Wind and Truth is the fifth and final book of the Stormlight Archive’s first arc, written by Brandon Sanderson and published on November 6, 2024. It concludes the story threads begun in The Way of Kings (2010) and brings the first phase of the conflict against Odium — the Shard of Hatred — to a decisive conclusion.
This guide covers everything readers need to know about Wind and Truth: what the book is about, who the main characters are, what happens in the story, how it compares to the rest of the series, and whether it is worth reading in 2025.
Note: This article contains significant spoilers for Wind and Truth and the earlier Stormlight Archive books. If you have not yet read the series, start with The Way of Kings first.
What Is Wind and Truth About?
Wind and Truth centers primarily on Dalinar Kholin — the Blackthorn, Highprince of War, and would-be Bondsmith — as he faces his greatest trial: a one-on-one contest of champions against Odium himself, the most powerful of the Shards of Adonalsium.
The contest of champions, established at the end of Rhythm of War, is the mechanism by which Odium (now in the form of Rayse’s successor, Taravangian) can be contained or destroyed. Dalinar has accepted the challenge on behalf of all of Roshar. If he wins, Odium’s influence is bound to the Rosharan system. If he loses, Odium is free to pursue his destructive agenda across the entire Cosmere.
Wind and Truth answers the question the series has been building toward since book one: what kind of man is Dalinar Kholin, truly, and is he capable of redemption after a lifetime defined by violence and conquest?
Main Characters in Wind and Truth
Dalinar Kholin
Dalinar is the central focus of Wind and Truth more than any previous book. The novel explores his past through flashback chapters set during his early years as the Blackthorn — a feared military commander who conquered Alethkar through brutal warfare. These flashbacks show the full extent of atrocities that Dalinar committed before his transformation, including events that Oathbringer left partially obscured.
In the present-day narrative, Dalinar must confront Odium not only physically but spiritually. The contest of champions is as much a battle for Dalinar’s soul as it is a military or magical conflict.
Szeth
Szeth-son-son-Vallano, the Assassin in White, receives significant focus in Wind and Truth. His arc explores his journey to master the Nightblood — the sentient sword of immense destructive power — and to reconcile his role as a killer with his new path as a Skybreaker. Szeth’s chapters include some of the book’s most visually striking and emotionally intense scenes.
Kaladin Stormblessed
Kaladin, the series’ most beloved character, takes a step back from center stage in Wind and Truth, much as he did in Rhythm of War. His arc involves confronting his role as a protector when the person who needs protecting is someone he deeply distrusts. Sanderson uses Kaladin’s chapters to explore themes of healing, forgiveness, and what it means to truly put down the weight of a soldier.
Shallan Davar
Shallan’s storyline in Wind and Truth deals with the resolution of her divided identity — the Radiant, Veil, and Shallan personas that have defined her character arc since Words of Radiance. Her journey toward integration is one of the more quietly powerful arcs in the novel.
Taravangian / Odium
Taravangian — the former king of Kharbranth who secretly ascended to hold the Shard of Odium at the end of Rhythm of War — is a compelling and terrifying antagonist. His version of Odium is more frightening than Rayse’s precisely because Taravangian was human. He understands human weakness, love, and sacrifice, and he uses that understanding as a weapon.
What Happens in Wind and Truth? (Full Spoiler Summary)
The novel takes place over the ten days of the contest of champions between Dalinar and Odium. Rather than a single duel, the contest unfolds across Roshar as a series of challenges and conflicts.
Dalinar’s flashback chapters reveal the full truth of the Rift — a massacre he committed against civilians in the city of Rathalas that Cultivation caused him to forget in Oathbringer. Wind and Truth restores those memories and forces Dalinar to face what he truly was.
The climax involves Dalinar achieving the full potential of a Bondsmith, accessing the power of Connection in a way that has cosmic implications. The resolution of the Odium conflict is not what many fans expected — it is more nuanced than a simple defeat, with consequences that set up the second arc (books 6 through 10) in significant ways.
Szeth’s arc ends with a confrontation that resolves his relationship with Nightblood and defines his place in the world going forward. Kaladin makes peace with aspects of his past that have haunted him since The Way of Kings. Shallan achieves psychological integration.
