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Not the book you’re looking for?Preview — Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson
(The Stormlight Archive #2)
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson, Words of Radiance, Book Two of the Stormlight Archive, continues the immersive fantasy epic that The Way of Kings began.
Expected by his enemies to die the miserable death of a military slave, Kaladin survived to be given command of the royal bodyguards, a controversial first for a low-status 'darkeyes.' Now he mu..more
Expected by his enemies to die the miserable death of a military slave, Kaladin survived to be given command of the royal bodyguards, a controversial first for a low-status 'darkeyes.' Now he mu..more
Published March 4th 2014 by Tor Books
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Popular Answered Questions
KevinRead book 1 first! Why would you want to skip the first book? .. the first book is amazing!
This question contains spoilers…(view spoiler)[Something I'm very confused about and can't get out of my head.. Perhaps someone can clarify: So, if the Lost Radiants betrayed mankind to the Voidbringers and the Parshmen were Voidbringers, how were the Parshmen enslaved? This implies humanity won. If they won without the Radiants' help, can you really say humanity was even betrayed? (hide spoiler)]
JanThis answer contains spoilers…(view spoiler)[ The parshmen willingly gave up there persona's (all of there different forms) to save mankind. I think the radiants did the same. They all stopped the…more The parshmen willingly gave up there persona's (all of there different forms) to save mankind. I think the radiants did the same. They all stopped the 'desolation' which is essentially the destruction of mankind and the world in order to save it. They basically stopped the fighting by giving up their powers. Which is why so many are against the powers coming back again, they fear it will end the world once and for all.(less)(hide spoiler)]
Words Of Radiance Audiobook
Best Fantasy of the 2010s 1,254 books — 1,567 voters
The Best Epic Fantasy (fiction) 3,043 books — 23,142 voters
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Rating details
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Dec 16, 2016Petrik rated it it was amazing Shelves: owned-physical-books, masterpieces, favorites
Okay, this is finally happening. I’m ranking The Stormlight Archive as my number one favorite book series of all time, overtaking the throne previously held by Mistborn trilogy, and I don’t think this will change anytime soon. The Gods of the Cosmere knows how much I love the original Mistborn trilogy but Brandon Sanderson really raised the bar for the epic fantasy genre sky high with this series.
Words of Radiance, only the second book in The Stormlight Archive series and the sequel to The Way o..more
Words of Radiance, only the second book in The Stormlight Archive series and the sequel to The Way o..more
Holy crap on a stick. I bow in supreme awe.
That's it.
That's it.
Apr 28, 2013Obaid Haroon rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
This is it. The review no one was waiting for. First thing I must say, I have never given any book 5 stars. Because that would mean it is perfect. And that's a tall order. But I couldn't give it any less. Because it was phenomenal. Like 'holy shit' amazing. On to the review. Needless to say..spoilers ho!
The book was too large (not complaining) and there were too many insane parts (definitely not complaining) to do a blow by blow for each character. So I'll stick with the best five. Since it was..more
The book was too large (not complaining) and there were too many insane parts (definitely not complaining) to do a blow by blow for each character. So I'll stick with the best five. Since it was..more
May 07, 2015Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Re-read on Audible! Now I'm ready for Oathbringer! ?
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
HOLY. CRAP. ON. A. CRACKER!
I freaking loved this book! I am going to give a crazy arse review that will probably only make sense to me and throw in some excerpts and pictures and who cares?! Almost everyone has read this right, right?
I love you Brandon Sanderson! But now that I sit and think about it, I will most likely be dead before you finish the books. I still love you though!
I still love all of the m..more
Mar 05, 2014Robin (Bridge Four) rated it it was amazing · review of another editionMY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
HOLY. CRAP. ON. A. CRACKER!
I freaking loved this book! I am going to give a crazy arse review that will probably only make sense to me and throw in some excerpts and pictures and who cares?! Almost everyone has read this right, right?
I love you Brandon Sanderson! But now that I sit and think about it, I will most likely be dead before you finish the books. I still love you though!
I still love all of the m..more
Recommends it for: Fans of Lumatere Chronicles, Game of Thrones or In the Name of the Wind
Shelves: o-captain-my-captain, book-boyfriend-material, re-read, fantastic-fantasy, super-sidekicks, awesome-audio, bro-mantic, 4-5-stars, adorable-alphas, kick-ass-heroines
Kindle Daily Deal 01Nov18 for $2.99 at Amazon
3rd read even better than the last 2
Don't judge me I made it a full year before rereading this monster book and it is even better the second time through.
Kalidan and Syl I still ship you.
Buddy Read May 1st with many friends over at Sanctum of Fantasy
Original review April 2014:
“Honor is dead...more
Sep 16, 2011Kogiopsis rated it it was amazing · review of another edition3rd read even better than the last 2
Don't judge me I made it a full year before rereading this monster book and it is even better the second time through.
Kalidan and Syl I still ship you.
Buddy Read May 1st with many friends over at Sanctum of Fantasy
My apologies in advance for the ridiculous amount of updates I'm going to post for this book.It cannot be helped as my fangirling refuses to be contained.
Original review April 2014:
“Honor is dead...more
Shelves: fangirl-alert, flawless, favorite-2014-reads, teary-eyes, kickass-ladies
March 5th: Done with first readthrough. It was, in fact, more perfect than expected. I only cried a little bit; mostly afterwards I just have this feeling of intense satisfaction.
I will probably still wait to review until I've read through twice; I have a lot that I think I want to say but I haven't fully processed it.
August 10: It's obvious to everyone that I'm not gonna get around to a reread for a while, right? Cool. I'll do it eventually, because I have a lot to say about this book, but it'l..more
I will probably still wait to review until I've read through twice; I have a lot that I think I want to say but I haven't fully processed it.
August 10: It's obvious to everyone that I'm not gonna get around to a reread for a while, right? Cool. I'll do it eventually, because I have a lot to say about this book, but it'l..more
Nov 30, 2015Mary ~Ravager of Tomes~ rated it it was amazing
Words of Radiance is an absolutely marvelous continuation of the Stormlight Archive series.
As many of you know, it gets harder to review books in a series the further you get away from the first book. Here I am at the end of only book 2 & already over 2000 pages into this series (or over 80 hours in my case) and there is just soooo muchhhh storyyyy! So naturally, it's tough to write a review without any spoilers BUT HERE I GO BECAUSE I CARE ABOUT ALL OF YOU!
So one of the things I appreciate..more
Mar 03, 2015Jessica ❁ ➳ Silverbow ➳ ❁ Rabid Reads-no-more rated it liked it · review of another editionAs many of you know, it gets harder to review books in a series the further you get away from the first book. Here I am at the end of only book 2 & already over 2000 pages into this series (or over 80 hours in my case) and there is just soooo muchhhh storyyyy! So naturally, it's tough to write a review without any spoilers BUT HERE I GO BECAUSE I CARE ABOUT ALL OF YOU!
So one of the things I appreciate..more
Shelves: bat-shit-crazy, it-burns-us-precious, i-have-rules, here-be-slaves, some-kinda-magic, book-outlet, rabid-reads-reviews, it-came-from-the-sea, fantasy, assassins
4/29/18: So far the graphic audio version of STORMLIGHT ARCHIVE has been fantastic, so I’m hopeful that Kaladin will annoy me less this time . . . *crosses fingers*
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
WORDS OF RADIANCE is the second installment of Brandon Sanderson's STORMLIGHT ARCHIVE series, and, unfortunately . . . it fell a little flat for me.
Don't get me wrong, I liked it. This was one of those occasions when my rating steadily declined the more I stewed about the ends and outs . . . but immediately u..more
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
WORDS OF RADIANCE is the second installment of Brandon Sanderson's STORMLIGHT ARCHIVE series, and, unfortunately . . . it fell a little flat for me.
Don't get me wrong, I liked it. This was one of those occasions when my rating steadily declined the more I stewed about the ends and outs . . . but immediately u..more
Words of Radiance is the spectacular 2nd book in Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive. If you’re looking for an epic fantasy series, the Stormlight Archive is it! The world of Roshar keeps getting bigger and bigger (and, at the same time, more interesting). Words of Radiance picks up right where Way of Kings ended, and like the first book it is a fun and satisfying journey. The book will answer many of the questions you had after finishing Way of Kings while, of course, raising completely new..more
Mar 25, 2014Felicia rated it really liked it · review of another edition
I mean, Sanderson always puts the word 'Epic' in 'Epic Fantasy' and at over 750 pages..this is EPIC.
I LOVED the last book, I loved this one as well. If you like Sanderson you'll love it, if you don't..well, this is definitely Sanderson! The same amazing characters continue from the last book, some Game of Thrones-type twists that are shocking as well, and as always, the lore and magic system RULE. Shallan continues to be an amazing character, and the growth of her abilities go into HELLA cool..more
I LOVED the last book, I loved this one as well. If you like Sanderson you'll love it, if you don't..well, this is definitely Sanderson! The same amazing characters continue from the last book, some Game of Thrones-type twists that are shocking as well, and as always, the lore and magic system RULE. Shallan continues to be an amazing character, and the growth of her abilities go into HELLA cool..more
Oct 29, 2017Choko rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
'..“As I fear not a child with a weapon he cannot lift, I will never fear the mind of a man who does not think.”..'
OMG!!! This was not just a book, it was a 4 day vacation to the world of Roshar, the complete package! It came with exotic locations, historical sites, a taste of the lives of all social classes including their cuisines and family traditions ('You're in my home now!' she said, and Lopen mouthed along with the words. 'In a Herdazian woman's home, nobody's station means nothing b..more
Shelves: favourites
I find myself having put off writing this review for a few weeks now. I am still at a loss for words. How do I deliver an appraisal of a book so mind-bogglingly fantastic that anything I write will fall short of conveying the joy of reading it? Words of Radiance might as well be my description of this book and not the title.
