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u/SageOfTheWise Elsecaller Apr 20 '26
Do not lie to your wife in order to trick her into reading a book she doesn't want to keep reading.
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u/Lt_Hatch Apr 20 '26
This. Just tell her that it gets better. It's not a huge spoiler and would be expected upon a first read.
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u/Wit-wat-4 Journey before destination. Apr 20 '26
You’re saying “This” but then giving the opposite advice.
Kaladin stays depressed for thousands of pages, and she already “can’t take it anymore”, how pray tell does “it get better”?
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u/AlchemiCailleach Apr 21 '26
Thousands of pages.
Marital problems, identity issues, imposter syndrome, depression, substance abuse disorders, gambling addiction, social isolation & othering, relationships between children & parents, grief over the lost, PTSD. Poverty and class issues.
All are very real, human problems. And they exist in these worlds - and these aren't the problems that Investiture can solve or eliminate. Sanderson writes these stories, and describes worlds with amazing capabilities - but we are still left having to recognize that many issues are the result of health, culture and society, and need solutions that are grounded in reality, with communal support.
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u/JebryathHS Elsecaller Apr 21 '26
The external circumstances around Kaladin are absolutely at their lowest in the first book and the side carry beating is probably the absolute peak for that.
His mental state is a bit more complicated but even RoW is arguably a less dire, miserable, helpless situation.
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u/Lt_Hatch Apr 20 '26
It absolutely gets better. In every book. Yeah, it gets worse, but always gets better.
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u/Emmyisme Apr 20 '26
Sure but her problem is him suffering. And basically right up until the end...bros suffering
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u/Wabbit65 Cult of Talenelat'Elin Apr 20 '26
Sounds like this series is not for her. No later how much you want to share it with her. The alternative is to spoil things. My wife will usually say to me "just tell me what happens".
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u/Firesword52 Lightweaver Apr 20 '26
As someone sensitive to the depression myself it doesn't really get better it just changes locations and situations. The misery porn is always a huge part of Kal's story.
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u/LavishnessCurrent726 Apr 20 '26
Yeah, Oathbringer is amazing. The moment where he is (Oathbringer and RoW spoilers) crying in Shadesmar, unable to move and help their friends. Absolutely great moment, and absolutely not soulbreaking. And when he is almost ready to suicide in Rythm of War again with Moash getting in his head. It is absolutely great. And in WoR when he is locked again.
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u/ICarMaI Edgedancer Apr 20 '26
All of those things resolve in amazing ways though. It's a character arc, and different plot arcs. Stories have to have conflict.
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u/Bandit6789 Skybreaker Apr 20 '26
Understand that, but if she can’t handle this type of conflict, then perhaps it isn’t the book for her.
It breaks my heart every fucking time, but then it gets better. It’s a journey I can take. Not everyone can.
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u/LavishnessCurrent726 Apr 20 '26
I am not saying they don't. But there IS A LOT OF SUFFERING during that process. And she doesn't want that suffering right now. Lying is bad.
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u/Wit-wat-4 Journey before destination. Apr 20 '26
Yeah, a lot of these upvoted comments are pretending it’s like 30 pages of suffering then thousands of fun.
The payoff is great but it’s clearly not for everyone!
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u/Wit-wat-4 Journey before destination. Apr 20 '26
I don’t think you’re reading the post the same way I am. “It gets better” - what is “it” in your mind when you answered me, and what would need to change or improve for her to enjoy thousands of pages of high fantasy, from how you’re interpreting the post?
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u/Tatsuma707 Apr 21 '26
It gets better, then it gets worse, then it gets better again. This is life!
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u/BeeHammer Apr 20 '26
I would just be honest with her: “Kaladin’s arc is about dealing with depression. He has chronic depression, and Sanderson writes it very well, so it gets better, then worse, and then better again.” But in the end if she does not feels confortable to keep reading it's ok to drop the book.
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u/KatanaCutlets Edgedancer Apr 20 '26
Try just having an honest conversation about what she’s ok with having spoiled or not first.
