Wind and Truth Reread: Chapters 86 and 87, Interludes 13 and 14

The world of Roshar continues to churn with political intrigue, cosmic battles, and personal growth in Brandon Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archive. This reread, focusing on Chapters 86 and 87, along with Interludes 13 and 14 of Wind and Truth, dives deep into the escalating conflict between the forces of Melishi and Mishram, while offering glimpses into the wider Cosmere.

Plot Summary

At its core, Wind and Truth continues to follow the epic struggle of Kaladin Stormblessed and his companions against Odium’s forces, as well as internal struggles within the Alethi kingdom and the broader coalition of nations on Roshar. The central conflict revolves around preventing the return of the Voidbringers and the ultimate subjugation of humanity. The narrative threads are interwoven, focusing on the strategic maneuvering of armies, the philosophical debates among powerful individuals, and the personal sacrifices made by those fighting for survival and freedom.

The reread of Chapters 86 and 87, and Interludes 13 and 14, specifically highlight key confrontations and revelations. We see the strategic acumen of characters like Dalinar Kholin as he navigates complex alliances and battles. The interludes often provide crucial context, expanding the scope of the narrative beyond Roshar and offering insights into the workings of the wider Cosmere and the motivations of its various players. The mention of “Melishi versus Mishram” suggests a significant clash of ancient powers or factions, the implications of which reverberate throughout the current events. Meanwhile, the delightful detail of “Lift saves a chicken!” speaks to the enduring character moments that Sanderson masterfully weaves into his epic narratives, providing levity and a grounded perspective amidst cosmic stakes.

Overall Thoughts and Feelings

Wind and Truth continues to be a monumental achievement in epic fantasy. My feelings upon rereading these chapters are a mixture of awe at the intricate plotting, profound emotional investment in the characters, and a growing anticipation for the series’ conclusion. Sanderson has a remarkable ability to balance vast, world-altering events with intensely personal journeys. These specific chapters and interludes, while perhaps not featuring the absolute climax of the entire arc, are crucial in building momentum and deepening our understanding of the stakes.

Writing Style, Character Development, and Literary Themes

Writing Style

Sanderson’s writing style in Wind and Truth is, as always, clear, precise, and highly functional. He excels at conveying complex magical systems and intricate plot mechanics without sacrificing readability. The prose is generally straightforward, allowing the sheer scale of the narrative and the depth of the world-building to shine. He has a knack for sharp, memorable dialogue that often reveals character as much as it advances the plot.

Character Development

The character development in Wind and Truth remains a significant strength. Kaladin’s ongoing struggle with depression and his role as a protector are explored with nuance and empathy. Dalinar’s leadership and the weight of his past are central to the narrative. Even secondary characters are given depth and agency. The mention of Lift suggests her continued growth and her unique perspective, often providing a much-needed dose of irreverence and moral clarity. The “Melishi versus Mishram” element likely hints at the development or revelation of ancient figures whose actions and philosophies are now directly impacting the present.

Literary Themes and Motifs

Several key themes are consistently explored:

  • The Nature of Light and Darkness: This is a fundamental motif in the Stormlight Archive, representing good and evil, hope and despair, and the very essence of the Surgebinding magic.
  • Responsibility and Leadership: Many characters grapple with the burden of leadership and the moral choices that come with it. Dalinar’s journey is a prime example.
  • The Struggle Against Despair: This is a deeply personal theme, particularly for Kaladin, who battles his inner demons as fiercely as any external foe.
  • Sacrifice: The narrative is replete with characters making profound sacrifices, both big and small, for the greater good.
  • Cosmic Balance: The interludes, in particular, often touch upon the delicate balance of power and influence across the Cosmere, hinting at larger, unseen forces at play.

Pacing and Structure

The pacing in Wind and Truth is generally well-managed, especially in these reread chapters. While the overall narrative is epic in scope, Sanderson is adept at weaving together multiple plot threads that build towards significant turning points. The structure, with its alternating viewpoints and interludes, allows for a comprehensive view of the conflict and its far-reaching implications. These specific chapters likely serve to advance key strategic objectives and provide crucial lore or character insights, keeping the momentum going. I found the plot engrossing, and while the sheer density of information can sometimes require careful attention, there were no parts that felt truly slow or confusing in a way that detracted from the overall experience.