WOR, being the second book in a ten book series called The Stormlight Archives, picks up right where The Way of Kings left off but does so at a faster pace. Where TWOK was..more
Oct 04, 2017Melanie rated it it was amazingWOR, being the second book in a ten book series called The Stormlight Archives, picks up right where The Way of Kings left off but does so at a faster pace. Where TWOK was..more
Shelves: audible, fantasy, magic, buddy-reads, read-in-2017
1.) The Way of Kings ★★★★★
I am so sorry with how this review is like three weeks late! November just got so overwhelming for me with trips and other things, but I’m here now and happily ready to yell at you all about how this series is Brandon Sanderson’s magnum opus!
This is book two of The Stormlight Archive series. It has multiple points of view, but every one of the characters will somehow weasel their way inside of your heart. Like, I know I’m probab..more
Dec 14, 2012Mogsy (MMOGC) rated it it was amazingI am so sorry with how this review is like three weeks late! November just got so overwhelming for me with trips and other things, but I’m here now and happily ready to yell at you all about how this series is Brandon Sanderson’s magnum opus!
“Words are where most change begins.”
This is book two of The Stormlight Archive series. It has multiple points of view, but every one of the characters will somehow weasel their way inside of your heart. Like, I know I’m probab..more
Shelves: epic, review-copy, magic, fantasy, favorites
5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.blogspot.com/201..
I don't know what was more intimidating, the size of Words of Radiance when I first beheld it, or the thought of having to write the review when I finished. I took me about seven days to read this giant tome, and then five more just to let everything sink in. So many emotions. So amazing. Even now, I don't know if I can completely separate my subjective feelings for this novel, simply because of the MAJOR soft spot I harbo..more
Apr 04, 2014TS Chan rated it it was amazingI don't know what was more intimidating, the size of Words of Radiance when I first beheld it, or the thought of having to write the review when I finished. I took me about seven days to read this giant tome, and then five more just to let everything sink in. So many emotions. So amazing. Even now, I don't know if I can completely separate my subjective feelings for this novel, simply because of the MAJOR soft spot I harbo..more
Shelves: brandon-sanderson, re-read, favorites, audiobook, dr-reading-challenge, physical-owned
Words. Of. Radiance.
- End of review -
Jesting aside, the title of the book does pretty much sum up the magnificence of this sequel to The Way of Kings. It should be the paragon of excellence by which all sequels should hold themselves to as it was the best second book of a series that I've ever read.
If you have read my love letter to The Stormlight Archive, you would know that I pretty much adore everything about The Way of Kings - the characterisation, the worldbuilding, and even the minimal p..more
Mar 31, 2015Em Lost In Books rated it it was amazing · review of another edition- End of review -
Jesting aside, the title of the book does pretty much sum up the magnificence of this sequel to The Way of Kings. It should be the paragon of excellence by which all sequels should hold themselves to as it was the best second book of a series that I've ever read.
If you have read my love letter to The Stormlight Archive, you would know that I pretty much adore everything about The Way of Kings - the characterisation, the worldbuilding, and even the minimal p..more
Shelves: 2017, br-with-smitha, 2016, 5-star, 2018, 2010-19, massive-tomes
My third reading and this was as spectacular as it was the first time. Last 20% of this book is pure gold. Magnificent!!
My first five star book of the year and this book has set the standard so high for all the other fantasy books that am planning to read this year. This book is a page turner, has a really amazing world, and just awesome magic system.
the story starts with Shallan and Jasnah on their way to Shattered Plains but something bad happens on the ship. Now Shallan has only 'Pattern'..more
Apr 08, 2016☽Luna☾ rated it it was amazingMy first five star book of the year and this book has set the standard so high for all the other fantasy books that am planning to read this year. This book is a page turner, has a really amazing world, and just awesome magic system.
the story starts with Shallan and Jasnah on their way to Shattered Plains but something bad happens on the ship. Now Shallan has only 'Pattern'..more
Shelves: written-by-the-hand-of-god, great-books, badassery, favorites
So I read this book so long ago and never wrote a review. Words won't suffice the way I feel about this book, I have been reading for a long time and this book is THE BEST BOOK I'VE EVER READ IN MY LIFE. Seriously. Nothing will ever compare to this series & I will wait everyday in suspense for book 3. Hurry the fuck up please KING SANDERSON I need more.
Feb 06, 2017Celeste rated it it was amazing Shelves: favorites, best-books-i-ve-ever-read, monstrously-large, fantasy
Full review now posted!
I have a new favorite book, and it’s this one! Words of Radiance was powerful and moving and epic in both size and scope. There is absolutely no negative feedback I could give this book. I know I had some friends that were disappointed in how long it took me to read this, and the fact that I paused and read a few other books. But there’s a reason for that! When I truly love a story with all of my heart, I don’t want to the book I’m reading to end. So I’ll put it down and r..more
I have a new favorite book, and it’s this one! Words of Radiance was powerful and moving and epic in both size and scope. There is absolutely no negative feedback I could give this book. I know I had some friends that were disappointed in how long it took me to read this, and the fact that I paused and read a few other books. But there’s a reason for that! When I truly love a story with all of my heart, I don’t want to the book I’m reading to end. So I’ll put it down and r..more
Jul 01, 2013Bradley rated it it was amazing
Re-read 11/26/17:
I had made a last-minute decision to re-read this epic series on the strength of the third book coming out a few days ago and far from being overwhelmed (much), I was actually knocked over. :)
I think what I most liked about this one was the characterizations. Shallan has come so damn far, but compared to the first book, it's a toss-up who has gone farther. Kaladin or her. I mean, just in terms of personal growth rather than outright power, it's head-to-head. I love it. That's no..more
I had made a last-minute decision to re-read this epic series on the strength of the third book coming out a few days ago and far from being overwhelmed (much), I was actually knocked over. :)
I think what I most liked about this one was the characterizations. Shallan has come so damn far, but compared to the first book, it's a toss-up who has gone farther. Kaladin or her. I mean, just in terms of personal growth rather than outright power, it's head-to-head. I love it. That's no..more
Jun 22, 2017Kainat 《HUFFLEPUFF & PROUD》 rated it really liked it
Shallan needs to fuck off not be in this series.
She was the only reason i couldn't give this absolutely fantastic book 5 stars. On the bright side at least we got her out of the way. Can't wait for Oathbringer AKA Dalinar's book. Anyone knows when we are getting Szeth's?
She was the only reason i couldn't give this absolutely fantastic book 5 stars. On the bright side at least we got her out of the way. Can't wait for Oathbringer AKA Dalinar's book. Anyone knows when we are getting Szeth's?
Mar 17, 2013Eric Allen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Words of Radiance
Book 2 of the Stormlight Archive
By Brandon Sanderson
A Review by Eric Allen
The Stormlight Archive is a series, I have found, that is a love hate sort of thing. Either you love it, or you hate it. I’ve never talked to anyone that was anywhere in the middle. The first book, The Way of Kings, was hugely popular, making the top ten on the New York Times bestseller list, and has spawned its own little island in the vast ocean of fandom. But there have also been a lot of criticisms of..more
Book 2 of the Stormlight Archive
By Brandon Sanderson
A Review by Eric Allen
The Stormlight Archive is a series, I have found, that is a love hate sort of thing. Either you love it, or you hate it. I’ve never talked to anyone that was anywhere in the middle. The first book, The Way of Kings, was hugely popular, making the top ten on the New York Times bestseller list, and has spawned its own little island in the vast ocean of fandom. But there have also been a lot of criticisms of..more
Jun 04, 2016Philip rated it really liked it
4ish stars.
I should start by saying that this heifer took me right around ten months to finish with several periods of backburner status. Not that it wasn't good (the second half especially) but because it's such a big commitment! 1000+ pages! If my relationships with books were compared to romantic relationships, I'd be considered a huge hussy.
Bookxual Profile:
1) I don't have the kind of patience a long book requires. A book with 500 pages is really pushing it for me. I'm more of a 450 max kind..more
I should start by saying that this heifer took me right around ten months to finish with several periods of backburner status. Not that it wasn't good (the second half especially) but because it's such a big commitment! 1000+ pages! If my relationships with books were compared to romantic relationships, I'd be considered a huge hussy.
Bookxual Profile:
1) I don't have the kind of patience a long book requires. A book with 500 pages is really pushing it for me. I'm more of a 450 max kind..more
Mar 05, 2012Lord Nouda rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Way too damn short. 3rd book, y u no out yet?! T_T
Sep 03, 2017Deborah Obida rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Spoiler free review
I’m still lost for words about how to review this book. So I’ll just write anything that comes to my mind. This book was incredible, the world building, character development, writing style has lots of improvement from the first book and finally the amazing plot. I totally get why people love this book this much but I’m still torn between this and Mistborn, still don’t know which I love more, it’s a good thing I have a big heart to contain it all then. There is politics,religi..more
I’m still lost for words about how to review this book. So I’ll just write anything that comes to my mind. This book was incredible, the world building, character development, writing style has lots of improvement from the first book and finally the amazing plot. I totally get why people love this book this much but I’m still torn between this and Mistborn, still don’t know which I love more, it’s a good thing I have a big heart to contain it all then. There is politics,religi..more
Jan 11, 2017Apatt rated it it was amazing
“For Oliver Sanderson, Who was born during the middle of the writing of this book, and was walking by the time it was done.”
Aww, I have never started a review with the book's dedication before, dedications are usually “read it and forget it” affairs, nice for the dedicatee, nothing to do with me. However, this one is charming and noteworthy in that I seldom consider how long it must take authors to write lengthy books. This dedication makes me appreciate the time and effort Brandon Sanderson put..more
Aww, I have never started a review with the book's dedication before, dedications are usually “read it and forget it” affairs, nice for the dedicatee, nothing to do with me. However, this one is charming and noteworthy in that I seldom consider how long it must take authors to write lengthy books. This dedication makes me appreciate the time and effort Brandon Sanderson put..more
The Stormlight Archive series is probably my favourite fantasy series of the lot. It has everything I want in a story. Good worldbuilding, cool magic, great characters, and a fast paced action packed plot that has a little bit of everything.
