The Way of Kings (Stormlight Archive #1)[August 16, 2024]

[Choko]

Quinn, re: Ch. 5... (view spoiler)[ So Piliah is the Harold of the Truthwatchers? Is her "house" close to that of Jasna and Shallan?

I honestly didn't catch on Shallan's bisexuality at all.... Cool!

Knowing what we know of Taravangian now, I don't trust a word he has said...

You are ultra observant, because I didn't notice the note when Jasna soulcast the first time... Hmmm...

I kind of figured that the photographic memory was a skill. Resonance...

I love how meticulous Brandon is with his magic! Even the fabrials and the metals used in them, as you said, kind of connected to Mistborn's metal attributes... (hide spoiler)]

I keep really enjoying your breakdowns!!!

[Paula]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Paula wrote: "Iain [spoilers removed]"

Demoux from Mistborn, Galladon from Elantris, Baon from White Sand...

Demoux wasn't actually crew, he was in the militia... the one Kelsier used his Alloman..."

(view spoiler)[ Yeah, now i remember Demoux. I almost dont remember Galladon but now that you mention him i remember him vaguelo too. I am glad too, i want to know more about white sand and a novel version is better than a comic. Thanks! (hide spoiler)]

[Quinn]

Chapter 6

(Reader beware, spoilers for the entire Stormlight Archive series/some Cosmere)
(view spoiler)[

In chapter 6, the header is composed of two sets of the Herald Talenel, patron of the Order of Stonewards and the Herald of War. The reason he is here again is… because we’re in a warzone. I’m starting to see a pattern. One interesting parallel I can see is Talenel’s torture with the torture of being a bridgemen slave. Talenel likely experienced the same loss of sense and space that Kaladin goes through, if not also amplified exponentially.

For the epigraph of the chapter, I don’t know if we definitively have an answer for what this is, but it’s possible it’s a reference to the Everstorm, as the death rattle is confused about the rain continuing.

Even though Kaladin is entirely immune to the Thrill, I think it’s interesting that he still, seemingly, enjoys fighting and being in the military. I personally think it’s more of a case that he enjoys the art form of combat and fighting, rather than the actual clash of weapons, destruction, and violence, since we see his depression and PTSD develop throughout the series.

Also, Bridge Four!!! Finally! One of the most iconic parts of all of the Cosmere books. It’s presented as torture and torment at first, and nearly leads Kaladin to ending it all, but as the series goes on, Bridge Four becomes the beating heart of the Stormlight Archive. During this chapter, I actually forgot the nice old man that gave advice to Kaladin would die, so I thought at first it was Teft. Imagine my surprise when he goes down immediately.

It’s mentioned during this chapter that Dalinar also uses bridge crews, though they aren’t nearly as cruel and torturous. You’d think they’d find some alternate way of doing bridges, like a cart, maybe? I guess the whole point is that the bridgemen are a diversion for the Parshendi to shoot at rather than the soldiers, but I just can’t help but think they could have found a solution.

It’s interesting to me that Kaladin asks Syl for her name. Even if she is acting a bit different from other spren, I would assume he wouldn’t think a spren would have a name to ask for. It’s almost like he instinctively knew she would have one because of his nascent bond with her at this point.

Concepts presented:
- Honorchasm: The chasm nearest to Sadeas’s warcamp. It’s known as the only area where Sadeas’ bridge crews are allowed to visit unsupervised, as bridgemen sometimes go here to jump down, killing themselves. It feels a little like a metaphor for where Kaladin is at all points in the series. Anytime he might mess up and get someone he cares about killed, it’s almost like he would return to the Honorchasm spiritually.
- Anticipation/Pain/Riverspren: Because there aren’t many new concepts in this chapter, I added some spren that I missed previously here. Anticipationspren appear as red streamers that grow out of the ground. In Shadesmar, the streamers are merely the tongue. The spren has a round, bulbous body about the size of a toddler. It’s most likely one of the most common spren out there, especially among soldiers before a fight. Painspren appear as sinewy, orange hands that latch onto the wounded areas. Singers bond with them for Warform. Riverspren are described as eel-like. Like Windspren, they can mimic faces, expressions, and voices, often tormenting people. Listeners see riverspren as having carapace.

