This week is No.6 of the Words of Radiance readalong.  If you’re not joining us for this yet you’re still not too late to join in with all the goodness and discussions – and actually, I will just add that this book is epic and awesome all rolled into one – so you really MUST pick it up.  Or, if you’ve already read or are reading then please feel free to just dive in here with your observations.  Everyone is most welcome.  The schedule is here.  Let’s get straight to it – and beware, the usual alert about spoilers applies of course – catoutofthebagspren are lurking from hereonin:

1. Shallan and Adolin meet up for a nice glass of wine and a pleasant chat!!  What did you make of Shallan’s winning conversational tactics and what do you think will eventually come of this ‘relationship’.  Narvani doesn’t seem to be warming to Shallan – do you think this will cause problems between Shallan and Adolin?  Also, Shallan seemed to be almost drawn to the storm and mentioned being able to see something in it?  Any guesses as to why and what?

A bit like Adolin, I couldn’t believe it when she first blurted her ‘pooh’ question!  Very funny.  I don’t think Adolin knows what to make of her and finds her refreshingly different and amusing.  She does of course help with a bit of flattery along the way but the two do seem to be getting on very well.  I suppose Narvani could cause problems for the two if she decided to block any such marriage.  I think at the moment that Narvani, as well as grieving of course, seems to perhaps think Shallan is partly responsible or could have done more to help Jasnah, I think this is hindering her having any liking for her – perhaps she thinks Shallan is just an opportunist.  After all, nobody had seen her before she arrived so really she could be conning them – obviously, we know she isn’t but they don’t?  I’m not really sure what Shallan thought she saw in the storm but I think it’s the same thing that Kaladin saw when he was punished and left out during one such occasion and I think it’s the same thing that seemed to be watching from the balcony during another storm.  It’s spooky!

2. So much intrigue.  Shallan found out about her brother (or at least the evidence points that way) – and what an awful way to find out such a thing!  She found out a bit more about the Ghostbloods and she also uncovered some of Amaram’s secrets – what do you make of it all and what are the bigger connections here?

Mmm, well, firstly, Amaram’s most recent revelation concerning his shardblade was very interesting.  Does he have two shardblades now then?  Why was he fighting Shallan’s brother – was this an assassination attempt for the Ghostbloods who still seem to be interested in Amaram or was he trying to find out information for the Ghostbloods like Shallan is now doing.  I was toying with the idea of the Ghostbloods having some sort of connection to Sadeas (or his wife) but that wouldn’t make sense  would it if they’re spying on Amaram?  Unless Sadeas believes Amaram his not telling him everything and is only using him until his usefulness runs out?  I seem to be coming up with more questions than answers.

3.  What did you make of Dalinar giving Amaram an elite role in his latest scheme to bring back the Radiants.  Do you think it’s a test of some sort or has he simply ignored Kaladin’s tale?  Kaladin does seem to be becoming a little bit obsessed by Amaram and Syl seems to be struggling with him at the moment.  Do you see a difference in their relationship now that Kaladin has developed his abilities?

I must admit that I was a little put out when I read that particular section.  I was really puzzled why Dalinar would do this after all that Kaladin has done but then I figured he has known Amaram for a long time and, like everyone else, has no real reason to doubt him.  Okay, he obviously thinks highly of Kaladin but even now they don’t really know each other.  I still can’t understand why he would give Amaram this position though and the other thing I struggle a bit with is wondering why they all trust Amaram so readily when he’s actually part of Sadeas’s camp?  Big clue No.1 or what!

4. Shallan and Kaladin seem to be rapidly developing their own abilities with Kaladin finally finding his feet in rather spectacular fashion.  Shallan seems to have the most extraordinary abilities – she’s almost perfectly set up to become a spy!  What did you make of her latest encounter and ‘near thing’ with the Ghostbloods.  Do you think she’ll meet them again??  Can you guess at what other talents she might pull out of the hat?

Shallan is definitely useful to have around.  Not only is she really gutsy but she also manages to think on her feet – even if she’s actually just put her foot in it!  I loved the way she improvised when she broke into Amaram’s place and the second meeting with the Ghostbloods was so exciting and tense.  Not to mention – that whole boulder disguise – didn’t see that coming.  She’s taking quite a number of risks and also showing her own naivety along the way but she’s learning a lot of lessons.  She seems to be mastering the art of disguise – perhaps she’ll learn chameleon like abilities – a little in the way that Pattern does?  It was brilliant watching Kaladin learn as well and finally seem to accept what he can actually do – for a moment there he seemed genuinely happy which doesn’t seem to happen very often any more.  And it was like he was flying there for a moment – like the Radiants.

5. Wit – it appears he did meet Shallan after all – and, is it just me or is anybody developing a little bit of a Wit crush?  Why do you think he’s reappeared.  He’s always giving out cryptic messages and disappearing again mysteriously but I’m in a quandary as to know what his meaning really is most of the time!   What is his role in all of this.  Does he really have a side as such?

I really like Wit.  I do sometimes wish that he’d simply tell people what he wants to say instead of being so mysterious – although I probably wouldn’t like him as much if he wasn’t so intriguing.  Basically I’m a bit clueless about him.  I don’t really think he has a side – more that he’s just interested in keeping things ticking over.  He’s like an Ent ‘I’m on nobody’s side because nobody is on my side!’  I really put this question in so that everyone else could give wonderful and illuminating answers and basically clue me in.

6. Finally, can we just discuss that duel.  I think that was one of the most exciting things I’ve read so far.  I literally gasped out loud at one point.  What did you make of it all – the scheming, the conspiring, the fight itself, Kaladin’s heroics – and, finally, and importantly, the conclusion!

I could hug Brandon Sanderson.  I don’t know how he does it but he’s a master at writing these sort of scenes.  I can just picture it and it flows so well.  It’s exciting and compelling.  It doesn’t read like a running commentary and you just become totally sucked into the story.  I loved it.  Aw – the duplicity and two facedness of all of them though- they’re so bad – even the judge and Adolin’s bestie!!  Hopefully Dalinar will maybe start to trust Kaladin a little bit more now?  And, how awful to be in such a hopeless position as Dalinar, stood on the outskirts watching both his sons face that challenge!  I suppose they all showed a little bit of naivety didn’t they.  They thought they’d managed to pull a fast one and get one step ahead of Sadeas but there was Sadeas – already two steps ahead! And the the ending!!  I won’t say any more because I’ve read on but!!!

Wow, that last chapter was awesomely epic.

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