3,509 books
—
25,094 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Words of Radiance (The Stormlight Archive, #2)” as Want to Read:
Words of Radiance
(The Stormlight Archive #2)
by
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 must protect the king and Dalinar from every common peril as we ...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 must protect the king and Dalinar from every common peril as we ...more
Get A Copy
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
Words of Radiance,
please sign up.
Popular Answered Questions
Kevin
Read book 1 first! Why would you want to skip the first book? ... the first book is amazing!
Jan
This answer contains spoilers…
(view spoiler)
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30
Start your review of Words of Radiance (The Stormlight Archive, #2)
Dec 16, 2016
Petrik
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
epic/high fantasy fans
Shelves:
masterpieces,
favorites
I have a Booktube channel now! Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/petrikleo
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, o ...more
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, o ...more
Holy crap on a stick. I bow in supreme awe.
That's it. ...more
That's it. ...more
WHAT. THE. FUCK.
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, 2015
Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy-all,
own
Reread Audio 2020
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 men of --->BRIDGE FOUR<---- Here's a ...more
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 men of --->BRIDGE FOUR<---- Here's a ...more
“Do not let your assumptions about a culture block your ability to perceive the individual, or you will fail.”
Great 2nd read of Words of Radiance! Sanderson's world definitely holds up! I am ready for the experience to continue. On to Oathbringer!
2016 Review:
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
Great 2nd read of Words of Radiance! Sanderson's world definitely holds up! I am ready for the experience to continue. On to Oathbringer!
2016 Review:
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
Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson(Stormlight Archive,#2)
The story, as always with Sanderson, was compelling and filled with an interesting lore and more engaging than the first book in the series. The world Sanderson has created will likely go down as one of the most detailed and expansive fantasy worlds ever created. The story is awesome and well worth reading for anyone who enjoys fantasy with a rich and complex world.
Phenomenal ...more
The story, as always with Sanderson, was compelling and filled with an interesting lore and more engaging than the first book in the series. The world Sanderson has created will likely go down as one of the most detailed and expansive fantasy worlds ever created. The story is awesome and well worth reading for anyone who enjoys fantasy with a rich and complex world.
Honor is dead. But I'll see what I can do.
Phenomenal ...more
Mar 05, 2014
Robin (Bridge Four)
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Fans of Lumatere Chronicles, Game of Thrones or In the Name of the Wind
4th read is the best so far.
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 re ...more
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
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 re ...more
Mar 06, 2014
Eon ♒Windrunner♒
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
Everyone
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 wa ...more
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 wa ...more
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 mos ...more
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 mos ...more
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 ...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 ...more
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
Oct 29, 2017
Choko
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy,
brandon-sanderson
"...“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 nothi ...more
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
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. Words of Radiance 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 eve ...more
- 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. Words of Radiance 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 eve ...more
Another masterpiece by the King of High Fantasy😌
I finished this faster than I did for The Way of Kings and I didn't even think that was possible. So me finishing this 1087 page book in 2 days should definitely tell you something about my love for Words of Radiance.
While The Way of Kings was basically Kaladin's book, Wo ...more
I finished this faster than I did for The Way of Kings and I didn't even think that was possible. So me finishing this 1087 page book in 2 days should definitely tell you something about my love for Words of Radiance.
“All stories told have been told before. We tell them to ourselves, as did all men who ever were. And all men who ever will be. The only things new are the names.”
While The Way of Kings was basically Kaladin's book, Wo ...more
awe (n.): 1. an emotion variously combining dread, veneration, and wonder that is inspired by authority or by the sacred or sublime
2. the dominant emotion while reading Words of Radiance.
Brandon Sanderson couldn’t have found a more befitting title for the masterpiece he crafted weaving salty tears, thundering heartbeats, rasping breaths and whimpering prayers, binding them with threads of blinding stormlight and cleansing tempests that erased everything from your mind and left you with the sole ...more
2. the dominant emotion while reading Words of Radiance.