Author’s Use of Language and Vivid Imagery

Sanderson’s language is functional but also capable of evoking powerful imagery. The descriptions of the Shattered Plains, the highstorms, and the intricate workings of Surgebinding are all rendered with a clarity that makes the world feel tangible. The “chicken” detail, though seemingly minor, is a testament to his ability to anchor grand events in relatable, even humorous, moments.

Memorable Quotes or Passages

While specific quotes are not provided in the description, the Stormlight Archive is known for its poignant and insightful lines. I anticipate that within these chapters, there would be moments of:

  • Kaladin wrestling with his oaths and his purpose.
  • Dalinar delivering pronouncements of leadership or facing difficult truths.
  • Lift offering a characteristic, often surprisingly profound, observation.
  • Insights into the ancient history related to Melishi and Mishram, revealing their impact.

Emotional Impact

Wind and Truth consistently evokes a wide range of emotions. There’s the thrill of battle, the despair of loss, the warmth of camaraderie, and the profound hope that emerges from overcoming adversity. The personal struggles of the characters, particularly Kaladin’s fight against depression, are deeply moving and thought-provoking. The idea of Lift saving a chicken, while humorous, also speaks to the inherent value of even the smallest life, a core tenet that resonates throughout the series. The scale of the conflict and the stakes involved naturally provoke deep thought about destiny, free will, and the nature of good and evil.

Themes and Messages

Sanderson’s primary message in The Stormlight Archive revolves around the idea that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things through courage, perseverance, and embracing their responsibilities. The author seems to be conveying that even in the face of overwhelming darkness, hope can be found, and that true strength lies not just in power, but in connection and empathy. The “Melishi versus Mishram” conflict likely serves as a vehicle to explore the consequences of ancient actions and the cyclical nature of history, reminding readers that the past has a profound impact on the present.

Social or Cultural Commentary

While not overtly political, Wind and Truth can be seen as containing social commentary on themes of leadership, governance, and the consequences of war. The challenges of uniting disparate factions and the complexities of political maneuvering are all explored. The series also touches upon themes of mental health and the importance of acknowledging and addressing inner struggles.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

  • World-Building: Roshar is one of the most richly imagined worlds in modern fantasy.
  • Character Depth: The protagonists are complex, flawed, and relatable.
  • Intricate Plotting: Sanderson masterfully weaves multiple narrative threads.
  • Magic System: The Surgebinding system is unique, logical, and integral to the plot.
  • Emotional Resonance: The series effectively taps into deep human emotions.

Weaknesses

  • Pacing in some sections: While generally good, the sheer scope can sometimes lead to dense passages that require significant reader investment.
  • Density of Information: Newcomers to the series might find the world and magic systems overwhelming initially.

Recommendations

I would highly recommend Wind and Truth to fans of epic fantasy, particularly those who enjoy intricate world-building, complex magic systems, and character-driven narratives. Readers who appreciate Brandon Sanderson’s other works, such as the Mistborn series or The Wheel of Time (which he completed), will undoubtedly find much to love here. Those who enjoy sprawling narratives with high stakes and a strong emotional core will also be drawn to this novel.

Conclusion

The reread of Chapters 86 and 87, Interludes 13 and 14 of Wind and Truth further solidifies its position as a pinnacle of modern epic fantasy. The meticulous construction of the world, the profound development of its characters, and the grand sweep of its narrative are all on full display. The battle between Melishi and Mishram, along with the seemingly small act of Lift saving a chicken, encapsulates the series’ ability to balance the cosmic with the deeply personal. This installment is a testament to Brandon Sanderson’s storytelling prowess.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Where to Get It

  • My Ebook
  • You can typically purchase The Stormlight Archive novels from major online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.
  • Local independent bookstores are also excellent sources for new releases.
  • Libraries often carry popular fantasy series.

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