The Stormlight Archive, Book 2
Synopsis: Brandon Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archive sequence began in 2010 with the New York Times bestseller The Way of Kings. Now, the eagerly anticipated Words of Radiance continues the epic story and answers many of your questions.
Six years ago, the Assassin in White, a hireling of the inscrutable Parshendi, assassinated the Alethi king on the very night a treaty between men and Parshendi was being celebrated. So began the Vengeance Pact among the highprinces of Alethkar and the War of Reckoning against the Parshendi.
Now the Assassin 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.
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.
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.
Review: I must firstly say that I have not read the first book of the series and it is true that it is usually quite difficult to read fantasy novels out of order. Yet when I received the book, my friend Blodeuedd has lavished praise on the first volume. So after a little talk with her, I did not hesitate one second to get into this new story. I do not really know what happened in the previous volume, or if certain events are recalled here, but despite some points a little fuzzy on the world, I took great pleasure in reading this novel and I wasn’t as lost as I thought. I think, I also need to add that this novel is probably the biggest book I have ever read, yes because it is almost 1100 pages.
Something often bothers me in fantasy and this is the number of points of view, given my pretty terrible memory. Yes because I forget everything fairly easily, and I often only really enjoy one of the characters that we follow. Yet it was not the case here and I really liked all the POVs, and all the characters we meet. They all have something to show us, all different, and we always hope to discover more about them. The character I liked the most is none other than Shallan. This woman is really fascinating and always full of resources. After being abandoned by the only person who could help her, she finds herself having to manage her entire existence and many secrets that could save the world. And while she will also cope with her new powers and the lies she makes to achieve her objectives, she must also convince the king of the looming threat closer and closer. Shallan is a strong young woman, full of imagination and who never gives up. She evolves dramatically in the novel, from a young woman without insurance who does not really know how to enforce those around her, to a strong woman who does not let herself being pushed around. It was really interesting to see all the steps that she had to cross throughout the novel. We also learn many things through flashbacks, the story of her life and what her family has endured. I must say I was really surprised at the end of the history when we finally learns the truth about her father. I did not really expect that.
But that’s not only that, and I also took a great pleasure in following Dalinar, this man who is trying to save the kingdom as best as he can, although he does not really know whether his decisions are finally the best. And yet, many people follow him, including his son, a womanizer and who yet remains good in all circumstances. We also have Kaladin, this man who was betrayed by his friend and who can finally take revenge here. A man who has been broken, and yet who is trying to do the best thing. Despite his mistakes, he knows what he must do and will do anything to get there even if it is something very difficult for him. Fortunately, he will always be accompanied by Syl, who will help and advise him in all circumstances.
Many things are started here, and a large number of responses we are given. The world that the author has built is truly amazing and we can only admire all the details he has made while he is letting us discover the story. I also let you discover for yourself the story built throughout the chapters, as it’s well worth it. The novel was a very nice surprise, and I must say I am curious to find out what the author has presented to his readers in the first volume. I’m also curious to see what he’ll reserve us for the future. We thus find here a great fantasy novel that will appeal to many people I’m sure.
blodeuedd
I am sooo glad it worked for you 😀 I LOVE Sanderson!!!!!
Melliane
thanks to you lady!
LilyElement
Whoa, 1100 pages? That’s a lot. Glad to see you enjoyed it though! 🙂
Melliane
yeah and you haven’t seen the book lol
Siiri
I have never read a Brandon Sanderson book, but I so want to someday. I think it’s easier to read PNR/UF series out of order than any kind of other genre unless the books are companions 😀 Yay that you liked all the POVs. I actually like flashbacks if they’re not excessive and are written well. I’m so glad to see that you enjoyed this novel and I hope your next Sanderson read will be awesome too 🙂 Great reveiw, Melliane!
Melliane
It’s also difficult I think with UF, PNR out of order is OK though. Yes it was really well done for this one. It’s not something I usually read but it’s interesting.
Jessica @ Rabid Reads
Yay! I’m glad that book 2 was awesome. I’m planning on starting book 1 some time this week!
Melliane
Oh I’m so curious to see what you think of book 1 to know what I missed.
kindlemom1
Wow considering you didn’t read the first book and this one was so long, I think your rating is very high praise indeed!
Great review.
Melliane
yes it’s just the world is so well done and the characters are all very interesting.
brandileigh2003
Shallon does sound like she brings a lot of resources to the others and personality into the story.
