Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction

WoR: Chapters 35-44

This week on Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we cover Words of Radiance Chapters 35-44, where Shallan finally arrives on the Shattered Plains and immediately finds herself balancing court politics, secret societies, and a growing collection of alternate identities. We discuss Shallan’s introduction to Dalinar and Adolin, her unexpected role in Sebarial’s camp, and a tense meeting with the Ghostbloods that sends her on a dangerous mission involving Amaram. Along the way, her Lightweaving abilities continue to evolve, giving rise to a new persona with potentially far-reaching consequences. Meanwhile, Kaladin experiments with his powers, joins Zahel for more training, and faces an uncomfortable truth when Moash reveals just how deep his hatred for Elhokar runs. Renarin’s request to join Bridge Four raises plenty of eyebrows, Navani’s fabrial experiments hint at incredible possibilities, and everyone wonders exactly what secrets Teft has been keeping. Plus: deck demolition projects, overgrown garden beds, British gardening shows, the legendary “Last Clap,” speculation about Zahel’s past, and whether Shallan’s future really lies with Adolin or someone else entirely.

WoR: Chapter 24 - Second Interludes

This week on Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we cover Words of Radiance Chapters 24 through the Second Interludes, and things escalate quickly. Shallan’s uneasy partnership with Tyn comes to a dramatic end, the mystery of the Ghostbloods deepens, and a chance encounter over a pair of boots may have larger implications than it first appears. Meanwhile, Kaladin continues exploring his growing abilities, Adolin faces the social consequences of Dalinar’s reforms, and Renarin keeps getting stranger by the chapter. We also dive into one of the biggest moments of the book so far as Szeth finally returns to the Shattered Plains, leading to an explosive confrontation that leaves everyone asking new questions about Surgebinders, Radiants, and what’s really happening on Roshar. Plus: Robin Hobb recommendations, deck demolition projects, end-of-school-year chaos, suspicious behavior from Moash, theories about the Ghostbloods, and whether “Shaladin” might actually be a thing.

WoR: Chapters 13 - 23

This week on Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we cover Words of Radiance Chapters 13–23, where Shallan starts assembling a surprisingly loyal following on the road to the Shattered Plains while Kaladin’s suspicions about Amaram finally boil over. We dive into Shallan’s growing Lightweaver abilities, Pattern’s obsession with lies and truth, and the increasingly mysterious nature of the Knights Radiant. Meanwhile, Kaladin clashes with Adolin, Dalinar tries to hold together a kingdom full of political chaos, and Elhokar somehow becomes both more paranoid and more hilarious at the same time. Also discussed: sleep deprivation as parents, sick babies, accidentally falling asleep while reading Stormlight, red spren during highstorms, whether the Voidbringers might secretly be the good guys, and the ongoing mystery of where in the world Szeth has disappeared to.

WoR: Chapter 6 - First Interludes

This week on Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we cover Words of Radiance Chapters 6 through the First Interludes and the scope of Roshar expands fast. From the mysterious culture of the listeners and their dangerous “forms of power,” to giant island-sized greatshells and secret Surgebinders hiding across the world, Brandon Sanderson starts pulling back the curtain on just how strange this world really is.  We break down the major reveals surrounding Eshonai and the Parshendi, debate the morality of the Ghostbloods, and react to one of the biggest shocks of the series so far aboard Shallan and Jasnah’s ship. Plus: theories about Shadesmar, Stormlight powers, mysterious interlude characters, and why “I am a stick” somehow became legendary in the fandom. Also discussed: audiobook survival during road trips with kids, why Stormlight somehow doesn’t feel like a 45-hour book, and whether becoming a dad instantly makes you old.

WoR: Prologue - Chapter 5

In this episode of Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we begin Words of Radiance by covering the Prologue through Chapter 5. We return to the night of Gavilar’s assassination through Jasnah’s eyes and diving deeper into the mysteries of spren, Surgebinding, and Shadesmar. Shallan’s journey takes center stage as her strange abilities evolve, introducing Pattern and raising new questions about the nature of the Knights Radiant.  Meanwhile, Kaladin and Dalinar settle into their new roles on the Shattered Plains, laying the groundwork for what’s to come. From Bridge Four’s next evolution to Dalinar’s bold political moves and a surprising announcement about the Knights Radiant, we break down early setups, character dynamics, and our first theories for where this next book is headed.