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Tom Doherty Associates
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Fantasy. Fiction. HTML: From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson, Words of Radiance, Book Two of the Stormlight Archive, continues the immersive fantasy epic that The Way of Kings began. Expected by his enemies to die the miserable death of a military slave, Kaladin survived to be given command of the royal bodyguards, a controversial first for a low-status "darkeyes." Now he must protect the king and Dalinar from every common peril as well as the distinctly uncommon threat of the Assassin, all while secretly struggling to master remarkable new powers that are somehow linked to his honorspren, Syl. The Assassin, Szeth, is active again, murdering rulers all over the world of Roshar, using his baffling powers to thwart every bodyguard and elude all pursuers. Among his prime targets is Highprince Dalinar, widely considered the power behind the Alethi throne. His leading role in the war would seem reason enough, but the Assassin's master has much deeper motives. Brilliant but troubled Shallan strives along a parallel path. Despite being broken in ways she refuses to acknowledge, she bears a terrible burden: to somehow prevent the return of the legendary Voidbringers and the civilization-ending Desolation that will follow. The secrets she needs can be found at the Shattered Plains, but just arriving there proves more difficult than she could have imagined. Meanwhile, at the heart of the Shattered Plains, the Parshendi are making an epochal decision. Hard pressed by years of Alethi attacks, their numbers ever shrinking, they are convinced by their war leader, Eshonai, to risk everything on a desperate gamble with the very supernatural forces they once fled. The possible consequences for Parshendi and humans alike, indeed, for Roshar itself, are as dangerous as they are incalculable. Other Tor books by Brandon Sanderson The Cosmere The Stormlight Archive The Way of Kings Words of Radiance Edgedancer (Novella) Oathbringer The Mistborn trilogy Mistborn: The Final Empire The Well of Ascension The Hero of AgesMistborn: The Wax and Wayne series Alloy of Law Shadows of Self Bands of Mourning Collection Arcanum Unbounded Other Cosmere novels Elantris Warbreaker The Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians The Scrivener's Bones The Knights of Crystallia The Shattered Lens The Dark Talent The Rithmatist seriesThe Rithmatist Other books by Brandon Sanderson The Reckoners Steelheart Firefight Calamity At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied..… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member shabacus
This immense book, sequel to an equally immense book, has done nothing but cement Brandon Sanderson's place as the leading voice of epic fantasy in the 21st century.
Picking up just where The Way of Kings began, and continuing just where it left off, Words of Radiance performs that most difficult of
The characters may fit into the usual Sanderson molds, but they all have surprises along the way. A great deal of time is taken to tell their stories (and back stories), which gives them incredible depth.
In my review of The Way of Kings I took issue with the pacing, which was awfully slow for the first novel in a series, as well as the manner in which the narrative was split between characters. Neither of these criticisms apply here. On the contrary, the massive momentum which the first novel built has not slowed by the time the second begins. The pacing is still slow, but in a stately and deliberate sense, and it quickly gains even more speed as the finale nears.
I eagerly anticipate the third volume, and can only hope it doesn't take as long to arrive as this one did. However long that is, though, the wait will be worth it.
Picking up just where The Way of Kings began, and continuing just where it left off, Words of Radiance performs that most difficult of
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all feats, telling a fully realized story in a completely unfamiliar world, but making us feel comfortable at the same time. The world of Roshar lacks the pseudo-medieval England setting of so much fantasy, and instead plunges us into a landscape of stone, of strange plants and animals and cultures, but does so in a way that tells us everything we need to know to understand--without infodumps.The characters may fit into the usual Sanderson molds, but they all have surprises along the way. A great deal of time is taken to tell their stories (and back stories), which gives them incredible depth.
In my review of The Way of Kings I took issue with the pacing, which was awfully slow for the first novel in a series, as well as the manner in which the narrative was split between characters. Neither of these criticisms apply here. On the contrary, the massive momentum which the first novel built has not slowed by the time the second begins. The pacing is still slow, but in a stately and deliberate sense, and it quickly gains even more speed as the finale nears.
I eagerly anticipate the third volume, and can only hope it doesn't take as long to arrive as this one did. However long that is, though, the wait will be worth it.
