High in the mountains lies the legendary city of Urithiru, accessible only through the twelve Oathgates. Here, the young noblewoman Schallan Davar seeks to decipher the secrets of the ancient orders that once called themselves the Radiants. Only with their help can the Oathgates be used, and only their Shardblades grant the Radiants superhuman abilities. But who were they really, and why were they disbanded? As Schallan searches for answers that could aid in the reformation of the orders, Prince Dalinar realizes that his vision of reconciling the princes of the kingdom of Alethkar was far too limited. Not only the Alethi, but all peoples must be united, for the devastating threat of desolation looms, bringing an end to all of Roshar. Yet a dark shadow hangs over this hope – Prince Dalinar's own bloodstained past.