Justin's Notes

Nov. 16, 2024

Here is your warning. I would consider this primarily spoiler-free as far as major plot points go, but in reality, if anyone reads this and hasn't read this series, you probably either aren't ever going to, or by the time you do, you won't remember this. So there, that's your warning.

When I read The Way of Kings, I finished it really enjoying the story, but feeling just so slightly underwhelmed. I fell victim to the hype, seeing people online talking about how incredible the book and series are as a whole. For me, it just fell a little short of what I had built up in my mind. It was my own doing. So heading into Words of Radiance, I went in with a bit more level-headed expectations. I was able to come into the story based off of my experience so far with the world. Let me tell you, Words of Radiance is SICK. I loved this book and would say it has fully sucked me into the series, which I don't think The Way of Kings necessarily did.

Sanderson's world-building and pacing are top-notch for me. While The Way of Kings did an insane amount of groundwork as far as world-building goes, Words of Radiance continues to develop Roshar heavily. Whether it is the greater understanding of the Parshendi, the growing exploration of the Shattered Plains, or even the random bits and pieces of the world that Shallan feels compelled to draw. It all adds so much depth and helps me visualize the world so easily. I especially appreciated the look into the Parshendi in this book, after them feeling so mysterious in the first book.

Sanderson also creates incredibly enticing characters. I can't get enough of Dalinar. He is so principled, wise and unafraid to show his weaknesses. I find myself constantly respecting every move that he makes, even when his decisions are seen from the point of view of a character who knows less about Dalinar than we do. Dalinar also might be my favorite character in any action scene he is a part of. I often find myself surprised by what Dalinar can do, constantly showing up for the others around him and doing some insane moves I don't expect at all from him.

I also really enjoy the growth Kaladin shows in this book. Kaladin often makes me feel similarly to the way I feel about Kvothe in The Name of the Wind (shoutout to one of my favorite books). I can't help but feel like they get in their own way at times. A situation will come up where I have so much hope that they will handle it in the right way. Yet they both seem to handle it the exact opposite. For Kaladin, I really felt this at the end of the arena battle scene and his interactions with Moash. I just find myself going "please don't do what I think you are going to do" when Kaladin is about to make an emotional decision. Yet, by the end of the book, I really felt that Kaladin was learning to be slightly less emotional and more rational in his decisions, which really makes me excited for what is going to happen in book three. Also, Kaladin and Adolin's relationship makes me happy. I want them to become best friends.

Redemption also felt so important to this story. Not just the redemption characters showed covering their past mistakes, but also the lack of redemption of characters who doubled down on their choices. It is used to develop characters so effectively. It allows Sanderson to form characters into heroes and villains, as well as create factions and sides of the story that feel very at odds with each other. Redemption also leads to huge plot twists, whether I felt like I saw them coming or not. And how can you not root for the redemption of characters you find yourself drawn to?

Words of Radiance is such a fun read. If you are a fantasy reader and haven't decided to commit to the Stormlight Archives yet, I would really encourage you to do so. It is becoming a must-read in the genre for me. Yes, they are tomes. Yes, the first five-book arc is just finishing, with another alleged five-book arc to come. But if you love high-action fantasy worlds that feel unique with engaging characters and themes, you have to join the party. Let me know if you do!