I really liked the first in Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive series, The Way of Kings, so of course I went all in and requested the second from the library before I was even finished the first. I almost had regrets – I have a pile of Christmas book exchange books waiting for me, each of them so tempting. But, the book came quickly, I already owe $25 in library fines, and so I got started.
At the end of the first book, the stage was set to unite all our main players in the Shattered Plains, the centre of the ongoing war of vengeance and a mystery magnet. The beginning of Words of Radiance marks the journey of all these characters, whether that journey be through space, emotional development or of discovery. This book advances the story quickly – broadening the world, learning more about the core characters, and framing out what promises to be an even more epic battle for the future of the world than I might have thought from the first book.
Sanderson is good with character, I think. He is careful to make them complex and not always likeable while explaining why they are like they are, so you can see how they change and develop over the course of each book. His female characters are generally good, interesting on their own and often in a position to take the lead in whatever rescues need to occur. I do feel that he writes romantic scenes a bit strangely – the women often take the lead, which is fine, but in several scenes he states that Shallan forced a kiss on Adolin. I understand that he is trying to illustrate contrasts between their cultures and personalities, but I am not excited about his use of this imagery, whatever the gender of the participants.
I am still enjoying this series. I like that Sanderson looks at motivation a lot, and makes sure to demonstrate that choices are difficult and have consequences. I am hopeful that the third in the series is good as well, but am glad to have a bit of a break from to read something else before my reserve comes in.