Fantasy Book Club discussion

Discuss Words of Radiance here.
Spoiler ....spoiler.....spoiler.....

Did the book meet your expectations?

Everyone seems to have a favorite character, does that character continue to be your favorite?

it met all my expectations ......my fav author without a doubt is shallan

I meant fav. character sorry

Shallan and Kaladin sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G. Oh sorry, it's just I kind of felt they'd be pushed together like that from the first book. Anyways, they were my favorite characters, and I loved this book more than "The Way of Kings". Shallan is much improved, and there was even a world-hopping character from "Warbreaker". Like I said, I kinda loved it.

I'm only on page 736, but between TWoK and this one, I'm hard pressed to pick a favorite character. I really like Shallan, but I think I look more forward to reading Kaladin's chapters and more on Dalinar. This is only the second book I've read by Sanderson so I'm not familiar with any of his other works. As for my expectations. This one has blown them out of the water so far.

The book exceeded my expectations. Read it shortly after it released so not going to read with the club, but it was great and I'm already looking forward to the next one.

Brandon Sanderson is easily my favorite author and I make a point to read pretty much everything he has written. And I will say that these books are undoubtedly his best work. The scale of the project is so large and the story is so complex you cannot help but be sucked into this world. There were parts of this book that I loved. I loved learning about Shallan's early life and seeing her grow as a character (wow does she have some secrets!) I loved seeing Kaladin learn about his powers and seeing him interact with Shallan, Dalinar and Adolin. I loved seeing life from the parshendi point of view. But there were parts I didn't love quite as much. I don't know about anyone else, but the whole "portal" thing didn't quite satisfy me. It seems like it's crossing the line into science fiction, which isn't really a bad thing, just isn't my for me. And so, I was a little disappointed with the final section of the book. Although I still loved it as a whole and loved all the characters in it, I'm actually a tiny bit worried about where this series is headed...

Sadie wrote: "Brandon Sanderson is easily my favorite author and I make a point to read pretty much everything he has written. And I will say that these books are undoubtedly his best work. The scale of the proj..."
I actually thought he was going to end it on a cliffhanger, with Shallan and Kaladin still in the pitted area of the Shattered Plains. I was kind of upset at him for reviving Jasnah, but I also had a feeling she wasn't quite dead. I think a lot of Sanderson's fantasy books have at least a touch of sci-fi in them.

Talitha wrote: " was kind of upset at him for reviving Jasnah, but I also had a feeling she wasn't quite dead. ..."

When Shallan mentions that she couldn't find or see the body later on, I never really expected her to stay dead. She was too underdeveloped to kill off. I was slightly annoyed by the manner in which she brought her back. Waiting until her big opportunity was over.

yeah the whole portal thing wasmightily anticlimactic

Sanderson is ingratiating science and magic; the portals use Shadesmar like Hoid, Jasnah, and others in the Cosmere. Later Mistborn series will even use magic AS science.

Ok so it seems slightly deux ex machinca, but it needs platforms and stormlight is now a vital commodity which limits the power a bit. At least there is a cost, unlike Wheel of Time portals, which are way OP.

Maybe Windrunners can fly/fall across Roshar quite fast, but it is still a very big world, and they have to get the other portals working first.

Rysn is who I am most interested in. Completely separate from the main story arc and ready provide some very interesting character interaction. And also Nightblood, my favourite character in Warbreaker.

I loved it, and felt that the balance between the different characters' stories was better. In the first book I found Kaladin's story much more compelling than the others' and it felt like he was the "main" character. In this one they seemed to share the stage more equally.

I was pretty sure Jasnah wasn't dead, but it took her so long to reappear I was starting to doubt myself!

My favorite book of the year!

I love this book. Words of Radiance not only surpasses Way of Kings, it's Sanderson's best book yet. Words of Radiance builds masterfully on the ground work laid down in Way of Kings. It's worth it to read Way of Kings if just to read Words of Radiance.

I haven't finished, yet....

*Typing with eyes closed.*

Thought those of you who have finished, would be interested in this tor.com WoR re-read.

http://www.tor.com/blogs/2014/06/intr...

I'll check back when I'm done.

:)

I've never read a multiple point of view book in which I enjoyed every characters POV's, until this one. Many fantasy series authors fail to progress the plot in each book, but I found that this book did an excellent job not only progressing the series plot, but creating a climax and finish to the conflict on the plains. The development of all the characters impressed me most, I was bored with Shallan in the first book, but this time around we got tons of backstory and her skills develop to make her interesting.

Like many others, I read it back in March or April. It, without a doubt, met my expectations. I think Sanderson's world building (though with him it's more accurately "universe building") is the best in the business. I like pretty much everything in the book. My only complaint is that all of his characters, though they're total bad asses, are kind of whiney. "I dont like light eyes, cause light eyes are mean!" That's what I picture Kaladin saying when he's not destroying with a spear. Shallan likes to complain and really get down on herself, which is annoying because she's awesome overall.
The back and forth with Kaladin and Shallan is wonderful. I think Rhys is going to be a great character, ya know, when he stops WHINNING. Lol.
The ending...possible spoiler... (view spoiler)[I was a little town with how I felt about what went down with Adolin at the end. On one hand, I think it's completely out of character. On the other, I can see him doing it because of all the Crap he's had to deal with from Sadeus. (hide spoiler)]

Todd wrote: "I've never read a multiple point of view book in which I enjoyed every characters POV's, until this one. Many fantasy series authors fail to progress the plot in each book, but I found that this bo..."

I agree, Todd. Shallan was a little boring in the first book, at least, she didn't measure up to the other characters. In Words of Radiance we got to see her back story which completely changed my view of her.

Stayed up till 4 last night to finish this book. Loved it. Shallans story is much more evolved this time. Really liked the twist in the end.

Hopefully next book will arrive soon

I sat and read the end on Sunday, took hours and now I'm late writing school reports - thanks Brandon. I loved it. It was great reading them back to back. The characters developed, while Kaladin is my favourite, the others were a joy to read.

I can't believe I ordered the hard back just for the art! Can't find the first one in the UK :(

So he created the most amazing magic system, that builds around money/light/weather. Who thinks up that? He's prolific, phew - as I'd like book 3 now please. Plus, he has other books I haven't read, woohoo. I love the cover

I think buying hardcover is worth it. Looks truly majestic.

It was worth it just to see the beautiful pictures.

Which was your favourite moment from the book?

I think Brandon finishing WOT just fine tuned his ability to write so well with so many POVs. easily the best fantasy writer out there.

Not sure about favourite or whether enjoyed could be applied to the feeling but, SPOILERS,


I realised I was rooting for the death of Szeth in his fight with Kaladin and all through the previous 2000 pages, I'd really liked him and wanted him to see the light -as it were!

Anirudh wrote: "Which was your favourite moment from the book?"

I was completely caputured by the chapter where Kaladin confronts Szeth for the first time. From the first sentence you know something is about to go down. Kaladin envisions the everstorm, Syl freaks out. I thought the highstorm was about to start knocking the palace to is foundation. Then they're running about and he's standing hallway. Pretty sure that one remains my favorite. I got chills.

Dustin wrote: "Anirudh wrote: "Which was your favourite moment from the book?"

I was completely caputured by the chapter where Kaladin confronts Szeth for the first time. From the first sentence you know somethi..."

My two favourite moments were when Kal steps into the arena to save Adolin and when he lands in front of the shin in style at the shattered plains. I think the front cover depicts that scene. Really well done.

Ahhhh.....finished.
Wow!

The whole book was amazing. (I'll have to think on my favorite part.)

One of the things I absolutely love about this book is the illusion of completeness.
There is plenty more to discover..... yes.....
hmmm..... hard to explain.............its like going out to dinner and having a wonderful meal......satisfying...knowing you will return for another great one.

;)


Kaladin is my favorite character still, but he has me a little annoyed. He doesn't like how lighteyes see darkeyes, but he is doing basically the same back.
Eh. Well...he can't be perfect.

Amazing, amazing book. Brandon Sanderson definitely is my favourite fantasy author!

I was in awe after reading TWOK (I probably read the battle of The Tower like a dozen times!) and fell head over heels in love with Kaladin.

With WOR I'm still fangirling over Kaladin who is now my favourite fantasy character of all-time! (It was Kelsier before this). The fact that he is not perfect makes me appreciate him even more.