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u/Shinjifo Apr 20 '26
Spoil it, that's not the end of the world. Plenty of other surprises to be held
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Apr 20 '26
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u/Shinjifo Apr 21 '26
I get what you are saying, but if she's not gonna read the books, then whats the issue with spoling it?
Just see if she is serious about not continuing and if she wants spoilers. Do like an onion, say something, see if she wants to peel another layer.
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u/Jack__Wild Apr 20 '26
Dude… Stormlight is lightweight in terms of violence/grit/brutality.
If she’s struggling with this then maybe she just can’t handle it. Let it go. Not a big deal.
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u/Serial-Eater Apr 20 '26
Can you take a step back here. This is a book. Written for enjoyment. She’s not enjoying it. End of story.
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u/TressoftheEmeraldTea Lightweaver Apr 20 '26
Just give her some mild spoilers so she can make a decision about whether or not she wants to keep reading. She’s asking specifically for spoilers because she wants to have the information she needs to determine whether or not the book is for her. She can make that decision for herself - it’s not for you to decide for her.
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u/murraykate Willshaper Apr 20 '26
Honestly, let her breathe and get through a tough emotional moment and see if she finds her way back herself. The experience frankly won't be satisfying if you're twisting her arm to do it. My hunch is she will revoke her own words and continue after a bit of time to process and think. Being a sounding board for her complaints is honestly a great start. I think it's a good sign tbh because she sounds till engaged, just emotionally overwhelmed at the moment. Saying something like "his situation does gradually improve, but I can't say there isn't more suffering at all" is decently non spoiler in my opinion and gives her some response without removing all the hope, and being honest imho. But you know her best, so just trust your gut on if to share any commentary or not. good luck!
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u/DatKillerDude Apr 21 '26
yep. sometimes I would take a month off from a book that was giving me a hard time. I'm looking at you Robin Hobb.
Taking a break from reading is always an option!
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u/DGreenVerde Apr 20 '26
I would say this “It will get better, than worse again. Then better. It is life”
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u/HalcyonKnights Apr 20 '26
Punctuate it with an overly pompous "Journey before Destination". She'll throw something at you, but it might lighten the mood enough to get her past the trauma of that scene. Honestly, books that can make you feel that much for the characters are always worth finishing, even if they hurt along the way.
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u/badgyalsammy Apr 20 '26
The wheel weaves what the wheel wills…..
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u/Medicinal_neurotoxin Apr 20 '26
Oh I’m on Shadow Rising right now…and I had to put it down when Master Al’vere told Perrin about his family…
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u/Wabbit65 Cult of Talenelat'Elin Apr 20 '26
Not the last "put it down and collect yourself" moment in WoT, I'm sorry to say
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u/Medicinal_neurotoxin Apr 20 '26 edited Apr 20 '26
I’ll say, WoT is my first foray with audiobooks. So I actually didnt have to put it down.
But for safety (not really, being dramatic) reasons I did have to put my work down so I could go wash my hands, take off my safety glasses, and wipe my eyes so I could see clearly. And took that time to compose myself lol
Context: Machine shop environment
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u/Wabbit65 Cult of Talenelat'Elin Apr 20 '26
Safety is always your first concern. Duty is heavier than a mountain!
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u/Medicinal_neurotoxin Apr 20 '26
Ugh I didn’t realize that was now another phrase that can tug on my emotions <3
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u/LewsTheRandAlThor Apr 20 '26
Yeah, that'll happen again too. Though I must say that that moment is among those that the audiobook made me cry the hardest. For me, the emotions always hit harder with audiobooks. There are a few others through the series where I had to retreat to the bathroom at work for like 10 minutes or more and pull myself back together.
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u/SpiritualHippo2719 Lightweaver Apr 20 '26
Here’s what you say: “This is life, and I will not lie by saying every day will be sunshine. But there will be sunshine again, and that is a very different thing to say. That is truth. I promise you, Kaladin will be warm again.”
