#rock stormlight

[stew4]

The best part of stormlight modern aus is thinking about all the different bridge four incarnations.

school club? Dance team? Literally any kind of sport team? Factory workers? Apartment floor? Diner workers? Backstage crew? Just some guys?

someone has thought it

[aphroditesmoon]

Part 6 AWOO

art by lamaeryinthecosmere, stivya, chumsterfire, sappho-scullys,

[themoonstonechronicler]

Do you think Renarin ever had a crush on Kaladin? If not, who do you think would've been Renarin's first crush?

ohhhh yeah i'm completely convinced Renarin had a crush on Kaladin for all of WoR(and a crush on Rock too probably), but i also like the idea of both Kholin brothers having a crush on Jakamav pre whitespine uncaged! Not sure about his first crush, since he probably didn't have many friends pre-series, but i think he probably had short-lasting crushes on some of Adolin's friends pre-war.

[just-another-t-word-blog]

Captain Glower

A Stormlight Archives fanfiction

Summary: Kaladin has developed a reputation for being very stern while in uniform. Adolin has made it his mission to get him to break character

Meant to be platonic but could be perceived as shipping. Whatever floats your goat 😊🙃

SPOILER WARNING: TAKES PLACE AROUND OR AFTER OATHBRINGER

⚠️⚠️WARNING!!!⚠️⚠️ This is, as per usual, a tickle heavy fanfiction. No like, no read. Thank you 💙

Kaladin prided himself on his ability to command respect in any room he walked into.

This was, of course, a side effect of his reputation. His title of "Stormblessed" echoed through the halls of Urithiru, passing to and from it's inhabitants in awed whispers.

He stood tall, blue eyes locked forward as he stood at rest by the doorway to a small tavern that had popped up within the fabled city. He had been asked to make an appearance for their opening night, both to draw in customers and to keep them from getting too rowdy.

He wasn't the only soldier in the room, several striking blue uniforms speckled the crowd. He had given them permission to celebrate, seeing no reason to make them all guard the one entrance. So, he stood, quiet and firm, turning away offered drinks and watching his friends have fun.

A glint of gold sweeping the crowd caught his eye. A mop of blonde hair, speckled with Alethi black, peaked over the sea of people, eyes squinting as they searched for...

Him.

Adolin grinned, holding his drink up high as he cut through the room. He approached Kaladin with a knowing look on his face, standing beside him and mirroring the "at rest" pose.

"Hello, bridge boy."

Kaladin grunted at the nickname. Keeping his gaze forward. "Hello, brightlord Adolin." He said, keeping an even tone.

Adolin scoffed, falling out of the pose. "So formal," he laughed, moving to stand in front of the radiant. Kaladin kept his eyes forward. He was a good half-hand taller than the prince, so it wasn't hard to continue watching the bar.

"Was there something you needed, brightlord Adolin?" He asked, glancing down to meet his eyes. He had hoped his expression said "storm off" well enough that the older man would get the message, but instead he was met with one of his signature smiles.

"Kaladin, it's a party! Get out of your corner and have a drink!" Adolin said, gesturing to the room behind him. Kaladin shook his head.

"I have a duty here tonight. I was asked to be here for security."

"No," Adolin said, almost scolding. "You were asked to be here as a token appearance. No one is making you stand there and guard the door."

Kaladin sniffed, looking forward again. "No, thank you."

Adolin frowned, moving back to stand beside him.

Kaladin was content to stand in silence, pointedly ignoring the glances Adolin gave him. In all honesty, the radiant was not in the brightest of spirits tonight, he only came out for the event knowing that staying in his quarters alone would only make his gloom worse.

"Hey, Kaladin," Adolin started. "How many Herdazians does it take to change a gemstone lantern?"

Kaladin sighed, looking over at him. He almost let a smirk slip as he saw his friends excitement. "How many?"

"Doesnt matter how many, they'll always come up short."

The blonde snickered, smiling over at Lopen who teasingly called out an "I heard that!" As he struggled to peer over his tablemates.

Kaladin offered a smile, huffing through his nose. Adolin frowned. “Hey, is everything okay?” Adolin asked, voice shifting into concern.

Kaladin shrugged. “Just on duty.”

Adolin hummed, crossing his arms. “So, being mopey is how you captain a squad of elite supernatural soldiers?”

“Im not being mopey. This is my serious face. Im serious.”

“Convincing. But I don’t think even on more stressful missions you’ve glared at anyone so much.”

Kaladin shot him a look.

“See! Like that!” Adolin grinned. “Captain Stormblessed, more like Captain Grumpy.” He aimed a few teasing pokes into his friends side, not missing how he tensed in response.

Adolin continued his prodding, rambling to himself.

“Maybe not a threatening enough name. Hmm… snarl? No, too specific…”

Poke.

“Glare? No…”

Another poke.

“Ah! Yes! Captain Glower.”

In a great show of stubbornness, Kaladin remained where he stood, but his tan face tinged bright red. Adolin grinned, seeing Kaladin struggling not to crack.

Kaladin finally grabbed Adolins hands, pushing them away. He huffed, bringing back that malicious look, he stared the prince down.

Adolin raised an eyebrow.

“I think you know just as well as I do, you don’t scare me, bridge boy. I know your weakness.”

Suddenly, he wrenched his hands away from Kaladins grasp, lunging for his sides. Kaladin reeled back, falling into a startled fighting stance.

The tavern was packed, neither of them had much room to maneuver, only about an arms span away from the nearest person on all sides.

Adolin lunged again, bearing left, forcing Kaladin to dodge further into the tavern. Now a brightlord on a mission stood between him and the only way out.

“You know how to get me to stop, Kaladin.” He said, a little louder than Kaladin would have liked. The statement earned a few curious glances from the patrons, members of Bridge 4 calling out encouragements to his assailant.

I’ll have to make them pay for that in training. Kaladin thought, wincing as original bridge men started calling out spots. They knew well their captain would never back down from a fight, so they knew exactly why he was avoiding this one.

He slowly backed up, hoping it would be enough of a deterrent to let the prince drop it, but he ran into someone. A short someone.

Someone who recently got his second arm back.

“Oi, goncho.” Lopen said, quickly pulling Kaladins arms behind his back. Kaladins heart sank into his stomach. “I’ll forgive that little joke of yours earlier and do you this favor, IF, I can call on you for a favor of my own when the time comes. Deal?”

“Deal.” Adolin said, not hesitating.

Kaladin felt himself begin to panic, frantically pulling at his arms. Lopen didn’t budge. He whipped his head back and forth, trying to look pleadingly back at the traitor holding him.

“Lopen! Lopen, you know damn well I’ll get my revenge tenfold once this is over. Do you really want to be part of this?” He tried, doing his best to look threatening from his compromised position. Lopen shrugged, almost looking indifferent.

Kaladin looked forward again, Adolin having crept up while he was distracted. He had his eyes trained on Kaladins face, the terrifying gaze that proved he was a decendent of The Blackthorn sent a chill down the radiants spine. Not one of fear, no.

One of giddy anticipation.

“Come on, Kal.” Adolin teased. “Loosen up a bit! All I want is a smile.”

Kaladin gritted his teeth, pointedly looking away from Adolins hovering, wriggling fingers. He glanced to the side, catching the playful expressions on his friends faces as they watched. No one was going to rescue him.

He closed his eyes, dropping his chin to his chest and accepting his fate.

“So dramatic.”

Kaladin tried (and failed) to fold himself in half as fingers collided with his torso. He bit his lip hard, earning a laugh from the crowd as his muffled sounds of struggle escaped him.

He struggled to keep his breathing under control, huffing and gasping as Adolin explored for new, more sensitive, places. The beginnings of a ticklish smile pulled at his features.

Adolin was so dead when this was over.

Kaladin stubbornly kept his head down, not wanting to give Adolin the satisfaction of seeing him crumble.

Adolin was not deterred. He scribbled at his sides, drilled into his ribs, squeezed at any muscle that earned him a flinch or a gasp. It wasn’t until his hands wandered to his hips that he got any real prize. Testing, he dug his thumbs right into the bone.

Kaladin, honest to the almighty, squealed.

Kaladin arched his back, trying to throw off the hands that were firmly latched onto the spot that broke him. He threw his head back, nearly head-butting Lopen, as a stream of frantic cackling escaped.

Adolins face softened at the sound, a fondness warming him from within as he listened. Kaladins laugh was a happy thing, laced with hiccups and pitchy tittering, and Adolin was sure he would have been begging if he hadn’t wasted so much breath holding his reactions in.

Adolin switched spots again, mimicking the same hand motion as he dug into his lower ribs. Kaladin guffawed, not bothering to hold back anymore. The floodgates were open for good.

His knees gave out under him, Lopen barely keeping them both up.