Jenny @ Supernatural Snark
I’ve heard such great things about Brandon Sanderson Melliane, and given fantasy is quickly becoming one of my very favorite genres, I’m definitely going to have to give him a try! I typically struggle with multiple POVs as well, but I’m glad to know in the case of this particular book, it wasn’t really an issue for you and you enjoyed your time with all the characters. Fantastic review!
Melliane
yes it’s always something really difficult for me but it’s really well done. Even if I always love one more than the others.
Chene Sterckx
Wow 1100 pages! Big books seem so overwhelming to me lately. I am a bit OCD when it comes to reading books in order. This book sounds great and I am happy to hear you enjoyed it 🙂
Chanzie @ Mean Who You Are.
Melliane
for me as well, I don’t usually read them I confess. It’s better I think in fantasy to start with book 1. So in any case I can understand that.
Braine Talk Supe
Happy to see the recommendation was a winner! I’ve only read a couple of Sanderson’s books and I have to say I’m a fan too. Someday when I’m ready to delve back into epic fantasies, they can be hefty, I’ll pick his books first.
Melliane
he is really great, it’s the first one I read by him, but i should try more.
kimbacaffeinate
Wow I am very impressed both by you and the author that you were able to read the second book in a fantasy. That my friend rarely happens. This series has been on my wishlist and you have me even more excited!
Melliane
it was ok, as the characters are well introduced, but I’m curious about the first one.
Giselle
I often have the same problem with too many POVs in fantasy books. Glad this one was not the case and it def helps when you like all perspectives. It’s harder when a character or 2 are just dull or not well developped as much as some of the others. Sounds like a big one too wow it’s like a Stephen King novel >.<
Melliane
oh yes! I agree, it’s why it’s always tricky for me to try multiple POVs, I usually pass.
Cristina
I’ve never heard of Brandon Sanderson but between the blurb and your review…I might have to add this one to my TBR! 😉 And you had me at fantasy novel (those are my favorite kind)! Fabulous review!
Melliane
I’m sure that if you love fantasy you’ll love the author. I keep hearing amazing things about him and his work.
Melissa (Books and Things)
This author is on my must read list. SO glad that you were still able to get into it despite not reading the other books. You are right, it is hard to skip around in a fantasy. So needing to read him! Great review!
Christy
I’ve heard this author rocks. I bought his book … forgot the title … something Steel … anyway, I haven’t read it yet. I’m always hesitent with this genre.
Melliane
yes I’m as well, so I can understand that.
Joy (Joyousreads)
Oh wow. I’m surprised that you didn’t feel as lost knowing that you didn’t read the first book. But I guess mad love for the author for the recaps that he’d incorporated throughout. Also, holy Hannah! over 1000 pages?! whelp.
Well done, you. 🙂
Missie
I do really agree that sometimes fantasy gets so overwhelming with everything you have to remember! I think that is why I have never read Game of Thrones!
Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings
Melliane
lol me neither
Rachel
I do love a strong heroine and Shallan sounds like just that, but WOW 1100 pages?!! Whoa that’s a long book! Wonderful review, Mellanie! I hope the next one impresses you just as much as this one. 🙂
anna@herding cats & burning soup
Whoa that’s a huge book! I think the longest I’ve read hit around 800 pages. Or right around there. That’s great it worked out nicely without having to read book one. It does sound excellent!
~Anna
herding cats & burning soup
Melliane
right? It’s a first time for me lol. I usually avoid them. Yes it was ok even if I think it would be easier with it.
Alise
I love fantasy! The POVs do sound daunting but the characters themselves seem pretty awesome, especially the heroine. My friend loves Sanderson-I really need to read some of his stuff soon!
Jenea @ Books Live Forever
I like to have different POV’s bu t wow that it s gigantic book. I’m glad that you enjoyed it though. It does sound good.
Cat @ Addicted 2 Heroines
I can’t believe you tackled this massive book without reading #1 first. That was very brave of you 😉 I’m glad I discovered this author. I’ve already fallen in love with two of his series. This one is next.
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
Oh wow. You read this one!?! I’m surprised. I started the first and had to stop half way through for family stuff happening. I’ve not got back to it yet. I really need to do that. So glad you enjoyed it!
Melliane
I hope you’ll be able to go back to it and enjoy it! I’m curious to read reviews about it.