Outstanding - again!…and very much worth the wait.

I think Brandon Sanderson might just be a genius! He is the wordsmith who has surely bonded the High Spren of storytelling. Ok, contrived comment, but I just couldn’t help myself- also evidence as to why I am a reader of these books rather than a writer, but I can certainly appreciate good craft when I see it.

The Way of Kings was one of my early forays into the epic fantasy genre, and it got me hooked. I have since worked my way through many other series in this genre, with Peter V Brett, Patrick Rothfuss, George RR Martin, Joe Abercrombie, and Robert Jordan added to my list of favourites (and probably in that order of preference too) but, in excited anticipation of this sequel, I listened again to Stormlight book one….and in my opinion, it’s still the best!! Indeed it was even better on the second listening as I noticed so many more clever nuances I’d missed on the first pass…..and so my expectations for book two of the series were set very high. Happily, Words of Radiance didn’t let me down. It didn’t miss a beat; it just kept right on where Way of Kings left off. The pace never let up, no “padding in the middle” (my pet peeve when it comes to sequels) and not once in almost 50 hours of listening did a character say something out of sorts or disappoint me for the sake of a convenient plot twist (although perhaps Shallan could have managed one of her quips when she realised she wasn’t the reason for Kaladin’s chasm survival after all!).

I love these characters, and after two books in the series I feel l really know them. They are so well developed as individuals – both their strengths and shortcomings (the narration helps too – it’s been consistent across both books, and the attitude in the tone of the narrator definitely contributes to their characters).

There is humour in this book too – I found myself grinning on more than one occasion: the banter between Kaladin and Adolin, Shallan’s quick tongue, Rock’s observations and Wit’s….well…..Wit’s wit (and I have to admit it, but I so haven’t sussed Wit yet? Just when I’ve decided he’s one of the good guys, there’s an interlude and I’m thrown again – but he is just so likeable!!) .

The plot twists and turns, with new teasers with every interlude – never predictable. The label of epic is more than justified. Sanderson is definitely a master story teller – how does he do it??

Another thing that has always set Stormlight aside from other fantasies in my mind is the sheer enormity and originality of the “new world” that has been created. This imagery is augmented in Words of Radiance. Whereas with most fantasies I can see references or nods to our known cultures, with Stormlight, Sanderson has managed to create a whole new ecosystem too. Also, typical of Sanderson, the magic system is thoroughly conceived and cohesive. It truly is a whole new world, and it’s all very impressive. Overlay this with Sanderson’s creative story-telling and plot weaving, and you have a very enjoyable journey.

In a bid to understand a little more of what makes Sanderson tick, and how he manages to conjure such imagery, I went to brandonsanderson.com (I was also fishing a little - looking for hints at what might be coming next - I was bereft at the characters having deserted me for another few years). Apparently he started work on Stormlight over 15 years ago, and has written “hundreds of thousands of words worth of worldbuilding for it”. This level of investment and preparation clearly shows – it’s manifested as an epic, satisfying experience for his readers.

Although Words of Radiance ends with many, many loose ends and much left unexplained, it’s still a very satisfying cliff-hanger.

Regarding the narration; Michael Kramer is brilliant as usual, and even Kate Reading gets her pronunciation of key names correct this time. (I think she's better than she was in book one? I know many reviewers didn't like her, although I was ok with her).

If you haven’t yet read Way of Kings, you could possibly jump right into this series with this book, but you’d be short-changing yourself. Do start at the beginning. Indeed, I almost envy you if you’re still at the start of this journey – it is a treat. Hopefully it won’t be another four year wait ‘til the next instalment, but I have to admit that I might just be prepared to wait longer than I would like if the quality stays this high – these books are so intricate and detailed that I would fear the implications of simply “churning them out” (although with 5 books planned for this series, and another possible 5 as a sequel, shorter intervals would be appreciated – I need to still be around to read the last instalment!).

10/10! Enjoy!!

59 of 62 people found this review helpful

The kind of book you miss when it ends.

Quite simply one of the best of the best.I'm not going to give a long review as there are already plenty of good ones out there, this is really just to add my recommendation to the growing number of others. The first story in the series was 5 stars but both writer and narrators have somehow managed to improve even on this. You do need to read the books in series order and the series is planned to span 10 books. I can't wait for the next one.

12 of 12 people found this review helpful

Six Stars Worth of Radiance!

If ever a curriculum is designed for the subject of “Epic Fantasy” then the Stormlight Archive will undoubtedly be required reading. It is purely and simply that good. Other reviewers have said it all. The scope and breadth of this work by Sanderson, the originality of the world, its ecosystem, the highly original combat and workings of magic in this series are all second to none.

As an avid reader though that doesn’t make a book without great characters but here too Sanderson excels with as varied a cast as you could want backed with genuine depth and complexity. An author that invests so much in the characters, background and story is a rare and wonderful thing. Sanderson can still be ruthless though. The fact that you become so attached to these wonderful characters means that when something significant happens it really hits home and there are a couple of seriously jaw-dropping moments in this book. Moments that genuinely felt stunning in their impact such that you hardly hear the next few minutes of the story.