Wind and Truth ends the first arc on a note of earned hope — Roshar is changed, the main characters are changed, and the Cosmere implications of what happened on Roshar will be felt in other series going forward.
Is Wind and Truth Worth Reading?
Yes. Wind and Truth is one of the strongest entries in the Stormlight Archive, widely regarded by fans as a return to form after the more divisive Rhythm of War.
The novel delivers on the emotional promises made across four previous books and two novellas. Dalinar’s arc in particular is the payoff of a decade-long character study, and Sanderson earns every page of it.
Common reader reactions after finishing Wind and Truth:
- The Dalinar flashback chapters are among the best Sanderson has ever written
- The climax is unexpected but satisfying — not the action-movie ending many expected
- Szeth’s arc is a highlight of the entire series
- The ending sets up the second arc in ways that make the 10-year wait feel intentional and earned
- Kaladin fans may find his reduced role disappointing, though his arc concludes well
How Does Wind and Truth Compare to Other Stormlight Books?
Among the five books, most fans rank them roughly as follows (though rankings vary widely):
- The Way of Kings — The foundation. Still the most re-read book in the series.
- Words of Radiance — Often considered the peak of the series by plot and pacing.
- Wind and Truth — Strong emotional payoff. Better than Oathbringer and Rhythm of War for many readers.
- Oathbringer — Epic scope but uneven pacing in the middle.
- Rhythm of War — Divisive. Beloved by some, frustrating for others due to its structure.
This is highly subjective. Wind and Truth fans argue it should be higher. Rhythm of War fans argue it is underrated. The Way of Kings and Words of Radiance are the consensus best in class.
What Comes After Wind and Truth?
Wind and Truth concludes the first arc of the Stormlight Archive (books 1 through 5). The planned second arc (books 6 through 10) will take place approximately 10 years after the events of Wind and Truth and will shift the series’ focus in significant ways.
Brandon Sanderson has not announced a release date for book 6 as of 2025. He has mentioned that he plans to write other Cosmere novels (including the final Mistborn era and standalone stories) before returning to Stormlight.
If you are looking for what to read while waiting for Stormlight book 6, Sanderson recommends:
- Warbreaker — if you have not read it yet
- Mistborn: Secret History — short novella with major Cosmere implications
- The planned Stormlight novella focusing on Szeth, which Sanderson has mentioned as a possible bridge work
Frequently Asked Questions About Wind and Truth
Is Wind and Truth the last Stormlight Archive book?
Wind and Truth is the last book of the first arc (books 1 through 5). The Stormlight Archive is planned for 10 books total, split into two arcs. Book 6 will begin the second arc, though no release date has been confirmed.
Do I need to read all four previous books before Wind and Truth?
Yes. Wind and Truth is not accessible as a standalone. It requires knowledge of all four previous books and ideally the novellas Edgedancer and Dawnshard. This is a series that rewards reading from the beginning.
Who wins the contest of champions in Wind and Truth?
The outcome of the contest of champions is more complex than a simple win or loss. Dalinar achieves something unexpected that changes the terms of the conflict rather than resolving it through conventional victory. This is intentional — Sanderson wanted the resolution to reflect Dalinar’s character rather than his physical power.
What is the main theme of Wind and Truth?
The central theme of Wind and Truth is the nature of redemption: whether a person defined by violence and atrocity can truly change, and what that change requires. It asks whether accepting the worst truths about yourself is necessary before you can become something better. Dalinar Kholin’s entire arc is a meditation on this question.
Is Wind and Truth part of the Cosmere?
Yes. Wind and Truth is deeply embedded in the broader Cosmere universe and contains significant revelations about the nature of Shards, Adonalsium, and the larger cosmological framework that underlies all of Sanderson’s fantasy novels. Cosmere-aware readers will find Wind and Truth especially rewarding.
Where to Buy Wind and Truth
Wind and Truth is available in hardcover, paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats:
The audiobook is narrated by Michael Kramer and Kate Reading, the same team that has narrated the entire Stormlight Archive series. At approximately 57 hours, it is one of the longest audiobooks in the series.
If you are catching up before reading Wind and Truth, the full Stormlight Archive series is available here:
The Way of Kings is the perfect entry point. Available in print, Kindle, and audiobook.
