! What is the significance that they are in there? I though the fabrials were powered by Stormlight?

I'm not sure if there is any really grand significance there, but it's interesting to see that fabrials work similar to how Parshendi change forms (they capture a spren in a gem) (hide spoiler)]

[Paula]

Lucija(view spoiler)[I don't think eshonai is the champion. I still have hope that she will get another form or something. The chapters I think they are a couple from each point of view at the moment. it probably will change though. (hide spoiler)]

[Beena]

@Paula

agreed Beena, I didn't knew what we would see in this book unlike in WoR with all of them in the shattered plains

Exactly.

(view spoiler)[
I loved the prologue, seeing that gavilar wanted to unite alethkar though war...He is not as good as everyone thought.

That's exactly what I thought, Dalinar particularly idolises him, I wonder what he would think if he knew the truth of the situation.

I also liked that he finally told someone that he doesnt remember his wife. I'm so curious of his past: what happened to her wife, what did he got from the ancient magic, his change to what he is now...

Me too! I really wanna know! Sanderson's hiding something from us in that.

I loved kaladins reunion with his parents. And I must say he is soo dramatic sometimes. Like when he punched Roshan(I'm writing it wrong I know) after he said that. But I love him. Having a new brother will make him try to help harder, and fall harder if he fails.

I thought that was a nice touch, him holding his baby brother and wanting to protect him like he wanted to do for Tien, only this time he's more capable of it.

At first I thought the epigraphs were jasnahs journal or something but now I think maybe dalinars

It's definitely not Jasnah's, it could be Dalinar's in retrospect considering his sword was called Oathbringer...

that bit kadash refers is going to be brutal I suspect, when his wife was kidnapped probably.

Yeah, there's definitely way worse coming for sure, so far it's not been that bad or particularly shocking, I've sort of expected it.

syl is amazing

She most definitely is! Haha

haha, yeah, poor adolin searching for himself...

Haha, I wonder what he's going to do, he's dug himself into a bit of a hole... (hide spoiler)]

[Beena]

@Lucija RE Chapter 4

(view spoiler)[Agree with Paula, I don't think that champion Dalinar saw is Eshonai, is definitely some other different being considering the description about having nine shadows and that golden shardplate... I'm really intrigued, I think he/she is going to make for a great adversary...

Where is Kaladin, though?? Too many chapters withouth him lol

Don't worry he's coming! I think it's literally the next chapter lol.

Haha, do you know what, I was wondering why I'm reading this a bit slower than WoR and then I realised it's because there's more of Dalinar (but not even in the same sense with the visions because it's moved on and completely new). Whereas in both the first two Kaladin and Bridge 4 were the main driving force and that's why it's feeling so different for me. Of course Kaladin can't be the main leading character for all of the books but it makes for a different feel to the story if you know what I mean. Will be interesting when it switches to different characters in later books. (hide spoiler)]

[Rob]

Starting later today hopefully. I might try to squeeze in Edgedancer in a hurry.

[Beena]

Up to Chapter 12

(view spoiler)[
Chapter 10- The thought of Syl shouting encouragement to Kaladin while he's having sex made me laugh, particularly because it's something she'd probably do lol. I'm loving the familiarity of their relationship now, their conversations are really enjoyable. The fact that she just wants him to be happy though; I know Syl, I know.

That vision that Renarin sent through Adolin of a version of himself perfected, could that possibly be a vision of what he'll actually become? Something that Renarin's seen? Intriguing...

Chapter 11- It's so interesting to see the dynamics between Gavilar, Dalinar and Sadeas when they were younger, particularly how similar they are in intent. It's so funny how Dalinar couldn't care less about the people, thinking about the consequences of what they do or what it means for the future, when compared to Dalinar now, total opposites. It's so ironic thinking about the way the other highprinces treated him before, is actually how the younger him would have thought of him too. I'm enjoying his flashbacks so far actually, I don't know how long that will last lol- the fact that he killed the kid for Oathbringer though- Damn, that got me a little bit. And the part where he said that his daddy told them they're fighting monsters, that's what Dalinar appeared to be to most people when he was younger...and now look at him. At least he felt ashamed and not proud, but still...