I’m ranking the Way of Kings chapters with a completely scientific system I’ve coined the W.I.T. Scale. You can find my rankings here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

(hide spoiler)]

I'll be finished with this by next year at this rate :o

[Katie]

Oh my gosh! I love your comments! I'm around Chapter 6 too! I've been a bit too embarrassed to post because I really don't have the time I need to dive into this one. And most people have finished!!

I also don't have a lot to say quite yet. I'm trying to avoid the spoilers of the universe. But I love how you all are finding clues!

What I do like so far are (view spoiler)[Shallan's perspective and the wind spren with Kaladin. All the girlies basically. haha. The Spren is so spunky. I like her attitude. Tinkerbell vibes very much so. Kaladin is a tricky character as previously discussed. I just never really connected with him.

Very interesting to hear you all mention of Shallan's romantic identity! I think I missed that mention as well! In a way it makes me think of the Wheel of Time and mentions of that as well...

speaking of...aren't the audiobook narrators the same as that of the Wheel of time?? (hide spoiler)]

[Omar]

I am really linking the character of Kaladin (and Syl to a certain extent).
I am just in the part where they made him carry the bridges... what a dirty business...

[Choko]

Quinn, Katie and Omar, I am so glad you are not giving up on the chat just because a lot of people are done already. We are all here for the shared experience! Love all of the comments and the different opinions:)))

[Quinn]

Chapter 7

(Reader beware, spoilers for the entire Stormlight Archive series/some Cosmere)
(view spoiler)[

In chapter 7, the header is composed of two sets of the Herald Ishar, the patron of the Order of Bondsmiths. In many of Roshar’s religions, he serves as a major religious figure, fitting for this chapter as we meet a supposed Ardent, Kabsal. He is also associated with the number “Ishi”, aka 10. An important number for Roshar, as everything on the planet is divided up into 10’s, just like how Scadrial had 16.

The epigraph of this chapter refers to the return of the Singers and the Fused. Simple as that.

I don't have much to add as personal thoughts for this chapter, but I did want to point out that "Memory" is capitalized in the chapter, a hint of the concept of Resonances.

Concepts presented:
- Devotaries: Ardents are separated into distinct groups, embodying a certain Glory or a Herald itself. There are 8 known devotaries currently: Purity, Sincerity, Insight, Denial, the Mind, Mercy, Kelek, and Talenelat. Purity devotees are expected to remain pure in thought and actions. Shallan is a member of this devotary. Sincerity devotees seeks the truth in all things, believing there is always something to learn. It seems to be the only devotary Jasnah respects. Insight is never described, only mentioned. Denial devotees emphasize denial of any desires. The Mind devotees are devoted to historical and linguistic studies. Mercy devotees care for those with troubled minds. Kelek devotees take commissions for prayers and glyphwards. Talenelat devotees is only described as being viewed as an order for lesser people, having a dislike for theological debates. Dalinar is a follower of the Talenelat Devotary before his excommunication.
- Ten Essences: The Ten Essences are the ten elements of Vorin Theology that describe the world. Khriss, a famous worldhopper in the Cosmere, believes it more tied to Vorin philosophy rather than a direct tie to Rosharan Investiture. Each of the 10 Essences has a distinct number, gemstone, element, body focus, soulcasting property, divine attributes, and Herald that it encompasses.
- Elithanithile: Considered the 10th name of Honor. It’s only used by Ardents, likely a taboo name to use among the common people.
- Dandos the Oilsworn: Dandos is the artist and author Shallan used to teach herself how to draw. In a future book, Mraize uses an Oilsworn piece of art to lure Shalash into meeting him. He is a cameo for Dan dos Santos, an artist that Brandon sometimes employs for his works.
- Herdazian: Herdaz is a country to the north of Jah Keved and Alethkar. Alethkar has often tried to invade Herdaz to conquer land, so the relationship between the two countries have soured incredibly. Some elements of Herdazians are inspired by Hispanic cultures, but in universe they are a people with distant Singer blood in them, similar to the Unkalaki. This manifests in very tough, slate-colored fingernails that are able to make fires with tools. Fun fact, they also have a higher tendency to be asexual compared to other races. While the majority of Herdazians adhere to Vorinism, some still worship a polytheistic religion, though the details are unknown. A lot of Herdazian culture seems to be based on their previous conquerings. Since Alethkar culture was injecting into Herdaz, they seem to be losing some of their previous culture. They’re starting to migrate outside Herdaz, to the point where the majority of Herdazians don’t even live in their own homeland anymore.
- Kabsal: Like Taravangian, Kabsal is another character we can’t trust ever and have to watch out for what he says. He is a member of the Ghostbloods. He was assigned to go undercover as an ardent in Palanaeum and kill Jasnah Kholin. I don’t believe it’s revealed why the Ghostbloods want to kill her, though Jasnah assumes it’s because of her Radiant oaths, though it could be a preventative measure against the Sons of Honor, believing it’s possible she could be a member?
- Creation/Logicspren: Creationspren appear as objects they have recently seen, though moving in odd ways that the object wouldn’t be able to do. Creationspren are attracted to the person doing the creating rather than the creation itself. Singers bond with creationspren to enter artform. Creationspren also form Lightweaver Plate. Logicspren appear as tiny stormclouds. Though rare, they are often seen in Azir. Like creationspren, they are attracted to the person using logic rather than the activity itself. They are used to create fabrial clocks and affect timing, similar to Aon Ene in the magic system AonDor. Logicspren form the Shardplate for Elsecallers.

