Words of Radiance Part Two: The Stormlight Archive Book Two Paperback – 5 Mar. 2015

The second volume of ‘The Stormlight Archive’ is just as enthralling as the first, if not more so, and continues to develop what has become a thoroughly enjoyable epic.It concentrates on a few characters, following events from their perspectives. Whereas Kaladin was, perhaps, the more major character of ‘The Way of Kings’ there is more emphasis on Shallan in this book. Thus, we find out much more about her life and background and she becomes more instrumental in events. As in ‘The Way of Kings’ much of the content comes from the perspectives of Kaladin and Dalinar. Though Dalinar this time shares some of the limelight with his son, Adolin, who becomes more of a fully rounded character during the course of this novel.There is also still the occasional section/chapter from other perspectives, generally through the various interludes. This includes more from the tormented and dangerous Szeth building upon his portrayal in the previous book, a touch of insight into enigmatic Wit and the introduction of Eshonai to represent Parshendi interests. There is also an interlude that opts to focus upon Taravangian where we learn a lot more about him and his objectives, gaining a slight idea of how he fits into the return of the Knights Radiant.‘Words of Radiance’ continues the superb world building begun in ‘The Way of Kings’. The world of Roshar is further embellished by the continual expansion of its geography and history (both its recent past and ancient myths).Much like the first book, the bulk of the story is still concentrated around the civilisation of Alethkar and its people’s campaign upon the Shattered Plains. However, there are multiple teasing insights into other areas/states of Roshar that certainly leaves the reader wanting to learn more about these fascinating places and how they might eventually work into the greater story of ‘The Stormlight Archive’.As with ‘The Way of Kings’ this is somewhat slower in pace than the bulk of Sanderson’s work as it concentrates on creating an in depth and elaborate world. That’s not to say that ‘Words of Radiance’ doesn’t contain some fantastically written action sequences. The last hundred or so pages are particularly gripping, both in terms of action and in the revelations they provide.The division of the novel into two physical parts in the paperback edition is done at a somewhat better juncture than it was done in ‘The Way of Kings’. Although, it is still apparent that it is a forced rather than natural division, but that can’t really be helped. The second part is, perhaps, the slightly better of the two, probably because its conclusion is a culmination of a lot of what was going on so far in the series.An absolutely entrancing and rewarding novel that, like its predecessor, I’m sure I’ll be re-reading once the final volume of the series is published.

Loved this and I am now reading the whole series

Present for my son in law. He’s happy with it

(some potential spoilers)An exceptional second half to Stormlight Archives book two. Unlike the prior first half, the pace here is definitely brisker. We get the build up of tension as the Alethi under Dalinar urgently prepare to take the fight to the Parshendi, unaware of their transformation. Interspersed we have Kaladin and Shallan lost in the chasms, plots galore with anti-monarchists, Ghostbloods, the Shin assassin in white, the Diagram and the interludes. There's so many balls being juggled by Sanderson but his writing is so easy going that it never overwhelms or confuses (too much).The finale is superb, with so much coming together. We get some true sense of the epic plot moving forward, some explanations on shardblades, spren, Heralds, and Radiants, and some definite OMG moments (one especially with Adolin).Shallan is the flashback character for book 2 and I must say I enjoyed the depiction of her abusive household in a fantasy setting, and was equally startled at the revelation in the final flashback. Nice twistAnything I disliked? Not much. Sanderson's dialogue between Shallan in banter mode and others doesn't always work (and feels a bit too much like Sarene and Vin at times), but is a minor quibble in an otherwise top rated book.Onto the novella Edgedancer next: treated myself to a full price book for a miniscule word count as I liked the character of Lift.

This book is seriously amazing. I raced through it because I really needed to find out what happened next. The series just gets better and better. Sanderson has a real talent for words, characters and intriguing plots. There were occasions when I predicted a couple of events but Sanderson still managed to make them fun and a bit different to what I had been expecting.

I really love this series. Personally its probably my favourite of Brandon sandersons series of books. I love how he writes and has these huge revelations and twists. This book is no exception, its fantastic. if you liked the way of kings and words or radience part one, then keep going, its great!

Couldn't put this down!

a good fantasy with some original trait. smooth storytelling and sustainable character number .highly recommendable as holiday readings.