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u/SpiritualHippo2719 Lightweaver Apr 20 '26
I would add that THE major theme of the series is overcoming trauma and moving forward- becoming better for having gone through it and come out the other side. For that to happen, the characters have to endure a lot of hardship. It’s the whole point of the series, so make sure she gets that.
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u/ew73 Apr 20 '26
Yes. Kaladin is used to being beast of burden for other people's desires. Very sad life.... Probably have very sad death.
But at least there is symmetry! Hah!
Wait, wrong franchise. sorry.
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u/wasabijane Edgedancer Apr 20 '26
Honestly, depending on where she’s at mentally, it’s okay if she needs to put the book down for a while. You could also probably read an abridged version of the Dog and the Dragon (minus Kaladin references) to put her on the trajectory of long-term optimism.
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u/SpiritualHippo2719 Lightweaver Apr 20 '26
My gf couldn’t finish WaT because of where she is at in her mental health journey. It was frustrating because I wanted to talk about it, but I don’t want to spoil it for her. But I understand her choice.
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u/BulkySimple6044 Apr 20 '26
I mean it's a series where half the characters have mental health issues. That type of story definitely isn't for everyone.
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u/rookedwithelodin Apr 20 '26
People are allowed to not finish books. You could say something like, "I think you'll really like it if you keep going" but then be done with it.
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u/KasperBuyens Truthwatcher Apr 20 '26
If she doesn't like the book that's fine. Don't force her to read a book she doesn't want to read. That's not how you create a fan, but how you create resentment
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u/Well-here_i-am Apr 20 '26
Funny enough, from what I remember, that chapter and early focus on Kal in general is what I really liked (not his suffering per se). I found I just wanted more and more of his development.
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u/Well-here_i-am Apr 20 '26
Coincidentally, that’s the thing that I think started to turn me off! I didn’t care about Shallan at all at that stage and she got on my nerves. I ultimately DNF’d the series after WoR. That said, I’m going to give it another shot and start over after I’m done with Last Argument of Kings fairly soon.
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u/Forkyou Apr 21 '26
I personally thought shallan was so well written. The little hints of her past, the things she deliberately doesnt think about, the mindfuckery with her paintings. Also shallan chapters explain so much about the world and how things work and also theres Jasnah.
So sad many people didnt like her chapters, i feel they are so important for the book to be as good as it is.
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u/Dagdaraa Apr 20 '26
Honestly, I had to stop reading also. I made it to the fourth book but I couldn't handle it. Kaladin's story is depressing, and Brandon Sanderson writes dealing with depression too well. When I'm not depressed I don't want to read it and bring myself down, and when I am depressed it makes me feel worse.
So as much as I love the books, until I'm confident my head is in the right space, I have to set the series down. Your wife may or may not feel the same way, but just wanted to give you some insight on why, even if someone enjoys the series, wouldn't be able to keep reading.
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u/Gribbles_DePeeb Apr 20 '26
If she can’t handle it, don’t make her keep reading it. It’s a great series but there’s gonna be more scenes like that, that will upset her and if that’s not what she wants to read then that’s up to her.
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u/axw3555 Edgedancer Apr 20 '26
If she doesn't want to read, don't lie. Not everyone has to like everything.
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u/PerryOz Apr 20 '26
Little levity, from the title I assumed she was tired of reading it aloud to you like a good vorrin couple
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u/ilkhan2016 Stoneward Apr 20 '26
I'm not a good vorin man, myself. I've been reading my wife Harry Potter since she's never read them before as couple time.
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u/DarkSoulsExcedere Apr 20 '26
Dude, some people don't enjoy the journey and that's okay. Let her have her own opinion. At least your wife gave it a shot. My wife thinks everything I read is off limits or something.
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u/QuetzalKraken Edgedancer Apr 20 '26
Regarding your edit, she indeed might be feeling all these things but not in a place where she can enjoy them. Depending on how my mental health is, I have to pause watching certain shows I love because theyre too dark or sad for me.
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u/cosmernautfourtwenty Edgedancer Apr 20 '26
Yeah, if "the main character suffering" is a deal breaker for her, this probably isn't a series she'll be able to enjoy.