The story held up well during this reread of mine and although I lost the impact of most of the shock twists and turns and some of the tension of the action scenes I was still fully engaged by the story and the characters and lot in the awesomeness that is t..more
Dec 28, 2014Twila rated it it was amazing · review of another editionThe story held up well during this reread of mine and although I lost the impact of most of the shock twists and turns and some of the tension of the action scenes I was still fully engaged by the story and the characters and lot in the awesomeness that is t..more
Shelves: buddy-read, moved-me, favourites, great-characters, favourite-authors, made-me-laugh, well-developed, made-me-think, could-not-put-down, fantastic-narration
Rereads done! Remarkably, I loved it even more this time. The Graphic Audio really elevated my reading experience and I just had a complete blast.
Read with BB&B from Oct 15-17 and from Oct 18-23
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Original Spoiler Free Review:
Date read: September 1-14, 2015
If lightning struck in Th..more
Nov 16, 2017Helen 2.0 rated it it was amazingRead with BB&B from Oct 15-17 and from Oct 18-23
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Original Spoiler Free Review:
Date read: September 1-14, 2015
”I guess I’m just waiting [for the thunder]. It always follows after the lightning. Sometimes you have to wait, but eventually it comes.”
If lightning struck in Th..more
Shelves: fantasy-epic, read-17, own, brs-done, hype-train, unputdownable, romance-on-side
On the whole, my life is pretty uneventful. I do normal human things with other normal humans, feeling normal human emotions.
But sometimes, rarely, a book swoops in and uproots my life with a ship for which I would actually die. My poor Fangirl heart bleeds for that ship. You may catch me curled up in my bed for days in the fetal position, obsessively rereading the best scenes.
That ship, my lovelies, was Kal & Shallan for me.
He saw it in her eyes. The anguish, the frustration. The terribl..more
But sometimes, rarely, a book swoops in and uproots my life with a ship for which I would actually die. My poor Fangirl heart bleeds for that ship. You may catch me curled up in my bed for days in the fetal position, obsessively rereading the best scenes.
That ship, my lovelies, was Kal & Shallan for me.
He saw it in her eyes. The anguish, the frustration. The terribl..more
Feb 28, 2017ChopinFC rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Impressions after 2nd time re-read
I honestly did not think any book would top the 'Way of Kings' but I was mistaken! Words of Radiance represents the top echelon of epic fantasy, creative writing , worldbuilding and character development! I'm speechless and in complete awe of Sanderson's imagination and artistry. The second time re-reading/listening through audiobooks was so much better! It allows me to connect all the dots and all the subtleties hidden within the writing. It was almost like..more
I honestly did not think any book would top the 'Way of Kings' but I was mistaken! Words of Radiance represents the top echelon of epic fantasy, creative writing , worldbuilding and character development! I'm speechless and in complete awe of Sanderson's imagination and artistry. The second time re-reading/listening through audiobooks was so much better! It allows me to connect all the dots and all the subtleties hidden within the writing. It was almost like..more
Yes, I said it. 2 very generous stars. Yep, yep...more
Firstly, I was perpetually laughing and snorting and cringing all while reading this book. Sanderson doesn't know how to write female characters who can both be intelligent and alluring. And, dear stormfather, if I never have to read the words 'spren' or 'storm-fucking-father', it would be too soon.
As if there weren't enough facepalming moments, Dalinar (supposedly a 5-star General) goes to war knowing failure was inevitable yet by some 'Deux ex Ma
topics | posts | views | last activity |
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Brandon Sanderson..:Kaladin's bond (SPOILERS for WORDS OF RADIANCE) | 2 | 37 | Apr 24, 2019 07:45PM |
Crazy for Young A..:Words of Radiance (The Stormlight Archive 2) by Brandon Sanderson→ Start Date: December 17, 2018 | 76 | 32 | Jan 24, 2019 04:10PM |
Play Book Tag:Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson - 4.5* | 7 | 20 | Jan 22, 2019 10:18AM |
Fantasy Buddy Reads:Words of Radiance {May 25, 2018} | 292 | 99 | Nov 09, 2018 01:41PM |
Dragons & Jetpacks:Words of Radiance / Overall Discussion / ***SPOILERS*** | 19 | 110 | Aug 06, 2018 04:12AM |
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Brandon’s major books for the second half of 2016 are The Dark Talent, the final volume in Alcatraz Smedry’s autobiographical account of his battle against the Evil Librarians who secretly rule our world, and Arcanum Unbounded, the collection of short fiction in the Cosmere universe that includes the Mistborn series and the Stormlight
Archive, among others. This collection features The Emperor’s S..more
Archive, among others. This collection features The Emperor’s S..more
The Stormlight Archive(10 books)
More quizzes & trivia..
“Honor is dead. But I'll see what I can do.” — 383 likes
“Why hasn't anyone killed him yet?”
“Dumb luck,” Wit said. “In that I’m lucky you’re all so dumb.” — 365 likes
More quotes…“Dumb luck,” Wit said. “In that I’m lucky you’re all so dumb.”
Expected by his enemies to die the miserable death of a military slave, Kaladin survived to be given command of the royal bodyguards, a controversial first for a low-status 'darkeyes.' Now he must protect the king and Dalinar from every common peril as well as the distinctly uncommon threat of the Assassin, all while secretly struggling to master remarkable new powers that are somehow linked to his honorspren, Syl.
The Assassin, Szeth, is active again, murdering rulers all over the world of Roshar, using his baffling powers to thwart every bodyguard and elude all pursuers. Among his prime targets is Highprince Dalinar, widely considered the power behind the Alethi throne. His leading role in the war would seem reason enough, but the Assassin's master has much deeper motives.
Brilliant but troubled Shallan strives along a parallel path. Despite being broken in ways she refuses to acknowledge, she bears a terrible burden: to somehow prevent the return of the legendary Voidbringers and the civilization-ending Desolation that will follow. The secrets she needs can be found at the Shattered Plains, but just arriving there proves more difficult than she could have imagined.
Meanwhile, at the heart of the Shattered Plains, the Parshendi are making an epochal decision. Hard pressed by years of Alethi attacks, their numbers ever shrinking, they are convinced by their war leader, Eshonai, to risk everything on a desperate gamble with the very supernatural forces they once fled. The possible consequences for Parshendi and humans alike, indeed, for Roshar itself, are as dangerous as they are incalculable.
The Assassin, Szeth, is active again, murdering rulers all over the world of Roshar, using his baffling powers to thwart every bodyguard and elude all pursuers. Among his prime targets is Highprince Dalinar, widely considered the power behind the Alethi throne. His leading role in the war would seem reason enough, but the Assassin's master has much deeper motives.
Brilliant but troubled Shallan strives along a parallel path. Despite being broken in ways she refuses to acknowledge, she bears a terrible burden: to somehow prevent the return of the legendary Voidbringers and the civilization-ending Desolation that will follow. The secrets she needs can be found at the Shattered Plains, but just arriving there proves more difficult than she could have imagined.
Meanwhile, at the heart of the Shattered Plains, the Parshendi are making an epochal decision. Hard pressed by years of Alethi attacks, their numbers ever shrinking, they are convinced by their war leader, Eshonai, to risk everything on a desperate gamble with the very supernatural forces they once fled. The possible consequences for Parshendi and humans alike, indeed, for Roshar itself, are as dangerous as they are incalculable.