I’m ranking the Way of Kings chapters with a completely scientific system I’ve coined the W.I.T. Scale. You can find my rankings here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

(hide spoiler)]

[Quinn]

Chapter 8

(Reader beware, spoilers for the entire Stormlight Archive series/some Cosmere)
(view spoiler)[

In chapter 8, the header is composed of two sets of the Herald Pailiah, patron of the Order of Truthwatchers. It’s implied she might’ve been a scholar prior to becoming a Herald, and she represents the essences of Learned and Giving. This ties to the fact Shallan is trying to speedrun her learning process to become Jasnah’s ward in this chapter. One tidbit about Pailiah is that Brando Sando early on said that we say Pailiah in the Palaneum in this book, but he would later retract this, saying that, yes, there was a Herald in Kharbranth, but didn’t name Pailiah specifically.

This leads me to believe he changed his plans after this book, as we know Taravangian is working with the Herald Battar, taking the name Dova. I believe this is who Sanderson is referencing when he mentions a Herald in Kharbranth.

The epigraph of this chapter is in the point of view of the Fused, looking down upon Roshar and claiming it as their own again.

This chapter was specifically designed to make Yalb shine, and Sanderson mentions in an annotation that in another story, Yalb would be the main character. He also says he intends for him to return, and I really hope he does, cause he’s immediately likable. Perhaps if the Passions become important in the Cosmere, he’ll have an active role in the Stormlight Archive.

Concepts presented:
- Passions: While considered a religion outside of Thaylenah, it’s more of a philosophy than anything. The primary tenet of the Passions is that wanting something changes fate to attract it to you. It’s sort of like the concept of manifestation in our real world, though it’s unknown if it truly has a basis in Rosharan Investiture. Odium himself calls himself an incarnation of “Passion”, so it’s possible the philosophy is tied to his shard in some way. Passion in the Cosmere seems to be tied to the concept of destruction, as both Ruin and Odium mention Passion. It’s very possible that the Passions could become very important to the Cosmere as a whole in later series, as it’s also possibly linked with realmatic theory.
- Flamespren: Flamespren appear as tiny, humanoid figures made of congealed light. Flamespren are easily attracted to gemstones, so they are often used in conjoined fabrials. We also see that, when measured, they seem to be stuck at that measurement forever, so it’s possible all spren have this aspect.
- Sphere Denominations: There are 5 denominations of sphere, from Cheapest to Most Expensive: Diamond (1), Garnet, Heliodor, Topaz (2), Ruby, Smokestone, Zircon (3), Amethyst, Sapphire (4), Emerald (5). Each denomination has 3 values to them: Chip, Mark, and Broam. A mark is worth 5 times the value of a chip, and a broam is worth 4 times the value of a mark. Each denomination don’t have exact values separating them, but it’s roughly 2 times the value of the previous tier. A sphere with light in it is generally more valuable than one without light. Some sphere gems have informal names: Diamond - Clear, Garnet - Blood, Ruby - Fire, Sapphire - Sky.

I’m ranking the Way of Kings chapters with a completely scientific system I’ve coined the W.I.T. Scale. You can find my rankings here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

(hide spoiler)]

[Felina]

I just finished this last night. At 8pm I had 5 hours left and I thought I would just do maybe three and call it a night and then we all know how good this gets, I couldn’t stop. Looking forward to the next one and someday coming back for Quinn’s deep dive. Yay! Brando Sando rocks.