Chapter 12- I was so excited he was finally getting an answer he wanted from a monarch! Then it ends up being Taravangian! Like fucking hell, only the bloody man who wants him dead! Just invited a bloody snake to come and do him over! Poor Dalinar is out of his depth trying to be a politician!

Ehlokar making Dalinar king, was kind of expected to be honest. Though running off to try and save Kholinar doesn't seem like something he's capable of but I'm glad he realises it lol. The fact that he wants to take Kaladin along to save his ass made me chuckle, at least he hasn't got such a huge ego or is so deluded anymore, though still a fool (even though a well meaning one). (hide spoiler)]

[Beena]

@Elizabeth (view spoiler)[ Wow it's crazy how different Dalinar is in these flashbacks. He killed the kid too?

Yeah, he did! (hide spoiler)]

@Nikki (view spoiler)[ One of my fav moments in this entire book was Dalinar's trip home after all he's been through. It might be because I'm pregnant, but him seeing the new addition to the family choked me up quite a bit lol.

You mean Kaladin right? Yeah, I thought that was nice moment too, you're right something good coming into his life after all the betrayal and tragedy he's gone through.

Congratulations btw! (hide spoiler)]

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

Rob wrote: "Ergh. My family is overruling me. They like my current license plate which randomly combines my birthday and eggy in. So they call the car eggybirthday."

Haha I totally vote for the Bridge4 - what a cool idea!

[Anni]

"Right now, the story sits at 57k words—which is almost double what I was planning it to be. I guess that’s what happens when The Lopen gets viewpoints in a book. A regular novella isn’t enough to contain him."

Lopen is getting a POV in Dawnshard, aaaaah ❤️

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

Beena wrote..

Thank you! and Ha! Pregnancy brain. Yes, Kaladin. XD

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

Your comments are all so thoughtful... enjoying reading the spoiler tags. :) (view spoiler)[ I also really loved the insight between Eshonai and Gavilar - it adds some dynamics I wasn't expecting. I'm dying to find out more about the Parshendi culture/history. There's so much about them I don't grasp yet. (hide spoiler)]

I'm grateful for this reread. I must have flown through it the first time in excitement because I'm finding I remember next to nothing lol. It's like a bonus SA book for me! I need to read RoW slower...

[Paula]

Beena
(view spoiler)[oh, yes, I forgot that dalinar had a sword named oathbringer. I love dalinar so the change of focus has me so exited. I'm more hesitant when the ten year gap will happen between books five and six, with different main characters but I'm sure sanderson will make it good (hide spoiler)]

Niki(view spoiler)[the parshendi culture is intriguing especially now that they have other forms and they see the other forms as inferior. Can't wait to see more of eshonai. (hide spoiler)] It's my first read of SA but even then somethings are kind of a blur, I can't imagine having read the book years ago

[Elizabeth]

I'm grateful for this thread telling me how everything is spelled since I've listened to everything so far. Something that happened the other day while I was driving, I don't remember the exact chapter but it was around 87 or a few chapters before. (view spoiler)[ I can't believe that the king is dead. That part hurt, he was trying to be better, he was speaking the words. I want that somehow like his sister he might not really be dead, but I'm not holding out much hope. (hide spoiler)]

[Beena]

Lopen is getting a POV in Dawnshard, aaaaah

@Anni, That'll be awesome!! Love Lopen!


I'm dying to find out more about the Parshendi culture/history. There's so much about them I don't grasp yet.

Agree Niki, Sanderson's created a very intriguing people with them, there's so much to unfold yet.


I'm grateful for this reread. I must have flown through it the first time in excitement because I'm finding I remember next to nothing lol. It's like a bonus SA book for me!

But that's the best!

@Paula, Yeah, I do like Dalinar too, I think it's just the change of direction too.

I'm more hesitant when the ten year gap will happen between books five and six, with different main characters but I'm sure sanderson will make it good

Errr WHAT?! I had no idea he was going to do this!!