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LibraryThing member stefferoo
I don't know what was more intimidating, the size of Words of Radiance when I first beheld it, or the thought of having to write the review when I finished. I took me about seven days to read this giant tome, and then five more just to let everything sink in. So many emotions. So amazing. Even now,
To finally read Words of Radiance was like fist-pumping excitement and all my restless giddiness rolled into one. In this second volume, the world of The Stormlight Archive becomes even more incredible and captivating. My favorite thing about Sanderson's stories are his magic systems, and I know everyone always says that but I don't care! It bears saying again because it's true. Here I thought he was done laying down the ground rules for his world's magic in The Way of Kings, but clearly he was just getting started. It's actually getting so elaborate that part of me is beginning to worry this could become too confusing before long. But if you love Surgebinding, rest assured the storyline continues to build upon basic principles regarding stormlight and its uses in the various types of surges. When it comes to beefing up his magic systems, Sanderson never ceases to amaze.
I've also noticed he has a way of writing inherently good people in the roles of main protagonists. This certainly applies to the important characters here -- Kaladin, Shallan, Dalinar, Adolin, etc. -- all decent folks with decent intentions, natural leaders who always in the end succeed. It took tension out of the story at times, but it's also nice to feel exultant when a character gets ahead. That said, there were still plenty of twists and a couple of big surprises in this book, and of course when bad things happened, the impact of those setbacks felt all the more powerful. Sanderson knows how to pull me in and make me care, even when it comes to his more minor characters.
But what I really didn't expect was how things turned around when it came to the major ones. Kaladin pretty much made the first book for me, so I was shocked to see that his chapters in this one failed to hold my attention the same way. Kaladin himself, the ex-soldier and former bridgeman who has become a Knight Radiant, spirals into self-pity, anger, and impulsion because of his new powers and responsibilities, and I just didn't like the man he was for most of this book. On the other hand, Shallan (who didn't really impress me in The Way of Kings) comes into her own, literally becoming a new woman.
While Kaladin shrank into himself, Shallan branched out, becoming more adventurous and daring. Every time the story focused on her again, I was completely rapt, drawn into her research and personal journey to find the mythical city of Urithuru. I was also impressed by the way Sanderson handled her different relationships with other characters, especially the surprising one blossoming between her and Adolin. There's no question, Words of Radiance is where Shallan steals the show and gets a lot more of her background filled in, plus the illustrations of "her drawings" do add so much to the narrative (and I agree, Shallan, Adolin is totally *sigh*). I just have to cheer for a fellow artist too, you understand.
As for the story, what can I say? It's moving along, and in a big way. Everything is now converging in on the Shattered Plains, with all the main characters and their plot threads finally weaving together to become more cohesive. There's a countdown to something huge, and while this is the main source conflict in the novel, I like how the side themes continue to play a role. Factors like the infighting between the Highprinces or the social class disparities between Lighteyes and Darkeyes or humans and parshmen only add to the immersion and world building.
I have to say that with Sanderson, you don't often get "epicness for the sake of being epic". Others may disagree, of course, but all I know is with 1000+ pagers like these I always tend to forget a lot due to information overload. However, three and a half years after The Way of Kings, I still find myself remembering almost all the details of Roshar, of its peoples and cultures, lore and magic, the different creatures and spren. My memory's not the best either, so the fact I can remember even the little things means that they really stuck with me, and that simply does not happen with fluff or filler. It tells me the details in The Stormlight Archive are there for a reason, and not just to pad a book. Even the Interludes, which I don't really care for, I can still appreciate because something tells me they will be important at a later stage.
Honestly, sometimes I still have a hard time wrapping my head around the idea that I'll probably be well into my fifth decade by the time the last book of this vast, sweeping series comes out. It's an accepted reality for epic fantasy fans I'm sure, but you can bet your spheres that I'm in this one for the long haul. Premature as it is to say, but I think things are shaping up real nicely, and if you enjoyed the first book then picking up this one will be a must as well. Needless to say, Words of Radiance gets 5 hearty stars from me. Really, was there ever any doubt?
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I don't know if I can completely separate my subjective feelings for this novel, simply because of the MAJOR soft spot I harbor for this particular series. See, I wasn't always a fan of epic fantasy. I was the type to take one look at the page count and run the other way! Of course, that was before The Way of Kings became one of my favorite books. I guess you could say that I credit Brandon Sanderson and that book for being my gateway into this genre, and I've always been glad for that.To finally read Words of Radiance was like fist-pumping excitement and all my restless giddiness rolled into one. In this second volume, the world of The Stormlight Archive becomes even more incredible and captivating. My favorite thing about Sanderson's stories are his magic systems, and I know everyone always says that but I don't care! It bears saying again because it's true. Here I thought he was done laying down the ground rules for his world's magic in The Way of Kings, but clearly he was just getting started. It's actually getting so elaborate that part of me is beginning to worry this could become too confusing before long. But if you love Surgebinding, rest assured the storyline continues to build upon basic principles regarding stormlight and its uses in the various types of surges. When it comes to beefing up his magic systems, Sanderson never ceases to amaze.