(Redirected from Stormlight Archive)
| |
Author | Brandon Sanderson |
---|---|
Illustrator | Isaac Stewart Ben McSweeney Greg Call Dan dos Santos Howard Lyon |
Cover artist | Michael Whelan |
Country | United States |
Genre | Fantasy |
Publisher | Tor Books (United States) |
Published | August 31, 2010–present |
Media type | Print (hardback and paperback), audiobook, e-book |
No. of books | 3 published, 10 planned |
The Stormlight Archive is an ongoing epic fantasy novel series written by American author Brandon Sanderson. The first of ten planned volumes, The Way of Kings, was published on August 31, 2010. The second, Words of Radiance, was published on March 4, 2014.[1][2] The third, Oathbringer, was published on November 14, 2017.[3]
- 3Concepts
- 3.1World
- 3.8The Knights Radiant
- 4Reception
- 4.1Critical response and sales
- 5Adaptations
Publication history[edit]
From June to August 2010, Tor Books published sample chapters from The Way of Kings on its official website, along with an introduction by Sanderson.[4] In its first week of release, The Way of Kings was No. 7 on The New York Times Best Seller list.[5] In subsequent weeks the book was No. 11,[6] No. 20,[7] and No. 25.[8]
In October 2010, Brandon Sanderson revealed that his tentative plan was to release the second book in the series in 2012, approximately two years after the release of the first book, due to writing the final book of The Wheel of Time, followed by the third book about a year later.[9] However, after completing the first draft of A Memory of Light, Sanderson revealed the book would be pushed back to a 2014 release, almost four years after the first book.[1][2] The second book was initially titled Highprince of War (referring to Highprince Dalinar),[9] but Sanderson decided to focus the second book on Shallan, tentatively titling it The Book of Endless Pages and eventually settling on Words of Radiance with Highprince Dalinar's book as the third novel,[10] titled Oathbringer.[11][12]
Sanderson plans to dedicate 2019 to writing book 4, which he says may take 18 months in total to write.[13]
Books[edit]
# | Title | Hardcover pages | Paperback pages | Chapters | Words | Audio | Publication date | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | The Way of Kings | 1001[14] | 1280 | 75 | 383,389[14] | 45h 34m | August 31, 2010 | Focus on Kaladin (His flashback narrative) |
2 | Words of Radiance | 1087[15] | 1328 | 89 | 399,431[15] | 48h 14m | March 4, 2014 | Focus on Shallan (Her flashback narrative) |
3 | Oathbringer | 1248[16] | 1243 | 122[17] | 450,000[17] | 55h 02m | November 14, 2017[18][19] | Focus on Dalinar (His flashback narrative)[11][20] |
4 | Rhythm of War (tentative title) | Autumn, 2020[21] | Focus on Eshonai (Her flashback narrative) and Venli (focus in the present)[22][23] | |||||
5 | Focus on Szeth[24][25] |
Ten books are planned in the series, broken down into two sets of five books each. Sanderson describes the planned story arc of the second set of five books as a 'sequel' to the first set, with some appearances of characters from the first set.[26] The fourth book is planned to take place a year after the events of Oathbringer. The biggest timeskip in the series will occur between the fifth and sixth book.[27]
The Stormlight Archive novella Edgedancer about Lift, set between Words of Radiance and Oathbringer, was originally published in Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection on November 22, 2016.[28] A standalone edition of Edgedancer was published on October 17, 2017.[29]
Concepts[edit]
World[edit]
Roshar is the native name for the planet on which The Stormlight Archive is set. It is also the name of the supercontinent on which the main events of the series take place.[30] People from Roshar are called Rosharans.[31] Roshar is the second planet from its sun and has three moons, each of which waxes and wanes separately from the others.[32] The world is periodically assaulted by highstorms, storms characterized by a very violent storm front traveling from east to west (beginning at the Origin), followed by weaker rains. The lands in Shinovar, farthest west on the main continent of Roshar, are mostly protected from the highstorms by the high peaks of the Misted Mountains. Most plants that grow in Shinovar, which resemble real-world plant life, cannot grow in other parts of Roshar. Highstorms come frequently and, though they do not appear to follow a simple pattern, stormwardens are able to accurately predict their schedule through complex mathematics. Flora and fauna have evolved to cope with this condition.[33]
Nations and regions[edit]
During the Heraldic Epochs, Roshar was ruled by a coalition of ten nations known as the Silver Kingdoms. In the Era of Solitude, following the departure of the Heralds and the demise of the Orders of Knights Radiant, those kingdoms split into smaller ones:
- Alethkar
- Frostlands
- Jah Keved
- Herdaz
- Thaylenah
- Tu Bayla
- Triax
- Marabethia
- Babatharnam
- Desh
- Yezier
- Alm
- Tashikk
- Liafor
Races[edit]
The Stormlight Archive features several different races, although most are often portrayed as different ethnicities of humans. Some of these races include:
- Thaylens – Renowned traders and merchants native to an island nation. They possess long eyebrows that can be styled to either droop or curve behind their ears.
- Alethi – Native to the nation of Alethkar, the Alethi are members of one of the four Vorin nations. They have a famed military heritage and are possessed of tan skin and dark hair.
- Veden – Native to the Vorin nation of Jah Keved, the Vedens are characterized by pale skin and reddish hair.
- Natanatani – Native to the Vorin nation inhabiting New Natanan, the Natanatani often wear gloves and have faintly bluish skin.
- Unkalaki (Horneaters) – A relatively rare race, the Horneaters are called thus by other races because the Unkalaki consider animal horns, shells, and claws to be a delicacy. They possess reddish hair and dark skin, and stand well over seven feet (2.1 m) tall. The Unkalaki homeland is in the mountains of Jah Keved. Their culture is very different from the other Vorin cultures.
- Parshendi – A proud nonhuman race, living on Shattered Plains with a strong warrior culture. The Parshendi are viewed by many other races as savages because of their culture and past deeds. They have marbled red and white or red and black skin that forms patterns unique to each individual, and are at war with the Alethi during the novels' main timeline. They use spren to morph into many different forms, each with a unique function and set of abilities. These forms also change the appearance of the Parshendi who use them, for example taking warform makes them more physically able and grants them the mindset of a soldier. The workform allows them to be sturdier to perform physical labor. They also communicate through songs and rhythms in their heads.
- Shin – A race native to the region of Shinovar, Shin have white skin and bald heads, lack epicanthic folds (unlike the other races), and stand shorter than most others, averaging five feet tall. They also have bigger and rounder eyes.
- Azish – Native to the nation of Azir, the Azish have dark skin and hair. Azish storytellers (Worldsingers) travel the world, spreading knowledge of other lands and cultures.
Class structure[edit]
Much of The Way of Kings takes place within the nations of Alethkar and Jah Keved. Both of these nations divide their people into classes, primarily based on the color of their eyes. Those with dark eye colors (brown, dark green, charcoal grey) are mostly peasants (and can even be made slaves). Those with light eye colors (blue, yellow, tan, green, violet, orange, etc.) are the nobles and generally more educated ruling class. Within these classes, there are further class distinctions known as nahn (for darkeyes) and dahn (for lighteyes). Both have ten levels within. For the nahn, they range from slaves in the 10th nahn to full citizens with the right to travel in the second and first nahn. In the dahn system, lighteyes in the 10th dahn are considered only slightly better than darkeyes, and a very rich darkeyed man or woman may marry into an extremely poor lighteyed family, in very rare cases. The first dahn is composed of the king and his family. Any person above fourth dahn is a Brightlord/Brightlady, owners of swaths of property, servants, estates, etc.
Spren[edit]
Spren are spirits in the land of Roshar which either cause, or are drawn to, different conditions or emotions. There are thousands of them. One character, Hesina, the mother of Kaladin states, 'Spren appear when something changes - when fear appears, or when it begins to rain. They are the heart of change, and therefore the heart of all things.'[34] Their intelligence varies, with liespren (Cryptics) and honorspren among the most intelligent, and more common spren, seen as forces of nature/emotion having little to no intelligence. Jasnah Kholin also mentions that the 10 orders of the Knights Radiant drew their power from spren. Some examples are Syl, an Honorspren who shares a bond with Kaladin, giving him surgebinding powers of Windrunner; Pattern, who created a bond with Shallan, allowing her to surgebind and soulcast; and Wyndle, who bonded with the thief Lift, allowing her to surgebind. Dalinar Kholin also binds a spren, the Stormfather, though he does so in an unconventional manner. Jasnah bonded an inkspren named Ivory.
Some spren, such as flamespren, share characteristics with current observations in quantum mechanics[citation needed]. For example, when they are observed they remain stable in the recorded state, but when tested more thoroughly, they change as though at random. As revealed in the second book, Spren are 'concepts and ideas' given physical form by the human collective subconscious. Among the many forms of spren, some are intelligent, possess self-awareness, and have even built their own cities. They reside naturally in Shadesmar, and often cross over into the physical realm. This comes at the cost of most of their self-awareness for the higher, more exalted spren, which they can regain by making bonds with humans. The sea and land are reversed in Shadesmar – what would be land on Roshar is a sea of black beads in Shadesmar, each representing a physical form on Roshar. Shadesmar also contains cities and a strange type of flora.
Surgebinding[edit]
Surgebinding refers to a group of ten magic systems that stem from Honor, one of the three Shards of Adonalsium present on Roshar. Each of Surgebinding's ten systems revolves around 'binding' two natural 'Surges,' for instance Gravity and Adhesion, to the Surgebinder's will. Surgebinding is powered by Stormlight, and the ability is granted to humans through bonding with a Spren, a type of elemental spirit native to Roshar. There are ten Surgebinding's branches, with Windrunning and powers of Lightweavers (Transformation - Soulcasting and Illumination - illusions), described thoroughly.
Windrunning is an ability where the wielder uses the power of Stormlight to affect gravity and adhesion. It is described in three methods known as the 'Three Lashings'. A Basic Lashing changes the direction of gravitational pull for an individual (causing the person to be pulled towards another object or direction instead of towards the center of the planet). A Full Lashing is described as creating an almost[35] unbreakable bond between two objects until the Stormlight dissipates. A Reverse Lashing causes an object to have a much stronger gravitational pull, causing other objects to be pulled towards it.[35]
The only individuals in the book seen to use Windrunning are Szeth-son-son-Vallano,[36] Kaladin,[37], the squires of Kaladin in Bridge Four, and through the visions of Dalinar, members of the Knights Radiant.
There are a total of thirty different magic-systems on Roshar, with ten tied to each of the three Shards of Adonalsium present on the planet; the ten branches of Surgebinding to Honor, ten as yet unseen systems associated with Cultivation, and the ten levels of Voidbinding thought to be tied to Odium.[35]
Soulcasting and Shadesmar[edit]
Soulcasting is a practice where objects are changed from one form to another. It has proven able to turn rock into smoke, purify blood of poisons, and create food, and it has many other applications as well. Soulcasting is done by means of a device called a soulcaster that is powered by gems imbued with Stormlight. The type of gem placed inside the soulcaster determines what the caster can transform. With each use of a soulcaster, there is a chance of the gem cracking and being destroyed, especially when a large amount of matter is changed.[38] The main practitioners of soulcasting are the Ardents of the Vorin religion, however there are a few exceptions. Shallan's father's steward knew how to use a soulcaster,[39] as he used Shallan's father's soulcaster.