“You know, you’d think if you’re trying so hard to get out of this you could use the Stormlight in any of the gemstones around you to pull yourself away.” Adolin said. Kaladin would have flushed red again if he weren’t already blushing from the tips of his ears all the way down his chest.

Adolin shifted gears, seeing his friend gasping for breath. He lightened his touch, gently scribbling and dragging his nails up and down Kaladins sides, then ribs, then back down to his stomach. Despite the change, Kaladin still giggled hard,

Adolin leaned closer, whispering in Kaladins ear. “Admit you’re loving this and I’ll stop.”

“What?! Storm off-“ the gruff response was cut off by a stream of high pitched giggling as Adolin used a lock of Kaladins own hair to flick lightly around his ear and jaw. The prince cooed as his shoulder shot up to try and protect the area.

Adolin kept at it, feathering around his neck, while the other hand returned to latch onto his hip again.

Kaladin shrieked.

“Using his own hair, gon? Now that is cruel.” Lopen said before gently blowing a stream of air across Kaladins other ear, laughing as he struggled to choose a side to protect.

“Hey, I had to get creative. It’s not like I’m going to cut it or anything, I’m just using it to my advantage.”

“Both of you shut up!” Kaladin cried between hysterics. Adolin feigned a gasp, complete with a slack jaw and a hand on his chest. “Well now you’re really asking for it, aren’t you?”

Kaladins eyes widened, shaking his head wildly.

“No! No! Wait! I’ll say it!” He begged, pulling up a knee to his chest to push Adolin away. Adolin pulled his hands back, putting them on his hips.

“Well? I’m waiting.”

Kaladin looked around. Most of his companions were ignoring the display now for the most part, having gone back to their drinks and card games. He sighed, looking up at Adolin, slouched in Lopens grasp.

“Fine. I like it, okay? I enjoy it. Now will you leave me be?” Kaladin meant to be more commanding, but it came out as a tired plea. Adolin smiled.

“You have to say the word.”

Kaladin looked up at him incredulously, Lopen snickering behind him. He took a deep breath.

“I like being tickled. There, happy?”

Adolin grinned, nodding, and gesturing to Lopen to let him go. He slumped forward, letting Adolin catch him and guide him into a nearby chair.

Kaladin breathed deeply, trying to get his heart to slow down. Adolin sat beside him, leaning against the table. He looked over at the next table, clearing his throat.

“Pay up, Rock.”

Kaladin started, sitting up straight and looking over as the large horneater stood and made his way to the bar, picking up a large drink of some kind and setting it down in front of the high prince. Rock grumbled, not making eye contact with his captain as he made his way back to his seat.

“I told you I could get him to admit it. Don’t be such a sore loser.”

Kaladin shot a deadly glare towards Rock.

“You told him?!”

The room broke into raucous laughter, and the former bridge leader slid down in his chair as if to disappear under the table.

[onlycosmere]

The Stormlight Archive by Josh Corpuz

Shallan, Dalinar, Kaladin, Jasnah, Szeth

Pattern, Moash, Adolin, Syl, Rock, Gaz

Hoid, Lopen, Eshonai, Navani, Zahel

Sadeas, Lift, Veil, Teft, Rlain

Ben McSweeney: Pretty excellent, I like a lot of these!

The artist is from the Phillipines, and they do superb animation work as well. I think they're tied up in videogames, working on JRPGs.

[cosmerelists]

Pros and Cons of Stormlight Characters in the Middle Seat Next to You on a Budget Airline.

As requested by anon. :)

1. Kaladin

Cons: His legs are so long. His hair is so luxurious. His shoulders are so broad. This large, beautiful man is not trying to be in your space, but the budget airline seat cannot contain him. Pros: You started what you thought was an idle conversation, but by the end of your flight, he had diagnosed your chronic pain and become your therapist??

2. Shallan

Pros: Well, she's more of a regular-sized human and she's friendly but quiet. She seems to just want to sketch the whole flight, so no complaints! Cons: Why does she keep staring directly at a space across the plane and sketching the creepiest symbol-headed creatures you've ever seen with her eyes vaguely glazed over like she doesn't even know she's doing it holy shit is this a Twilight Zone situation where there are invisible gremlin monsters on this plane that only she can see and is it your imagination or do you hear humming from somewhere

3. Adolin

Cons: Listen, this is a budget airline, and this guy seems to think it's a fancy spa?? He's got the slippers, the posh eye mask, the luxurious travel pillow, some really nice face creams, and he seems to be video chatting with a girl even though the internet on the plane doesn't even work. Frankly, you're jealous and grouchy about it. Pros: Okay, he actually seems really sweet and he gave you some of his way-too-nice-for-an-airplane snacks. You take it all back; this guy is awesome.