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

I'm worried there aren't enough weeks left until December for Quinn to deep dive Way of Kings, never mind the first 4 books...

[Felina]

I’ll wait for Quinn. Forever.

[Narilka]

Felina wrote: "I’ll wait for Quinn. Forever."

This. Quinn can take whatever time he needs. Not like there isn't more Cosmere on the way after book 5 :)

[Felina]

But his commentary will change with more books that give more insight. Quinn has now locked himself into an endless overview of Cosmere. Quinn has no means of escape!!

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

well then... Quinn has 3-5+ years to deep dive Stormlight 1-5, while Sanderson writes Mistborn 7-10, and Elantris/Warbreaker/White Sands stuff, before returning to Stormlight 6... (not sure he's writing all that, but he's writing most)...

I assume he'll write Mistborn 11-13 while writing Stormlight 6-10, and then Mistborn 14-16 after Stormlight and Dragonsteel... pretty sure he's committed to doing 5 Eras of Mistborn now, since someone pointed out 16 books matches the 16 metals... all because he wrote Mistborn 4 before mapping out a Wax & Wayne era trilogy, and lucked into 16 books instead of 15 if he adds 3 more...

Fantasy
Weird Western / Steampunk
Urban Fantasy
Cyberpunk
Sci-Fi

[Quinn]

I will do as much as I can. The first 20 or so chapters are probably going to be the most busy lorewise, so as I go on with Way of Kings, there will be less I'll need to say. That being said, this will continue on forever. If I die partway through this, a computer will manifest in front of my spirit so I can never stop. I wouldn't have it any other way though cause I love the Cosmere :D

[Ann-Marie]

Wait a minute, the December book is not the conclusion to this series? I feel betrayed by you all....

[Felina]

Nah, just the latest in the series.

[Quinn]

Chapters 9-10

(Reader beware, spoilers for the entire Stormlight Archive series/some Cosmere)
(view spoiler)[

In chapter 9, the header is composed of two sets of the Herald Nale, the Herald of Justice and patron for the Order of Skybreakers. He is attributed to the aspects Just and Confident. He is the only Herald to have bonded with a Highspren and joined his own Order. Because of this, he actually has both a Shardblade and Honorblade. After the Recreance, Nale would go around killing nascent Surgebinders, attempting to stop another Desolation from happening. Like Kaladin with the Windrunners, Nale seems to embody every aspect of being a Skybreaker, being the only Skybreaker in centuries to reach the 5th Ideal.

I’m not totally certain why Nale is in the header. If I stretched it, I could say there is no justice in Kaladin’s situation, so it’s an ironic pairing, but other than that I can’t be certain.

The epigraph of this chapter doesn’t seem to reference any one specific event, but rather the knowledge that there will be 10 prominent Surgebinders as the core cast, likely each of different Orders. Here’s who we have, as of RoW: Kaladin (Windrunner), Shallan (Lightweaver), Dalinar (Bondsmith), Jasnah (Elsecaller), Szeth/Sigzil? (Skybreaker), Lift (Edgedancer), Renarin/Rlain (Truthwatcher), Venli (Willshaper). These are the characters that have at least been semi-important, but there’s also Zu (Stoneward) and Malata (Dustbringer/Releaser), though they really haven’t done much to suggest they will be the representative of their Order. However, at this point in time, we do have at least one named Surgebinder in each Order.

This is the first chapter where, as far as I can tell, there’s nothing new that we learn. That’s perfect for this chapter, as we see Kaladin settle into the dangerous yet monotonous life he is now living as a bridgeman. Being introduced to new buzzwords might take us out of the mindset that Kaladin is facing.

In chapter 10, the header is composed of two sets of the Herald Vedel, patron of the Order of Edgedancers. In between Desolations, she would train surgeons, the most obvious comparison to this chapter, since Lirin is teaching Kaladin how to be a surgeon.

When I read this, despite characters having some description of what they looked like, I always pictured them differently. Lirin is one of these characters. He’s described as short and balding, and art often depicts him slouching. I always pictured him as graying on the sides and back straight as an arrow.