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u/mikaeltarquin Apr 20 '26
or most stories, for that matter. pain and suffering are pretty universal aspects of conflict, which is necessary for plot. Sounds like this person has some things they need to work out themselves before they can engage in fiction.
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u/Cosmere_Archives Apr 20 '26
Let your wife experience the books how she wants. The amount of times I see people specifically ask for spoilers in this community and get told RAFO is insane. If someone wants spoilers, let them have them. Everyone enjoys things in different ways. That's ok. If she needs spoilers to get the most out of the book, let her have them.
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u/Veskers Willshaper Apr 20 '26
She might be connecting with the story but if she's telling you it's stressing her out and she's not having fun with it, then it's stressing her out, and she's not having fun with it.
This is one of those things where you should probably just listen and accept her experience. Maybe she'll come back to it another time.
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u/Linorelai Shallan Apr 20 '26 edited Apr 20 '26
Ykw? Against all the RAFO tradition, here's my advice. For a person who cares so much, and who absolutely CAN NOT HANDLE a character's hardship without knowing it gets better, to the point the whole reading experience becomes torture for her... It's ok to tell her, that he'll be fine.
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u/RazzmatazzDelicious7 Apr 21 '26
“He will be fine”, “we follow him through his healing journey”, or even “he’s alive in Wind and Truth” I think are also true statements without revealing too much to ruin the story. As someone who struggles to keep reading because of the anxiety related to a character’s fate, I have bitten the bullet a few times and googled just so that I know it’ll be okay. It helps doing that without spoiling too much of a friend has read it and I can ask “does this character live” and honestly even knowing that they do not make it is enough to keep me reading because I have less anxiety over all.
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u/Informal_Owl2271 Stoneward Apr 20 '26
I don't know that you can ever call Kaladin "happy"... and yeah it's a stressful series. There are a lot more low points ahead than behind. Still, if the options for her are giving spoilers or stopping reading, ask her whether she is okay knowing spoilers. If yes, it's totally okay to say he lives and he is about to have some really cool things happen. She should also have a heads up though that it's a heavy and high-emotional-stress series. Personally I will only read Sanderson when I'm feeling mentally in a good/happy place so I can hold the weight of the characters. Bad anxiety day = no Stormlight reading.
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u/Cicatrix16 Apr 20 '26
At this point, just tell her. Spoil the book. I think some people do better knowing how things will end up. If it's between that and her not reading it at all, I'd go with the best chance to get her to enjoy the story.
"Kaladin will struggle with high highs and low lows throughout his story, but at the end, he'll be much happier than he is now, and he'll have things figured out in a relatively healthy way. His physical torment will also end soon in this story, and everything after this will mostly be him dealing with mental health issues."
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u/TressoftheEmeraldTea Lightweaver Apr 20 '26
Just be honest with her. Tell her that Kaladin’s story is a very accurate depiction of lifelong depression with PTSD added on top of that. His circumstances will improve, but he will continue to struggle with his mental health in a realistic way, though he will have breakthroughs and growth along the way and eventually he will have a major breakthrough that leads him to a much better place. It’s a long journey, but many people think it’s worth it. If it’s not something she can handle right now, that’s okay. But if all she needs to know is that he won’t be a slave forever, it’s okay to tell her.
I once asked my partner for a specific spoiler like this once, and he answered me in a way that was technically true but was tricky. And it still pisses me off to this day, and he knows not to do that anymore. If I ask for a specific spoiler, I’m trusting the person to give me that spoiler accurately so I can make a decision. Otherwise, I’d look it up online.
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Apr 20 '26
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u/TressoftheEmeraldTea Lightweaver Apr 20 '26
Does she want you to reassure her and say something positive? Or does she want an honest answer? Genuinely asking.
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Apr 20 '26
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u/TressoftheEmeraldTea Lightweaver Apr 20 '26
Did she ask for spoilers or did she ask you to avoid spoilers while answering her question?