Brandon Sanderson couldn’t have found a more befitting title for the masterpiece he crafted weaving salty tears, thundering heartbeats, rasping breaths and whimpering prayers, binding them with threads of blinding stormlight and cleansing tempests that erased everything from your mind and left you with the sole ...more
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’ ...more
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!
“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’ ...more
My video review https://youtu.be/ExHULqLPCL8
...more
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
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
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
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
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.
...more
...more
Yes, I said it. 3 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
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
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Original Spoiler Free Review:
Date read: September 1-14, 2015
If lightning struck in The ...more
Read with BB&B from Oct 15-17 and from Oct 18-23
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
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 The ...more
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 n ...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 n ...more
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
If you haven't read this series at all, here's my three liner pitch:
↣ dark and thought provoking but wholesome epic high fantasy that centers around themes of power, ruling, leadership, and nuanced conversations on the disparities between men and women in a society. Filled to the brim with characters that are entertaining, never let the intrigue die and you constantly want to cheer for. A plot that runs forward without looking back but holds your hand when it comes to world-building so that you ...more
↣ dark and thought provoking but wholesome epic high fantasy that centers around themes of power, ruling, leadership, and nuanced conversations on the disparities between men and women in a society. Filled to the brim with characters that are entertaining, never let the intrigue die and you constantly want to cheer for. A plot that runs forward without looking back but holds your hand when it comes to world-building so that you ...more
Jun 22, 2017
Kainat 《HUFFLEPUFF & PROUD》
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
favorites,
brandon-sanderson
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? ...more
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? ...more
“All stories have been told before. We tell them to ourselves, as did all men who ever were. And all men who ever will be. The only things new are the names.”
- Brandon Sanderson, Words of Radiance
The most difficult thing about discussing Brandon Sanderson’s Words of Radiance is that it is part of a much larger work-in-progress. This is the second book of the so-called Stormlight Archive. So far, three books of this series have been published (The Way of Kings is the first book, Oathbringer is th ...more
- Brandon Sanderson, Words of Radiance
The most difficult thing about discussing Brandon Sanderson’s Words of Radiance is that it is part of a much larger work-in-progress. This is the second book of the so-called Stormlight Archive. So far, three books of this series have been published (The Way of Kings is the first book, Oathbringer is th ...more
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
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| So many Shallan chapters | 80 | 1076 | Jun 20, 2021 02:38AM | |
| Cannonball Readers: What do you consider the necessary elements of high fantasy? | 2 | 4 | Jun 03, 2021 05:36AM | |
| YA Buddy Readers'...: Words of radiance (#2 The Stormlight Archive) by Brandon Sanderson - Starting May 3th 2021 | 31 | 12 | May 27, 2021 04:45AM | |
| 2021 & 2022 Readi...: Words of Radiance (The Stormlight Archive #2) | 61 | 62 | Apr 29, 2021 05:12AM | |
2021 & 2022 Readi...:
Words of Radiance (Stormlight Archive #2)
|
22 | 56 | Jun 28, 2020 09:44AM | |
| Calvinist Batman ...: extra book for June | 1 | 14 | May 24, 2020 12:49PM |
Readers also enjoyed
10,668 users
872 users
861 users
541 users
358 users
254 users
240 users
223 users
222 users
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
Other books in the series
The Stormlight Archive
(10 books)
Related Articles
As dedicated readers already know, some of the best and most innovative stories on the shelves come from the constantly evolving realm of...
31 likes · 3 comments
12 trivia questions
1 quiz
More quizzes & trivia...
1 quiz
“Honor is dead. But I'll see what I can do.”
—
834 likes
“He saw it in her eyes. The anguish, the frustration. The terrible nothing that clawed inside and sought to smother her. She knew. It was there, inside. She had been broken.
Then she smiled. Oh, storms. She smiled anyway.
It was the single most beautiful thing he’d seen in his entire life.”
—
498 likes
More quotes…
Then she smiled. Oh, storms. She smiled anyway.
It was the single most beautiful thing he’d seen in his entire life.”
