The biggest issue some readers may have with this book is that since it comes chronologically between the novels Oathbringer and Rhythm of War, there are many terms, characters and paraphernalia that are familiar to those who have read other books but which will probably confuse readers who are coming to this fresh. There are too few disabled characters at the forefront of fantasy books, so not only is it good to see one, but this sets a template for what can be achieved. Any prejudice about her situation and competence is dissipated by her approach to life. As far as I can tell, from the perspective of an able-bodied person, Sanderson has done a good job of anticipating and solving the issues Rysn encounters with mobility. It is a delight to see such a character taking the lead in the novel.

Rysn is a strong character who is not bowed by her disability. She commissions Rysn to undertake the voyage, sending with her two Windrunners – people who can use stormlight to counteract gravity and effectively fly – as well as a scribe who has expertise with fabrials (a kind of technology that uses stormlight-infused gems to work) and can keep the ship in contact with Navani over a distance.Īs might be expected, the voyage encounters many obstacles, some of which need Rysn’s skills to overcome, especially when the superstitious crew is spooked by some events. She is encouraged in her attempt to reach the island by Navani Kholin, queen of Urithiru. It would be a dangerous voyage with success not guaranteed. Unfortunately, this island is hidden and protected by storms and jagged reefs. Rysn is worried and must take Chiri-Chiri to her home island of Akinah. Recently, though, she has been subdued, off colour and not feeding. About the size of a cat, the larkin is normally boisterous and feeds on stormlight. She relies on Nikli to carry her around and has a rare pet larkin called Chiri-Chiri, a creature with an articulated carapace and large membranous wings. Against her is the fact that due to an accident a few years before, she is now disabled. She has had a good tutor and is intelligent and good at negotiating deals. She is a merchant trader and owner of the newly built ship Wandersail. They have many uses, including lighting, and are recharged by leaving them out in the violent storms that sweep around the planet.ĭawnshard is the story of Rysn Ftori. Stormlight is the energy that can be captured and stored in gemstones. The Stormlight Archive, of which Dawnshard is a small part, is a section of a massive enterprise that Sanderson calls the Cosmere that links all his adult novels.

The dawnshard