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Wind and Truth (The Stormlight Archive, Book 5)
By: THE Brandon Sanderson
My Rating: FIVE out of FIVE Stars
Best for: 16 and up

Hold on, let me catch my breath…

1330 pages later…
I need to catch my breath and process before I can review Wind and Truth properly. But first thoughts: OUTSTANDING, deep, thoughtful, violent, and not the ending I expected. My heart is still racing, and my head is still reeling.

Okay, here we go:

Brandon Sanderson’s Wind and Truth is the epic conclusion to the first arc of the Stormlight Archive, a fantasy series that has captivated readers with its intricate world-building, complex characters, and powerful themes. This fifth installment delivers everything fans have come to expect from Sanderson and more.

What’s it about?

Wind and Truth picks up immediately after the events of Rhythm of War, with Dalinar Kholin facing an impossible challenge: a contest of champions against the evil god Odium, with the fate of Roshar hanging in the balance. As the Knights Radiant and Dalinar’s United Coalition prepares for the impending battle, the story unfolds across multiple storylines, each filled with danger, intrigue, emotional depth, and a whole lot of life lessons.

What did I love?

Everything! Seriously, this book is a masterpiece. Sanderson masterfully weaves together multiple plot threads, each with its own unique challenges and triumphs. The characters are more complex and relatable than ever, and the action sequences are breathtaking.
Gaining Empathy Through Others’ Experiences: Wind and Truth isn’t just a fantasy epic; it’s a journey into the hearts and minds of characters who experience life in ways we may never fully comprehend. Kaladin’s battle with depression and PTSD is portrayed with such raw honesty and sensitivity that it’s impossible not to feel a deep empathy for his struggles. Shallan, Adolin, Renarin, Dalinar, Szeth, Jasnah, Navoni, every member of Bridge 4–they all have emotional trauma or emotional illness of some sort.

I found each person’s experiences with their trial so well written and personal that I found myself expanding in empathy for those who struggle. Sanderson doesn’t offer easy answers, but he shows us the power of resilience and the importance of seeking help.

WaT also introduces same-gender relationships to Brandon Sanderson’s work for the first time. The relationship between Renarin and Rlain is a beautiful example of love and acceptance, reminding us that emotions transcend societal norms. By experiencing their journey, their hopes and fears, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those who love differently.

This inclusion, along with the exploration of mental health, highlights the very real-world applications of this fantasy novel. It reminds us that even in a world of magic and mythical creatures, the struggles of the human heart are universal. It’s a fantasy, but it’s also real.

Epic scope: The scope of this book is simply breathtaking. 1300+ pages! We’re talking Les Mis and Count of Monte Cristo long! Every page reads so easily, and the epic battles, political intrigue, and personal struggles somehow magically coalesce into a cohesive and satisfying narrative. 1300 pages reads like a book half that length. You’re finished and you wish you weren’t.

Satisfying conclusion: After all the speculation of how it would come together, Wind and Truth provides a satisfying–although unexpected–conclusion to the first arc of the Stormlight Archive. I was expecting more closure than I got, but I can’t complain too much. The stage for a whole lot of exciting new adventures to come.

What didn’t I love?

Nothing! Okay, maybe the seven year wait for the next book will be excruciating, but that’s hardly a criticism of this incredible novel. Plus I pretty strongly suspect we’ll be seeing more of these characters much sooner than book 6 of The Stormlight Archive…
Sensitive Content

Violence: I felt like the violence was more…violent this time around. The killing and battles are pretty intense.
Mental health: The novel deals with themes of depression, PTSD, and suicide.
Strong language: This novel includes stronger language than previous Sanderson novels. We’ve got some 4-letter words in here, folks!
Same gender relationships: There are same-gender relationships in this book, which includes a shared kiss between two men.
Should you read it?

If you’re a fan of epic fantasy, then you absolutely must read Wind and Truth. It’s a masterpiece of the genre, and it will stay with you long after you turn the final page. BUT…you can’t read it until you’ve read the other Cosmere books that come before!

This dad says Wind and Truth is appropriate for readers 16 and up.

Happy Reading!