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The Stormlight Archive #2, Part 1
Le Livre des Radieux , Volume 1
Alternate cover edition of ISBN 2253820180
An alternative cover edition can be found here
« Eshonai inspecta le bouclier-tempête qu’elle portait dans le dos, puis prit dans sa poche la sphère contenant le sprène capturé par Venli et se cala sur le Rythme de Résolution. L’heure était venue.
Les vents se levèrent et firent pression contre elle comme pour l’empêcher d’avancer. Elle sentit et entendit la tempête approcher. Le sol tremblait, l’air grondait. Une rafale glacée charria vers elle des fragments de feuilles, pareils à l’éclaireur d’une armée qui approcherait en chargeant et dont le vent hurlant serait le cri de bataille.
Elle ferma très fort les yeux. La tempête la percuta. »
An alternative cover edition can be found here
« Eshonai inspecta le bouclier-tempête qu’elle portait dans le dos, puis prit dans sa poche la sphère contenant le sprène capturé par Venli et se cala sur le Rythme de Résolution. L’heure était venue.
Les vents se levèrent et firent pression contre elle comme pour l’empêcher d’avancer. Elle sentit et entendit la tempête approcher. Le sol tremblait, l’air grondait. Une rafale glacée charria vers elle des fragments de feuilles, pareils à l’éclaireur d’une armée qui approcherait en chargeant et dont le vent hurlant serait le cri de bataille.
Elle ferma très fort les yeux. La tempête la percuta. »
1104 pages, Pocket Book
First published March 4, 2014
417 people are currently reading
7840 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Sanderson
395 books282k followersI’m Brandon Sanderson, and I write stories of the fantastic: fantasy, science fiction, and thrillers.
The release of Wind and Truth in December 2024—the fifth and final book in the first arc of the #1 New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive series—marks a significant milestone for me. This series is my love letter to the epic fantasy genre, and it’s the type of story I always dreamed epic fantasy could be. Now is a great time to get into the Stormlight Archive since the first arc, which begins with Way of Kings, is complete.
During our crowdfunding campaign for the leatherbound edition of Words of Radiance, I announced a fifth Secret Project called Isles of the Emberdark, which came out in the summer of 2025. Coming December 2025 is Tailored Realities, my non-Cosmere short story collection featuring the new novella Moment Zero.
Defiant, the fourth and final volume of the series that started with Skyward in 2018, came out in November 2023, capping an already book-filled year that saw the releases of all four Secret Projects: Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and The Sunlit Man. These four books were all initially offered to backers of the #1 Kickstarter campaign of all time.
November 2022 saw the release of The Lost Metal, the seventh volume in the Mistborn saga, and the final volume of the Mistborn Era Two featuring Wax & Wayne. Now that the first arc of the Stormlight Archive is wrapped up, I’ve started writing the third era of Mistborn in 2025.
Most readers have noticed that my adult fantasy novels are in a connected universe called the Cosmere. This includes The Stormlight Archive, both Mistborn series, Elantris, Warbreaker, four of the five Secret Projects, and various novellas, including The Emperor’s Soul, which won a Hugo Award in 2013. In November 2016 all of the existing Cosmere short fiction was released in one volume called Arcanum Unbounded. If you’ve read all of my adult fantasy novels and want to see some behind-the-scenes information, that collection is a must-read.
I also have three YA series: The Rithmatist (currently at one book), The Reckoners (a trilogy beginning with Steelheart), and Skyward. For young readers I also have my humorous series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, which had its final book, Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians, released in 2022. Many of my adult readers enjoy all of those books as well, and many of my YA readers enjoy my adult books, usually starting with Mistborn.
Additionally, I have a few other novellas that are more on the thriller/sci-fi side. These include the three stories in Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds, as well as Perfect State and Snapshot. These two novellas are also featured in 2025’s Tailored Realities. There’s a lot of material to go around!
Good starting places are Mistborn (a.k.a. The Final Empire), Skyward, Steelheart, The Emperor’s Soul, Tress of the Emerald Sea, and Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians. If you’re already a fan of big fat fantasies, you can jump right into The Way of Kings.
I was also honored to be able to complete the final three volumes of The Wheel of Time, beginning with The Gathering Storm, using Robert Jordan’s notes.
Sample chapters from all of my books are available at brandonsanderson.com—and check out the rest of my site for chapter-by-chapter annotations, deleted scenes, and more.