Jasnah Kholin and, by the end of The Way of Kings, Shallan are capable of doing magic that has very similar effects to Soulcasting but does not require a soulcaster to be used, and does not require that the magic user be in physical contact with the object they transform.[40] This book does not go into great detail, but the magic involves mentally communicating with an unknown source to enter a place called Shadesmar. Shadesmar is described in detail in the book but mostly consists of a world made from tiny glass beads. Once within Shadesmar the power from a Stormlight infused gem can be used to manipulate objects.[41]
In an interview with Brandon Sanderson, Shadesmar is described as a Cognitive Realm connecting all the worlds in the Cosmere. Sanderson has confirmed that Hoid is very good at using Shadesmar, that this is how Hoid moves between worlds, and that people on other worlds within the Cosmere have ways of accessing Shadesmar which are different from those the characters in this book use.[42]
Shardblades and Shardplate[edit]
Shardblades are powerful swords which have the ability to cut through any non-living matter with ease. When used on living creatures, they can kill or maim with a single cut by the blade passing through the living soul. They can also render limbs useless, when they cut through them. The only known defenses against a Shardblade are Shardplate, shields called 'half-shards', and another Shardblade. Those who own a Shardblade can summon their blade from thin air in ten heartbeats, and can make their blade disappear at will.[43] The blades are rare and highly valued, and there are estimated to be fewer than one hundred known blades in the world.[44]
Shardplate is full plate armor which both protects and strengthens their wearer. The armor provides protection against Surgebinding, as one wearing the armor cannot be 'lashed' directly.[36] Repeated strikes at the same spot on the armor by regular weapons or Shardblades can cause the armor to crack and break. The armor can be repaired or 'regrown' though it takes a long time.[45]
A full shardbearer, one wielding both Shardblade and Shardplate, is a force capable of turning the tide of battle on their own. Kaladin and Syl express a revulsion to the Shardblades wielded by the Alethi. During Dalinar's visions he sees the Knights Radiant wearing Shardplate and wielding Shardblades, but he notes that the plate when worn by the Radiants glow. Additionally, the number of Blades and Plate worn by the Radiants is much greater than the number left in the world at the main timeline of The Way of Kings. There are also references to 'Honorblades' and 'Dawnshards', though the terms are only applied to the weapons of the Heralds of the Almighty and only on occasion. An Honorblade is a sword that gives the user Surgebinding abilities. One such sword is used by Szeth and allows him to Windrun. The Shardblades used by the Knights Radiant can be summoned instantly.[46] They can also change forms. For example, Kaladin's Shardblade changes into a spear and again into a shield when fighting Szeth.
Most Shardblades are actually dead spren that come alive for a period of time by attuning themselves to their owner's heartbeat.[46] Shardblades wielded by the Knights Radiant are the Knight's spren taking the physical form of a weapon (often a sword), hence these Shardblades are a physical manifestation of a living spren. There are also ten Honorblades that each grant the powers of one order of Radiants. These weapons don't appear to be physical manifestations of spren, dead or alive, and were likely wielded by The Heralds until nine of them were abandoned at the end of Aharietiam, or the last desolation. Szeth, the assassin in white, uses an Honorblade of Jezrien in the first two books, and the Herald, Nalan, wields the honor blade of the Skybreakers.
The Knights Radiant[edit]
The Knights Radiant originated through spren copying the abilities which the Heralds obtained through their Honorblades. The Knights Radiant gained their power through spren by creating a bond with them called the Nahel bond. The bond gives the spren sentience while giving the human Surgebinding abilities. Two examples are Sylphrena, an Honorspren, that shares a bond with Kaladin, giving him the power to Surgebind, and Shallan, who created a bond with Pattern, a Liespren (Cryptic) to Soulcast and create Illusions. The Knights Radiant lived by their order's Five Ideals, called The Immortal Words, with the First Ideal being the same for every order: Life before death, strength before weakness, journey before destination. The other four Ideals are different for each order, with the exception of the Order of the Lightweavers, having only the First Ideal. Lightweavers instead must admit truths to themselves in order to progress. Towards the end of The Way of Kings, Kaladin utters the Second Ideal for the Order of Windrunners: 'I will protect those who cannot protect themselves'. Near the end of Words of Radiance, Kaladin whispers the Third Ideal for the Order of Windrunners: 'I will protect even those I hate, so long as it is right'. It is hinted at the end of Oathbringer that the Fourth Ideal is, 'I will let go of those I cannot save', although this Ideal is not sworn.
Orders of the Knights Radiant[edit]
- Windrunners – Manipulate the Surges of Adhesion and Gravitation. Bonded to Honorspren.
- Skybreakers – Manipulate the Surges of Gravitation and Division. Bonded to Highspren.
- Dustbringers – Manipulate the Surges of Division and Abrasion. Bonded to Ashspren.
- Edgedancers – Manipulate the Surges of Abrasion and Progression. Bonded to Cultivationspren.
- Truthwatchers – Manipulate the Surges of Progression and Illumination.
- Lightweavers – Manipulate the Surges of Illumination and Transformation. Bonded to Liespren (Cryptic).
- Elsecallers – Manipulate the Surges of Transformation and Transportation. Bonded to Inkspren.
- Willshapers – Manipulate the Surges of Transportation and Cohesion.
- Stonewards – Manipulate the Surges of Cohesion and Tension.
- Bondsmiths – Manipulate the Surges of Tension and Adhesion. Bonded to Godspren. There can only be three Bondsmiths.
Religion[edit]
Much of the world follows the Vorin religion. Vorinism tells of a struggle between forces of the Voidbringers and humanity. The Voidbringers forced humanity out of its afterlife, called the Tranquiline Halls. They believe that upon death the soul continues in its past role, but towards the regaining of the Tranquline Halls. In Alethkar, a man's highest calling is as a warrior in life to remain a warrior in the afterlife. The religion also tells of the Lost Radiants, an order who once fought against the Voidbringers during the wars against them on Roshar (known as Desolations). Vorinism gave the Knights Radiant the moniker 'Lost Radiants' after they apparently betrayed humanity at some point in the distant past. Vorinism is arranged in devotaries, whose ardents aim to assist people in advancing their Callings, which are tasks to which one dedicates their life as a method of worship. Each person selects a devotary based on variances in beliefs, talents or personality traits, and may change their selection at any point in their life. Some examples are the Devotary of Sincerity, who are encouraged to learn and ask questions, and the Devotary of Denial. Adolin Kholin's calling, for example, is Dueling. The priesthood of the Vorin religion are referred to as ardents.
Those who reject the existence of the Almighty, such as Jasnah Kholin, are referred to as heretics. Followers of other religions mentioned in The Way of Kings are Stone Shamans, Ysperists and Maakians.
It has been proven during the third title, 'Oathbringer', that the almighty is dead. The Almighty was the God in Vorinity. There are, in fact, three Gods, the other two being Odium and Cultivation. Odium represents human passion, while all Cultivation wants is change.
Reception[edit]
Critical response and sales[edit]
The Way of Kings[edit]
In its first week of release The Way of Kings was No. 7 on The New York Times Best Seller list.[47] In subsequent weeks the book was No. 11,[6] No. 20,[7] and No. 25.[8]
An early review from the website Unshelved gave The Way of Kings a positive review.[48] A review from Elitist Book Reviews pointed out small problems with the book, (black-and-white characters, too much exposition) but gave an overall positive opinion of the book.[49] The website SFReviews.net gave the book a mixed review, praising Sanderson's writing and creativity, but criticizing its extreme length and overall dearth of action.[50]
SF Reviews pointed out, 'The ride is luxurious, the scenery is often breathtaking, but The Way of Kings is truly a long and winding road.'[51] KeepingTheDoor.com commented, 'The Stormlight Archive is a series that, like Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time, George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire and Robin Hobb's The Realm of the Elderlings epics, every fantasy fan worth their salt must read and be familiar with. This will be one of the giant series that will help shape the entire scene. Take a week off work now and go and buy The Way of Kings. You won't regret it.'[52]
Words of Radiance[edit]
In its first week of release, Words of Radiance debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times Hardcover Fiction Bestseller list.[53] It also reached No. 1 on the combined print/ebook bestseller list and the Kobo Bestseller list.[53] It was at No. 3 on the National Indie Bestseller list, and at No. 6 on the Southern California Independent Bookseller Association bestselling hardcover fiction list.[53] The UK publisher of the book, Gollancz, debuted with Words of Radiance at No. 2 on the Sunday Times of London Bestseller list.
A review written by io9 called the book 'an old-school, '90s fantasy-style behemoth',[54] also commenting, 'While Sanderson continues to build his characters and reveal who they are (especially in the case of Shallan's past) it still clings to one overarching plot that drives relentlessly to an ending that can only be described as 'epic'.'[54]
Another review published by Tor Books commented, 'Words of Radiance capitalizes on the groundwork provided by The Way of Kings, building up the world and system while revealing many more potential points of speculation.'[8] It also said, 'So to you, lucky reader, who have the choice of whether or not to buy the book, I give this advice. The journey will be worth it. Yes, you should buy this book. Yes, this is a series worth following to the end. I'm glad to be taking this journey, and I hope you will as well.'[8]
Awards and nominations[edit]
Year | Novel | Award | Category | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2010 | The Way of Kings | Whitney Awards | Best Novel of the Year | Won | [55] |
Best Speculative Fiction | Won | [55] | |||
Goodreads Choice Awards | Best Fantasy Novel | Nominated | [56] | ||
2011 | David Gemmell Legend Award | Best Novel | Won | [57] | |
2014 | Words of Radiance | Whitney Awards | Best Speculative Fiction | Won | [58] |
Goodreads Choice Awards | Best Fantasy Novel | Nominated | [59] | ||
2015 | Audie Award | Best Fantasy (audiobook) | Won | [60] | |
David Gemmell Legend Award | Best Novel | Won | [61] |
Adaptations[edit]
Audiobooks[edit]
An unabridged audiobook version of The Way of Kings was released in August 2010 by Macmillan Audio and read by narrator team Kate Reading and Michael Kramer.[62] An unabridged audiobook version of Words of Radiance was released in March 2014 by Macmillan Audio and is also read by Kramer and Reading.[63]An unabridged audiobook version of Oathbringer was released in November 2017 by Macmillan Audio and is also read by Kramer and Reading.[64]
A 5-part GraphicAudio version of The Way of Kings was released from March to July 2016. A 5-part GraphicAudio version of Words of Radiance was released from September 2016 to January 2017.[65]
Films[edit]
In October 2016, the rights to the entire Cosmere universe were licensed by DMG Entertainment. DMG is fast-tracking an adaptation of The Way of Kings.[66] Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan were hired as screenwriters. DMG founder Dan Mintz will produce the film, with Sanderson and Joshua Bilmes serving as executive producers. DMG also intends on simultaneously adapting the first book in Sanderson's Mistborn series.[67]
Video game[edit]
A VR game, 'The Way of Kings: Escape the Shattered Plains', developed by Arcturus VR, was released on March 2, 2018.