I wonder if Kaladin is aro/ace. In this chapter, he has no thoughts about seeing a girl’s exposed safehand, which we already know has a taboo and sexualised nature to it due to a byproduct of Vorin culture. The most obvious reason for that would be he’s seen it enough that it has no more meaning, but he even questions why the other boys in his town gossip about seeing safehands. In WoR, Kaladin seems to have a crush on Shallan for a bit, but it never felt truly genuine, at least to me. In fact, he later admits that he views her more like a Tien figure, someone to protect. He also gets into a relationship with a Windrunner squire, though they’re already broken up by the time RoW begins. I had the theory that perhaps they broke up because he might be aro/ace, but it’s entirely possible it was for different reasons.

Concepts presented:
- Kaladin’s name: They make a point to say that Kaladin, as a child, prefers Kal to his full name, so I think it’s a perfect time to talk about what his name means. His full name is a combination of Kalak, the Herald and leader of the Sons of Honor, and the Alethi suffix “din”. When put together, his name means “Born unto eternity.” It’s likely other characters also have part of a Herald in their name. The most obvious I can think of is Shallan, almost certainly having a shortened Shalash in her name.
- Deathspren: Deathspren appear as a bulbous spider-like figure with glowing, red eyes that leaves trails as it moves. Only people on the verge of dying can see the deathspren, and it’s rare for anyone to recover after seeing them, so some consider them not to be real. At one point in the series, we see Syl fight off deathspren when trying to protect Kaladin, so it’s possible they, unlike other spren, have a direct effect on the dying. A reason for this might be that the dying actually slip into other realms (Spiritual or Cognitive), so the deathspren can affect people easier.

I’m ranking the Way of Kings chapters with a completely scientific system I’ve coined the W.I.T. Scale. You can find my rankings here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

(hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Gah! I read this last month and didn't comment, and now there's 7 pages of comments to catch up on! >.< Way to go y'all, sad I missed the action during... it'll take me a while to look through everything but I'm looking forward to it...

I think this is my... fifth?... reread of this book? But my first on audio. And I'm finding it really interesting how eyebook and audio experiences both bring out different things to notice and enjoy... One thing I was really noticing this time around was the cultural details in the world and a lot of Asian (probably Korean or Chinese) influence... like how the Alethi fashion makes me think of Qipao dresses, or Shallan's mention of how Yalb's name & the Thaleyn dialect mashes their consonants together and lacks enough proper vowels--Japanese, Korean, and Chinese are all syllabic languages, so I imagine Alethi is based on that too... Just a nice little detail.

Also noticing more Cosmere connections after reading the most recent books, going all the way back to Rhythm of War... I love unearthing those details. Looking forward to seeing what y'all had to say...

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Ann-Marie wrote: "Wait a minute, the December book is not the conclusion to this series? I feel betrayed by you all...."

The series will be split into two arcs of five books each, with a time gap of about ten years between the two arcs.The second arc will be written after Mistborn Era 3

[Ann-Marie]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Ann-Marie wrote: "Wait a minute, the December book is not the conclusion to this series? I feel betrayed by you all...."

The series will be split into two arcs of five books each, with a time gap ..."

Felina wrote: "Nah, just the latest in the series."

I feel like you are all vile betrayers. I checked the GR page, there are no other books with no covers listed! And now I am hooked and if there is a stupid cliffhanger for book 5 and we have to wait years for book 6 I will be so mad.....

[Felina]

Welcome to Brando Sando fan hood!!! I’m making t-shirts.

[Felina]

Lucky for you, to satiate your thirst, he has written 9 million books and writes like 5 a year. The dude is a machine.

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Ann-Marie wrote: "Timelord Iain wrote: "Ann-Marie wrote: "Wait a minute, the December book is not the conclusion to this series? I feel betrayed by you all...."

The series will be split into two arcs of five books ..."

What I think is going to happen (which isn't TOO much of a spoiler, just using info you know from book 1, really) (view spoiler)[is someone (the Herald from the end of book 1, or Dalinar or some other Radiants) will go to "Hell" to be tortured by Odium & his minions, to provide Roshar a respite, where they KNOW about Odium & can prepare for a second war/battle in 10-15 years time (the 10 year time gap mentioned)...

