The cover forThe Stormlight Archivebook 5,Wind and Truth, has been revealed, and it’s a reminder of a long-standing misconception regarding the series.Wind and Truth’sreleaseis set in stone, with the US cover edition finally on display. The highly anticipated fantasy novelcover shows Dalinar Kholin atop Urithiru, facing a malevolent storm, building excitement for Brandon Sanderson’s epic. Beginning withThe Way of Kingsin 2010,Wind and Truthwill conclude the first major arc ofThe Stormlight Archive.
The Stormlight Archiveis not only a phenomenal fantasy series in and of itself, but it’s also one of the pillars ofBrandon Sanderson’s Cosmere universe. Readers can expect to see many of the series' character arcs reach an ending point, along with some significant reveals for larger events in the Cosmere. After the novel, Sanderson has another five-book arc forThe Stormlight Archiveplanned, which should pick up roughly a decade later in-universe.
Wind And Truth Finally Puts Dalinar On The Cover Of A Stormlight Archive Book
The Stormlight Archive Book 5 Is The First Time Dalinar Has Appeared On A Cover
Given that Dalinar Kholin is one of the most iconic and beloved characters in the Cosmere,it’s shocking thatWind and Truthis the first time he’s appeared on a cover. The image displays him reaching out his hand at the pinnacle of what is presumably Urithiru, surrounded by colored gemstones. As of the end ofRhythm of War, Dalinar is bracing himself and the people of Roshar for a Contest of Champions between him and Odium, which will determine the world’s fate. In the painting, Dalinar carries a book, likely the in-universe tome ofThe Way of Kings.
I’m More Certain About 1 Stormlight Archive Theory After Reading Wind & Truth’s Prologue
The Stormlight Archive book 5’s prologue is available to read, and it bolsters one of the top character theories heading into Wind and Truth.
Wind And Truth’s Cover Fixes A 14-Year-Old Misconception From The Way Of Kings
Wait… That’s Not Dalinar On The Cover Of The Way Of Kings?
The Way of Kingsprominently featured a shardbearer on its cover, which many readers perceived to be Dalinar.Even Brandon Sanderson himself once stated that he thought the two characters were Dalinar and Eshonai(viaCoppermind), so it’s no wonder that this misconception had so much traction. However, fantasy cover artist maestro Michael Whelan took to X in 2020 to clarify the intentions for his original design:
Regardless of who’s on the cover,The Way of Kingsremains one of the most gorgeous book cover pieces in all of fantasy, perfectly establishing the aesthetic for Roshar andThe Stormlight Archiveseries. Michael Whelan has worked on the covers for each of the US editions in the saga, offering readers a glimpse at locations like the Shattered Plains and Shadesmar. WithThe Stormlight Archivebook 5, Whelan’s art perfectly encapsulates the epic showdown between Dalinar and Odium.
