Friday 25 April 2014

Words of Radiance - Brandon Sanderson

In that 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 Brightlord Dalinar Kholin, who leads the human armies; his sister Jasnah, a renowned scholar; her student Shallan, a brilliant but troubled young woman; and Kaladin, a military slave who, by the book’s end, had 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 to how to fulfill his new role as leader of the restored Knights Radiant, while mastering the powers of a Windrunner.

My thoughts:
I have been trying to write this review for 3 hours now. I just can't put down words about how amazing the world and book is. Sanderson is a world building genius. The thought he puts down into his worlds are inspiring. And this time around I realized something I had missed, most of his books are connected cos they are in the same universe, "the Sanderson universe", not called that, he even has a name. They are all different magic and such, but like I said, world building genius who created a universe.

Yes it is long, very long, very very long. But do not let that scare you. I got caught up in the world, I could not tear myself away from this book, it lay there radiant and called to me. I even cried at one point as the book tore a  hole in my soul.

The book has 3 main POVs, and a few smaller ones. We follow Kaladin who is no longer a slave (and I am his fangirl). I loved his POV, and it was the POV that made me cry that one time.

Then we have Shallan, in this world the men fight, the women do everything else so she is smart and resourceful. Loves to think and draw. I remember that it took a while for me to really like her in book 1, but she sure has matured and I respect her now.

Then there is Dalinar, with the world on his shoulder, how I liked the end, go Dalinar.

Except for Shallan's part (as she is on her way) most of the book takes place in the shattered plains. We have fighting against the enemy, fighting among themselves and different factions trying to steer events or make things not happen. So I have NO idea who to trust of the strangers at this point, lots of shadowy figures. Lots of things I want to know.

Also there is a lot of artwork inside that truly lifts the book even higher.

Conclusion:
The series is amazing, this book is amazing, did I say amazing already? I did? Ok, it's awesome. If you love fantasy you must read this book. If you love books, then read this book. It's masterful and I could not put it down.

Highly recommended. 

Cover
Nice but the one of Shallan inside is really good, I have that one as my wallpaper.

Hardcover, 1087 pages
Published March 4th 2014 by Tor Books
The Stormlight Archive #2
Fantasy
For review

54 comments:

  1. I want! I want! I want! I just need to finish book 1 first. :)

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    1. YES HURRY! Just a 1000 pages and then a 1000 more

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  2. Say one thing about Sanderson, his long books don't feel long because he has a certain style that makes them fast reads.

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  3. This is one author that I will try eventually :) I promise!

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  4. So, I hear this book is amazing. ;) I don't read a lot of Fantasy, but I'll keep this series in mind for the next time the mood strikes. Thanks!

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    1. Oh you heard? ;)

      Fantasy is the best genre EVER, lol

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  5. I'm not a huge fan of purely fantasy... :) Glad you enjoyed it though. Hope you are feeling better too.

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  6. I love a book that you just hate to out down. I'm glad it was that good for you. I bet this would be a good series to listen to on audio.

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    1. That I can't say, I do wonder how it translates so to say on audio, for me at least fantasy is better read

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  7. You know its either super good or super horrid if it takes a loooong time to find words for a review. xD

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    1. Very true, I just stared and stared and stared and no words came forth

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  8. I have got to read something by Brandon Sanderson! His books and his worlds sound amazing:)

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    1. He is awesome! AND he has written YA too *wink wink*

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  9. Aw love finding books like that that are just so good you're dang near speechless :)

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  10. I've only read one book by Sanderson, but I plan to read as many more as I can. He is a fabulous writer.

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    1. I have read...12? I have one on my shelf, one I need to buy and more are coming out

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  11. Great read, but I've been taking my time with it (that hardcover is a massive tome to lug around).

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    1. So big, I am glad I could stay in and read and read

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  12. Yes! After I finished reading it took me days to put my thoughts into words, and also trying to figure out how to write about something I enjoyed so much without having it be like 20 paragraphs long.

    ~Mogsy

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    1. I am so glad it did not take me days, I just pushed some words out, I am sure I could have done it much better

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  13. Wow, you are making me SO excited to read this! I have loved every Sanderson book I've read before, and I agree the guy is a master at worldbuilding. "Yes it is long, very long, very very long." <---Honestly that is the only thing that has kept me from binge reading his whole list, but I can tell it's worth it. Fantastic review!

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    1. YAY. I know he is just sooo freaking awesome. The worlds, aww, the worlds, I want to create worlds like that.

      yes long but hey only took me 2 days...where I was sick and read most of the time ;)

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  14. The world building does sound great. Only think I have read by him is 1st he wrote for Robert Jordan

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    1. He did well there when he got the hang of things

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  15. Stop! He is already on my must read list and you make me want to read him now. THEN you had to mention artwork! Darn it! I can't get into this series.. .yet! :)

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  16. Oooh I want! It's always a good sign when a book strips you of words. I need a new epic fantasy to read now that WoT is done. Happy Weekend!

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  17. Not my kind of book, but I'm glad to see how excited you are about it and the series.

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  18. Despite loving fantasy, I still haven't gotten around to reading any of Sanderson's work. I definitely need to pick up these books soon, though, as they seem fantastic! :)

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    1. You really must, they are truly fantastic :D I am trying to collect all of his books

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  19. I've heard amazing things about Sanderson's books. This has over 1000 pages though! Woah.

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  20. I'm so glad you enjoyed it as well, but well I'm not surprised after all the things you said to me about the first one.

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  21. Can I say 'meh'? In a very small voice? :p

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    1. Say meh all you want, we are soo not alike :D

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  22. I agree the inside cover is way better. I can't look at the review yet though because I'm still reading book one right now! ahhhhhhhhhhh I need to hurry up and finish it already.

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    1. It's so pretty :) I have not changed my wallpaper in ages now

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  23. I moved The Way of Kings to my kindle about a week ago, so that every time I turn it on, it's staring me in the face. Will read SOON ;)

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  24. Only 3 hours? I finished this book about 6 weeks ago, and I still haven't been able to write a review other than "I love it. It's long, but I love it, go read it". :) Shallan has come a long way. I actually really enjoyed her in this book.

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    1. I even had to check my review of book 1 and yes, did not really like her there But I am glad I like her now

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  25. OMG I don't think I've seen you rave so much about a book. I have to read this series. I'll try not to be a woos about the size lol ... OMG I just saw how many pages it is

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  26. Great review B, one day ... one day ...

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