As you learn from Dalinar's visions and things to come in book 2, half the problem in the past, was the wars were so devastating, that society reverted to the Stone Age, and forgot how to make swords/etc... by the Herald breaking the Oathpact and leaving Taln alone in Damnation, they accidentally gave Roshar a blessing... 4500 years of technological growth, to the point they're making fabrials and half-Shardplates and stuff... a few more years of R&D, and they might have the upper hand in the War with Odium) (hide spoiler)]

That's my theory anyway... not REALLY a cliffhanger... just the knowledge that it isn't over...

If I'm wrong, (view spoiler)[and Odium is defeated completely, somehow, then I expect Autonomy to show up, or something... the other vengeful evil Shard, that's been causing problems around the Cosmere... I think she's got her hands full running the White Sands planet and meddling on the Mistborn planet in Era 2, tho, which is supposed to be happening around the same time as Stormlight Archives... (hide spoiler)]

[Narilka]

I don't think he'll end the first arc on a true cliffhanger but I do expect some hooks for the future. Kind of like how Mistborn 1 ends - its a full complete story in itself though you just know there's more left to tell.

[Ann-Marie]

So dumb, you all betrayed me lol

Also now the series page here has The Sunlit Man listed as #4.5, do I need to squeeze that in before #5?

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

GOD NO...

Sunlit Man is more like Stormlight Archive 20.5... it's set in the Sci-Fi era, long after the events of all the unreleased Stormlight Archive books, and some unreleased Mistborn books and the like...

It follows a character from Stormlight Archive that became a worldhopper, but is purely optional... you can read it as 4.5 only based on release dates tho... but if you're overbooked you can save it for later...

[Felina]

I’m still laughing at being called a vile betrayer. Settle in and drink the kool-aid, my friend.

[Narilka]

Speaking of timelines... where does the current Stormlight books fit with respect to Mistborn and Elantris story time frames?

[Ann-Marie]

Timelord Iain wrote: "GOD NO..."

Very happy to hear this :)

Felina wrote: "I’m still laughing at being called a vile betrayer. Settle in and drink the kool-aid, my friend."

le sigh

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Narilka wrote: "Speaking of timelines... where does the current Stormlight books fit with respect to Mistborn and Elantris story time frames?"

Stormlight Archive and Mistborn Era 2-3 sit in a hazy area... it hasn't been spelled out specifically, but I think it's been implied Era 3 takes place in the 10 year gap between Stormlight 5-6, and that's why Sanderson has been so adamant about when he's gonna write those...

Elantris is awhile earlier, and Warbreaker is sometime earlier (which will become clear when you see Zahel and Azure and Nightblood)

[Narilka]

Gotcha. I wasn't sure (big Mistborn spoiler) (view spoiler)[If it was before or after Kelsier's conversion. (hide spoiler)] So that helps too. Cosmere gets all timey wimey :)

I'm going to need to relisten to Warbreaker at some point.

[Felina]

What?! Mistborn (view spoiler)[Does Kelsior live?! (hide spoiler)]

[Narilka]

Felina wrote: "What?! Mistborn [spoilers removed]"

I said it was a big spoiler. RAFO!

[Felina]

I read spoilers. IDGAF

[Narilka]

hahaha How far are you on your Mistborn journey?

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Felina wrote: "I read spoilers. IDGAF"

(view spoiler)[Kelsier dies, meets the god of Sel/Mistborn (Preservation), and refuses to pass through the Well of Ascension into the afterlife... talks to the Lord Ruler for a second after he dies, hangs out at the Well of Ascension for the rest of the Era 1 trilogy, using the Well of Ascension as a leaking lifesource, was there when Vin & Elend found it and caused the confusion that led to Elend almost dying and gaining Mist powers at the Well in book 2, met Hoid and Khriss and Nazh, learned a bunch of random Cosmere stuff, figured out how the metal piercings let Ruin talk to people, and took advantage of it to talk to Spook in book 3, altho spook thought it was hallucinations & Ruin, took control of Preservation when he died and fought Ruin a bit before passing it off to Vin because he was too Ruiny for Preservation, talked to Sazed when Sazed became Harmony, and Sazed gave Spook a new earring after the end of Hero of Ages, so Spook and Kelsier could keep talking... this sets up the events of Mistborn Era 2, where Spook was the Lord Mistborn for like 100-150 years, before going off on more adventures with Kelsier to South Scadrial, after they figured out how to bring Kelsier back to life using a mix of hemalurgy and maybe allomancy/feruchemy (hide spoiler)]

If you wanted spoilers, Felina, there's a long rambly summary of Secret History

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Quinn wrote: "Chapters 9-10

(Reader beware, spoilers for the entire Stormlight Archive series/some Cosmere)..."

