Book Review: Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson

After thoroughly enjoying The Way of Kings, which I rated 5 out of 5 stars, Words of Radiance had a high bar to meet—and it surpassed my expectations. This sequel dives straight into the action, expanding on the intricate characters and themes established in the first book.

I found both Shallan and Kaladin’s storylines particularly compelling. Although they are very different characters, they share similarities in their past struggles and the secrets they keep. It was incredibly satisfying to see them cross paths, interact, and navigate their complex relationship. The way their stories converged felt both natural and exciting, adding depth to each of their arcs.

There were moments that completely took me by surprise, including unexpected twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. Without giving anything away, I’ll just say that certain character developments and plot twists left a lasting impression. One encounter between Kaladin and Shallan, in particular, added a touch of humor to the otherwise intense narrative.

Compared to The Way of Kings, I moved through Words of Radiance much faster. The pacing felt quicker, which I attribute to the fact that the groundwork had already been laid in the first book. Instead of starting from scratch, Sanderson was able to build on what was already established, allowing the story to flow seamlessly.

The world-building in Words of Radiance is nothing short of amazing. Despite the book’s length, I never felt overwhelmed by the amount of detail. Sanderson has a way of immersing readers in his world, with every new piece of information enhancing the story rather than bogging it down. By the end, I felt a deep connection to the world and its characters, and I was genuinely excited about what might come next.

In fact, as I was finishing Words of Radiance, I discovered that Sanderson had launched a Kickstarter for a Cosmere tabletop RPG. Given how deeply I was already immersed in the world, it felt like perfect timing. The prospect of exploring the Cosmere further through this RPG is incredibly exciting, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.

Themes of honor and overcoming adversity are still central to the story, but Words of Radiance also places a greater emphasis on healing and dealing with past wounds. This added layer of depth made the characters’ journeys even more relatable and impactful.

The character development in this book is exceptional. The main cast, already well-rounded in the first installment, are explored even further here. Additionally, many supporting characters are given more depth, which in turn alters how you perceive the main cast and their interactions.

Honestly, there wasn’t a single moment in Words of Radiance that I didn’t love. As I approached the end of the book, I felt a genuine sense of excitement—a feeling I hadn’t experienced to the same degree in a long time. The story was completely immersive, and there was never a moment that pulled me out of it.

I’m giving Words of Radiance 5 out of 5 stars. It’s a richly detailed, thoroughly engaging continuation of the Stormlight Archive, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next—both in the books and through the upcoming tabletop RPG.