Words&Dirt

I first read The Way of Kings, the opening book in Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive, way back in 2015. I had a mixed reaction and decided not to continue with the series. Then, as Sanderson published subsequent installments over the next decade, several friends whose reading preferences overlap strongly with mine began to rave about how good it was getting. One friend in particular became such an evangelist that she eventually persuaded me to rethink my decision to abandon the Archive. So when I saw that the fifth book was being released late last year, it seemed like an opportune moment to return to Roshar. And I am so glad that I did! Words of Radiance is superior to its predecessor in every way, and I am told that the story only gets better from this point.

Readers who enjoy the Archive are invariably impressed with the depth of Sanderson’s worldbuilding. I am told by people who read a lot more high fantasy than I do that his worldbuilding is on par with the very best in the genre, and perhaps best in class. While this certainly seemed possible in The Way of Kings, the increased depth and breadth of the worldbuilding in Words of Radiance makes it clear that Sanderson has an incredibly complex and interlocking set of features planned out for this world––and also that he is just getting warmed up. Exploring the Archive is like being tossed into an alien ecosystem and being instructed to start cataloging and analyzing whatever we observe. It’s overwhelming and bewildering at first, but as the world incrementally comes into focus those feelings are replaced with delight, awe, and increased curiosity. Additionally, Sanderson’s use of interludes between parts helps to illustrate the vastness and complexity of Roshar’s various inhabitants and cultures.

It’s hard to comment on specific elements without introducing spoilers. Words of Radiance answered a lot of questions I had while reading The Way of Kings, but also introduced many more mysteries that I’m now excited to pursue. In this sense it’s a perfect sequel, building on that which came before but also breaking new ground. Among other things, the book offers insight into the nature of spren, the origins and functions of the Shardblades, the practice of Surgebinding, and how current events connect with Roshar’s history and mythology. None of this is conclusive, but it does feel like we’re being given enough information to finally get our bearings.

Some readers, myself included, have a hard time giving a shit about worldbuilding––even masterclass worldbuilding––in the absence of compelling characters. When I was considering whether to revisit this series, the main argument that won me over was that Sanderson’s character development begins to match the quality of his worldbuilding. I won’t be able to say for sure if that’s the case until I’ve ventured further into the story, but I will say that I was satisfied with the character development in this second book. I am much more invested in the characters and eager to see where Sanderson is taking them compared to when I ended the first book. It was a relief to see Shallan get a lot more attention, and I also warmed up to Kaladin more than I was expecting. Other characters from the first book continue to evolve as well, and many new characters are introduced.

From a thematic standpoint, The Stormlight Archive appears to be concerned with a least a few central ideas. One is that the proper use of violence is in the service of protecting others, even in situations where our personal ethics might conflict with our duty to support the greater good. This theme drives Kaladin’s journey in Words of Radiance, sharpening his capacity for self-understanding and helping him mature into a more ethical warrior. Another key theme is the idea that power is primarily a function of perception––to assume and project the image of power is to seize and wield it. But the extent to which this strategy can backfire is very much in question, and I imagine that Shallan will struggle with this as she continues to discover and develop her natural talents. The final theme I’ll mention is the necessity of cooperation and unity of purpose in the face of existential threats. This is the theme that dominates Dalinar’s narrative, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it turned out to be the anchoring theme of the entire series. I love all of these themes and think them worthy of the epic treatment that Sanderson seems keen to give them.

While I enjoyed Words of Radiance and plan to jump right into book three, it’s important to note that these books are very slow burns. I’m in a stage of life right now where, for whatever reason, I’m actually loving narratives that plod along and don’t rush me, rewarding patience and persistence. But that’s definitely not everyone’s literary cup of tea, so I’d say stay away from this series if you’re not able or willing to steep in it for as long as it takes.

Rating: 8/10