The release of Wind and Truth in December 2024—the fifth and final book in the first arc of the #1 New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive series—marks a significant milestone for me. This series is my love letter to the epic fantasy genre, and it’s the type of story I always dreamed epic fantasy could be. Now is a great time to get into the Stormlight Archive since the first arc, which begins with Way of Kings, is complete.
During our crowdfunding campaign for the leatherbound edition of Words of Radiance, I announced a fifth Secret Project called Isles of the Emberdark, which came out in the summer of 2025. Coming December 2025 is Tailored Realities, my non-Cosmere short story collection featuring the new novella Moment Zero.
Defiant, the fourth and final volume of the series that started with Skyward in 2018, came out in November 2023, capping an already book-filled year that saw the releases of all four Secret Projects: Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and The Sunlit Man. These four books were all initially offered to backers of the #1 Kickstarter campaign of all time.
November 2022 saw the release of The Lost Metal, the seventh volume in the Mistborn saga, and the final volume of the Mistborn Era Two featuring Wax & Wayne. Now that the first arc of the Stormlight Archive is wrapped up, I’ve started writing the third era of Mistborn in 2025.
Most readers have noticed that my adult fantasy novels are in a connected universe called the Cosmere. This includes The Stormlight Archive, both Mistborn series, Elantris, Warbreaker, four of the five Secret Projects, and various novellas, including The Emperor’s Soul, which won a Hugo Award in 2013. In November 2016 all of the existing Cosmere short fiction was released in one volume called Arcanum Unbounded. If you’ve read all of my adult fantasy novels and want to see some behind-the-scenes information, that collection is a must-read.
I also have three YA series: The Rithmatist (currently at one book), The Reckoners (a trilogy beginning with Steelheart), and Skyward. For young readers I also have my humorous series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, which had its final book, Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians, released in 2022. Many of my adult readers enjoy all of those books as well, and many of my YA readers enjoy my adult books, usually starting with Mistborn.
Additionally, I have a few other novellas that are more on the thriller/sci-fi side. These include the three stories in Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds, as well as Perfect State and Snapshot. These two novellas are also featured in 2025’s Tailored Realities. There’s a lot of material to go around!
Good starting places are Mistborn (a.k.a. The Final Empire), Skyward, Steelheart, The Emperor’s Soul, Tress of the Emerald Sea, and Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians. If you’re already a fan of big fat fantasies, you can jump right into The Way of Kings.
I was also honored to be able to complete the final three volumes of The Wheel of Time, beginning with The Gathering Storm, using Robert Jordan’s notes.
Sample chapters from all of my books are available at brandonsanderson.com—and check out the rest of my site for chapter-by-chapter annotations, deleted scenes, and more.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 882 reviews
September 30, 2022
I used to violently hate on the audiobooks for this series. And now I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through these books again without them.
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So good!! Straight onto Part Two! Not looking forward to parting ways with these books. I
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So good!! Straight onto Part Two! Not looking forward to parting ways with these books. I
March 3, 2017
HOT DAMN that was good! So good that the word 'good' doesn't even come close to describing how good it was! I loved this book. I am such complete trash for the characters. Shallan will always be my fave because she is precious. I'm so nervous to continue this series because I feel like a lot of shit is gonna happen and it'll mess with my emotions. Still gonna pick up part two straight away though. CAN'T WAIT!
July 2, 2017
I think this is the first book I've read where two main characters have a conversation about poop x) Going to have a small pause before diving into part 2. I really love where the story is going now! All the bickering between the characters is gold.
July 14, 2019
This gets 4.5/5-stars.
At the risk of being accused of getting the needle stuck; I'm less enchanted by Shallan than I am by Kaladin, Dalinar and Adolin. I love the fact that she's an artist (and a red-head, there's something incredibly alluring about fiery-red-hair) but I don't find myself in love with her character.
Adolin is growing on me but Dalinar and Kaladin are more interesting. I do so enjoy Kaladin's sense of honour and his determination to do his duty no matter what the consequences.
I think I mentioned in my pre-review notes that some of the interludes didn't really capture me and they are the reason I've marked it down a little. You get some back-story on Shallan's difficult upbringing and how her Father was that gave her some depth, but I didn't really need that; it was just details that I had already guessed at and that padded out a few extra pages, IMO.
