About the Book
Rhythm of War is the fourth book in Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive series, one of the longest-running ongoing epic fantasy projects in contemporary fiction. At this point in the series, the coalition of human nations led by Dalinar Kholin is locked in a grinding war of attrition against the Fused and their Voidbringer forces. No decisive victory is in sight, and the political situation is fragile, particularly given the uncertain loyalties of Taravangian, a ruler whose allegiances are difficult to read.
The book shifts focus somewhat from previous entries. Navani Kholin, Dalinar's wife and a scholar in her own right, takes on a much larger role as the story explores the intersection of magic and technology in this world. The arms race developing between human scholars and the enemy drives much of the plot, and for readers who enjoy the worldbuilding side of Sanderson's work, this is a significant draw. Several other characters also receive substantial page time, including Kaladin, Shallan, and Eshonai/Venli.
This is not a standalone entry. Reading it without the prior three Stormlight books, The Way of Kings, Words of Radiance, and Oathbringer, would leave most listeners lost. The book is long by any standard, and Sanderson's characteristic approach of interweaving multiple plotlines with extensive flashback sequences means the pacing requires patience, particularly in the first half.
Narration & Audio Performance
The Audible edition is narrated by Kate Reading and Michael Kramer, who have shared narration duties across the entire Stormlight Archive series, with Reading handling female-perspective chapters and Kramer handling male-perspective chapters. Both narrators are experienced with Sanderson's material at this point, they've been with the series since The Way of Kings, and that familiarity shows. Character voices are consistent with prior books, which matters considerably when a listener is returning to a cast of dozens of recurring characters.
Reading's performance is measured and clear, well-suited to the slower, more introspective passages that Rhythm of War leans into heavily. Kramer brings more energy to action-oriented sequences. The division of chapters between the two narrators can occasionally disrupt flow during transitional passages, but listeners who have come this far in the series will already know what to expect. Neither narrator overperforms or underperforms, this is steady, professional work on a very long and demanding text.
Production quality is consistent with other Tor audiobook releases of this era. There are no reported issues with audio quality or editing that would distract from extended listening sessions.
The Audible Verdict
If you're already invested in the Stormlight Archive series, this is a straightforward use of a credit. Reading and Kramer have narrated every book in the series and bring real consistency to a cast and world that listeners at this stage know well. The audiobook format works for this series, the linear delivery suits Sanderson's chapter structure, and having the narration carry you through the longer passages makes the length more manageable than fighting through dense prose on the page. New listeners to the series should start with The Way of Kings rather than this book.
Listen on AudibleIs This Book a Good Fit for Audio?
The Stormlight Archive generally translates well to audio, and Rhythm of War is no exception for established series listeners. Sanderson's prose style is direct and dialogue-heavy, which suits narration. The dual-narrator setup aligns naturally with the alternating character perspectives built into the book's structure. For listeners who have already committed 100+ hours to the prior three Stormlight audiobooks, continuing in audio format is the obvious choice.
That said, this is a demanding listen. The book is exceptionally long, longer than most novels, and the first half in particular moves slowly as multiple plotlines are established. Listeners who struggle to follow complex multi-threaded narratives in audio format, or who tend to lose track of character relationships without the ability to flip back quickly, may find the print edition more practical. The book also contains in-world epigraphs, letters, and documents that can feel slightly awkward in audio form compared to reading them on a page.
For casual or new fantasy listeners, this is not a recommended starting point in audio or any other format. It's a book for people who are already committed to the series and have a working familiarity with its world, magic system, and cast.
Popular Listener Questions
Do I need to read the previous Stormlight Archive books first?
Yes. Rhythm of War is the fourth book in the Stormlight Archive series and assumes extensive familiarity with the prior three entries. Starting here would mean missing essential context for almost every character, conflict, and plot development.
Who narrates the audiobook?
Kate Reading and Michael Kramer share narration duties, as they have throughout the entire Stormlight Archive series. Reading handles female-perspective chapters and Kramer handles male-perspective chapters.
Is this a good entry point for Brandon Sanderson's work?
No. If you're new to Sanderson, start with The Way of Kings, the first Stormlight book, or with a standalone like The Final Empire (Mistborn Book 1), which has a much lower barrier to entry.
Is the audiobook version abridged?
The Audible edition is unabridged, consistent with Sanderson's other major audiobook releases.
How does Rhythm of War compare in length to the other Stormlight books?
It's among the longest in the series. The print edition runs over 1,200 pages, and the audiobook reflects that scale, expect a very substantial time commitment comparable to Oathbringer.
Similar Audiobooks
The correct starting point for the Stormlight Archive. Also narrated by Kate Reading and Michael Kramer, so the audio experience is consistent across the series.
The direct predecessor to Rhythm of War. Necessary reading before this entry, and uses the same dual-narrator format.
The Final Empire (Mistborn, Book 1)
A good Sanderson alternative for listeners who want the same worldbuilding depth and magic-system focus but prefer a shorter, more self-contained story.
Another long-form literary epic fantasy with a devoted audio following. Suits listeners who are comfortable with slow-building, character-driven epics.
Part of the same series progression. Listeners who haven't yet reached Rhythm of War should work through this before continuing.
The final Wheel of Time book, also narrated by Kate Reading and Michael Kramer. Listeners who enjoy the narrating pair's work on Stormlight will find a familiar audio experience here.
Audiobook Details
| Title | Rhythm of War |
|---|---|
| Author | Brandon Sanderson |
| Narrator | Kate Reading |
| Genre | Epic Fantasy |
| Year | 2020 |
| Publisher | Tor Books |
| Abridged | Unabridged |
| Cast | Single narrator |
| Author-narrated | No |
Ready to listen?
Rhythm of War is available on Audible, if you're already in the Stormlight Archive series, this is a sensible use of a credit or a free trial.
Open on Audible