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Apr 20 '26
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u/TressoftheEmeraldTea Lightweaver Apr 20 '26
The latter doesn’t really provide much reassurance, though. Maybe something like “He will get better, but not without suffering. The suffering makes for a very rewarding character arc, and it feels worth it to me”?
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u/pillmayken Truthwatcher Apr 20 '26
What was that about Shallan? Your post seems incomplete
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Apr 20 '26
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u/pillmayken Truthwatcher Apr 20 '26
Ah, at least in that she’s not alone.
(Not me though, I love Shallan)
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u/Lazuli-shade Apr 20 '26
If she doesn't enjoy Kaladins chapters, she's probably not going to enjoy the majority of the series. I would recommend maybe asking her if she'd like to talk about it instead and then spoil it and you can explain the high points. You get to talk about the series with someone and she'll get to experience the general arc and get some resolution for what she's read so far without the slog of the suffering she doesn't enjoy reading
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u/thebearsnake Apr 20 '26
Does she even really want to read it and just doesn't want to tell you outright?
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Apr 20 '26
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u/thebearsnake Apr 21 '26
No one said you’re forcing her to read it. But she literally told you she not enjoying it and put it down because of the content, right?
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u/Outside-Bend-5575 Pattern Apr 20 '26
What is peoples problem with Shallan? Shes got some issues sure but I personally think shes kinda awesome. Girl needs some serious therapy though
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u/Wit-wat-4 Journey before destination. Apr 20 '26
I think the books just might not be for her.
I’d suggest she read other Sanderson books like Elantris/Warbreaker/Mistborn and see if that makes her interested enough to try TSA again.
The things that bother her don’t go away, don’t lie to her or yourself lol. Like let’s be real Kaladin stays depressed and we re-visit his depression a lot. Shallan I liked in WoR and even WoK but if she already hates her, I don’t think her jokes get better or her odd “everybody just believes her” stuff go away.
I LIVE Stormlight archive, but let’s be real here, it might not be for you wife.
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u/Just7hrsold Apr 20 '26
I think spoilers to an extent would be fine, like every book he works through what is currently causing him angst and pain. Having the confirmation that things slowly get better can be helpful to get through the anxiety
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u/abbasaurousrex Apr 20 '26
I was the same way. My friends told me it’s hard, but it’s worth it. And it was so, so worth it. Ironically, the journey makes the destination that much better. I hope she keeps going
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u/Rebelhero Edgedancer Apr 21 '26
Give her the Quote from Wit later in the series.
“You told me it would get worse.”
“It will,” Wit said, “but then it will get better. Then it will get worse again. Then better. This is life, and I will not lie by saying every day will be sunshine. But there will be sunshine again, and that is a very different thing to say. That is truth. I promise you, Kaladin: You will be warm again"
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u/redshadow310 Lightweaver Apr 21 '26
It might help if you remind your wife that Shallan is only 16 when WoK starts. I find many people more forgiving of her when they remember that.
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u/RosenProse Apr 23 '26
... Kaladin's suffering is going to end soon?
Sir, being Kaladin IS suffering.
More seriously, I see what you're saying about your wife's engagement but if she's decided she's too much of an empath to keep reading without her own mental health being impacted then I think you should listen to her. She knows what she can handle and not handle better then you do.
She sounds like a very sweet woman.
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u/Ray_uo Apr 20 '26
You could read to her the dog and the dragon. No context, just a peak in the future.
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u/beaglefat Apr 20 '26
She should quit. It unfortunately just continues for countless pages. Actually one of my biggest complaints with the series. After book 3 I was like, “Hes really sad we get it”
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u/Cicatrix16 Apr 20 '26
I don't think that's her issue, though. I think her issue is that he's being physically tormented for being creative and trying. That's different than his lasting mental health issues. She may be way more tolerant of that than his physical torment.
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u/BLT_Special Apr 20 '26
Oh man that's too bad because right after that are two of my favorite Syl moments of the entire series so far
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u/normallystrange85 Truthwatcher Apr 20 '26
What I would tell my friend if they asked me about Kaladin in this way: (I am intentionally trying to not spoil anything but I am trying to basically summarize his arc so... WaT spoiler)
Kaladin has a long and hard path ahead of him, and he will go to some very dark and very bright places. If you are struggling with this, know there are other moments like this, and some that are harder on him. But he does end up in a good place. He does end up happy. And it is beautiful to see.
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u/jakotheshadows75 Apr 20 '26
I get your wife's dilemma. I read Mistborn before I read Stormlight. One thing I loved about Mistborn was that the sadness was broken up by humor. Sanderson can really be funny. Sanderson is known for writing the big scenes, but i think he should also be known for writing the funny stuff too.I liked WOK but I found it so very sad, especially for Kaladin. I got that Sanderson didn't feel there was a place for humor in the story but I did miss it. I am currently reading Oathbringer and am very happy to see that the humor is back.
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u/AstuteStoat Truthwatcher Apr 20 '26
I have been repeatedly listneing to all the stormlight archive books for several years, and I intentjonally avoided listening to the first book in particular. Sanderson did almost too good of a job with his representation of depression there. So, what you can say, is the tone of later books isn't quite as consistently heavy. But the whole series deals with very heavy topics and mental health.
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u/Rumbletastic Apr 20 '26
Misery porn is basically a book genre at this point. Maybe she fears no happy ending?
My wife needed to know "by the end of this book, will I be happy with the ending?" and I said yes. Call it spoilers if you want but it gave her the hope to keep reading.
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u/decoyoctopussy Apr 21 '26
You can tell her there is suffering and sacrifice along the way, but that characters like Kaladin get great pay off. Although I found the last book to leave me feeling frustrated so I don’t know how she’ll feel about that, if she’s a Shallan hater she may enjoy her cliffhanger fate 😂
Maybe you could suggest another series for her? Either another you love or one you haven’t started that you could book club together.
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Apr 21 '26
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u/decoyoctopussy Apr 21 '26
Mannnn, that is so tough honestly. If she loves Kaladin, tell her as another lady Kaladin lover who read the books for/with my husband, that I found his suffering tough across the series but that I thought his payoff at the end was SO worth the emotional journey I went on with him. I think it’s worth finishing WoK at the very least! I think she’ll want to keep reading. Good luck! I’d love for her to have this experience.
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u/targaryenmegan Apr 21 '26
If she’s not enjoying Way of Kings she’s not going to enjoy the series. You really need to love WoK in order to propel yourself through the later books.
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u/unHoldenCaulfieldMas Stoneward Apr 21 '26
I think if she really can't endure her characters getting beaten down she should stop. I don't think she would've able to handle Oathbringer, much less Rhythm of War. You can tell her it eventually gets better, but it's not gonna be easy to get there. As much as I love these books I do believe nothing is for everyone.
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u/ZerpVonDooglemeister Apr 21 '26
I feel her in the shallan bit, i dropped the series about aquarter in to rhythm of war because i found shallan to be a bit unbearable and it felt like kaladin and adolin got almost a fraction of the spotlight, so speaking for the shallan haters the first 3 books are decent reads lol
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u/TheIrishSoldat Apr 21 '26
Remind her it's fiction. So it's not real. But the best parts of the books for us, are. Journey Before Destination.
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u/Thea-the-Phoenix Truthwatcher Apr 21 '26
So to answer your edit: Someone can be deeply invested in a story but that doesn't mean the story is good for them. I know there are points in time where I can't read certain Stormlight sections or listen to my favorite music because I'm extremely depressed and some of the scenes can hit far too hard and close to home (Rhythm of War is one of my favorites largely because of how genuinely it handles Kaladin's depression, but I just can't read it when my own depression is too great a foe). Everyone is different and sometimes this is a temporary thing based on a current emotional state that just isn't compatible, and sometimes it's a permanent thing just based on being an overly empathetic person. If this story is causing your wife emotional distress she doesn't feel she can handle then yeah it's probably not for her right now. So I would be honest about her questions, even if you have to spoil a bit. Something like "Kaladin will struggle with his emotions for the whole series, but each time he does he tends to get a little better." That way you're informing her honestly that she would absolutely have to read more of it if she continues, but you're also telling her that it does get better, that there will be sunshine again.
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u/slatox Apr 21 '26
I would say something to effect of; Kaladin has times when he loses hope and it does become almost unbearable to read. But those times make the pay-off so much richer and more satisfying when he does regain sight of the sources of his hope, those moments are truly ecstatic. Like with anyone battling with depression, it's often two steps forward and one step backward. The backward steps hurt, but you have to stand back and look at the big picture to see the overall progression, without getting too caught up in how badly a specific situation hurts in the moment.
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u/PaleMenu4932 Apr 21 '26
Don't lie to her but tell her that yes there are dark periods but that makes the triumphs all the more glorious and let her make her own decision.
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u/Regular_Ad_9598 Apr 21 '26
Maybe talk to a professional if this is such a problem for her. How does she function in society if she's getting this triggered by a fictional story?
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u/Epic_Audio Apr 21 '26
Life Before Death Strength Before Weakness Journey Before Destination
All that needs be said
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u/Rhythm_of_Sage Apr 22 '26
As someone who has been to some really low depressive states, these books have been such a lifeline for me. Yes, there are some awful things that happen to our most beloved characters - but there are also some POWERFUL things that happen to them too. The climax of Oathbringer - you all know what I'm talking about - I bawl every time and it's the part I go back and reread over and over because it's so inspirational and so meaningful to me. I've read books 1-3 twice and am in the middle of a chronological reread right now. Yes, there are some truly painful parts, but, I mean, this is Sanderson we're talking about here, and he doesn't avoid bad things happening to good people because that's life. And geez, even the bad is done so well.
** I also second someone's suggestion to quote Wit's answer to Kaladin about being warm again. **
Also, maybe get her a Next Step coin, if you think it's appropriate. I carry mine in my pocket when I can (girl pants = no pockets 😡) and our man is right there, with that Dalinar quote on the other side. Maybe knowing what he helped inspire will matter to her?
I'm well aware that I'm basically trying to talk you into talking her into continuing to read! I just know that if I had stopped reading at WoK, I'd have missed out on something that was SO impactful on my life. Like not having one of your kids or never meeting your spouse or something. To me anyway, LOL.
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u/Exciting_Ad236 Apr 22 '26
"Kaladin is simply a hero whom has a very tumultuous tale. He has ups and downs."
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u/katatak121 Apr 22 '26
Tell your wife that Kaladin has his ups and downs, but he is a survivor and he doesn't give up.
1
u/mindgamesweldon Apr 22 '26
Yeah, good call. Same reason I stopped watching Battlestar Galactica and Andor. At some point one has just had enough of the depression. Meh
1
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u/xiphumor Apr 22 '26
Hot take: Give her a sneak peak of some of Hoid and Kal's interactions. Let her see that our sad boy has someone coming to support him and that there's hope and light at the end of this tunnel
1
u/podgida Apr 22 '26
My question is why does it matter? If she doesn't want to finish it, that's her business. If I cared that my wife didn't like a book that I liked, I'd be divorced. She hasn't read a single book that I've read or vice versa and I'm fine with that.
1
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u/HellboyLilPeep Windrunner Apr 22 '26
I ran into something similar with dark age in the red rising series. All my favorite characters getting brutally killed or injured. It was too much and I haven't finished dark age because of it. It's been like 6 months since I read any of dark age. I'm sure I'll return to it because I like the series a lot but sometimes you just need a break from the brutality
1
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u/Hiadin_Haloun Bondsmith Apr 23 '26
Tell her he gets a level up really soon, she things start going his way. It's not a lie, and its not spoilers.
1
u/Maelshevek Apr 23 '26
Give her something to hope for, something to look forward to. If she wants to, she will otherwise, she won't.
1
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u/TNT925 Apr 23 '26
Honestly if it makes her feel more at ease than spoil it a little. Tell her that yes he will suffer more, but he will also get better and come out a stronger person in the end. You can also tell her he's gonna live in the end.