I think there is a lot more to be discovered about Shallan's character, however, so I shall be very interested to see what occurs in part 2 of this book. There is so much scope for her to grow and blossom creatively.
Sadeus is there for us to hate, and let's face it we all need a good bad-guy or gal to dislike. And then, of course, there's Amaram; who Kaladin positively detests. Ah, so many little stories within stories going on; it's no wonder why this series has such a following.
Anyway, I think that's enough rabbiting. Onward to part 2 of Words of Radiance for me.
Thanks for reading!
At the risk of being accused of getting the needle stuck; I'm less enchanted by Shallan than I am by Kaladin, Dalinar and Adolin. I love the fact that she's an artist (and a red-head, there's something incredibly alluring about fiery-red-hair) but I don't find myself in love with her character.
Adolin is growing on me but Dalinar and Kaladin are more interesting. I do so enjoy Kaladin's sense of honour and his determination to do his duty no matter what the consequences.
I think I mentioned in my pre-review notes that some of the interludes didn't really capture me and they are the reason I've marked it down a little. You get some back-story on Shallan's difficult upbringing and how her Father was that gave her some depth, but I didn't really need that; it was just details that I had already guessed at and that padded out a few extra pages, IMO.
I think there is a lot more to be discovered about Shallan's character, however, so I shall be very interested to see what occurs in part 2 of this book. There is so much scope for her to grow and blossom creatively.
Sadeus is there for us to hate, and let's face it we all need a good bad-guy or gal to dislike. And then, of course, there's Amaram; who Kaladin positively detests. Ah, so many little stories within stories going on; it's no wonder why this series has such a following.
Anyway, I think that's enough rabbiting. Onward to part 2 of Words of Radiance for me.
Thanks for reading!
September 6, 2024
I’ve become far too invested in this series and the characters.
Also where did my new love of Adolin come from?
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Re-Read 06.09.2024
I love how much of a little shit Adolin is.
Also where did my new love of Adolin come from?
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Re-Read 06.09.2024
I love how much of a little shit Adolin is.
May 11, 2021
This is the first part of the second instalment in The Stormlight Archive series.
This is an accurate depiction of me trying to accurately describe how incredible this book is:
The first book was packed full of magical information for the reader and the characters to learn. I had assumed that the education in this series was complete but it proved to be only the beginning as even more background and history concerning the spren, the Knights Radiant and a whole host of other entities, as well as how to manage or use them for future purpose, was imparted.
Much of this information was learnt through Shallan, one of the many protagonists that featured here. Shallan was present in the previous instalment yet her role in the overarching story-line remained unknown to me then. She was always an interesting character but here she came into her own, by overcoming the obstacles placed in her way, and became a truly lovable one. Not, however, one devoid of flaws, but this only made her more authentic and relatable.
Kaladin was the other primary protagonist. He was the individual I originally most bonded with, and who now must only take a share of my affections. The responsibilities placed upon him at book one's close were heightened here and his character was far more overwrought and overburdened because of it. I shared new information with Shallan but how to utilise them came largely from Kaladin. This made both perspectives not only highly entertaining but also as key as each other in seeing the plot through to fruition.
I remain as excited as ever to continue on with this epic fantasy adventure and am yet to find a Sanderson book that does not make my jaw drop open in awe of his brilliance.
This is an accurate depiction of me trying to accurately describe how incredible this book is:
The first book was packed full of magical information for the reader and the characters to learn. I had assumed that the education in this series was complete but it proved to be only the beginning as even more background and history concerning the spren, the Knights Radiant and a whole host of other entities, as well as how to manage or use them for future purpose, was imparted.
Much of this information was learnt through Shallan, one of the many protagonists that featured here. Shallan was present in the previous instalment yet her role in the overarching story-line remained unknown to me then. She was always an interesting character but here she came into her own, by overcoming the obstacles placed in her way, and became a truly lovable one. Not, however, one devoid of flaws, but this only made her more authentic and relatable.
Kaladin was the other primary protagonist. He was the individual I originally most bonded with, and who now must only take a share of my affections. The responsibilities placed upon him at book one's close were heightened here and his character was far more overwrought and overburdened because of it. I shared new information with Shallan but how to utilise them came largely from Kaladin. This made both perspectives not only highly entertaining but also as key as each other in seeing the plot through to fruition.
I remain as excited as ever to continue on with this epic fantasy adventure and am yet to find a Sanderson book that does not make my jaw drop open in awe of his brilliance.