The fact that the book only very rarely to me seemed to drag in any way whatsoever despite its gargantuan length is incredibly impressive. That’s helped by the fact that not only are the characters so multi-dimensional, each with their failings and strengths but also that there is considerable humour. Rock will remain a favourite character of mine for years to come. There is also of course action which is incredibly well-detailed and moves with genuine pace and excitement. During the “disadvantaged duel” scene I almost felt like I was standing on a football terrace cheering my favourite team rather than just listening to an audiobook.

The narration is very good. Kramer, is as sublime as ever and I think either I’m getting used to her or she has improved but I felt much more comfortable with Karen Reading’s performance too. She actually tends to be better when involved with the characters as opposed to descriptive narrative. There were a couple of parts where there were short passages taken by each of them in quick succession. Having the different narrators voice the same characters so close to each other did feel a little incongruous. All that said, I would hope to see the same pair back for the next volume.

In summary, if you are after genuinely epic fantasy packed with original ideas and a story with depth and no few twists and turns then the Stormlight Archive is for you. Sanderson’s diligence and patience is paying off in a huge way. Of course as mentioned by Robyn (possibly the best fantasy reviewer, highly recommended too) this is set to be a five book series with possibly another five as a sequel. It’s a big investment in time, but it’s far more certain to bring you a return than anything your banker can recommend!

Now, how do I give this six stars?

11 of 12 people found this review helpful

Outstanding

If you could sum up Words of Radiance in three words, what would they be?

Had me gripped.

What did you like best about this story?

The plot, the narration, the pace - fantastic. Theres a lot to it (many hours) and I covered a lot of ground dog-walking with my headphones on without noticing.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Cant wait to listen to the final chapter

I have totally enjoyed listening to this story and cannot wait to buy the final chapter. Sanderson"s mastery of creating a complete world to place his heroes in is amazing, I feel I have found my author, at least for the next 10 books.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Fantastic, A Great Successor to the Way of Kings

Would you consider the audio edition of Words of Radiance to be better than the print version?

yes the performance of both Micheal Kramer and Kate Reading brought the characters to life

What did you like best about this story?

The interaction of the main protagonists as they closed on each other to a fantastic thrilling ending

Which scene did you most enjoy?

the final confrontation with.....nope spoilers

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes both in equal measure

Any additional comments?

yes, why do we have to wait another 6-8 months for the next book, get your act together Brandon...58% done Pffttt........you just enjoy being cruel to your fans

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Outstanding

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kaladin is my favorite character. His development has been magnificent. He is finally becoming the man who he was supposed to be and witnessing it has been a really fun ride.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Kaladin saying the words left me speechless and those around him as well. I actually held my breath when it happened and only released it when the moment was passed.

Any additional comments?

Yes. I cannot wait for the next one. I had my brother read the series in print because he doesn't like audio books. He loved it. I have come to the conclusion that the Storm light archives is my favorite series and unquestionably the best set of purchases I have made from Audible

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

another classic from Brandon Sandeson

What did you like most about Words of Radiance?

Excellent fast pace, keeps you on your toes throughout

What did you like best about this story?

good storylines well read would recommend to anyone who likes a good action fantasy novel

Any additional comments?

awesome read!!!!!! once you start you wont stop!!!!!!!!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Amazing read gripping all the way through!!

Where does Words of Radiance rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would rate this book as a 10

What did you like best about this story?

The story line is gripping,you can't help but love the characters. I love how each character has their own background and how they are connected to each other. But then there are characters you know nothing about but you love their flare for example Witt one of the characters he is so funny and interesting but WHO IS HE what's his connection to this story brandan sanders best get move on I'm dying for this next instalment !!!

Have you listened to any of Michael Kramer and Kate Reading ’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No but they are fantastic they brought these characters to light the only quibble I have is that kate reading changed accents for the ship crew in this book from what she did in the first it confused me.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The words of a radiant .. Life before death strength before weakness

Any additional comments?

PLEASE hurry up with next instalment I'm having withdrawal symptoms and I only just finished it lol. Any one who listens to this book will understand how good it is on a level with game of thrones

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Carries on from the Way of Kings.. Just Excellent!

Would you listen to Words of Radiance again? Why?

I will certainly be listening to Words of Radiance again, as like the first book, I'll be listening to the whole thing again before the next book!

What other book might you compare Words of Radiance to, and why?

I can't compare Brandon Sandersons' writing style or stories to any other author, as all his books are always very unique, the worlds and the way the "magic systems" work are different in so many way to anything else I've heard of.

But I would certainly put this and all of Brandon's work along with the likes of Robert Jordan and Joe Abercrombie, my other 2 favorite authors of this gener.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Any of the big battle and fight scenes, I won't mention any, so to avoid spoilers, however Brandon writes them so well, you really don't want to pause it part way through, you have to find somewhere quiet to just take it all in!

Any additional comments?

One of the things that makes this so good are the narrators, Michael Kramer and Kate Reading, are without exception my favorite narrators. They have the ability to make every character sound individual

the only thing that was a little odd, was the way Kate said "Sadeas" the odd thing was it was only for a very short period in the book, Kate was pronouncing it really strangely... then started saying it properly again!

Anyway, these 2 are the best, I've loved their work from the WoT series and it was because i like their narration so much, that I hunted for other books they'd narrated and them came across Brandon, so for that,they can do no wrong in my eyes!!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful