After rereading the Way of Kings we’ve now moved onto the second book in Brandon Sanderson’s masterful epic series. The Stormlight Archive: Book 2, Words of Radiance, is a behemoth of a book that will leave you exhilarated and exhausted all at once. In this sequel to The Way of Kings, Sanderson delivers an epic story that picks up where the first book left off and takes us on a journey through a world of magic, mystery, and mayhem.
Sanderson masterfully weaves together multiple storylines and characters, creating a complex tapestry that is both thrilling and captivating. The war between the Alethi and the Parshendi reaches its climax, and new characters are introduced, such as Shallan, whose backstory is both intriguing and heartbreaking. Meanwhile, the Knights Radiant’s emergence and powerful abilities adds a new layer of excitement to the story.
What sets Words of Radiance apart from its predecessor is how Sanderson improves on everything that made The Way of Kings great. The characters are more developed, and their relationships and interactions are more engaging. Sanderson’s worldbuilding is top-notch, and the way he describes his characters’ use of magic in battle is truly epic. More about that below.
The highlight of the book is undoubtedly the action scenes, which are some of the most exciting and cinematic in all of fantasy literature. From duels between shardbearers to battles against giant monsters, the action is intense, and Sanderson’s ability to convey a sense of scale is unparalleled. The climax of the book, a battle between two characters powered up with Stormlight, is a perfect example of Sanderson’s mastery of epic fantasy.
While the book has a few contrivances that some readers may find forced, they are minor quibbles in an otherwise brilliant work of fantasy. Overall, Words of Radiance is a triumph and cements Sanderson’s status as one of the greatest fantasy writers of our time. We can only wonder what heights he will reach as he builds out the series. If you’re a fan of epic fantasy, this book is a must-read.
Comparing Words of Radiance to The Way of Kings
In my opinion, the second book in The Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson, Words of Radiance, improves upon the first book in several ways. The characters are more fully developed, the world-building is even richer, and the action scenes are more epic.
In particular, the character of Shallan is greatly improved in this book. Her backstory is revealed in greater detail, and her interactions with other characters are more engaging. Additionally, the Knights Radiant’s emergence and abilities add a new layer of excitement to the story.
Sanderson’s worldbuilding is also more extensive in this book, and readers get a better sense of the history and mythology of the world of Roshar. The magic system is more fully explained, and the use of magic in battle scenes is more intricate and creative.
The action scenes are also more intense and cinematic in Words of Radiance. The duels between shardbearers and the battles against giant monsters are truly thrilling, and the climactic battle between two characters powered up with Stormlight is a masterpiece of epic fantasy.
Summary
The characters are more fully developed, the world-building is richer, and the action scenes are more epic. The emergence of the Knights Radiant adds a new layer of excitement to the story, and the use of magic in battle scenes is more intricate and creative. The book is a triumph and cements Sanderson’s status as one of the greatest fantasy writers of our time.