March 17, 2016
Drugo čitanje, a prvo u prijevodu, mi je donijelo smireniji pristup - nisam morao gutati stranice kako bih došao do "onoga što slijedi", a i ranije se išlo spavati :)
Prijevod je dopunio neke stvari koje promaknu čitanjem originala, ipak nisam ni amer ni englez.
Nemam zamjerki osim što osobno termin "high storm" ne bih preveo kao "visoka oluja".
Sve moguće preporuke fanovima epske fantastike.
Dva citata:
Mnogi muškarci odbijaju čak i da pogledaju knjige, smatrajući da to nije muževno. Adolinu to izgleda nije smetalo. Zanimljivo.
Upotreba lepog lica da bi se muškarac naterao da postupi po tvojim željama nimalo se ne razlikuje od toga kada muškarac mišićima primorava ženu da radi ono što on hoće, kazala je. I jedno i drugo je prosto i s godinama će izdati onoga ko ih koristi.
Prijevod je dopunio neke stvari koje promaknu čitanjem originala, ipak nisam ni amer ni englez.
Nemam zamjerki osim što osobno termin "high storm" ne bih preveo kao "visoka oluja".
Sve moguće preporuke fanovima epske fantastike.
Dva citata:
Mnogi muškarci odbijaju čak i da pogledaju knjige, smatrajući da to nije muževno. Adolinu to izgleda nije smetalo. Zanimljivo.
Upotreba lepog lica da bi se muškarac naterao da postupi po tvojim željama nimalo se ne razlikuje od toga kada muškarac mišićima primorava ženu da radi ono što on hoće, kazala je. I jedno i drugo je prosto i s godinama će izdati onoga ko ih koristi.
December 4, 2017
These SA books are like my drug!
Nothing compares to the happiness, excitement and adrenalin I feel when I’m reading them. Ugh!
Nothing compares to the happiness, excitement and adrenalin I feel when I’m reading them. Ugh!
August 1, 2021
buddy read with the wonderful Yeganeh!
we're finally back into this massive series! Brandon Sanderson, one of the kings of epic fantasy, has managed to captivate me again with the first half of this tome, which is no mean feat, given i'm intimidated just by looking at the page count of Words of Radiance. our four main characters have finally managed to meet one another, which brings me great satisfaction, and i really look forward to seeing how Kaladin's relationship with both Shallan and Adolin develops.
onto the second half! thanks, Yegi, for forcing me to read this ;)
we're finally back into this massive series! Brandon Sanderson, one of the kings of epic fantasy, has managed to captivate me again with the first half of this tome, which is no mean feat, given i'm intimidated just by looking at the page count of Words of Radiance. our four main characters have finally managed to meet one another, which brings me great satisfaction, and i really look forward to seeing how Kaladin's relationship with both Shallan and Adolin develops.
onto the second half! thanks, Yegi, for forcing me to read this ;)
Read
August 29, 2020Review of 'Words of Radiance (Parts 1 and 2) Here.
December 4, 2017
I was supposed to be asleep an hour ago, but I couldn't put this down. I don't know what else to say, aside from I adore this series.
As with The Way of Kings, I'm gonna wait until I've finished part two to write a revieweven though I still haven't put up my review for WoK yet lmaaaaao
As with The Way of Kings, I'm gonna wait until I've finished part two to write a review
July 30, 2020
This book made me laugh aloud. It was also brilliantly descriptive, built, and inspired anticipation and in some instances, dread, as I was reading it. A lot of things surprised me in this book; I adored it!! Onto the next installment!
November 23, 2021
I LOVE THIS SO MUCH
August 30, 2020
What can I say that is not already said about this book?
Brandon Sanderson is really a master of fantasy and you can't convinceme otherwise. So after the end of The Way of Kings I needed answers and jumped right into Words of Radiance. It started off with answering some questions and giving us more questions to think about. I enjoyed the politics of Alethkar and the rest of Roshar, it added an extra layer of possibilities and misfortune to come. Also, the fact it was building slowly but what is happening isn't clear gave added this low hum of tension building up in the background. What I enjoyed the most is having no idea what will happen. I tried to predict what will happen but never was near to the right answer.
My favorite part was the slow discovery and unveiling of the magic of this world, everyone is lost and the whole cast of main characters is as clueless as we are.