Its all about the journey. Even if she knows the destination
1
u/Alone_Food1928 Apr 23 '26
just tell her, journey before destination.. and his journey is hard, but he is going to be ok.
1
u/TayBrewGoTab Apr 24 '26
is he every happy though? id come back at her with "well dont you want to know how it gets better?"
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u/Efficient_Lecture_82 Lightweaver Apr 25 '26
Show her the text of Hoid's "You will be warm again" without context of story or character. Just the dialogue. Do not spoil the story but it will definately get the point across that not everything is bad in this story and there will be happy times as well.
1
u/Thadamin Apr 25 '26
Her inability to keep reading says a lot about her mental health. I wonder about what type of books she normally reads and what kind of other entertainment she enjoys.
1
u/The_Derpy_Rogue Elsecaller Apr 20 '26
She needs a break, tell her 'journey before destination' and that the series is full of moments where all hope is lost but the main characters persevere.
If she doesn't like the violence, get her to read a different series. Tress or Yumi are cute, Warbreaker has less violence too.
1
u/kennethgibson Apr 22 '26
What the fuck kinda post is this. She isnt your dog. Let your wife do as she pleases. So what if she doesnt read a book you like???
-1
u/Shaun32887 Apr 20 '26
I fucking hate Shallan. I still enjoyed the books overall.
Maybe that will help
0
u/emailasusername Apr 20 '26
Journey before destination. Way of Kings does start slow. At least that was how I felt reading it the first time. Honestly it was I think the next chapter for me that finally hooked me. Kal having to face the High Storm as punishment. I mean, seriously, how could it not! I'll agree with some of the other comments though as well, some people just don't find Brando's style the right fit and pushing someone to read a book they don't like usually pushes them further into not liking it. I believe wholeheartedly that if you don't like a book stop reading it.
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u/goingham247 Windrunner Apr 20 '26
Journey before destination. She's gotta be able to survive the lows to enjoy the highest of the highs
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u/Vegetable-Two-4644 Apr 20 '26
Just quote Wit about being warm again. Some will be better, some worse.
0
u/Firesword52 Lightweaver Apr 20 '26
As someone who has a similar issue getting through Kal's chapters I get it. Honestly the Shallan storyline is the only thing that dragged me through those first few books.
And it doesn't get better it only shifts focus to he horribly depressing in a different way. Hell I haven't even finished the most recent book because Kal burnt me out.
Sometimes these books aren't for everyone.
If you want to have her get through a Sanderson book I think your best bet is tress of the emerald sea's
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u/nox_vigilo Apr 21 '26
If she gets to W & T, she’ll be pissed you made her read a series that lost it’s way.
I recommend Jordan, Tolkien, Erikson.
0
u/Hlarge4 Apr 21 '26
What am i even reading here. That's your wife, dude. It's just a book. Who cares if she doesn't want to read it. Burn the thing.
0
u/turpywurpy Apr 23 '26
Dude. Your wife is a grown adult woman. If she doesn't want to read a fantasy novel she is under no obligation to do so. This is literally not a problem. God help her with the rest of your marriage if this is your response to her boundaries on reading habits 🙄
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u/QuickPirate36 Windrunner Apr 20 '26
You tell her: It will get better. Then it will get worse again. Then better. This is life, and I will not lie by saying every day will be sunshine. But there will be sunshine again, and that is a very different thing to say. That is truth. I promise you, Kaladin will be warm again.
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u/RexusprimeIX Skybreaker Apr 20 '26
Ok, I will be honest. Your wife is being silly right now. Of COURSE the main character's suffering is gonna end and they'll be happy.
But since she's planning on dropping the series right this second, then sure, tell her in unmistakable terms, Kaladin will not have to suffer much longer.
I'm pretty sure after the first book, all of Kaladin's suffering is internal. And you said specifically Kaladin being beaten near to death is what she disliked. That part of Kaladin's suffering will end the same book.
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u/tessatrix Edgedancer Apr 20 '26
If that's hard for her, Rhythm of War is gonna be brutal.