Cities are built only where the topography offers shelter. Animals hide in shells, trees pull in branches, and grass retracts into the soilless ground. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain so frequently that they have shaped ecology and civilization alike.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings, Book One of the Stormlight Archive begins an incredible new saga of epic proportion.

This series remains a strong recommendation for fans of old school high fantasy. The newly introduced romantic arcs are as lifeless and predictable as you would expect from such a classical high fantasy, and the fact it all seems to be headed towards yet another love triangle is making me physically wince.īut those are ultimately minor criticisms of what is for the most part an exciting, fascinating, and at times inspiring read. On the downside, some new issues have arisen. Or maybe I just got used to it, but there didn’t seem to be as much wasted prose this time. I also didn’t find the writing got so bogged down in irrelevant details this time. Words of Radiance is not nearly so glacial as Way of Kings was, though it does still have the problem of more happening in the last 1-200 pages than the first 1,000. There’s a semi-decent explanation for this within the story, but it still feels cheap.

Shallan has become a much more compelling character, though she’s still not my favourite, and her plot is too reliant on withholding vital information from the reader. The flaws of the past book have also been at least partially addressed. Near the end, it also boasts one of the most insane action sequences I’ve ever read. The plot is compelling, the setting is interesting, and the characters are deeply likable. It’s not surprising, and it’s not innovative, but it is entertaining. That is to say a very traditional but highly competent high fantasy.

Meanwhile, Shallan must begin to find her own path as she finds herself separated from her mentor.įor the most part, this is the same sort of experience Way of Kings was. Words of Radiance sees Kaladin and the bridgemen saved from their brutal life of slavery as they now occupy a place of honour as guards in the employ of Dalinar Kholin, but the political intrigue of Alethkar provides threats of its own, and Kaladin’s personal demons threaten to rob him of everything he’s achieved. Words of Radiance improves on many of the strengths of The Way of Kings, and polishes some of the flaws, though it doesn’t erase them completely. I enjoyed this book more than its predecessor. Having enjoyed the first book - and still being peer-pressured within an inch of my life - I was quick to borrow the second book of Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive series, Words of Radiance, from my friend.

Stormlight archive book 2