Similar to Quinn's in-depth Cosmere spreadsheet developing, I found one from a bit ago, that has a pretty detailed breakdown of the Cosmere timeline from The Shattering to Mistborn Era 4, but it's full of spoilers for anyone that hasn't read through to at least Rhythm of War... blatantly spells out big plot twists / events:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

[Quinn]

The timeline is so hard to wrap my head around, especially when years aren't the exact same everywhere. Seeing events side-by-side timewise makes me go like "woah this happened that long before this happened?!" To me it always just kinda blended together into the same general span of time.

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Quinn wrote: "The timeline is so hard to wrap my head around, especially when years aren't the exact same everywhere. Seeing events side-by-side timewise makes me go like "woah this happened that long before thi..."

Yea... what's cool about that spreadsheet is it sidescrolls, so you can see the events of multiple series using multiple calendars relevant to different series/worlds... I hope it continues to be updated or new versions released... need to figure out whose maintaining it tho, and not just some random reddit thread...

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Speaking of reddit/subreddits, I just found one and feel so vindicated/seen... also giggled my ass off:

https://www.reddit.com/r/fuckmoash/

[Ann-Marie]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Speaking of reddit/subreddits, I just found one and feel so vindicated/seen... also giggled my ass off:

https://www.reddit.com/r/fuckmoash/"

So I take it in book 2 (view spoiler)[he was the one who is assisting in the assassination attempts on the king? lol (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

I've been talking about my hatred of Moash since early on in this BR, but the answers to things are mostly spoilers for book 3-4... he's fine in book 1-2... he's a minor character in book 1, and gains more prominence in book 2 (view spoiler)[now that Bridgemen are free, and he can introduce Kelsier to his friends in the Ghostbloods...

The closest I've come to spoiling anything about Moash, is my propensity to call him Kelsier's Dark Mirror... and by that, I mean a bunch of horrible shit has happened to Kelsier and Moash... similarly bad shit... they even commiserate about how they were dealt a bad hand at one point, and Kelsier shares some details about the governor back home and sending his little brother to war/etc...

The difference is Kelsier usually perseveres (with the help of Syl) and does the right thing in the end... and Moash, not so much... altho that hasn't been demonstrated just yet... (hide spoiler)]

[Felina]

Narilka wrote: "hahaha How far are you on your Mistborn journey?"

I gave up after the first one cause I thought spoiler character was dead!

[Narilka]

Felina wrote: "Narilka wrote: "hahaha How far are you on your Mistborn journey?"

I gave up after the first one cause I thought spoiler character was dead!"

Yeah. It's not exactly what you think even with the spoiler. You should keep reading.

[Narilka]

Iain's spoiler in message 337 is really confusing if you haven't at least read the original trilogy. Helps to have read parts of Era 2 also lol It also completely spoils the original trilogy's ending.

[Tonari no Emily]

One day I want to do a full Cosmere (re)read (will most likely have to be on my own time) and Ill need to come back here for those deep dives and all the juicy comments here! Rereading these chonkers this year is sadly not in the cards for me 😭
Hopefully i remember enough to enjoy #5 in December though...

[Tonari no Emily]

Timelord Iain wrote: "I've been talking about my hatred of Moash since early on in this BR, but the answers to things are mostly spoilers for book 3-4... he's fine in book 1-2... he's a minor character in book 1, and ga..."

Think you mean Kaladin here

[Ann-Marie]

Timelord Iain wrote: "I've been talking about my hatred of Moash since early on in this BR, but the answers to things are mostly spoilers for book 3-4... he's fine in book 1-2... he's a minor character in book 1, and ga..."

(view spoiler)[Not really a spoiler, he came clean to Kaladin a bit ago in the book lol At least with regard to the king! (hide spoiler)]

[Quinn]

Timelord Iain wrote: "I've been talking about my hatred of Moash since early on in this BR, but the answers to things are mostly spoilers for book 3-4... he's fine in book 1-2... he's a minor character in book 1, and ga..."

I personally love Moash as a character, since I always love the two sides of the same coin duo trope. Though, it is a little hard to defend him lol