4. Szeth

Pros: He is so still. So quiet. Almost folded in on himself. Barely...breathing? Honestly, you keep forgetting the middle seat is occupied, and how rare is that! Cons: You just...you think you'd feel better if he just blinked. Just once. Please.

5. Lift

Cons: You had to sigh just a little when a little kid plopped down next to you. Also, she goes to the bathroom every five minutes, and comes back with food every time. You think she might be robbing people. Pros: She complimented your butt quite sincerely. You've always been kinda self-conscious about your butt! But apparently yours is the "second best she's ever seen." Feels nice.

6. Jasnah

Pros: Like, is it possible for someone to just be really good at flying? She came in, expertly stowed her luggage, sat down elegantly, did her seatbelt, used a wipe to clean up the tray table and surrounding area, and immediately starting reading some thick tome. Do you have a crush on her? You might have a crush on her. Cons: She glanced at the book you're reading, and you know she judged you for it.

7. Wit

Cons: Does this guy EVER stop talking? Pros: Okay, actually, you found him kind of annoying at first, but that story he told you about the temple and the duck might have healed years of trauma? Did you just realize that you don't have to forgive your mom and that's okay?

8. Renarin

Pros: He sat down and you were like, "Okay. Cute nerd. I dig it." Cons: You just wish he wouldn't scrawl foreboding-seeming numerals on the back of the airline chair in front of him. Is it counting down to...just before the plane lands? What does it mean???

9. Amarem

Cons: He came in and was IMMEDIATELY like, "I am taller than you and so I should have your seat." And then he just...waited? Like he thought you'd just comply??? Pros: He seems intent on pretending that never happened. Fine by you. That guy seems like an asshole.

10. Zahel

Pros: He falls asleep, like, immediately and doesn't stir for the entire flight. Cons: He's just kinda stinky.

11. Dalinar

Cons: He sits down and, unprompted, says something like, "In my youth I would always battle to occupy every armrest but now, after reading The Way of Planes, I have realized that it is the journey, not the armrests, that matter, so you can have them" and then you're like, "Dude, the person in the middle seat gets the armrests that's just common courtesy" and then he looks at you and you look at him and it's vaguely awkward the whole flight and nobody uses the armrests. Pros: Actually, after a while you do take the armrest and the tension goes down a lot.

12. Taravangian

Pros: He just kinda seems like a nice old man, you know? Kinda confused about stuff, but harmless enough. Cons: He falls asleep partway through and droops his head onto your shoulder and drools a bit and you know you sound ridiculous but it feels somehow calculated. Intentional. Evil.

13. Sebarial

Cons: The very second beverage service starts he's all, "Bring me a BOTTLE of wine" and you're like, "Oh no. It's one of those dudes who gets way too drunk on planes!" Pros: You know? This guy actually seems pretty jolly and chill. You catch yourself thinking, "I wish I could pretend he was my uncle." You're not sure where that came from.

14. Rock

Pros: He scoffs at the provided airline snacks and gets out this thermos and gives you the best damn soup you've ever had in your life. Cons: He's just a large, warm man. Very large. Very warm. Not his fault, of course, but now YOU are very warm.

15. Elhokar

Cons: Every time there is plane turbulence, he mutters something about how it's the assassins coming to finish the job. Poor dude must be really scared of flying. Pros: You feel a warm, parental feeling growing in you as you look at this sad, scared man. Maybe your mom was right. Maybe you WOULD be good with kids.

16. Eshonai

Pros: This lady is, just, SO excited to be traveling that it can't help but make YOU excited to travel. Like, you always thought plane travel sucked, especially budget airline travel, be she is so delighted by everything that you find yourself thinking, "You know, it IS pretty amazing that we're soaring through the sky right now traveling to a new land." Cons: Cons? No cons. You wish you could ALWAYS see flying through this woman's eyes.

[azure-sorceress]

The argument that Moash was the only one in Bridge Four that didn't see Kaladin as some kind of deity or hero really falls apart once you get to the Bridge Four POV chapters in Oathbringer. They're like "yeah, Kaladin is great, but sometimes he can be an idiot, you know" and things of the sort.

Meanwhile, in Oathbringer and Rhythm of War Moash's POVs actually show that he paints Kaladin as this perfect man and soldier.