[Paula]

haha, i mean, they are not that different. he will use secondary characters like renarin, lift, eshonai and szeth if I am remembering right. and the main ones will then be secondary. But, yeah, though they are also very interesting I'm super hesitant

[Lucija]

Paula wrote: "haha, i mean, they are not that different. he will use secondary characters like renarin, lift, eshonai and szeth if I am remembering right. and the main ones will then be secondary. But, yeah, tho..."

Wow I did not know about that. I knew about the time gap, but not this. I'm already sad about losing precious time with my favorite characters haha

[Lucija]

I just read chapter 12 too

(view spoiler)[Ohh Kaladin coming back home was so emotional. I loved how sweet that moment with his baby brother was. And I hope finally speaking with his parents about Tien will ease his guilt a bit.
I liked the way he took control over the situation and the way he left Heartstone was amazing. I absolutely loved how proud his mother was when he showed his Radiant powers.
And that whole scene where people were waiting for Lord Radiant to show up was funny. The way Kaladin had a speech prepared and all.
And lest we forget Syl trying to teach Kaladin about sex lol

I feel kind of sorry for Adolin, the secret he's trying to keep will eat him up, I think he would feel better if he shared it with someone. And it feels like he will be blamed for other deaths (I'm sure there will be more) as well once word gets out (and I have no doubt it will)

Dalinar getting a reply from Taravangian made me scream in frustration. Dalinar is so enthusiastic about finally getting a positive reply, I fear it will lead him to trusting Taravangian too much. (hide spoiler)]

[Lucija]

@Paula @Beena

(view spoiler)[But I'm glad he then remembered what he's promised and the man that he's trying to become and rose above his grievances with him, love how he took control of the guards and the soldiers. I don't know why on earth he apologised to Laral, she was a bitch to him! His exit from Hearthstone was epic!

Yes!! Exactly!

I loved kaladins reunion with his parents. And I must say he is soo dramatic sometimes.

Haha so true Paula

At first I thought the epigraphs were jasnahs journal or something but now I think maybe dalinars

Hahaha and it's completely opposite for me. First I was thinking Dalinar and now Jasnah haha. But that way it deasn't make sense why it would be called Oathbringer. On the other hand Shadesmar was mentioned (I think??) and that made me change my mind to Jasnah

And the fact that Pattern hummed softly, he does that when a lie is being told.

Uhh yeah, noticed that too

Renarin sees more, I think he knows or suspects that adolin murdered sadeas. And maybe something of odiums champion also.

Yeah that too! (hide spoiler)]

Sorry, mixed your comments all in one, there are so many haha I'm trying to catch up

[Lucija]

Beena wrote: "Up to Chapter 12"

(view spoiler)[Chapter 11 - Yeah, it's so strange to see the three of them acting this way. And I find it so strange that Sadeas never managed to get a shardblade in all these years. And Dalinar is a completely different person.
I'm not entirely sure he killed that boy though. Gavilar said it's a shame he had to kill the heir and then later on Dalinar is thinking that he hopes Gavilar doesn't find out (we don't know what exactly, but I'm hoping it's the fact that he let the boy and his mother leave). Maybe that's just wishful thinking on my part.

Chapter 12 - Haha those were basically my thoughts about Taravangian.
And I agree about Elokhar.
He seems changed after his ordeal. Don't think he's up to the task either, but I like that he's realistic enough and modest enough to know he might screw up. I'm looking forward to see the dynamics between him and Kaladin. (hide spoiler)]

[Paula]

up to chapter 13
(view spoiler)[Well, at least dalinar has some shame that he killed the child.

I'm impatient to know what is happening with the parshendi. I thought they just wanted to kill everyone because they had those odiums spren. But now it appears like they are trying to hide. From their gods now awaken perhaps?

Is dalinar refering to that sword that gave the one who wields it the windrunner powers?

my opinion of elhokar has risen up a notch. He has more backbone and humility and I liked that he didn't resent dalinar which could be understandable.