Words Of Radiance Ebook
References[edit]
- ^ abSanderson, Brandon. 'Tweets Dec 19–21 2011'. Retrieved January 2, 2012.
- ^ ab'Words of Radiance Release Date has Moved'. Tor.com. July 30, 2013.
- ^'Brandon Sanderson Has Completed the First Draft of Oathbringer, Book 3 of The Stormlight Archive'. Tor.com. December 9, 2016. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
- ^'Preview THE WAY OF KINGS on Tor.com'. Retrieved June 10, 2010.
- ^'The Way of Kings is a New York Times Bestseller'. Retrieved September 8, 2010.
- ^ ab'Best Sellers: Hardcover Fiction.' The New York Times, September 17, 2010. October 4, 2010 [1].
- ^ ab'Best Sellers: Hardcover Fiction.' The New York Times, September 24, 2010. October 4, 2010 [2].
- ^ abcd'Best Sellers: Hardcover Fiction.' The New York Times. October 1, 2010. October 3, 2010 [3].
- ^ ab'The Brandon Sanderson Interview: A StompingMad YetiHatter Collaboration'. The Mad Hatter's Bookshelf and Book Review. September 17, 2010.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon (February 28, 2013). 'The Title for Brandon Sanderson's Second Stormlight Archive Book Has Been Revealed'. Tor.com.
- ^ ab'Brandon Sanderson on Twitter'. Twitter.[non-primary source needed]
- ^'Brandon Sanderson on Twitter'. Twitter.[non-primary source needed]
- ^https://www.reddit.com/r/Stormlight_Archive/comments/absjnj/stormlight_book_four_update_1/
- ^ ab'The Way of Kings Book Details'. AR BookFinder. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
- ^ ab'Words of Radiance Book Details'. AR BookFinder. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
- ^Ahlstrom, Peter (September 27, 2017). 'Has it been announced how Oathbringer is going to be published?'. Reddit. Archived from the original on September 30, 2017. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
- ^ ab'[Oathbringer Spoilers] Stormlight Three Update No. 8 • r/Stormlight_Archive'. reddit. Retrieved June 16, 2017.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon [@BrandSanderson] (December 8, 2016). 'That's a wrap, folks. Oathbringer is done at 461,223 words. Still much work to do, but we have a first draft. November 2017 release date' (Tweet). Archived from the original on December 9, 2016. Retrieved December 9, 2016 – via Twitter.
- ^'Revealing the Cover to Oathbringer, the Third Book in Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive'. Tor Books. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon. 'State of the Sanderson 2015'. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon (December 19, 2016). 'State of the Sanderson 2016'. Brandonsanderson.com. Retrieved May 6, 2017.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon (August 13, 2017). '[WoR] Enjoyed the book until the end'. Reddit. Archived from the original on August 14, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
- ^'Emerald City Comic Con 2018 – Arcanum'. wob.coppermind.net. Retrieved March 8, 2018.
- ^'Brandon Sanderson Q&A Session'. October 2013. Retrieved February 28, 2013.[non-primary source needed]
- ^Jackson, Frannie (November 13, 2017). 'Brandon Sanderson Talks Oathbringer, the Thrilling Third Book in His Stormlight Archive Series'. Paste. Retrieved November 14, 2017.
- ^'mistborn comments on Worldcon Flash AMA – Brandon Sanderson'. reddit.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon (April 28, 2017). 'IAM(once again)A novelist named Brandon Sanderson. AMA!'. Reddit. Retrieved May 6, 2017.
- ^'A New Stormlight Archive Story. Arcanum Unbounded: 'Edgedancer', Chapters 1–3'. Tor Books. November 21, 2016. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon (October 18, 2017). 'Edgedancer is out!'. brandonsanderson.com. Retrieved October 18, 2017.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon (September 27, 2012). 'Q&A with Brandon Sanderson'. 17th Shard, the Official Brandon Sanderson Fansite. Retrieved May 7, 2017.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon (September 26, 2012). 'Q&A with Brandon Sanderson'. 17th Shard, the Official Brandon Sanderson Fansite. Retrieved May 7, 2017.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon (November 22, 2016). Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection. United States: Tor Books. ISBN978-0-7653-9116-2.
- ^'Re: Post Questions For Brandon Sanderson Here!'. Barnes & Noble. Retrieved February 27, 2010.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon (2010). '37'. The Way of Kings. Tor.
- ^ abcSanderson, Brandon (2010). 'Ars Arcanum'. The Way of Kings. Tor.
- ^ abSanderson, Brandon (2010). 'Prologue'. The Way of Kings. Tor.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon (2010). '67'. The Way of Kings. Tor.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon (2010). '5'. The Way of Kings. New York: Tor. p. 90.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon (2010). '29'. The Way of Kings. New York: Tor. p. 456.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon (2010). '36'. The Way of Kings. New York: Tor. p. 534.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon (2010). '70'. The Way of Kings. New York: Tor. p. 969.
- ^'Interview with Brandon Sanderson on Stormblessed.com'. Retrieved April 23, 2012.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon (2010). '13'. The Way of Kings. Tor.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon (2010). '52'. The Way of Kings. Tor.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon (2010). '56'. The Way of Kings. Tor.
- ^ abWoK-Chapter 86
- ^'The Way of Kings is a New York Times Bestseller'. Retrieved September 8, 2010.
- ^'Unshelved review of 'The Way of Kings''. Retrieved August 27, 2010.
- ^'Elitist Book Reviews: The Way of Kings'. Retrieved September 10, 2010.
- ^'SF Reviews.net: The Way of Kings / Brandon Sanderson'. Retrieved September 22, 2010.
- ^Wagner, Thomas M. (2010). 'The Way of Kings 2010, Brandon Sanderson'. Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Reviews.
- ^'Brandon Sanderson's The Way of Kings review'. keepingthedoor.com. September 12, 2010.
- ^ abc'Brandon Sanderson's Words of Radiance Debuts at No. 1 on the New York Times Bestseller List!'. Tor.com.
- ^ abRob Bricken. 'Words of Radiance puts the 'epic' back in epic fantasy'. io9.
- ^ ab'Whitney Awards 2010 Winners'. whitneyawards.com. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
- ^'Best Fantasy Novel'. Goodreads. Retrieved June 3, 2017.
- ^'Gemmell Legend Award Winners 2011'. sffworld. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
- ^'2014 Whitney Award Winners'. May 18, 2015.
- ^'Best Fantasy Novel'. Goodreads. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
- ^'2015 Audie Award Winners'. May 29, 2015.
- ^Liptak, Andrew (August 9, 2015). 'Here's The Winners of the 2015 David Gemmell Awards'. io9. Retrieved June 3, 2017.
- ^'The Way of Kings: Book One of The Stormlight Archive [Unabridged] [Audible Audio Edition]'. Amazon.com.
- ^'Words of Radiance (Stormlight Archive) Audiobook CD, Unabridged'. Amazon.com.
- ^'Oathbringer (Stormlight Archive) Audiobook CD, Unabridged'. Amazon.com.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon (March 22, 2016). 'Graphic Audio of The Stormlight Archive + Updates'. Brandonsanderson.com. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
- ^'Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere Universe Movie Rights Sold in Massive Multi-Film Deal'. Tor Books. October 27, 2016. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
- ^Lang, Brent (October 27, 2016). 'DMG Nabs Rights to Brandon Sanderson's 'Cosmere' Book Universe in Massive Deal (EXCLUSIVE)'. Variety. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
External links[edit]
- The Stormlight Archive series listing at the Internet Speculative Fiction Database
- The Stormlight Archive at the Internet Book List
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Stormlight_Archive&oldid=903127204'
Author | Brandon Sanderson |
---|---|
Illustrator | Isaac Stewart Ben McSweeney Dan dos Santos |
Cover artist | Michael Whelan |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Series | The Stormlight Archive |
Genre | Epic fantasy |
Publisher | Tor Books |
Publication date | March 4, 2014 |
Media type | Print (hardcover and paperback), audiobook, e-book |
Pages | 1087 (hardcover) |
ISBN | 978-0-7653-2636-2 |
OCLC | 889161015 |
813/.6 | |
LC Class | PS3619.A533 W67 2014[1] |
Preceded by | The Way of Kings |
Followed by | Oathbringer |
Words of Radiance is an epic fantasy novel written by American author Brandon Sanderson and the second book in The Stormlight Archive series.[2] The novel was published on March 4, 2014 by Tor Books.[3]Words of Radiance consists of one prologue, 89 chapters, an epilogue and 14 interludes. It is preceded by The Way of Kings and followed by Oathbringer.