I've also noticed he has a way of writing inherently good people in the roles of main protagonists. This certainly applies to the important characters here -- Kaladin, Shallan, Dalinar, Adolin, etc. -- all decent folks with decent intentions, natural leaders who always in the end succeed. It took tension out of the story at times, but it's also nice to feel exultant when a character gets ahead. That said, there were still plenty of twists and a couple of big surprises in this book, and of course when bad things happened, the impact of those setbacks felt all the more powerful. Sanderson knows how to pull me in and make me care, even when it comes to his more minor characters.
But what I really didn't expect was how things turned around when it came to the major ones. Kaladin pretty much made the first book for me, so I was shocked to see that his chapters in this one failed to hold my attention the same way. Kaladin himself, the ex-soldier and former bridgeman who has become a Knight Radiant, spirals into self-pity, anger, and impulsion because of his new powers and responsibilities, and I just didn't like the man he was for most of this book. On the other hand, Shallan (who didn't really impress me in The Way of Kings) comes into her own, literally becoming a new woman.
While Kaladin shrank into himself, Shallan branched out, becoming more adventurous and daring. Every time the story focused on her again, I was completely rapt, drawn into her research and personal journey to find the mythical city of Urithuru. I was also impressed by the way Sanderson handled her different relationships with other characters, especially the surprising one blossoming between her and Adolin. There's no question, Words of Radiance is where Shallan steals the show and gets a lot more of her background filled in, plus the illustrations of "her drawings" do add so much to the narrative (and I agree, Shallan, Adolin is totally *sigh*). I just have to cheer for a fellow artist too, you understand.
As for the story, what can I say? It's moving along, and in a big way. Everything is now converging in on the Shattered Plains, with all the main characters and their plot threads finally weaving together to become more cohesive. There's a countdown to something huge, and while this is the main source conflict in the novel, I like how the side themes continue to play a role. Factors like the infighting between the Highprinces or the social class disparities between Lighteyes and Darkeyes or humans and parshmen only add to the immersion and world building.
I have to say that with Sanderson, you don't often get "epicness for the sake of being epic". Others may disagree, of course, but all I know is with 1000+ pagers like these I always tend to forget a lot due to information overload. However, three and a half years after The Way of Kings, I still find myself remembering almost all the details of Roshar, of its peoples and cultures, lore and magic, the different creatures and spren. My memory's not the best either, so the fact I can remember even the little things means that they really stuck with me, and that simply does not happen with fluff or filler. It tells me the details in The Stormlight Archive are there for a reason, and not just to pad a book. Even the Interludes, which I don't really care for, I can still appreciate because something tells me they will be important at a later stage.
Honestly, sometimes I still have a hard time wrapping my head around the idea that I'll probably be well into my fifth decade by the time the last book of this vast, sweeping series comes out. It's an accepted reality for epic fantasy fans I'm sure, but you can bet your spheres that I'm in this one for the long haul. Premature as it is to say, but I think things are shaping up real nicely, and if you enjoyed the first book then picking up this one will be a must as well. Needless to say, Words of Radiance gets 5 hearty stars from me. Really, was there ever any doubt?
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LibraryThing member parhamj
Having just read the final page of Sanderson’s 1,087-page tome, Words of Radiance, I have only one question: HOW LONG UNTIL BOOK 3???
I thought Book 1 – The Way of Kings – was pretty durn perfect. But now, Book 2, in this anticipated 10-book series, has surpassed “pretty durn” and can be
Words of Radiance picks up where The Way of Kings left off, but now the stakes are heightened. The three main characters that we met and grew to love in Kings finally start to cross paths with each other in Radiance:
Kaladin: the former slave saved the Highprince Dalinar from certain death in a crippling battle against the Parshendi, or the creatures the Alethi have been fighting the past 6 years since they claimed responsibility for the assassination of the Alethi king (and Dalinar’s brother), Gavilar. As reward for their rescue, Dalinar promotes the entirety of Bridge Four – Kaladin’s men – to royal bodyguards with Kaladin as their Captain. Kaladin’s hands are full: protect Dalinar’s family, which now includes a love interest for the Highprince, protect the new Alethi king, Gavilar’s son, Elhokar, train his men to become true soldiers, and learn more about his newfound powers… like how to use them and what they mean.