I never thought I'd like such type of fantasy, it felt so intimidating to start but his writing style and the amount of details he adds to the story surprisingly made all the more enjoyable. Even when the story is complicated and the world is massive, he still takes his time with the characters and to me I have to like the character to continue reading. So this being not Kaladin's book is making it rank less for me in the series.
The action in this book is definitely better than it is in The Way Of Kings, mainly because the scale of the story is much much bigger, and things are becoming more dire in all of Roshar.
Brandon Sanderson is really a master of fantasy and you can't convinceme otherwise. So after the end of The Way of Kings I needed answers and jumped right into Words of Radiance. It started off with answering some questions and giving us more questions to think about. I enjoyed the politics of Alethkar and the rest of Roshar, it added an extra layer of possibilities and misfortune to come. Also, the fact it was building slowly but what is happening isn't clear gave added this low hum of tension building up in the background. What I enjoyed the most is having no idea what will happen. I tried to predict what will happen but never was near to the right answer.
My favorite part was the slow discovery and unveiling of the magic of this world, everyone is lost and the whole cast of main characters is as clueless as we are.
I never thought I'd like such type of fantasy, it felt so intimidating to start but his writing style and the amount of details he adds to the story surprisingly made all the more enjoyable. Even when the story is complicated and the world is massive, he still takes his time with the characters and to me I have to like the character to continue reading. So this being not Kaladin's book is making it rank less for me in the series.
The action in this book is definitely better than it is in The Way Of Kings, mainly because the scale of the story is much much bigger, and things are becoming more dire in all of Roshar.
March 19, 2019
The more books by Sanderson I read, the more I love his work. It's intricately created, with wonderful worlds created on clear, clockwork principles which are just *begging* to be discovered. His style may be simple, but the plots usually aren't, and that's a great combo when it comes to long stories.
Also, bless his prolific heart - he almost writes them faster than I can read them (no, not really, but I don't worry I'll run out of Sanderson soon).
Anyway, "Words of Radiance". "Words of Radiance" RULES. If I thought "The Way of Kings" started slowly, then became more and more exciting, and that excitement was well worth it, well - over here there's nothing slow.
If the first book in the series was mostly about Kaladin, the young man who is trained to be a surgeon, grows up to be a soldier, is betrayed, then ends up an inspiring hero, the first volume of "Words of Radiance" is more about Shallan, a young woman from an impoverished noble family, grown in horrid circumstances, who comes into her own and learns to become other people. I mean, not permanently, but how to pretend to be something other than she is with great success, in order to further her goals.
But the volume is quite well rounded: while the focus shifts, there's no feeling that we strayed from the characters we've come to know and enjoy reading about, nor that they're idling about and twiddling their thumbs while waiting for the plot to come get them.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was going to work a bit this afternoon, but I took a short break and ended up reading the last 100 pages of this, which is... not ideal, but thoroughly fun. Now, to NOT move on to the second volume, but do my job.
Also, bless his prolific heart - he almost writes them faster than I can read them (no, not really, but I don't worry I'll run out of Sanderson soon).
Anyway, "Words of Radiance". "Words of Radiance" RULES. If I thought "The Way of Kings" started slowly, then became more and more exciting, and that excitement was well worth it, well - over here there's nothing slow.
If the first book in the series was mostly about Kaladin, the young man who is trained to be a surgeon, grows up to be a soldier, is betrayed, then ends up an inspiring hero, the first volume of "Words of Radiance" is more about Shallan, a young woman from an impoverished noble family, grown in horrid circumstances, who comes into her own and learns to become other people. I mean, not permanently, but how to pretend to be something other than she is with great success, in order to further her goals.
But the volume is quite well rounded: while the focus shifts, there's no feeling that we strayed from the characters we've come to know and enjoy reading about, nor that they're idling about and twiddling their thumbs while waiting for the plot to come get them.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was going to work a bit this afternoon, but I took a short break and ended up reading the last 100 pages of this, which is... not ideal, but thoroughly fun. Now, to NOT move on to the second volume, but do my job.
July 7, 2020
“So yes, I, Adolin Kholin - cousin to the king, heir to the Kholin princedom - have shat myself in my Shardplate. Three times, all on purpose.”
Gosh, I love this series so much.
Gosh, I love this series so much.
May 31, 2025
In dem Band laufen die Handlungsstränge zum ersten Mal zusammen. Neue Fragen und Mysterien tauchen auf, jetzt bin ich so richtig in der Reihe angekommen. Schallan ist für mich mit Abstand die interessanteste Figur und ich hab mich gefreut, dass ihr hier relativ viel Erzählzeit zugestanden wird.
August 1, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this first part of Words of Radiance and - surprisingly - this was very much due to the fact that the author takes us back into Shallan's past and therefore her family dynamic is better explained. That was very enlightening as I understand her a lot better now and feel a lot more compassion towards her. I did not like her very much in the The Way of Kings nor understood her so that was helpful. She has gone through some serious s.... !! The other thing which I absolutely LOVED was the fact that we FINALLY get a glimpse into the Parshendi side!That was so good and I am looking forward to learn more about their culture and history. I found that this first part was more focused on politics/relationships/understanding the different ways stormlight can be used and for some reason I did miss the bridge runs and battles (?!). Kaladin's first bridge run and the epic battle at the end of the Way Of Kings are just moments I would need Sanderson to match again in the next books to give them a 5 stars so will let you know how part 2 is going for me :)! A very good first part overall (but one of my favourite characters dies so that was the sad bit :() Also I'm not sure whether a real romance is starting between two of the characters but whatever is going on I like and I like a lot lol and I am definitely NOT big on romance in books so well done Mr Sanderson ! Still have a feeling it might not work out though...we shall see!
January 13, 2026
(4.5)
CWs: domestic abuse
CWs: domestic abuse
August 19, 2023
Langsam bin ich so richtig drin, eingelullt vom Ausmaß dieser Reihe. Dazu noch richtig humorvolle Szenen, die diesen Band für mich perfekt gemacht haben. Neben der Tatsache, dass nun die Handlungsstränge zusammengeführt wurden. Ich freu mich, auf alles was da noch kommen mag!
May 16, 2023
Man this was perfection.. well, near perfection, something happened and I’m still a little sad.
Anyway !
I don’t even know where to start...
This book made me sooooo happy in so many ways.. it warmed my heart soo many times and it kept surprising me.
The characters: Ugh I love the characters, at this point now that I’m familiar with them, I got to see different parts of them and see the good times, which again, warmed my heart so much.
The depth of these characters never fails to astound me.
Khaladin is still my favorite, he’ll stand to be my favorite even 50 years from now, a very dramatic over the top statement but that’s how much I love him.
Shallan in this book took a totally different path from what I thought, and it was good in an expected way. I liked how we got to see her change very slowly.
Some scenes were too funny to handle, I chuckled multiple times in this book, and I tapped so many more pages in this book than the first book, so that’s an indicator of how much I loved this one.
Anyway !
I don’t even know where to start...
This book made me sooooo happy in so many ways.. it warmed my heart soo many times and it kept surprising me.
The characters: Ugh I love the characters, at this point now that I’m familiar with them, I got to see different parts of them and see the good times, which again, warmed my heart so much.
The depth of these characters never fails to astound me.
Khaladin is still my favorite, he’ll stand to be my favorite even 50 years from now, a very dramatic over the top statement but that’s how much I love him.
Shallan in this book took a totally different path from what I thought, and it was good in an expected way. I liked how we got to see her change very slowly.
Some scenes were too funny to handle, I chuckled multiple times in this book, and I tapped so many more pages in this book than the first book, so that’s an indicator of how much I loved this one.
September 26, 2020
3.75
I know it‘s just half a book, and I‘m rating it as what it is, but this one was a little bit too slow for me. I appreciate the world building and I feel like I have a much better connection to the characters now, after reading this, but I hope it picks up in the second half, as this one started to drag a little bit from the middle on. Nevertheless I still think this series is great, and I‘m going to start the next one as soon as I have it in my hands, which is rare for me and only happens if I‘m really excited about something
I know it‘s just half a book, and I‘m rating it as what it is, but this one was a little bit too slow for me. I appreciate the world building and I feel like I have a much better connection to the characters now, after reading this, but I hope it picks up in the second half, as this one started to drag a little bit from the middle on. Nevertheless I still think this series is great, and I‘m going to start the next one as soon as I have it in my hands, which is rare for me and only happens if I‘m really excited about something
July 16, 2025
I liked Shallan before but now I love this girl 💖
July 7, 2016
It's probably worth remembering that this is just the first half of a much bigger book. But it's still a great first half. So much happens with a few surprises and we get a greater insight into Shallan's character and background. Based on how this ended part 2 promises to be epic!!
April 10, 2020
Fan-fucking-tastic
April 9, 2021
Once again Brandon Sanderson shows his skill in worldbuilding and character development to make you beg for more. Slowly we get more backstory into Roshar shown to us, as well as fauna and flora, culminating in a massive display of worldbuilding but that you didn't even notice is being shown to you.
I adored the evolution of Shallan in this book, we have seen a little of it previously and now she is starting to properly embrace her power and step into her own personality. I also really enjoy reading about the lovable band of buffoons that is Bridge 4 and how they are settling into their new roles and what is expected of them. I wish Kalladin would step into his own destiny as easily but unfortunately his internal struggles do not allow for that much, still I love to read his chapters.
The political drama escalated beyond imaginable and the scene of our main characters fighting the Assassin in White gave me heart palpitations and I was shrieking like a mad person. Now that most of them are united in the same place it’s very enjoyable to read their interactions and scenes together. I found this book to be funnier than the previous two.
There was a very annoying event with Jasnah of which I have my own theories and assumptions and can’t wait to see if they are right or wrong.
I adored the evolution of Shallan in this book, we have seen a little of it previously and now she is starting to properly embrace her power and step into her own personality. I also really enjoy reading about the lovable band of buffoons that is Bridge 4 and how they are settling into their new roles and what is expected of them. I wish Kalladin would step into his own destiny as easily but unfortunately his internal struggles do not allow for that much, still I love to read his chapters.
The political drama escalated beyond imaginable and the scene of our main characters fighting the Assassin in White gave me heart palpitations and I was shrieking like a mad person. Now that most of them are united in the same place it’s very enjoyable to read their interactions and scenes together. I found this book to be funnier than the previous two.
There was a very annoying event with Jasnah of which I have my own theories and assumptions and can’t wait to see if they are right or wrong.
April 29, 2020
Update: Finished Part 2, Loved It, All The Stars
LOVE!😍 I am going to wait until finishing part 2 to rate and review, but really enjoying the world development and having many of the main POV characters meet in the story. Going to read part 2 right now!
LOVE!😍 I am going to wait until finishing part 2 to rate and review, but really enjoying the world development and having many of the main POV characters meet in the story. Going to read part 2 right now!
June 4, 2020
The sun shined right though my window this morning, waking my body and mind up naturally. I had nowhere to be for the next hour, so I opened the blinds and curled up in bed to read, “Words of Radiance”. I typically do not read science fiction, yet it is my partner’s favourite novel, so I was intrigued as to why. I was on the last 70 pages of the book and it is a novel that once you pick up it is hard to put down. I understand now why my partner has a deep love and affection for the series. The narrative is quite analytical and philosophical at times and character’s emotions are beautifully descriptive and raw. Quotes like, “a woman’s strength should not be in her role, whatever she choose to be, but in the power to choose that role”, particularly stuck with me because it was a surprisingly feminist novel that is progressive in its statements. The novel is filed with quotes that make you think and stop reading for a minute to understand the immense depth of the words stated. Some other quotes that stuck to me were:
“It’s not a lie...if everyone understands and knows what it means...Mm. Those are some of the best lies”
and
“To age truly was to suffer the ultimate treason, that of one’s body against oneself”.
These statements are truly thought provoking and the depth of imagination and thought Sanderson has put into the novel can leave one pondering for days after reading his work son his cultivation of such rich philosophical words. Furthermore, to grasp Sanderson’s imagination that created such a prolific political system would almost be impossible. My excitement to start the next novel is immeasurable.
“It’s not a lie...if everyone understands and knows what it means...Mm. Those are some of the best lies”
and
“To age truly was to suffer the ultimate treason, that of one’s body against oneself”.
These statements are truly thought provoking and the depth of imagination and thought Sanderson has put into the novel can leave one pondering for days after reading his work son his cultivation of such rich philosophical words. Furthermore, to grasp Sanderson’s imagination that created such a prolific political system would almost be impossible. My excitement to start the next novel is immeasurable.
January 30, 2022
Slow and dense. Many memorable moments amongst a lot of world building. Similar to part 1 of the first book in that there’s a lot to chew, with no great conclusion. In other words, it feels and plays out like half a story (as is intended).
Plenty of plots and subplots which hopefully.. will end with a bang.
Plenty of plots and subplots which hopefully.. will end with a bang.
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