Episode 157: Dalinar Kholin, Chronologically

The Way of Kings is an epic fantasy novel that introduces the world of Roshar, where powerful magical forces known as Surgebinding and Shardwielding shape the destiny of its inhabitants. The story primarily follows three characters: Kaladin, a former surgeon turned soldier who is now a slave; Shallan, a young woman seeking to apprentice under the scholar Jasnah Kholin; and Dalinar Kholin, a highprince troubled by visions of ancient times and the Knights Radiant. The novel explores themes of honor, loyalty, and the struggle for power in a world torn apart by war and the looming threat of the Desolation and the Voidbringers. The book is known for its detailed worldbuilding, complex characters, and the slow but intense build-up to a dramatic climax.

Oathbringer, the third volume of The Stormlight Archive, explores humanity’s new Desolation. The novel focuses on Dalinar Kholin’s struggles to unite the nations of Roshar against the Voidbringers, Kaladin Stormblessed’s internal conflict amidst the awakening of the parshmen, and Shallan Davar’s investigation into the dark secrets of the ancient stronghold of Urithiru. The story delves into themes of unity, character transformation, and the rich lore and complex politics of the world of Roshar.

The Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling, follows the journey of Harry Potter, an orphan boy who discovers he is a wizard. The series spans seven novels, each corresponding to one year of Harry's life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry, along with his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, navigates the magical world, confronts various challenges, and ultimately faces off against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who murdered Harry's parents and seeks to dominate the wizarding world. The series explores themes of friendship, love, and the struggle between good and evil.

Wind and Truth is the fifth novel in Brandon Sanderson's epic fantasy series, The Stormlight Archive. It marks the end of the first arc of the series and sets the stage for a 10-year time jump before the second arc begins. The story revolves around Dalinar Kholin's challenge to the evil god Odium, with the fate of Roshar and the Cosmere hanging in the balance. The book features flashback chapters from Szeth's perspective and continues to develop the complex characters and lore of the series. It is notable for being the longest book in the series, with 491,000 words and 1,330 pages.

Rhythm of War picks up one year after the events of Oathbringer. The Knights Radiant are engaged in a protracted and brutal war against Odium’s Fused and Singer armies, with neither side gaining a significant advantage. The story introduces new technological discoveries, deepens character development, and explores themes of mental health, trauma, and social issues. The book features multiple plot arcs, intense action sequences, and emotional character moments, setting the stage for the next installment in the series.