Shallan: the aspiring scholar was nearly dismissed by her mentor, the great Jasnah Kholin, when her intended theft of Jasnah’s prized soulcaster was discovered. Shallan convinced Jasnah to give her another chance, and the two are now sailing for the Shattered Plains and the heart of the Alethi war against the Parshendi. The women fear that a great cataclysm is imminent, and the only way to stop it is to find the mythical city of Urithiru… but when disaster strikes, Shallan finds herself alone on the quest with nothing but a talking line drawing along for the ride. As she makes her way to the Shattered Plains with “Pattern,” she also starts to experience new powers….
Dalinar: the Highprince still experiences visions during the devastating highstorms that ravage his land, but he has worked himself into a new position of power, and he means to see all of the Alethi kingdoms united and strong. He also means to end this war against the Parshendi. Now. Of course, challenges loom around every corner – he has been tasked, by a god no less, to refound the Knights Radiant, an order of supernatural warriors that betrayed mankind thousands of years ago… and the other Highprinces, including Torol Sadeas, who betrayed Dalinar and left him to die in the battle against the Parshendi, are against him; his visions have started indicating that a destructive cataclysm is coming in just a few weeks; and to top it all off, the assassin that murdered his brother is now after him too.
These three paths intersect and collide in the most astounding of ways, as do the destinies of the other characters, such as Dalinar’s son, Adolin, the slimy Highprince Sadeas, and Kaladin’s men from Bridge Four.
It’s just incredible.
This book is like stepping into a whole other world. A world rich in history and mythology, where supernatural powers and power-fueled implements are as real as technology. It becomes natural for the characters to have shardblades, shard plate, and to use stormlight as the source of their powers. And scribes communicate with magical pens. And little wisps of cognition, called spren, can walk, talk, and guide you in the exploration of your new powers.
It is a world where characters are complicated, imperfect, and still relatable. Romance blossoms in this book – Jasnah as a way to save Shallan’s family from total destruction has her betrothed to Dalinar’s son (and her cousin), Adolin. When Shallan and Adolin finally meet, their courtship is very real, with all the bumps and knocks that come with two people trying to get to know each other.
And there are the character’s back stories. In Kings, we read about Kaladin’s past, and what brought him to slavery. In Radiance, it is Shallan, and the story of what brought her family to the brink of destruction. These backgrounds not only add suspense to the books, but they just add more layers to these incredible characters. I feel like I know Kaladin, Shallan, and Dalinar as well as I know my best friends.
So yes, how am I going to wait until Book 3??
I thought Book 1 – The Way of Kings – was pretty durn perfect. But now, Book 2, in this anticipated 10-book series, has surpassed “pretty durn” and can be
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classified as “completely and totally” perfect. There aren’t any words that describe the amazing work that is this novel any better.Words of Radiance picks up where The Way of Kings left off, but now the stakes are heightened. The three main characters that we met and grew to love in Kings finally start to cross paths with each other in Radiance:
Kaladin: the former slave saved the Highprince Dalinar from certain death in a crippling battle against the Parshendi, or the creatures the Alethi have been fighting the past 6 years since they claimed responsibility for the assassination of the Alethi king (and Dalinar’s brother), Gavilar. As reward for their rescue, Dalinar promotes the entirety of Bridge Four – Kaladin’s men – to royal bodyguards with Kaladin as their Captain. Kaladin’s hands are full: protect Dalinar’s family, which now includes a love interest for the Highprince, protect the new Alethi king, Gavilar’s son, Elhokar, train his men to become true soldiers, and learn more about his newfound powers… like how to use them and what they mean.
Shallan: the aspiring scholar was nearly dismissed by her mentor, the great Jasnah Kholin, when her intended theft of Jasnah’s prized soulcaster was discovered. Shallan convinced Jasnah to give her another chance, and the two are now sailing for the Shattered Plains and the heart of the Alethi war against the Parshendi. The women fear that a great cataclysm is imminent, and the only way to stop it is to find the mythical city of Urithiru… but when disaster strikes, Shallan finds herself alone on the quest with nothing but a talking line drawing along for the ride. As she makes her way to the Shattered Plains with “Pattern,” she also starts to experience new powers….
Dalinar: the Highprince still experiences visions during the devastating highstorms that ravage his land, but he has worked himself into a new position of power, and he means to see all of the Alethi kingdoms united and strong. He also means to end this war against the Parshendi. Now. Of course, challenges loom around every corner – he has been tasked, by a god no less, to refound the Knights Radiant, an order of supernatural warriors that betrayed mankind thousands of years ago… and the other Highprinces, including Torol Sadeas, who betrayed Dalinar and left him to die in the battle against the Parshendi, are against him; his visions have started indicating that a destructive cataclysm is coming in just a few weeks; and to top it all off, the assassin that murdered his brother is now after him too.
These three paths intersect and collide in the most astounding of ways, as do the destinies of the other characters, such as Dalinar’s son, Adolin, the slimy Highprince Sadeas, and Kaladin’s men from Bridge Four.
It’s just incredible.
This book is like stepping into a whole other world. A world rich in history and mythology, where supernatural powers and power-fueled implements are as real as technology. It becomes natural for the characters to have shardblades, shard plate, and to use stormlight as the source of their powers. And scribes communicate with magical pens. And little wisps of cognition, called spren, can walk, talk, and guide you in the exploration of your new powers.
It is a world where characters are complicated, imperfect, and still relatable. Romance blossoms in this book – Jasnah as a way to save Shallan’s family from total destruction has her betrothed to Dalinar’s son (and her cousin), Adolin. When Shallan and Adolin finally meet, their courtship is very real, with all the bumps and knocks that come with two people trying to get to know each other.
And there are the character’s back stories. In Kings, we read about Kaladin’s past, and what brought him to slavery. In Radiance, it is Shallan, and the story of what brought her family to the brink of destruction. These backgrounds not only add suspense to the books, but they just add more layers to these incredible characters. I feel like I know Kaladin, Shallan, and Dalinar as well as I know my best friends.
So yes, how am I going to wait until Book 3??
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LibraryThing member FremdeB
I love Brandon Sanderson! Wonder how fast he can write the next one??
LibraryThing member ctgarry
I am 9 discs into a 38 disc set for this sequel to The Way of Kings. What I have read so far has been a tremendous and satisfying return to a richly textured fantasy world in turmoil. The characters are progressing and there are new things to cheer for and marvel at. The need for a multi-book story
I'll revise this to a more full review as I complete the book in the next few weeks. For now, it is sufficient to say that it has been worth the wait.
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arc is becoming more clear. I'll revise this to a more full review as I complete the book in the next few weeks. For now, it is sufficient to say that it has been worth the wait.
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LibraryThing member Schi
Your effort to get started with the Starlight Archive Series in book 1 (The Way of Kings) has already paid off before you get to this book 2, which is excellent all the way through. Entirely enjoyable!
LibraryThing member arhoads29
Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson
Words of Radiance is the second novel in Sanderson's hugely popular Stormlight Archive series. Picking up six years after the assassination of the Alethi king this novel is non-stop action and a joy to read. The Assassin in White returns and this time sets his
Words of Radiance is truly an amazing epic journey that you will love going on. The internal struggles of the characters will endear them to the reader and make them so real you will root for their success from beginning to end. Sanderson has done a terrific job with this one.
Words of Radiance is the second novel in Sanderson's hugely popular Stormlight Archive series. Picking up six years after the assassination of the Alethi king this novel is non-stop action and a joy to read. The Assassin in White returns and this time sets his
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sights on all the kings/princes of the lands and it seems as if no one can stop him until Kaladin ( a military slave who amazingly works his way up to a position of power) arrives with his extraordinary (and secret) abilities. Shallan, a young woman struggling with abilities of her own, is determined to stop the return of the Voidbringers. This brings her and Kaladin together and it is soon discovered that their goals are intertwined.Words of Radiance is truly an amazing epic journey that you will love going on. The internal struggles of the characters will endear them to the reader and make them so real you will root for their success from beginning to end. Sanderson has done a terrific job with this one.
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LibraryThing member RoseCrossed
This book is a continuation of The Stormlight Archive series and it lived up to the first in the series, and gives me such high expectations for the rest. The interludes were also a lot more interesting in this book than the first! It has wonderful characters who develop and learn as the story goes
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along, amazing plotlines, and thought-provoking moments. I cannot fully express how much I love this series. If you enjoy epic fantasy novels, read this! And Brandon Sanderson puts out books on a regular basis, so there shouldn't be a horribly unbearable wait for the next one. Show Less
LibraryThing member MaddieBloom
Terrific.
Couldn't put it down.
Disappointed there isn't a Book 3.
Couldn't put it down.
Disappointed there isn't a Book 3.
LibraryThing member areadingmachine
Great follow up to The Way of Kings, Sanderson is building his own epic universe.
LibraryThing member nnschiller
Sanderson is writing what I think is the best "traditional" epic fantasy that is currently being produced. I'm very interested in non-traditional additions to the genre, but Sanderson is really worth reading because he's producing very good work inside the expected genre forms.
Words of Radiance is
It's not a perfect book. There was one point where I had to put it down because the entire universe was revealed to exist for the sole purpose of advancing the plot. It works best when our characters are mere individuals, it feels forced when they become exceptional heroes. So I'm less optimistic about the next Stormlight Archive book. Kaladin was more interesting as a slave on bridge 4 than as what he becomes. Dalinar was more interesting as a drunk shell then as what he becomes. Shallan, on the other hand, is remaining interesting by not being trapped into the boring role of paragon. I trust Sanderson to write his way out of this trap, but I'm also a bit dubious.
In a lot of conversations on gender and other forms of justice in SFF authorship many voices bemoan the lack of attention given to"traditional" epic fantasy. Sanderson's Stormlight Archive is a rare treat in that regard, it's very "traditional" epic fantasy, but it's not hackneyed crap nostalgic for a non-existent past where cishet white dudes are the center of the universe. It's not radical, it's not revolutionary, and cishet white dudes hold 75% of the spotlight, but it's written with skill, love, and nuance. It's a reminder that there are things in the tradition that are worth celebrating even as we explore new directions for the genre.
Words of Radiance is
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an excellent huge escapist fantasy. The expected themes of heroic morality are there, but treated w/ humanity and some nuance. I appreciated a female protagonist who carries about one third of the narrative, but in my internal and very subjective classification Sanderson is still a boy's writer. He's just very good at it. That's not a criticism, I'm not a proponent of getting rid of the richness of gendered perspectives and I appreciate that he's good at writing from a point of view I recognize.It's not a perfect book. There was one point where I had to put it down because the entire universe was revealed to exist for the sole purpose of advancing the plot. It works best when our characters are mere individuals, it feels forced when they become exceptional heroes. So I'm less optimistic about the next Stormlight Archive book. Kaladin was more interesting as a slave on bridge 4 than as what he becomes. Dalinar was more interesting as a drunk shell then as what he becomes. Shallan, on the other hand, is remaining interesting by not being trapped into the boring role of paragon. I trust Sanderson to write his way out of this trap, but I'm also a bit dubious.
In a lot of conversations on gender and other forms of justice in SFF authorship many voices bemoan the lack of attention given to"traditional" epic fantasy. Sanderson's Stormlight Archive is a rare treat in that regard, it's very "traditional" epic fantasy, but it's not hackneyed crap nostalgic for a non-existent past where cishet white dudes are the center of the universe. It's not radical, it's not revolutionary, and cishet white dudes hold 75% of the spotlight, but it's written with skill, love, and nuance. It's a reminder that there are things in the tradition that are worth celebrating even as we explore new directions for the genre.
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LibraryThing member aeromaxtran
Made me realise why I read fantasy.
Because it is storming awesome!
Because it is storming awesome!
LibraryThing member piersanti
A slow start, much like the first book in the series, but it quickly got excellent and stayed that way right through to the end (with the possible exception of all the interludes).