In 2015, it won the David Gemmell Legend Award for best novel.[4] The unabridged audiobook is read by narrator team Michael Kramer and Kate Reading.[5]
- 3Viewpoint characters
- 4Reception
Development[edit]
The release of the book was delayed due to Sanderson's commitment to writing the final book of The Wheel of Time.[6][7]
Initially, Sanderson planned that this volume would be named after the tome Shallan is given at the end of the first volume: The Book of Endless Pages. However, the name was changed after the editor commented 'Uh, are you sure you want to name a very long, very thick fantasy book The Book of Endless Pages?”[2] The book, at 1088 pages, is the maximum printable size of a book for its publisher, Tor Books, making it the biggest book ever printed by the company.[8][9]
On July 1, 2013, Sanderson announced on his official Twitter account that he had finished the first draft of Words of Radiance.[10] On July 3 Tor Books officially released an early excerpt of the novel, containing the beginning of an interlude starring Taravangian, the King of Kharbranth.[11] On December 10, 2013, Tor Books announced on its official website that Sanderson had turned in the manuscript of the book, commenting that production could now begin.[12] On the same day a second excerpt of the novel was released, containing an interlude starring the new character Lift.[13]
On December 30, 2013, Tor Books revealed the endpapers for Words of Radiance, painted by American artist Michael Whelan.[14] It pictures Shallan while painting at the Shattered Plains. In the same article Whelan states, 'When Irene Gallo proposed a second painting for Words of Radiance, I immediately knew it was Shallan we were talking about. Indeed, like many fans, I had felt that the story was becoming as much Shallan’s as Kaladin’s; she merited equal representation in the book’s design, as far as it was possible to do so.'
On January 8, 2014, Tor Books released the prologue and first two chapters of the book as previews with points-of-view of Jasnah, Shallan and Kaladin.[15] A week later, on January 14, Tor Books released the 3rd, 4th and 5th chapters of the book,[16] followed by the 6th, 8th and 9th chapters on January 21.[17] The last chapters to be released before the publication of the book, Chapters Ten, Twelve, Fourteen and the first Interlude, were released on January 28, 2014.[18]
Tor Books revealed the dates and locations for the Words of Radiance book tour on January 29, 2014.[19] On February 4, 2014, Tor announced 'The Glimpses of Radiance', a series of daily previews of the book running from February 11 to March 4, 2014.[20] Non-spoiler reviews were released by Alice Arneson[21] and Carl Engle-Laird[22] on the Tor website and by 17thshard.com, the official fansite of Brandon Sanderson, 17th Shard calling the book, 'truly an achievement. It expands on its predecessor, fulfilling the promises it sets up, and manages to surpass it'.[23] Samples of interior art painted by Ben McSweeney and Isaac Stewart were released on February 26.[24]
Plot[edit]
Years ago, Szeth-son-son-Vallano, the Assassin in White, was sent by the Parshendi to assassinate the Alethi king Gavilar Kholin (for reasons not yet revealed to the reader). This murder resulted in the Vengeance Pact among the highprinces of Alethkar and the War of Reckoning against the Parshendi. Now Szeth is active again, and is sent by King Taravangian of Kharbranth, to kill Highprince Dalinar Kholin (brother of the late King Gavilar).
Kaladin, once a slave and bridgeman on the Shattered Plains, is given command of the royal bodyguards to protect Dalinar and his family (including King Elokhar) from perils and the threat of the Assassin. Meanwhile, he struggles with both his feelings regarding lighteyes (the nobility of the Alethi) and his past with Brightlord Amaram. Contruction company microsoft dynamics. He trains and practices to master the powers of a Windrunner that are linked to the bond with his honorspren, Syl.
Shallan Davar, together with her mentor Jasnah Kholin, are heading to the Shattered Plains to prevent the return of the Voidbringers and their civilization-ending Desolation. Jasnah arranges a marriage between Shallan and Adolin Kholin, Jasnah's cousin. Their ship is attacked en route to the Shattered Plains and while Shallan survives, Jasnah is believed to be killed. Shallan, with the assistance of sailors and outlaws she finds on the road, makes her arrival at the Shattered Plains.
One of the Parshendi, Venli, discovers a stormform that allows Parshendi to summon a storm similar to the Highstorms and turn the tide of the war. Some Parshendi believe using stormform will summon the Voidbringers, but the ruling council allows the form. Eshonai wants to parlay with Dalinar to bring an end to the war before stormform is used.
Szeth attempts to murder Dalinar but is stopped when Dalinar catches Szeth's shardblade with his hands. Kaladin ends the attempt by knocking himself and Szeth into open air. During the melee after landing, Szeth sees Kaladin use stormlight and flees from the duel, realizing that the Radiants are back and he is not Truthless.
Eshonai, along with most of the surviving Parshendi transform to stormform, and summon the Everstorm, which comes from the opposite direction as the normal highstorms. The Alethi attack and defeat the Parshendi, but not before the storm is summoned. The Alethi armies are only able to escape the storms through Shallan's discovery and activation of the Oathgate (a system of teleports usable only by the Radiants), which evacuates the army to the legendary city of the Radiants, Urithiru.
After arriving at Urithiru, Dalinar swears the oaths of the Knights Radiant and the Order of the Bondsmiths - binding the Stormfather as his spren. It is discovered that Renarin, son of Dalinar, is also a member of the Knights Radiant (a member of the order of Truthwatchers). Adolin, after being confronted by Sadeas who states that he will continue to oppose Dalinar - despite the desolation - kills Sadeas after a short struggle.
In the epilogue, Jasnah is met by Hoid after she returns from the Cognitive Realm, where she escaped to from the attack on her ship to the Shattered Plains.
Viewpoint characters[edit]
The primary chapters within the book are told from the viewpoint of several major characters, while the book's interludes are told from the viewpoint of other characters (not all of which repeat).
Main[edit]
- Szeth-son-son-Vallano: An assassin from the land of Shinovar. He refers to himself as a 'Truthless' who must serve those who bear his Oathstone. Bearer of an Honorblade which gives him the power to use Stormlight and the abilities of a Windrunner. He hates being forced to murder and weeps as he does.
- Shallan Davar: A minor lighteyes from the nation of Jah Keved. Her family has fallen on hard times after the death of her father. She is the ward and student of renowned scholar Jasnah Kholin. Shallan is a Lightweaver; she is able to, with a single glance, remember and recreate a scene with charcoal and paper and able to Soulcast without a Soulcaster. She travels to the Shattered Plains to learn more about the Voidbringers. She becomes betrothed to Adolin Kholin after Jasnah sets it up as a way to help save House Davar from ruin. She has a spren, named Pattern, accompanying her.
- Kaladin: A darkeyes from the nation of Alethkar who serves as the captain of Dalinar's personal guard, and subsequently the king's Honor Guard. Formerly an apprentice surgeon to his father and member of the army of brightlord Amaram. Kaladin is a Windrunner; he is able to use Stormlight to heal himself and make himself stronger and faster than any normal human being. He is accompanied by an honorspren named Syl.
- Dalinar Kholin: A highprince of Alethkar, brother to the slain King Gavilar, uncle to the current king and Highprince of War. Nicknamed the Blackthorn. A general who helped unite the kingdom with his brother. A man who experiences visions during the highstorms, and a Full Shardbearer, he is criticized as weak because he follows the Codes and talks about stopping the pointless war Alethkar is engaged in. He plans to unify Alethkar and refound the Knights Radiant. Dalinar is revealed to be a Bondsmith at the end of WoR, and his bonded spren is the Stormfather himself, a splinter of the Almighty.
- Adolin Kholin: A lighteyed prince and heir to his father Dalinar's highprince seat. A skilled duelist and a Full Shardbearer, he loves and respects his father. He is betrothed to Shallan Davar.
- Renarin Kholin: The younger son of Evi and Dalinar Kholin, Renarin is also Adolin's younger brother and is revealed to be a Truthwatcher, a type of Surgebinder. He has a spren named Glys.
- Navani Kholin: Widow of King Gavilar, mother of King Elhokar and Jasnah. She is a skilled artifabrian. She has always loved Dalinar, even when she was married to his brother, Gavilar, and eventually rekindles her relationship with Dalinar.
Interludes[edit]
- Jasnah Kholin: the sister to the king of Alethkar and the greatest scholar in the world. She is capable of Soulcasting without a Soulcaster, and is bonded to a spren named Ivory, who gained her the abilities of Stormlight used by the Knights Radiant. She is a member of the Order of Elsecallers, who have the Surges of Transformation and Transportation.
- Eshonai: one of the Listeners, known by the Alethi as Parshendi, and the only Shardbearer among her people. She seeks peace with the armies of the humans.
- Ym: a shoemaker in Iri, bound to an unnamed spren. Once a beggar, he now makes shoes he gives to urchins on the street.
- Rysn: a young woman from Thaylenah, an apprentice merchant. She travels with her babsk to the Reshi Isles.
- Zahel: a swordmaster and ardent, training both Adolin and Renarin.
- Taln: known as Talenelat or Stonesinew, he is a Herald of the Almighty, sent to prepare humankind for the Desolation.
- Lift: a Reshi thief who works in Azimir in Azir. She has Surgebinding abilities that corresponded with the Order of Edgedancers.
- Lhan: an ardent in Kholinar. He is lazy and often drunk. He explains 'the easiest job in the world' to a woman called Pai, who - a day later - starts riots in the city.
- Taravangian: the king of Kharbranth. He employed Szeth to kill a great number of leaders around the world, following the Diagram, a masterplan to prepare the world for the Last Desolation, made by himself.
- Wit: also known as Hoid, is the court jester of king Elhokar Kholin at the Shattered Plains.
Reception[edit]
Critical response and sales[edit]
In its first week of release, Words of Radiance debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times Hardcover Fiction Bestseller list.[25] It also reached No. 1 on the combined print/ebook bestseller list and the Kobo Bestseller list.[25] It was at No. 3 on the National Indie Besteller list, and at No. 6 on the Southern California Independent Bookseller Association bestselling hardcover fiction list.[25] The UK publisher of the book, Gollancz, debuted with Words of Radiance at No. 2 on the Sunday Times of Londen Besteller list.