Taravagian again. He was the one that was in league with gavilar and wanted to wake the parshendi gods right? Did we learn for what? I think it was because he wanted to have sprens again... (hide spoiler)]

[Paula]

Beena
(view spoiler)[haha, I love kaladins and syl conversations so much. that part made me laugh especially when asked about the face he made he just say that he was remembering something

maybe adolin will become a radiant? that really piqued my interest. and now we know more about renarin powers: he can somehow see the future, heal and make other see themselves in the future?

completely agree on dalinar. so great to see the contrast, it's pretty amazing.

oh! I forgot taravagian wanted him dead. how could I forget it? and yeah, it was like that moment in WoR when we learn that amaram has come to the camp.

dalinar was practically a king. I don't think elhokar will do a good job, mainly because he even thinks his wife is helping and from what we saw in the interludes that wasnt the case. haha, the hero part calling kaladin that was funny and nice that he realise he could use help (hide spoiler)]

[Paula]

lucija
(view spoiler)[the speech and sex part were great. and I'm glad that he could look past what roshone did

adolin could probably tell his brother. they seem to have a very nice relationship and I think he could help

oooh, I have a theory. I think you have read until chapter 13. in chapter 12 I think, we learn from dalinars visions that oathbringer was from the last king that united all of alethkar...so maybe they are his diary or something and he was a radiant and that's how he did it. shadesmar was mentioned, yes

nice! I was thinking what was dalinar hoping gavilar couldn't see and I like your theory. it fits. him having shame and guilt for leaving the boy alive and not telling it to his perfect brother (hide spoiler)]

[Beena]

haha, i mean, they are not that different. he will use secondary characters like renarin, lift, eshonai and szeth if I am remembering right. and the main ones will then be secondary. But, yeah, though they are also very interesting I'm super hesitant

Wow, that'll be so different! I know what you mean about being hesitant...

I'm already sad about losing precious time with my favorite characters haha

I feel this so much Lucija!! We're not even there yet and I'm like Nooooo lol

[Beena]

@Lucija, agree with all your thoughts for up to Chapter 12, I felt exactly the same.

(view spoiler)[ Yeah, I hope Kaladin's guilt eases a bit too, it's been eating him up so much.

Adolin and the murder- I think so too, I think he should tell Shallan actually, for some reason, I don't think she'd be that horrified- I know she didn't know Sadeas to have known what an utter bastard he was but still, I think she'd be on Adolin's side.

And I find it so strange that Sadeas never managed to get a shardblade in all these years.

Do you know what, I don't think he was actually that good of a warrior; he was the thinker, the one for the tactics and other problems, but actual fighting itself, we haven't really seen him do much whereas Dalinar was a killing machine and a force of nature in battles. So it kind of makes sense.

I'm not entirely sure he killed that boy though. Gavilar said it's a shame he had to kill the heir and then later on Dalinar is thinking that he hopes Gavilar doesn't find out (we don't know what exactly, but I'm hoping it's the fact that he let the boy and his mother leave). Maybe that's just wishful thinking on my part.

You know you've really made me question that now... I went back and read it again... I don't know now actually. He seems too ruthless back then to have actually spared him...

I'm looking forward to see the dynamics between him and Kaladin.

Haha, can you imagine? Don't think Kaladin will be much impressed with being tasked with babysitting him! (hide spoiler)]

[Beena]

@Paula (view spoiler)[maybe adolin will become a radiant? that really piqued my interest. and now we know more about renarin powers: he can somehow see the future, heal and make other see themselves in the future?

I don't think Adolin will become a Radiant no. I think it literally is a vision of the man he could become- we already know how kind-hearted and brave he is and that's just an image of him really coming into himself of being a compassionate, strong leader. Maybe it's an indication of what's to come in the later books. I don't think Renarin meant to show him that, I think he did it inadvertently. Yeah, it looks like he can share visions...

oh! I forgot taravagian wanted him dead. how could I forget it? and yeah, it was like that moment in WoR when we learn that amaram has come to the camp.

Haha, pretty easily I think lol, there's so much to remember! Oh, that's so true! Though I was thinking it's typical that they've just got rid of Sadeas and now there's someone else to replace him! (hide spoiler)]