LibraryThing member Akhena88
This book suffers none of the flaws of the first book in this series. The female characters take a stronger role and there are fewer slow portions. The characters suddenly click as they come together for the first time and there is far more action than the previous book. This is easily my favorite
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Sanderson book so far. Show Less
LibraryThing member Guide2
For the first time ever, if I could have given this book 6 stars, I would have done it. Sure, it's not perfect and the timeline or continuity seems a bit fudged sometimes, but I can honestly this is one of the best books I've ever read in my life. There are some chapters, mostly in the middle and
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end of the book, where I was left amazed at how great that chapter was or at how interesting the impact of the events on the characters was done. I feared that a Shallan book would be a bit boring, but how I was wrong! Show Less
LibraryThing member pranav.paruchuri1027
An excellent sequel to the wonderful character and world building in the way of kings.But the true potential of the series will only be evident in the next part when pure story starts to develop without much world and character building.If Brandon can keep up engaged in the next part without the
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aid of too many new concepts like in these two parts it can be one of the best epic fantasy series on par with lotr which is the benchmark i measure all other epic fantasy series. Show Less
LibraryThing member seanvk
Great sequel to the Way of Kings series. The depth and complexity of this story is simply amazing. The artwork in this large novel is beautiful and spread throughout. The author has had a number of artists contribute. I highly recommend this series.
LibraryThing member wishanem
Brandon Sanderson seems to be set on making himself my favorite living Fantasy author. Once again he tells a story with a fresh take on old tropes, exciting action, deep characters, and masterful development. The individual elements of the book are neat, but the way that the story comes together is
Sadly this is only the second book in a planned 10 book series, though book 5 is planned to wrap it up rather cleanly. It doesn't end hanging off the edge of a cliff by one finger, but the story is standing next to the cliff and a tornado is headed towards it.
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what makes it really beautiful. This entry in the series focuses on the woman who played second fiddle in the first book, and it was an excellent change.Sadly this is only the second book in a planned 10 book series, though book 5 is planned to wrap it up rather cleanly. It doesn't end hanging off the edge of a cliff by one finger, but the story is standing next to the cliff and a tornado is headed towards it.
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LibraryThing member mamzel
This is the continuing saga of Kaladin (a slave who took outstanding care of the men in his charge thus attracting the attention of...), Dalinar (a Shardblade toking prince) and Shallan (the daughter of a violent man who tries to bring her family back from the brink of disaster). War continues to
Trying to describe the world with its incredible creatures and fascinating system of storms which provide energy stored in crystals would be like trying to explain the Grand Canyon to a blind person. It has to be seen to be appreciated, or in this case, read to be enjoyed.
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rage on the Shattered Plains, a landscape of closely placed plateaus with deep, dark, dangerous chasms.Trying to describe the world with its incredible creatures and fascinating system of storms which provide energy stored in crystals would be like trying to explain the Grand Canyon to a blind person. It has to be seen to be appreciated, or in this case, read to be enjoyed.
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LibraryThing member BookaholicCat
Audiobook
This audiobook was so good I'm sure I'm going to experience book hangover for days.
The world and the story are simply amazing. It's been a long time since I encounter a series as good as this one.
I'm glad I went the audiobook way because the narrators do an outstanding job bringing the
Now after finishing it I can only say I want more, I need more.
If you like epic fantasy this series is a MUST read/listen.
This audiobook was so good I'm sure I'm going to experience book hangover for days.
The world and the story are simply amazing. It's been a long time since I encounter a series as good as this one.
I'm glad I went the audiobook way because the narrators do an outstanding job bringing the
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characters and world to life. Now after finishing it I can only say I want more, I need more.
If you like epic fantasy this series is a MUST read/listen.
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LibraryThing member reading_fox
Very very long again. Although I think actually shorter than the first book which is a relief. I'm not entirely sure that it's all justified by the plot. I hope that Brandon has got a complete overview of where he's going with all this, but I suspect that he's more or less making it up as it goes
We follow the same few characters through more of the somewhat unnecessary twists and turns until the forgone conclusion is finally reached. We have now established our heroes and mostly identified the enemy although there still seem to be several groups of mixed aims interfering along the way. Its also not quite yet sure which of the higher powers are actually involved and who they are supporting.
The world building remains clever, the politics complicated, and it was an enjoyable read. But not engrossing. Every time we changed character I could happily put the book down and do something else. Sometimes characters would get their own chapter, and sometimes we'd get several all mixed into a few paragraphs. This worked better for maintaining the action, and sense of drama - necessary after 1000 pages - but was inconsistent, and frequently annoying. I did like that not all the characters had easy choices to make, with heavy consequences on either option - and sometimes third ways possible around the dilemma. It was of course a fairly significant plot point for Kaladen, but an issue for others too. Shallen's spren needs a lot more explaining, which I'd hoped we'd have had by now.
Significant hooks are set for the start of the next volume but that seems some way away. I'm not that bothered, and I'll probably read it in due course, without enduring all 1000 pages of this again.
