Includes spoilers for books 1-4 of The Stormlight Archive.
There's one narrative in Brandon Sanderson's best books but also a series that rivals the likes of ASOIAF or TWoT in its contributions to the genre. Sanderson is unrivaled in developing slow-burn, tangible character arcs. Not to mention, he's a master at connecting us to characters through modern emotional struggles.
book 5, Wind and Truth, we'll see Szeth as the main flashback character.
Jasnah Kholin Is The Perfectly Flawed Flashback Character For The Stormlight Archive
Jasnah Has Mystical Appeal & Emotional Nuance To Explore
Out of the massive ensemble of The Stormlight Archive, no ing character has appealed to me more than Jasnah. She's stern and not one for nonsense, even to the point of being fairly abrasive at times. I constantly think about the sequence with Ruthar in Rhythm of War; it just doesn't get more badass than that. But she also has this profound mystical appeal. Even in The Way of Kings, Jasnah is steps ahead of everyone else, and by Rhythm of War, she's made Wit, who possesses thousands of years of knowledge, fall for her due to her brilliance.
So, for several reasons, I can't wait for Jasnah to have her moment in the spotlight, as she's been so fascinating throughout the current four books in brief appearances. We know she's suffered some severe childhood trauma, and finally revealing what that was could be an exciting game-changer. Beyond just revealing something fascinating, I think exploring the emotions of a character with a more rigid exterior shell is a challenge that will ultimately be rewarding for Sanderson to embark on.
Jasnah Kholin Won't Be The Main Flashback Character Until Book 10
We've Still Got 5 Volumes To Go
Jasnah will be the tenth and final character
As much as I'd love to see Jasnah as the main flashback character, I'm going to be waiting quite a while. In 2018, Sanderson laid out the list of the primary flashback characters for all ten volumes of The Stormlight Archive. Jasnah will be the tenth and final character, despite having been in the series since The Way of Kings. Following Wind and Truth, there's meant to be a ten-year time jump in-world before events kick off for the second arc, which will feature different characters more prominently, including Lift and Renarin.
The Stormlight Archive's Time Jump Needs To Learn From Mistborn And Massively Change The World In Brandon Sanderson's Books
The Stormlight Archive has a time jump coming up after book 5. Luckily, Brandon Sanderson has already demonstrated the best method in Mistborn.
Given that The Way of Kings came out in 2010 and Wind and Truth is only arriving at the tail-end of 2024, we could be waiting until 2040 at best before seeing the final installment of The Stormlight Archive. Sanderson has more Mistborn and Elantris books also on the way, as well as other novels set in the Cosmere fantasy universe, like Isles of the Emberdark. So, like I said, I'm excited for Jasnah, but it seems like I'll have to accept her in small doses for now.
Every Stormlight Archive Flashback Character Brandon Sanderson Has Planned
We'll See Two Heralds As Flashback Characters Before Jasnah
Original cover for Wind and Truth by Michael Whelan
Original cover for Oathbringer and The Way of Kings UK editions by Sam Green
As mentioned, the main flashback character of Wind and Truth will be Szeth, one of the more mysterious characters in The Stormlight Archive, who's on his way to Shinovar with Kaladin when we last saw him. Picking up after the time jump, Lift will be the main flashback character in book 6, likely with some development beyond the teen character we know from Edgedancer and the other novels. Renarin Kholin will finally have a chance to shine in book 7.
Book Title |
Flashback Character |
Book Title |
Flashback Character |
|---|---|---|---|
1. The Way of Kings |
Kaladin |
6. Unknown |
Lift |
2. Words of Radiance |
Shallan |
7. Unknown |
Renarin |
3. Oathbringer |
Dalinar |
8. Unknown |
Shalash |
4. Rhythm of War |
Venli/Eshonai |
9. Unknown |
Talenel |
5. Wind and Truth |
Szeth |
10. Unknown |
Jasnah |
The following two characters are the Heralds Shalash and Talanel, who haven't had many opportunities to appear in the current Stormlight Archive books. I'm intrigued by those as well, as having a Herald as the primary focus seems to imply a rather drastic tonal shift from what we know. I can't wait to see where Brandon Sanderson takes The Stormlight Archive, and I'm sure the long delay for Jasnah will be worthwhile, given that her flashbacks are essentially the final piece of the puzzle.
The Stormlight Archive
- Created by
- Brandon Sanderson
- Character(s)
- Kaladin Stormblessed, Shallan Davar, Dalinar Kholin, Adolin Kholin, Jasnah Kholin, Szeth-son-son-Vallano, Navani Kholin
The Stormlight Archive is an epic fantasy series by Brandon Sanderson, set on the storm-ravaged world of Roshar. The series follows multiple characters, each with their unique storylines, as they navigate political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and powerful magic. Central to the story are the Knights Radiant, legendary warriors with magical abilities who must return to save their world from impending destruction. The series explores themes of honor, leadership, and the burden of power.