Reviews with content warning for Death - Words of Radiance

I really didn't think that Words of Radiance would ever top The Way of Kings, but somehow it did! It's rare that I find that a sequel lives up to my expectation, but honestly Words of Radiance blasted those expectations out of the water for me. My favorite part of this book was how all of our main characters finally convene in one location and we can finally see them interacting all together. I think the characters' dynamics and the drive to work together towards a larger goal was where Sanderson's writing really shone in this book.

I loved seeing Shallan and Adolin's relationship start and develop, considering how curious I was about their betrothal in The Way of Kings, I thought that it was honestly carried out to perfection. They're both so sweet and perfect for each other and I just can't wait to see where their relationship goes.

I can't get through this review without ranting and raving about how much I love Kaladin's character and how it was treated in Words of Radiance. Seeing him gain confidence in his powers, seeing him trying to find his place in a warcamp full of Lighteyes, it was all just so, so good. I loved seeing him and Adolin interacting, seeing how they would go from lightly pestering each other to

Adolin eventually standing up for Kaladin after he challenged Amaram during the tournament.

Shallan and Kaladin's first meeting was also great, especially considering

how much their relationship would evolve when they were stuck in the chasm together. I really loved how Sanderson forced them together just for a little while to let them get to know each other in not-so-ideal circumstances, and to give Kaladin a chance to come across as more than just a grumpy bridgeman to Shallan, and for Kaladin to see that Shallan isn't the perfect Lighteyes that he thought she was.

As always, Sanderson is one of the rare authors that writes fight scenes that just work so well. This book definitely ends in a Sanderlanche, where the story really picks up towards the end of the book, but that's not a critique at all. I liked that the characters were well-introduced and had the chance to interact together before being thrown into the main conflict at the end of the book. So good.

By far though, the absolute highlight of this book to me comes right at the end, in the last couple of pages.

Adolin finally snapping and murdering Sadeas in Urithiru was so perfect, I could write a whole review just of that scene. I really liked how we got used to Sadeas taunting the Kholins but them staying professional for the sake of Alethkar, and I loved that Adolin eventually just... snaps. Sadeas is just so confident that Adolin is a better man than his father was in Blackthorn days that he doesn't even consider that he might be in danger. The scene is graphic in the best way possible and comes across as a slap to the face. Again in the best way possible. I feel like it was the perfect ending to the book that really adds an extra little oomph to Adolin's character, who has so far been more restrained than his father was at his age.

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rookangas's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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dnpatterson2's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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ciuricirui's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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abby_can_read's review

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adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

🎧
I really wanted to like this book and I didn't. I struggled with the first book as well. The worldbuilding, the lore, and the magic system are amazing. The characters were good and I thought the relationships were good.

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booked4adventure's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This second book in the series was even better than the first. It continues to add to the world building and its history. There is strong character development for all the characters that helps us see and learn more about what makes them, them.

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errie's review against another edition

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5.0

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soyabeanos's review against another edition

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adventurous tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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