Reviews

Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson

itskatehill's review

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5.0

I struggle with picking a rating for this because it's just so damn long. There are so many parts that I loved, some that annoyed me, some that I was like...what? etc etc. Maybe my rating will fluctuate in time as I continue the series/digest more.

I think there is a reason why I don't read many books over 600 pages, and it's because my mind doesn't retain this amount of information. There are things I completely forgot that happened half way through this book, and I had to go oh yeah, that happened. If you really want to understand this world on the level that Sanderson does you've got to be so dialed in, so eager to really research how the magic system works, etc. A friend of mine said that he spent hours on the wiki doing research. I just don't think this is that series for me.

I know it seems like so far in this review like I was lukewarm about this book, but come on...it's Brandon Sanderson. He's so obviously a genius. You'd have to be to write a book like this. I've also been watching his courses at BYU, and he clearly knows his stuff, and I love that. This series is a lot like admiring a piece of classic art. It may not speak to you personally, but you see the merit.

I still am enjoying this story very much, and I can't wait to get to Oathbringer because I want to know Dalinar's story. (He's my favorite).

Overall I thought this was much faster paced than the first, and I really loved the first half. The last third kind of left me overwhelmed. I thought too much was happening, too many names, too many plot points, etc etc. But I loved the ending to TWOK, this one, not as much.

I think I still need to digest this a bit and then maybe I'll have more thoughts on it.

nic_nacs's review

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adventurous challenging hopeful inspiring tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

amarieb0926's review against another edition

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adventurous 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

trecotoric's review

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring 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

katia22's review

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adventurous funny mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

katrinacharleston's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging mysterious reflective 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

4.5

evabails's review

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5.0

I AM UNWELL. Not sure I have ever read anything on this level before, the last 100 pages my heart was RACING. Also the banter between certain characters is unmatched, Kaladin is the best character in modern fantasy prove me wrong you CANNOT.

rheagoveas's review

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful 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? It's complicated

4.75


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conorhanley_'s review

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5.0

This could very well be the best book I’ve ever read.

It was INCREDIBLE! From start to finish I was on the edge of my seat. My heart has fully invested in these characters. I can’t remember the last time I resonated with a set of POVs like this. Kaladin’s depression, Shallan’s PTSD, Dalinar’s fight with addiction and trauma. It’s such a credit to Sanderson that he can tackle such dense and difficult issues such as these in such a moving and relatable way. My favourite scene in the book is when Kaladin sees Shallan for who she truly is and says it’s the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. I teared up. Marvellous.

The duel. Obviously this is a very discussed part of this book, and for good reason. It was a masterclass in how to build tension until the moment Kaladin jumps in, with just spear in hand and very little stormlight, to fight with Adolon. “Honour is dead, but I’ll see what I can do”. STOP IT! Epic doesn’t come close to covering it. I was out of my seat.

The pace of the plot is fantastic throughout. I couldn’t put it down. There’s so much more I could say but it’s the easiest five stars I’ve ever given. This is Sanderson’s masterpiece.

poopybuttholegirl's review

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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