WORDS OF RADIANCE - Book Review (Spoiler Warning)

This video is my review of Words of Radiance, by Brandon Sanderson. Second book in the Stormlight Archive

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[EdmondDantes_]

Dude he has 8 books left. If he starts chopping heads none will be left.

[NoobFish]

*SPOILER*
What are you talking about? A main character did die, or are you so heartless that you just forgot about Sureblood? You monster!
Also, yeah Sadeas counts as a main character too, even if he was a antagonist.

[MistbornTaylor]

Haha Brandon Sanderson is not afraid to kill his characters, just read Mistborn.

[shortkeys]

I completely disagree with your argument about Kaladin being Superman. What about when he's weak and about to get stomped by the chasmfiend and Shallan saves him?

[cenedra]

Daniel, the whole Superman thing didn't bother me at all, for multiple reasons.
SPOILERS!


1. The previous book Kaladin was beat down, he was a slave and everybody looked down on him and basically wanted him to die. So this book I felt it was only right for all the lighteyes to give him the respect he deserved, and if he needed to be the savior of the day for this, well, that's why he deserved that respect in the first place.
2. This book he disappointed me when he broke his oath and was being stupid all around (towards Shallan and ruining Adolin chance to fight Sadeas), so when he finally came through it felt very satisfying to me and even almost a relief.
3. He's the only one with great powers in the book, and in a position to use them, so it made sense.
4. It was actually Shallan who saved the day in the end, Kaladin was just helping her. But she didn't even need his help for that, she delivered everyone away from Szeth all by herself. He wasn't even for most of that battle. And it's not like anyone else could fight Szeth.

[abigailanderson]

For me, it took me two months to read Way of Kings but three days to read words of radiance. I don't know what that says, but I liked them both equally just in different ways.

[callmecristal]

WHAT?! The fact that Kaladin always shows up and saves the day is my favorite part of the book! LMAO 🤣 In fact... Whenever anyone is doing anything in the book i want Kaladin to show up!

[ElanorNarmolanya]

I actually found it extremely refreshing that Sanderson didn't kill main protagonists off in this book! ESPECIALLY Dalinar!
There were many scenes (starting with the Tower battle at the end of WoK) where I EXPECTED Dalinar to die, because that is just the trope of these types of stories: the older, wise mentor figure dies and serves as the catalyst for the younger main characters (Adolin, Kaladin, Renarin) to finally listen to his words and carry on his work. The fact that Dalinar did NOT die, but actually continued to grow as a character on his own is FAR more interesting and unique, imho. That way the other characters find other ways to be motivated and can actually question his methods and pursue their own goals as well without guilt or revenge driving them.
I understand what you meant in saying it makes characters feel invincible, but I think that the way Sanderson writes still carries weight and realness without needing to have the obligatory character death.
I still love the review, though!

[brandondodd]

After Syl died I almost stopped reading lol

[monsouranda]

The superman aspect is what I really like in this book. Maybe because I'm quite attach to Kaladin for some reason and knowing all the stuff happens to him before becoming this great is a huge achievement for me as a reader (or maybe I just really like flashy stuff in fantasy books) . As long it doesn't broke the magic system I'm totally fine with it.

[CancelledPhilosopher]

I love the Superman stuff with Kalladin, especially the Dragon Ball Z fight with Zeth.

[abh]

Nice review! just a few comments... The reason why Kaladin keeps saving the day is because hes literally the only one who knows how to use his powers as of now, besides for Shallan who kinda saves the day more than Kaladin at the end there. I had the same HOLY SH*T reaction to Adolin murdering Sadeas... lol. I fealt the same as you about the book in general not being as good as way of kings and about seeing all the sides with kaladins decision but when i reread the book i completely changed my mind and i think its better than the first. Now Ive read both like ten times im kinda obsessed...There are far more emotional punches, epic moments and important twists in this one. When you reread Shallans flashbacks knowing now that its all her fault it totally changes it for you. My favorite chapter which i read all the time is the one where Shallan meets Wit in a flashback and he tells her the parable about beauty. Lots of small easter eggs in that chapter once youve read Sandersons other cosmere books and a great deep parable with another emothionl punch that gives you the feels every time. As for killing off characters - read his other books cuz theres the best character killing ever in one - i dont wanna say which (spoiler) :). Mistborn - the first is unbelievably good, second and third are ehhh but u gotta plug through them, then the fourth fifth and sixth are back to unbelievably good, most intricate and progressive world building ever in fantasy. Warbreakerand Elantris are also really good.

[andrzejjaniak]

Great review. I disagree about Kaladin though. While he does save the day at the end, his previous efforts to become a hero often made things worse. A good example was his attempt to save Adolin, which ended in Kaladin being thrown into prison and falling into depression again. Moreover, Kaladin is not a superman material. He is a skillful warrior, yes, but also too sensitive and on the verge of suffering from depression. Finally, having read Mistborn books -which are phenomenal as well - I don't think Sanderson is afraid to kill the main characters. Simply, this series is going to be really long, so it doesn't make sense to get rid of the main characters too early.

[belegcuthalion]

Yes, I must agree with some of the other people in the comments. Sanderson is MOST DEFINITELY not afraid to kill his characters. He's just playing a longer game. This is a great review! I agree with a lot of your opinions here, and you give reasons for your opinions (even the ones I disagree with). I'll certainly be watching for more reviews!

[samuelmarlow]

I loved the chapters of Shallan and Kaladin trapped in the chasms. Also, Sanderson is a serial character murderer. He does not have a problem at all killing them. It just hasn't happened yet.

[RobTiff]

ShallaN = Yes
ShallaM = No

In every review, summary, etc. you call her Shallam. I love your thoughts and arguments, and criticisms (even if I don't agree with them), but this kills a little piece of me every time.

[ericmiller]

I would definitely recommend Mistborn, it's what got me started with Sanderson and it still features my favorite character across the whole Cosmere in Sazed.

[tacoeater]

I loved this book but one thing that was strange to me was the treatment of Renarin. He joins bridge team but then he's just ignored for the entire book and then he becomes important at the end out of nowhere.

[BooksBobs]

TOTALLY AGREE!! Just finished this and you echo nearly all of my thoughts. I never believed in that death!! I had it in my head that Jasnah never died and I was proven right. Shallan still remains my all time fave!! Adolin's arc is the most dramatic I think. I think he's always held his own as a kind-of side

[Reckless]

Good review, though I disagreed on a few parts. I actually thought WOR was better then WOK on a pure entertainment level, especially the ending. Adelyn being stronger would play too heavily into the "light eyes are better" narrative. It would have a cost, I think Sanderson is trying to navigate.
Spot on for Dalinar.

Mistborn is awesome, at least the original trilogy is a must read. Warbreaker 1 is good. haven't read the newer ones.