[wittyhoid]

stormlight archive characters as memes

previous parts: x x x

[thephilosophersapprentice]

I like to imagine that eventually Rock and Syl figure out that they can effectively put a stop to Kaladin Doing Things by Rock picking Kaladin up and throwing him over his shoulder.

Kaladin forgets that he can surgebind in the shock and outrage. It works every time.

[leiththebard]

utterly befuddled... my brother thinks chulls in stormlight look like cows. and doesn't think that the canonical depictions of chasmfiends is right. brother dearest did you LOOK at the pictures Shallan drew??? Did you READ WoK???? He really hears chiton and thinks COWS????

[blogfromthehill]

Bridge 4 Biker Gang!

From left-to-right, bottom-to-top: Sigzil, Syl, Kaladin, Rock and, Lopen & Rua. Lopen using surge-binding to lift his bike.

Happy with how this turned out but I'll probably not draw anything with too many characters anytime soon... 5000+ pixels on procreate with an older ipad-- I still have nightmares with how it crashed & froze. And the layer management

Anyway- hope you enjoy it. Likes, reblogs and or comments are appreciated!

[thatfoxnamedfinley]

Ten Heartbeats...aka The Way of Kings thoughts

Holy fuck my friends

holy FUCK

this is the longest book I've ever read while simultaneously being one of the best books I've ever read

Friends, students, juvenile delinquents. LEND ME YOUR EAR.

SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT, this is going to be a long one baby LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooo

Them: Ok so everyone say their favorite character on three. Okay? One, Two, Three! -

Me: Szeth! Wait...er...I think actually it's Dalinar. Wait...but, Kaladin...er...and Syl too. Well, maybe...Wit...er...possibly Teft? Rock! Er...

Them:

The characters are EXCELLENT. Fascinating. Probably because the world building is so solid that they are able to all stand on their own in their own stories.

I know a big complaint is Shallan's parts in the beginning half (because we're so thirsty for Kaladin and Dalinar's stories) but I still really liked them. I know Capsule isn't the guy's name (spelled Kabsal I think) but I'm calling him Capsule. That's the one part I wasn't a huge fan of only because I'm not a fan of romance in anything I consume. There was a payoff at the end but still.

Now, I DO think that Jasnah CARRIED Shallan's chapters because a lot of what Shallan was trying to do revolved around Jasnah and stealing her Soulcaster and what Jasnah was researching and who Jasnah's father was and how intelligent Jasnah is. I actually found the philosophy of her killing those men in the alleyway to make Shallan more open minded to different ways of thinking to be quite brilliant. I also knew through other avenues of the story (Dalinar's POV) that what Jasnah was researching was major and the lore we would get from Shallan's POV would be invaluable to the world building. ESPECIALLY towards the back half when Shallan was drawing weird things and Capsule made his move to assassinate Jasnah (with bread and jam LMFAO bro)

The scene of Shallan running away from those creatures she was drawing was genuinely frightening, especially when she reached out towards the hand that was near her (in her drawing) and felt something there. I was like

And the soulcasting and that both she and Jasnah can do it without a soulcaster because...??????????? oh dont worry we dont know yet

And wtf is Shadesmar

like WTF is that place? WTF is there? What is it? A different plane? Are spren there? Are voidbringers there? Are not all spren good? Like, I know there are painspren and deathspren and rotspren and the question has continued to be asked if the spren are drawn to things or if they create them. But they seem to have limited intelligence (minus maybe Syl). But there's no reason to believe that maybe there are spren that aren't malicious; we just haven't seen them yet. They're in Shadesmar bitch

(side note, anticipationspren and gloryspren may be my fav, I can imagine them as little sprites with their hands raised in the air, lit af)

OH AND BITCH the revelation of the Parshmen being the VOIDBRINGERS????????????????? BITCH WTF

When it was mentioned the Voidbringers "hummed in song" I was like WAIT A FUCKING SECOND THERE'S NO FUCKING WAY

like WTF IS HAPPENING and when Jasnah was like "girlie, these bitches are ingratiated into every aspect of our society" Shallan and I were BOTH like

Kaladin and Syl. Baby boi and baby girl.

do not TOUCH me when Syl was holding up her little arms in front of the highstorm to try to shield Kaladin from it

When she brought him a leaf to make him feel better

Saying she tripped some men to get back at being mean to Kaladin and she was so proud of herself

At moments she gave Kaladin a reason to live and she was AMAZING. BOIIIIIII when she appeared a full woman next to Kaladin and the look on her face and the echo of his father's words making him go back and save Dalinar. Syl appearing like that honestly carried so much weight, especially when you find out she's an Honorspren. Spirit of oaths. Of promises. And nobility. And all of a sudden that moment and that battle had so much more gravity. I can close my eyes an imagine her hair blowing around her face as she watches Dalinar's banner fight to survive and the moment Kaladin realises he HAS to go help them....

BOIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

ok wait wait wait my heartrate is increasing let me travel back a little bit

Kaladin and the process of getting his Bridge Four homeboys to trust him was

Rock and Teft are LEGENDS. Rock being the first one to really see Kaladin as a leader was iconic.

I'm listening to the audiobooks (if you are unaware and this is a first book posting of mine you've seen) I'm a REALLY slow reader. I get distracted and I have ADD so I need to be moving and doing other things (even if it's just COLORING while I listen, I can't just sit and read but I'm trying to get better at it), and there's a bookmark+note I left on chapter 21:

"Rock, I fear, may be an actual legend"

I actually ended up liking Teft a little bit more than Rock by the end of the book but Rock being the first one to actually be open and willing to Kaladin's leadership made me really like him immediately.

I liked Teft a lot because he was the one constantly checking up on Kaladin and asking him if he was okay, giving him space when he needed it but still staying close to him and I thought that was really sweet. When you're depressed, sometimes someone just needs to BE there with you and Teft seemed to understand the burden of leadership. And of course it helped that he saw Kaladin glow like a flamespren on steroids after Kaladin survived a highstorm.

All due respect I'm so glad he survived the highstorm cause, *COUGH* prophecy *COUGH*, but Sanderson described him as basically flapping in the wind like a wet sock

I liked when they were doing the assault to save Dalinar (SADEAS YOU FUCKING BASTARD OH I'LL GET TO HIM) and Bridge Four was watching him fight with his spear and they were all watching in awe and the Teft snapped out of it like OUR BRIDGELEADER NEEDS US COME ON MEN

And they all charged I was like

I came around on Moash too eventually XD

Lopen was funny cause he had like 15 cousins that owed him favors and I'm like BRO WHO ARE YOU

Hoid being Sigzil's old master was a pleasant surprise. When he was telling that story to Kaladin by the fire I was like "Wait a minute is he also a Worldsinger?? He knows all this SHIT!" Then when it was revealed I was satisfied. A pleasant tie-in to that character that made the world seem more connected.

My working theory is that spren gave the Radiants their powers and they have to do like an "equal exchange" thing (like Shallan with that voice that wanted something) for their powers to fully manifest. I don't know that you're "BORN" with powers so much as chosen by a specific spren with a specific power. But girl, idk this is just what my brain is thinking after lying in bed with scrap paper like

Dalinar.

Stoic boi. Soft boi. Emotional boi. Pent up boi. Sadeas and Dalinar have this exchange in which he has this to say about Dalinar. From Chapter 26, ahem, let me read it:

"It's odd, how a leader's influence can affect his men," Sadeas said. "So many of these are like smaller versions of you. Bundles of emotion, wrapped up and tied until they become stiff from the pressure. They're so sure in some ways, yet so insecure in others."

[...]

"But don't you ever want to let it out, as you used to? Doesn't it pound on you inside, like someone trapped within a large drum? Beating, banging, trying to claw free?"

"Yes," Dalinar said.

[...]

"And the Thrill, Dalinar. Do you still feel the Thrill?"

*folds sheet of paper away* And not only does this sound like the beginning of a very intense gay fanfic (note that my bookmark note in the audiobook read as follows: Yo Sadeas, this pillow talk is WILD rn bro. "Do you still feel the Thrill?" BRO WE'RE ON A HUNT FOR A CHASMFIEND RN THIS IS *NOT* THE TIME MY GUY), but Navani echoes something similar later. Dalinar does too when they finally accept their feelings for each other. He says he HAS to live for something or else he spirals out of control. The Codes, Gavilar, the book. If he gives himself any "leeway on the leash" then he rages. I found that to be ever present in his character, always having to calm himself down and ESSENTIALLY do breathing exercises when people pissed him tf off.

I found Dalinar's POV quite captivating. A warlord, a feared warlord, who has visions of...crazy shit during these highstorms and really goes through this internal conflict of if he is mad or not and if he should abdicate to his son. His boon and curse are unknown to us from the NightWatcher (although alluding maybe his curse has to do with his wife as he doesn't even remember her name).

During the battle at the end with the Parshendi when Sadeas abandons him I had several thoughts and feelings during this

1.) Kaladin choosing to go save him was fucking EPIC. When Dalinar sees them charging back to them, a single lone bridge crew...using THAT as a hope and fighting through the army....GOOSEBUMPS BRO

2.) I think that Parshendi that said he had "finally found" Dalinar after searching for him was Odium. I really think this. The odd respectful saluting towards Dalinar...it was all so odd but it makes me feel what I felt since we saw his very first highstorm vision. Dalinar is chosen. A lot of our MCs are. For what, I don't know. But they're chosen for this Everstorm coming.

3.) SADEAS. You insidious POS. From Dalinar's POV, it was written so well that I actually thought Sadeas was an ally. Maybe I'm a dumb mother fucker. I did NOT anticipate Sadeas betraying him. I really didn't. It's a trope and I should of seen that shit from a mile away but I didn't.

4.) It's actually heatwarming how much Adolin loves his father. during his brief POV's he thinks about him a lot in a very loving manner and it's actually lovely to see that the relationships he has with his two sons are HEALTHY. In Chapter 12, Adolin states the reason he fights is that he can never forgive the Parshendi for bringing his father so much pain after the assassination of his brother. That's like...super sweet! He even states in the same chapter that he thinks his father is the greatest man alive. Seeing a loving, healthy dynamic between a father and his son was actually super, super special and unexpected. He still had moments where he challenged his father and Dalinar LETS him but he spends a lot of his time trying to understand his father's thoughts and I can't WAIT to see more of this dynamic as well as more of Adolin and Renarin (I have a feeling this dude will be a dark horse later) in later books.

World building is great. I literally felt like I was dropped into this world with no explanations, expected to figure everything out. While there are frustrations in that maybe, I really liked it. It took me about a week to work through this book (I read along with the audiobook, like someone was reading to me at night) and many a night was I awake til like 4am listening and thinking about it. In my bed all curled up, listening and imagining the world. Giggling sometimes, gasping. Clapping vigorously. I almost cried once.

THIS is how stories should be felt. Like I'm by a fire, wrapped up in a blanket given to me from another world, lost in the stories of the stars when I look up. One of the best experiences I've had with a book and I'm truly looking forward to the next book.

Until next time *salutes*

side thoughts pulled from audiobook bookmarked notes:

Dalinar giving up his Shardblade for Bridge Four and all of the bridgeman was kinda hot, ngl

Syl may be a GOAT

"Brightlord Sadeas," Wit said, taking a sip of wine. "I'm terribly sorry to see you here." LMFAOO WHAT A CUNTY ICON i love Wit

wait if men don't write how does Szeth know how wtf (Szeth is an actual baby angel and he may be the side character I want to know the most about. Super super interesting)

Teft kinda clutch

"What is that?" Gaz said, pointing. "Bridge Crew. Carrying what I believe is...yes, it's a bridge." Kaladin is lowkey a comedian

wait where tf did Gaz go later on

Bridge Four nodding knowingly when they see Kaladin talking to air LMFAOOOO I fear this bridge crew is iconic

[notacluedo]

kaladin the universe’s fave punching bag

[swagspren]

I cannot wait to hear conversations between Szeth and Kaladin. I just can’t imagine that Szeth has any thoughts. I truly think his inner world is radio silence, only occasionally interrupted by moral existentialism. He is a human pipe screen saver to me, and Dalinar talking to him is the equivalent of moving the mouse

[halftametigers]

i learned how to embroider to make this, be nice since it is my first attempt. now i can be honorary bridge four. the thread is technically blue but it doesnt really show up in this light

[cosmerelists]

Stormlight Characters Switch Roles for a Day

As request by anon. :) [Some spoilers for Stormlight! Includes some roles people only have in later books]

It's important to me for you all to know that these combos were generated by a random number generator. Here is how fate (=random number generator) has decreed that Stormlight characters will be swapped around! How will they do in their new job?

1. Renarin takes on Jasnah's role as Queen of Alethkar

Renarin: [smiling beatifically] Rlain: You're stressed out of your mind, aren't you? Renarin (calmly): I am about to vibrate out of my skin, yeah. Rlain: Does it help that we already have three preemptive surrenders from nations who "don't want to risk angering the all-seeing prophetic god-king of Alethkar"? Renarin: What?! Rlain: Just kidding. Rlain: ...There's only been one surrender so far. Renarin: ... Renarin: I didn't even SAY anything!

