Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The novella is a bridge between major books in The Stormlight Archive. Did it feel like a complete, satisfying story on its own, or more like a piece of a larger puzzle? What elements made it feel one way or the other for you?

2. How did you find the experience of reading Dawnshard compared to other bridge novellas you may have read, like Sanderson’s own Edgedancer? Do you think this format is an effective way to explore secondary characters and expand world-building?

3. What was the most memorable part of the novella for you? Was it a specific character’s development, a plot twist like the truth about the Sleepless, or Rysn’s acquisition of the Dawnshard and its profound implications?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Rysn’s journey is one of adapting to new circumstances and reclaiming her agency. Think about a time you had to significantly adapt your own approach to a challenge. How did her methodical problem-solving, like redesigning her workspace, modifying her ship, and seeking ideas from other women with similar disabilities, resonate with your own experiences?

2. The Lopen uses humor as a way to connect with people and cope with his past, but he eventually learns his jokes can be hurtful. How do you see humor functioning in your own relationships, either as a bridge or sometimes as a barrier?

3. Captain Drlwan initially questions Rysn’s authority and believes leadership at sea should be earned through experience rather than ownership alone. Think about a time you’ve witnessed or experienced someone having to earn others’ respect despite holding a position of authority. How does the dynamic between Rysn and Drlwan reflect those real-world situations?

4. Throughout the story, Rysn collaborates with other women who are paralyzed to design new assistive devices. Have you ever found encouragement or practical advice from a community of people who shared a similar experience or challenge? How did that support influence the way you approached your own situation?

5. Cord is driven by a deep sense of duty to protect her people and her homeland. Think about a time you felt a powerful motivation to stand up for a group or a cause you cared about. What did that experience teach you about your own values?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The story directly confronts the “magical cure” trope common in fantasy. In what ways does its focus on accommodation and assistive technology challenge other narratives about disability you’ve encountered in books or film?

2. Rysn’s correspondence with other women who share similar disabilities allows them to exchange ideas, practical solutions, and encouragement. How does the novella reflect the importance of community, shared knowledge, and accessibility in shaping a more inclusive society?

3. The Sleepless guard their secret through isolation and fear, believing it is the only way to protect the world. Where do you see similar fear-based strategies of isolation or misdirection at play in our own society, whether in politics or culture? What are the potential consequences of such approaches?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. In what ways does the theme Change as a Strategy for Survival connect the journeys of Rysn, Lopen, and the Sleepless? Which character do you think embodies this theme most effectively, and why?

2. What is the significance of the hovering chair being a product of a scientific accident rather than a magical gift? How does this symbol reinforce the novella’s broader themes of innovation and empowerment?

3. Nikli is presented as the primary antagonist, yet his motives are protective, not malicious. What makes him such a compelling antagonist, and how does his internal conflict between his duty and his affection for Rysn deepen the story?

4. How does Sanderson balance Rysn’s serious journey of leadership and self-determination with Lopen’s more humorous storyline? Did the contrast in tone strengthen the novella’s themes, or did it ever feel uneven?

5. The Sleepless are a hive-mind species, a concept often explored in science fiction. How did their depiction here compare to other hive-mind species you may have encountered in literature or film? What unique aspects did Sanderson bring to this trope?

6. The recurring motif of omens drives much of the tension aboard the Wandersail. How does Rysn’s response to these omens demonstrate her growth as a leader who relies on reason and strategy over superstition?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine you are Rysn writing in your private journal a week after the expedition. What would you write about the experience of holding a divine Command inside you and perceiving the world with heightened senses?

2. What kind of assistive fabrial would you design for a character in the world of Roshar? Think about who it would help and how its creation would align with the novella’s theme of practical accommodation over magical cures.

3. You’re tasked with helping Rysn craft the official story for her patrons about the expedition to Akinah. What key details would you include to make the story believable and satisfying, all while protecting the island’s true secrets?