Unlike the first three entries in the series, the book publication date for “Rhythm of War” and its Graphic Audio adaptation released at roughly the same. Some people think the fourth book is the weakest of the four, and to some book four is the weakest out of the first four books in the Stormlight Archive. Adding a rushed final product, resulting in audio stutters and word skipping makes for a less than ideal experience. Despite the bad launch, Graphic Audio manages to enhance this book in ways print media can’t.

A Gorilla in the Phone Booth

The most obvious difference between the “Rhythm of War” dramatization and the other three books in Brandon Sanderson’s fantasy series is the changing of the narrator from David Lynch to Richard Rohan. Based on reviews from Graphic Audio’s website, some people weren’t happy with it and other changes from previous installments of the series. This includes Emlyn McFarland taking over the role of Shallan Davar from Casie Platt; a decision most likely influenced by COVID. Most of complaints die down from part two onward, as more people got used to the changes. For me, while the narrator change was jarring at first, it became background noise for better and for worse.

A smaller complaint seen on “Rhythm of War” reviews for the first part out of six total is the minimal use of sound effects and music compared to prior entries. A accurate observation, but like COVID restrictions during the production process, has a reasonable explanation. That being the crunched timeline of producing the adaptations with the book’s release. The “Rhythm of War” book launched in 2020. Only parts 2-6 came out in 2021. I don’t know what Graphic Audio’s schedule or productions are like behind the scenes, but I imagine trying to meet a deadline was stressful. It’s probably why they aren’t doing it again for “Wind and Truth.” They did finally adapt the novella taking place between Oathbringer and “Rhythm of War” Its launch however may have been worse than book four of The Stormlight Archive.

Quick Aside on Dawnshard, Edgedancer and The Lost Metal?

Listening to these out of sequence with the rest of the series — “Oathbringer” or in this case, “Rhythm of War,” I never got the sense of having insight into the story. No more than any other book in the cosmere. If I had to rate these novellas I’d put “Edgedancer” first and “Dawnshard” second. Perhaps it’s the amount of time I spent on them not exactly being equal. I bought “Edgedancer” first and “Dawnshard” which I bought close to its release date close to the end of 2024. The Graphic Audio version. Another reason I, outside the story itself, like “Edgedancer” over “Dawnshard” is because of the audio quality in the latter.

There was a lot of audio skipping and dialogue which literally faded out in the middle of a sentence. According to readers of the book, Graphic Audio omitted an entire section. When I bought it on audible, the production used Dolby Atmos. After not listening for a while, due to the aforementioned issues, the Atmos label disappeared and the errors disappeared. Outside of the missing chapter, which I can’t confirm or deny was fixed.

Lastly, I was lucky enough to listen to “Mistborn: The Lost Metal” before “Rhythm of War.” People who follow Sanderson will know that “The Lost Metal” released after “Rhythm of War.” There are a lot of ways to start one’s Cosmere journey, but one I’ve seen is to listen to the final book in Mistborn era two before “Rhythm of War.” Obviously I can’t turn back time and try to read the books in order of publication, but I think it worked out in my favor as these two novels are full of implications for the cosmere.

A Literal Rhythm of and for War

The aspect I imagine the Graphic Audio dramatization does better than the audiobook or reading the book itself are the Parshendi chants called rhythms. There are many rhythms, a lot of them associated with an emotion. It serves as a way for characters to know each other’s thoughts without words. The soft grunting the actors perform comes across as a bit strange at first, but it grows on you despite it only happening in certain scenes where a parshendi is the point of view (POV) character.

It makes more sense when you consider what the relationship between the Alethi and Parshendi was when a previous book revealed the truth. Sanderson takes a page out of history and creates an analog for actual events and people, much like he did in “Oathbringer” with Dalinar’s flashback scenes. I don’t know if the audiobook does the same thing, but I doubt it was as immersive as the Graphic Audio version. I can’t picture Michael Kramer or Kate Reading giving the dialogue that extra oomph.

Rhythm of War: Interest vs Engagement

This book is some people’s least favorite in the series. Others felt that dishonor belongs to “Oathbringer.” A third group think the recently released “Wind and Truth” (hardcover affiliate link)is the worst. I haven’t finished the final book in the first half of the Stormlight Archive yet. However, I’m inclined to agree with the “Wind and Truth (Kindle affiliate link)” dislikers. At least until I read or listen (audible trial affiliate link) to the book.

The flashbacks in this book are my least favorite. A one-sentence summary of the character I’d give is someone who feels guilt for being something frowned upon or hated by others. There’s a clear LGBT metaphor for those who live in less inclusive parts of the world. While her character is interesting, her flashbacks are less so. In terms of plot lines, the most engaging ones aren’t automatically the most interesting ones. Those two adjectives: “engaging” and “interesting” correlate with two different reactions that get conflated. For me, engagement has to do with emotion. interest is more based on intellectualism. You can have one without the other, and they often work well when combined.

In “Rhythm of War,” the most interesting plot is the partnership between Shallan and the ghostbloods because of the larger implications it may present for Brandon Sanderson’s shared universe — the Cosmere. As far as far as emotional investment, it’s still there. It simply feels less important. The plotline I’d describe as the most engaging would be Kaladin’s depression. It works well in this book. Unlike the ghostblood’s plot, Kaladin’s arc hardly has any intellectually stimulating story beats. The plot line with the least engagement and interest belongs to Adolin.

Rating: A Low Groundbreaking