2. Navani takes on Kaladin's role as leader of Bridge 4

Navani (Hour 1): I'm not a commander, of course. I'll stay out of the way and allow Teft and the other lieutenants to handle things. Navani (Hour 4): I'm not a commander, of course, but I have suggested a few small improvements. If Teft and the other lieutenants can make them work, then that's great. Navani (Hour 8): With the help of Teft and the other lieutenants, we have created nineteen new devices that have improved the efficiency of Bridge 4 by 35%. I'm so glad I can support them in some small way. Navani (Hour 12): Wait a second...I'm actually amazing at this.

3. Shallan takes on Adolin's role as duelist

Jakamov stands in the dueling ring, frozen. The 7 Shallans surround him, taunting him. One of them seems to know all of his secrets. One of them wears the face of an old girlfriend whom he ghosted. One of them has his mother's frown--only her frown. All of them have swords. All of them are watching him. Shallan (actually up in the stands): I'm so great at this, actually. Adolin: Shallan...he's crying.

4. Dalinar takes on Shallan's role as Ghostblood spy

Dalinar tramps into a seedy bar. Everyone takes one look at him and immediately they all file out. He is alone. Dalinar: ... Dalinar: And I wore a fake mustache and everything.

5. Teft takes on Dalinar's role as leader of Urithiru

Teft: Kal...congratulations on becoming the leader of Urithiru. Kaladin: I'M PRETTY SURE THAT'S NOT HOW THIS WORKS

6. Szeth takes on Navani's role as artefabrian

Navani: Well...you've certainly been...busy. Szeth: I am physically incapable of not giving a role my all. Navani: So... Navani: ... Navani: They're all complicated instruments of horrible death, huh? Szeth: I like the one with the spring.

7. Sadeas takes on Szeth's role as the Assassin in White

Sadeas: Ialai...can you have your assassins kill all these men? Ialai: Already sent 'em out. Sadeas: I love you! Sadeas: Wow...this job was so easy and not emotionally taxing in the slightest.

8. Leshwi takes on Sadeas' role as betrayer of Dalinar

Leshwi: I feel like........I'm just going to fly down and stab him. Leshwi: Well, after I introduce myself of course. Leshwi: And allow him to summon his sword for an honorable duel. Lezian: You suck at betrayal. Leshwi: ...Thank you?

9. Rlain takes on Wit's role as the King's/Queen's Wit

Rlain: I see that you have chosen to wear yellow to this feast. Rlain: It was a good choice. It looks nice on you. Wit: I want to cry. Rlain: What? I said it to Amusement.

10. Wit takes on Rock's role as Bridge 4's cook

Wit: As a vegetarian whose morals are supernaturally enforced...I'm gonna introduce you all to a little something I call "Tofu." Rock: YOU'RE FIRED

11. Jasnah takes on Teft's role as Kaladin's lieutenant

Jasnah (holding an enormous notebook): I have some suggestions...Captain. Kaladin: M-My life is flashing before my eyes!

12. Adolin takes on Lirin's role as ultra-pacifist doctor

Adolin: Okay, but...dueling is pacifist, right? No one dies. Lirin: Play-violence is still violence! People get injured and it's so horrible and pointless! Adolin: What about fighting but, like, noble fighting? Lirin: D-Do you know what pacifist MEANS? Adolin: But my sword is my best friend! Lirin: ...every day the Almighty tests my patience.

13. Lirin takes on Renarin's role as Prophet of the Everstorm

Lirin: ...and that is how and why I know that something bad is coming, and why I think you need to prepare to save everyone. Dalinar: Wow...you just...said all that. To me. Directly. With details. Lirin: I understand that you may choose to execute me for blasphemy or whatever, but I couldn't sit back and allow people to die for my own comfort. Dalinar: What a mature and straightforward way to handle that!

14. Rock takes on Rlain's roll as "Parshendi" spy

Rock: Here are everyone's secrets! Rlain: I am...impressed. How did you get all this intelligence so quickly? Rock: People LOVE talking to the cook!

15. Kaladin takes on Leshwi's role as leader of shanay-im

Kaladin: So...you guys...can't die? Shanay-im guy: That is correct. Kaladin (tears welling up in his eyes): S-So...I can be commander of a squad where...no one ever dies? I-Is this happening? Shanay-im guy: However, we have to kill someone and take over their body to return. Kaladin: GOD FUCKING DAMMIT