Wind and Truth

Did You Know?

• The unabridged audiobook is read by Michael Kramer and Kate Reading.
• A 5-part GraphicAudio version was released between June 2025 and March 2026.

Development

Sanderson began writing the novel in January 2022 under the working title Knights of Wind and Truth before settling on Wind and Truth. The first draft was completed in December 2023, and Tor Books later announced the publication date. The synopsis states that Dalinar Kholin has challenged the god Odium to a contest of champions, with the Knights Radiant and the nations of Roshar having ten days to prepare. Sanderson indicated that Dalinar would have a larger role than in Rhythm of War.

The planned ending originated from an RPG Sanderson designed in 1999 and has been part of the series outline from the start. On June 4, 2024, Sanderson announced on Twitter that he had finished the last part of the novel at 491,000 words, making it the longest book in the series. Sanderson described writing Stormlight Archive novels as draining and stated he would take a break to work on Mistborn and Elantris sequels, with the next projected Stormlight release in 2031.

Plot

The prologue, set seven and a half years earlier, depicts King Gavilar seeking immortality after bonding with the Stormfather, who severs the bond due to Gavilar's arrogance, leading to Szeth's assassination. On Day One, Dalinar challenges Odium to the Contest of Champions. Shallan learns that Ba-Ado-Mishram is imprisoned in the spiritual realm and that the Ghostbloods seek power through her; she decides to thwart them. Shallan and Adolin discover a Singer army preparing to attack Azimir, meet Kaladin there, and return to Urithiru.

Odium, with Taravangian as his vessel, arrives at Tu Bayla. On Day Two, Adolin and Shallan part ways; Shallan goes to Narak, where the Ghostbloods have fled. Cultivation reveals to Dalinar that Honor's power is hidden in the spiritual realm. Wit discovers loopholes in the contract allowing countries to be captured via their capitals.

Jasnah departs for Thaylenah, Sigzil leads Bridge Four at the Shattered Plains, and Adolin goes to Azir. Dalinar and Navani open a portal to the spiritual realm. Shallan learns a former ally has captured Kalak. Mraize and Iyatil flee to Shadesmar using an Anti-Stormlight weapon.

Shallan seeks aid from Renarin and Rlain. At the portal site, Mraize tosses an Anti-Stormlight dagger into the portal, breaking the perpendicularity and closing it.

Viewpoint characters

Primary chapters are told from the viewpoints of several major characters, with interludes from other perspectives. Major viewpoint characters include Kaladin and Szeth in Shinovar recovering Honorblades; Shallan, Rlain, and Renarin in the Spiritual Realm searching for Ba-Ado-Mishram; Dalinar and Navani in the Spiritual Realm experiencing visions; Adolin holding a war in Azimir; Sigzil and Venli fighting at the Shattered Plains; Jasnah in Thaylenah forming a defense; and Odium as the final antagonist.

Pre-publication content

In March 2022, Sanderson read the first draft of the prologue on his YouTube channel. At FanX 2022, he read part of Kaladin's first chapter; at New York Comic Con 2022, he read Szeth's first chapter. During Dragonsteel 2022, he read the remainder of Kaladin's first chapter, his second chapter, and Szeth's third flashback chapter. At Tampa Bay Comic 2023, he read a Jasnah chapter. At Dragonsteel 2023, he read an interlude. At C2E2 2024, he read the first two Shallan chapters.