A review written by Rob Bricken of io9 called the book an old-school, '90s fantasy-style behemoth',[26] also commenting, 'While Sanderson continues to build his characters and reveal who they are (especially in the case of Shallan's past) it still clings to one overarching plot that drives relentlessly to an ending that can only be described as 'epic'.'[26]
The Lincoln Journal Star called the book 'an extremely satisfying read that shows what the beginning of an epic fantasy series should look like.'[27]
Awards and nominations[edit]
Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | Whitney Awards | Best Speculative Fiction | Won | [28] |
Goodreads Choice Awards | Best Fantasy Novel | Nominated | [29] | |
2015 | Audie Award | Best Fantasy (audiobook) | Won | [30] |
David Gemmell Legend Award | Best Novel | Won | [4] |
Audiobook[edit]
An audiobook version was released by Macmillan Audio on the same day as the hardcover version read by narrator team Kate Reading and Michael Kramer, who also read The Way of Kings.[31] A 5-part GraphicAudio version of Words of Radiance was released from September 2016 to January 2017.
Sequel[edit]
According to a 2014 newsletter written by Sanderson, work on the third Stormlight book would start somewhere later that year, as not to let fans wait as long as between the first two books. However, he ended up postponing his start-date for the book until June 2015, deciding to refresh himself by writing several less heavy-duty books. Before starting the third book, tentatively titled Oathbringer, Sanderson finished Shadows of Self and The Bands of Mourning, two sequels to The Alloy of Law in the Wax and Wayne series, and Calamity, the final installment in his Reckoners trilogy. Though he originally planned on including Szeth's flashbacks in the third book, he decided upon prewriting that Dalinar's flashback sequence was a better fit;[32] he also abandoned the title Stones Unhallowed, which he had been considering for Szeth's book, due in part to its similarity to the projected title of the third book of Patrick Rothfuss's Kingkiller Chronicle series, The Doors of Stone.
On July 4, 2014, Sanderson read an excerpt from the third Stormlight book at FantasyCon in Salt Lake City, from the point of view of Kaladin Stormblessed.[33] In July 2015, Sanderson started writing the first draft of the book. In December 2016, Tor Books announced that the first draft of Oathbringer was completed and that it will be published on November 14, 2017.[34]
References[edit]
- ^'Words of radiance' (first edition). LC Online Catalog. Library of Congress (lccn.loc.gov). Retrieved April 19, 2017.
- ^ ab'The Title for Brandon Sanderson's Second Stormlight Archive Book Has Been Revealed'. Tor.com. February 28, 2013. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
- ^De Groote, Michael (March 1, 2014). 'Words of wonder: Brandon Sanderson seeks, delivers 'something big' in epic fantasy'. Deseret News. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
- ^ abLiptak, Andrew (August 9, 2015). 'Here's The Winners Of The 2015 David Gemmell Awards'. io9. Retrieved June 3, 2017.
- ^'Words of Radiance (Stormlight Archive): Amazon.co.uk: Brandon Sanderson, Kate Reading, Michael Kramer: Books'. Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
- ^Sanderson, Brandon. 'Tweets Dec 19-21 2011'. Retrieved January 2, 2012.
- ^'Words of Radiance Release Date has Moved'. Tor.com. July 30, 2013.
- ^'Words of Radiance and the Art of Creating Epic Fantasy'. Tor.com. March 4, 2014. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
- ^'Twitter / BrandSanderson: The press Tor is using cannot'. Twitter.com. December 19, 2013. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
- ^'I just sent in the completed first draft of Words of Radiance'. Brandon Sanderson on Twitter. July 1, 2013.
- ^'Words of Radiance: Interlude: Taravangian (Excerpt)'. Tor Books. July 3, 2013.
- ^'This is How Big the Words of Radiance Manuscript Is!'. Tor Books. December 10, 2013.
- ^'Words of Radiance: 'Lift' (Excerpt)'. Tor Books. December 10, 2013.
- ^'Michael Whelan's Endpapers for Words of Radiance, Featuring Shallan'. Tor.com. December 30, 2013. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
- ^Brandon Sanderson (January 8, 2014). 'Read an Excerpt from Words of Radiance: Prologue, Chapters One and Two by Brandon Sanderson'. Tor.com. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
- ^Brandon Sanderson (January 14, 2014). 'Read an Excerpt from Words of Radiance: Chapters Three, Four, and Five by Brandon Sanderson'. Tor.com. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
- ^Brandon Sanderson (January 21, 2014). 'Read an Excerpt from Words of Radiance: Chapters Six, Eight, and Nine by Brandon Sanderson'. Tor.com. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
- ^Brandon Sanderson (January 28, 2014). 'Read an Excerpt from Words of Radiance: Chapters Ten, Twelve, Fourteen, and Interlude I-1 by Brandon Sanderson'. Tor.com. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
- ^'Announcing the Words of Radiance Brandon Sanderson Book Tour'. Tor.com. January 29, 2014. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
- ^'Announcing Glimpses of Radiance: Daily Previews of Words of Radiance'. Tor.com. February 4, 2014. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
- ^'Reflections of Radiance: Spoiler-Free Reactions to Brandon Sanderson's Words of Radiance'. Tor.com. February 19, 2014. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
- ^'Worth the Wait: A Non-Spoiler Review of Words of Radiance'. Tor.com. February 25, 2014. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
- ^'Our spoiler-free Words of Radiance review - Brandon and Book News - 17th Shard News'. 17thshard.com. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
- ^'Interior Art from Words of Radiance'. Tor.com. February 26, 2014. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
- ^ abc'Brandon Sanderson's Words of Radiance Debuts at #1 on the New York Times Bestseller List!'. Tor.com. March 12, 2014. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
- ^ ab3/11/14 1:30pm 3/11/14 1:30pm. 'Words of Radiance puts the 'epic' back in epic fantasy'. Io9.com. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
- ^Mason-D'Croz, Michael. 'Book review: 'Words of Radiance' long but engrossing and action-packed'. Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved April 29, 2014.
- ^'2014 Whitney Award Winners'. May 18, 2015.
- ^'Best Fantasy Novel'. Goodreads. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
- ^'2015 Audie Award Winners'. May 29, 2015.
- ^'Words of Radiance (Stormlight Archive): Brandon Sanderson, Michael Kramer: 9781427233073: Amazon.com: Books'. Amazon.com. March 4, 2014. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
- ^'Brandon Sanderson on Twitter'. Twitter.
- ^'Brandon Sanderson Reads First Chapter From Stormlight Archive Book 3!'. Tor.com.
- ^Tor.com. 'Brandon Sanderson Has Completed the First Draft of Oathbringer, Book 3 of The Stormlight Archive'. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
External links[edit]
- Words of Radiance title listing at the Internet Speculative Fiction Database
- Words of Radiance at the Internet Book List
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Words_of_Radiance&oldid=866997545'
leechers: 6 Added on March 4, 2014 by PhriedPhishin Books > Ebooks Torrent verified. The Stormlight Archive Series by Brandon Sanderson (1-2) (Size: 21.74 MB)
Description1: The Way of Kings Publisher: Tor Fantasy; Reprint edition (May 24, 2011) Language: English ISBN-10: 0765365278 ISBN-13: 978-0765365279 Having twice reached the New York Times bestseller list, and even as he is brilliantly completing Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time®, Brandon Sanderson is constantly asked by readers and booksellers alike what his next project will be. Now, Tor is proud to present his answer, The Way of Kings, the first novel in a remarkable sequence every bit as ambitious and unique--and as satisfying and addictive--as The Wheel of Time. The Way of Kings introduces the three protagonists who will be our windows on the strange and wondrous world of Roshar and the drama about to unfold there: * Dalinar, the assassinated king's brother and uncle of the new one, is an old soldier who is weary of fighting. He is plagued by dreams of ancient times and legendary wars, visions that may force him into a new role he could never have imagined. * Kaladin, a highborn young man who has been brought low, indeed to the most miserable level of military slavery, and like Ben Hur must suffer and struggle to survive and rise again. * Shallan, a naïve but brave and brilliant young woman who will do anything to save her impoverished noble house from ruin. These are people we will come to know deeply and take to our hearts. But just as important to The Way of Kings is a fourth key 'character,' the unique world of Roshar itself, a richly imagined setting as real as science fiction's Dune, as unforgettable as epic fantasy's Middle Earth. Through all the volumes of The Stormlight Archive, Brandon Sanderson will make Roshar a realm we are eager to visit. What Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time has been to the fantasy genre for the last two decades, The Stormlight Archive will be to the next, and The Way of Kings is where it all begins. 2: Words of Radiance Publisher: Tor Books; 1 edition (March 4, 2014) Language: English ISBN-10: 0765326361 ISBN-13: 978-0765326362 In the first volume, we were introduced to the remarkable world of Roshar, a world both alien and magical, where gigantic hurricane-like storms scour the surface every few days and life has adapted accordingly. Roshar is shared by humans and the enigmatic, humanoid Parshendi, with whom they are at war. Among those caught up in the conflict are Highprince Dalinar Kholin, who leads the human armies; his neice Jasnah, a renowned scholar; her student Shallan, a brilliant but troubled young woman; and Kaladin, a military slave who, by the book’s end, was beginning to become the first magically endowed Knight Radiant in centuries. In Words of Radiance their intertwined stories will continue and, as Sanderson fans have come to expect, develop in unexpected, wonderfully surprising directions. The war with the Parshendi will move into a new, dangerous phase, as Dalinar leads the human armies deep into the heart of the Shattered Plains in a bold attempt to finally end it. Shallan will come along, hoping to find the legendary, perhaps mythical, city of Urithuru, which Jasnah believes holds a secret vital to mankind’s survival on Roshar. The Parshendi take a dangerous step to strengthen themselves for the human challenge, risking the return of the fearsome Voidbringers of old. To deal with it all, Kaladin must learn how to fulfill his new role, while mastering the powers of a Windrunner. Genre: Fantasy Sharing Widget Download torrent seeders:61 The Stormlight Archive Series by Brandon Sanderson (1-2) All Comments |