All my favourite moments in the book are related to Kaladin because he just oozes pure awesomeness!

What made me less excited about this book, however, was Shallan. I wasn't terribly excited reading her parts and I just don't like how she always needs to have a witty come-back, self-defense mechanism notwithstanding. Nonetheless, can't be worse than the women in the Wheel of Time *shudder*.

My expectations of Brandon Sanderson's books is five stars and so far this has proven true.
This book, however, only got four stars from me.
I found the book a bit long-winded and unfortunately it contained one element I hate in fantasy, namely the "immortal" semi-main character.

I'm thinking of Szeth, Jasnah and who knows, maybe Eshonai? The idea of telling me that they got stabbed in the heart or their spine severed by a Shardblade and then in the next chapter they are alive and kicking...sorry but I find that extremely annoying. Like, who is dead now? Is Gavilar really dead? Are the dead bridgemen really dead? Dead should be dead, otherwise it breaks my immersion.

Aside from this, the book was great. I did like Shallan more, although I didn't like the chapters of her past. I think they, more than anything, made the book long-winded for me. It was too much, too whiny and too often. One or two chapters would have sufficed.

Although I did like some of the side stories, I also felt there were a bit too many side stories. Hopefully they come together in some form of perspective. Like, I don't remember the name of the trading girl, or the shoe shop owner, or the Friction girl or...were there more? I liked the Friction girl but didn't really care about the others since I couldn't place them in the overall setting. The shoe maker at least seemed to be a Radiant?

Greenmanxy wrote: "My expectations of Brandon Sanderson's books is five stars and so far this has proven true.
This book, however, only got four stars from me.
I found the book a bit long-winded and unfortunately it ..."

Okay... let's begin with Jasnah. I personally never believed she was dead since Shallan says clearly she doesn't see her corpse when she walks into the room. Plus we don't know exactly what her other abilities are.

Now about Szeth... I would've agreed with you about his “comeback” if it wasn't for the unexpected Cosmere appearances that totally overshadowed the problem I had about it. I don't know if you've read Warbreaker and how much do you know about all the Cosmere thing but that ending got me really excited. Also I'm eager to see how the whole situation with Szeth being a Skybreaker works out considering that many Kholin members are Knight Radiants. Or the conflict between what Kaladin thinks is right to protect and what a Skybreaker could condemn by law.

As for Eshonai I don't remember if it's mentioned what happens to her after the fight against Adolin.

"Okay... let's begin with Jasnah."

Yeah, I get the whole point with the body missing and I still don't like that kind of writing. Make her vanish as a mist or something, don't tell me she's stabbed through the heart yet still survives.

Haven't read Warbreaker and again, why not just have Szeth drop the sword and plummet to the ground? Why describe how Kaladin severed his spine and then revive him?

Maybe it will make sense in the next book but I don't like when the constants of the world (like death really being death) don't apply to main characters.

Greenmanxy wrote: Yeah, I get the whole point with the body missing and I still don't like that kind of writing. Make her vanish as a mist or something, don't tell me she's stabbe..."

First of all we only know what Shallan saw. I'm quite sure Jasnah entered Shadesmar to escape the assassins.

Regarding Szeth's death, you've actually underlined something important: Kaladin killed him with his Shardblade (spren) affecting his soul, not his body. My theory is that if Kaladin had used a normal sword or if Szeth had just dropped like you said, then his reappearance wouldn't have been possible. Again, I can make these assumptions relying on some "extra" information and having already read all the Cosmere books. If you want to know what I'm talking about I suggest you go to 17thshard and then to their wiki. They even have some starting points on the main page.

But yes, you are right. Everything gets explained in Sanderson's books:)

Emanuel wrote: "Greenmanxy wrote: Yeah, I get the whole point with the body missing and I still don't like that kind of writing. Make her vanish as a mist or something, don't tell me she's stabbe..."

First of all..."

Thanks, I worried that this conversation would give me a spoiler for other books but you skipped round masterfully.

I agree that had Kaladin used a real sword Szeth would be dead dead. Also, Shallan isn't my favourite character and her wit does sometimes grate but she's growing on me. I think she's growing as a person. The interludes don't bother me at all, I like having the alternative info.

How long do we have to wait for the next book?

Greenmanxy wrote: ""Okay... let's begin with Jasnah."

Yeah, I get the whole point with the body missing and I still don't like that kind of writing. Make her vanish as a mist or something, don't tell me she's stabbe..."

I assumed it had something to do with her shadow spren. That it had made a double of her while she fled to Shadesmar. Once the assassins were convinced it was dead it then disappeared too.

OK, I guess the explanations are coming :) Still, I'm giving five stars to book one and four to book two :)

Greenmanxy wrote: "OK, I guess the explanations are coming :) Still, I'm giving five stars to book one and four to book two :)"

Well...we need something to discuss. You brought some good discussion points to the table.
:)

I liked that kid, whose name I can't remember now either. The one that slides, pinches food etc. Wondering how all these people will gather.

Helen wrote: "I liked that kid, whose name I can't remember now either. The one that slides, pinches food etc. Wondering how all these people will gather."

I think it was Lift.

She has a spren, so she is a Radiant....or will be.

Greenmanxy wrote: "OK, I guess the explanations are coming :) Still, I'm giving five stars to book one and four to book two :)"

Exact opposite with my ratings- 4 stars for The Way of Kings and 5 stars for Words of Radiance. Still, I think most people really enjoyed this one, even with the reviving of characters- reminds me a bit of ASoIaF series, actually. I didn't like Shallan until I read this book.

Brenda ╰☆╮ wrote: I think it was Lift.

She has a spren, s..."

Brandon said she's going to become a main character and get her book in the second half of the series. Needless to say, I'm excited because she has some unusual abilities, even for Roshar:)

Helen wrote:

"How long do we have to wait for the next book? "

Haven't heard, but I believe it was 4 years between the first two.

Not really so bad, in the grand scheme of things.
;)

It only felt like two years, to me.

NO NO NO! I need book three....

book 3 is due march 2016, as far as I no, and will be called stones unhallowed, or skybreaker, depending on whether or not rothfuss releases doors of stone before then, third book will be about szeth,in the flashback sequences,

I'm waiting for that too!

I haven't read A Wise Man's Fear, yet. I figure by the time day three comes out I'll be able to read all three by then.
;D

I think Skybreaker is what I heard for Brandon' s third.
I'm not as thrilled about Szeth as the main protagonist, but I'm sure there will be other points of view, as usual.

Sadie wrote: "Brandon Sanderson is easily my favorite author and I make a point to read pretty much everything he has written. And I will say that these books are undoubtedly his best work. The scale of the proj..."

I have to agree with you about the whole portal thing. I was very surprised when the story took that turn. Also, the whole appearance scene of Urithiru seemed kind of bland. There wasn't much of a description and It seemed like one second it wasn't there, the next, it was! But there wasn't much of a reaction by the characters so the whole scene seemed kind of weak to me. Could have been better.

What I liked most about these books is the character building. Shallan, Kaladan, Dalinar, and others are broken characters. We need to know their history to understand how their past affects how they act in the present. I'm glad Sanderson took the time to develop these characters and build his world. Looks like Shallan has some really bad history to overcome.

The Urithiru scene did seem rushed. The book was already too long to give it the time and space it deserved. Maybe volume 3.

This was a true sequel. It picked up right where the last one left off.

I wish Szeth would've just stayed dead :| I'm pretty sure Eshonai's going to be around for the next books too.

Somebody should write a book with Kaladin, Kvothe, Vaelin thrown together. Ha! That would be epic. And maybe Fitzchivalry too :)

The Wit kinda reminds me of the Fool from the Farseer books anyway. I'm curious to read more about him. When Shallan hugged him I was like, waaaa? But then it hit me that the messenger guy who spoke to her dad all those years ago was probably Wit! So cool.

Dhanusha wrote: "I wish Szeth would've just stayed dead :| I'm pretty sure Eshonai's going to be around for the next books too.

Somebody should write a book with Kaladin, Kvothe, Vaelin thrown together. Ha! That w..."

Wit is cool. What does the half moon on his cheek stand for? Anyone know?

I like the Kvothe, Kaladin, Vaelin book. The league of Fantasy Justice or Fantasy Avengers.

Ok, showing ignorance or bad memory, who is Vaelin?