The journey continues in the Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson. One of the best fantasy writers delivers in an epic novel. Find out why this trilogy is considered one of Sanderson’s bets works.
Words of Radiance Summary
Kaladin and his friends and his soldiers of Bridge 4 are bought out by Dalinar. Now, Kaladin is responsible for protecting Dalinar and the king. But Kaladin’s feelings for the lighteyes makes him not trust any ligfhteyes including Dalinar for fear of being betrayed again. Besides his new job, Kaladin is learning to use his newfound power to aid him in his battle against the Assassin in White.
Szeth-son-son-Vallano, has been killing kings and leaders all over the world. Once again, he is sent to Alethkar for another assassination job.
Shallan is learning to use her newfound powers but tragedy strikes the ship she is sailing on. Now, Shallan has to make her way through the Shattered Plains to Dalinar and Adolin, who Shallan has been set up to marry by Jasnah. Using perception, Shallan tries to convince those around her to follow her and safely escort her to the Dalinar and the war camps in the Shattered Plains.
Eshonai, who is a Parshendi that is in possession of their sole Shardblade, wants to seek a peace treaty with the Alethi. However, new research and powers make her seek out an ancient power that will wipe out all of their enemies and finally save her people from being completely wiped out.
Commentary
First off, I want to say that I took a yearlong break between The Way of Kings and the second novel, Words of Radiance. So, it took me a while to remember all of the characters and what has already transpired. But once everything came back, I was invested all over again and could not put this novel down.
Sanderson follows up the first novel by raising the stakes. The Voidbringers finally make an appearance and it leads to an epic battle. But before we get there, the novel builds upon Kaladin and Shallan’s stories. They finally meet and it leads to a great banter, leading to a few good laughs.
Words of Radiance showcases the point of view from one of the Parshendi and what drives them to do what they do. It was inevitable because everything that transpired led to this moment. While it may feel like the course of actions have been predetermined, we see first hand proof that that is not so and that the protagonists do have an impact of the timeline.
Conclusion
Book two of The Stormlight Archive was great and I can’t wait to read the next installment in the series. Have you read any of the books in the series and is that something you plan on reading? let us know in the comments below. Happy reading!
Great series! Excited for book five in a year ish 🙂
Could be worse and you can be waiting for a decade plus for the next GOT book 🥲
The Alethi are a nation, not a place. Alethkar is where the Alethi are from. And it’s Adolin, not Alodin. Please proof read your reviews in future.