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along, which doesn't bode well for the word count. It also means that many concepts that get introduced aren't fully thought through which (like the bridges, although we're mostly spared that particular physical impossibility) remain irritating. Of particular note are the concept of Spren, who sometimes will interact with humans, and sometimes are just manifestations. There are far too many different types for them all to interact, within the limitations brandon's already established, but the choice of those that do seems entirely arbitrary.We follow the same few characters through more of the somewhat unnecessary twists and turns until the forgone conclusion is finally reached. We have now established our heroes and mostly identified the enemy although there still seem to be several groups of mixed aims interfering along the way. Its also not quite yet sure which of the higher powers are actually involved and who they are supporting.
The world building remains clever, the politics complicated, and it was an enjoyable read. But not engrossing. Every time we changed character I could happily put the book down and do something else. Sometimes characters would get their own chapter, and sometimes we'd get several all mixed into a few paragraphs. This worked better for maintaining the action, and sense of drama - necessary after 1000 pages - but was inconsistent, and frequently annoying. I did like that not all the characters had easy choices to make, with heavy consequences on either option - and sometimes third ways possible around the dilemma. It was of course a fairly significant plot point for Kaladen, but an issue for others too. Shallen's spren needs a lot more explaining, which I'd hoped we'd have had by now.
Significant hooks are set for the start of the next volume but that seems some way away. I'm not that bothered, and I'll probably read it in due course, without enduring all 1000 pages of this again.
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LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and by the end was totally immersed in the story and wanted to keep reading long past my bed time.
Dalinar Kholin is trying to follow his visions and help his world defeat an evil that is looming. He can see that there needs to be leaders, and not all of them are
It really drew me in and I regretted finishing.
Dalinar Kholin is trying to follow his visions and help his world defeat an evil that is looming. He can see that there needs to be leaders, and not all of them are
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going to come from the highlords,. Kaladin is trying to resist the honours people keep trying to heap on him and Shallan is trying to work out how her mentor died and what do do about it.It really drew me in and I regretted finishing.
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LibraryThing member revslick
With Stormlight Archive, Book 2, Sanderson does it again with another epic high-fantasy tale. The first third of the book is a little slow and I almost wished George RR Martin would take over the writing to cull a few characters. Stay with it because the next two-thirds rock!
LibraryThing member DWWilkin
This is book 2 in Sanderson's epic series, The Stormlight Archive. As with the first book, it is a massive tome, and will need more than one sitting to tackle and digest what he has written.
The time that one puts into the effort though is well spent. This is a world that is rich, and a tale that
That makes the writing exciting and fun to read. Sanderson excels now at this and the time and care he is spending on the story and plot here are wondrous. It reminds me a little of Eddings Elenium series dealing with a concept of knights, but this, done much more elaborate. The world building here is perhaps the highest level of such I have ever seen in 40+ years of delving into fantasy works.
Highly recommended for those who like Fantasy and want to see it handled by a master at his craft.
The time that one puts into the effort though is well spent. This is a world that is rich, and a tale that
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has many layers to it. So many that one must pause and think how a new reveal will fit into what has already been learned. That makes the writing exciting and fun to read. Sanderson excels now at this and the time and care he is spending on the story and plot here are wondrous. It reminds me a little of Eddings Elenium series dealing with a concept of knights, but this, done much more elaborate. The world building here is perhaps the highest level of such I have ever seen in 40+ years of delving into fantasy works.
Highly recommended for those who like Fantasy and want to see it handled by a master at his craft.
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LibraryThing member GSB68
Worth the wait! Kaladin, Shallan, and Dalinar all gathered together on the shattered plains with the Assassin in White creating havoc in the background.
Shardplate duels, Lightweaving,and Voidbringers are just a few of the incredible revelations of Words of Radiance.
Lots to reread and pick apart
Shardplate duels, Lightweaving,and Voidbringers are just a few of the incredible revelations of Words of Radiance.
Lots to reread and pick apart
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while we wait on the next volume. Show Less
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — Fantasy — 2015)
Chesley Award (Nominee — 2015)
Association for Mormon Letters Award (Honorable Mention — Novel — 2014)
David Gemmell Legend Award (Winner — 2015)
Whitney Award (Winner — Speculative Fiction — 2014)
Original publication date
2014-03-04
Local notes
Stormlight Archive, 2
DDC/MDS
| Fic SF Sanderson |