You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
lizziestudieshistory 's review for:
Words of Radiance Part Two
by Brandon Sanderson
Probably closer to 4.25 stars...* I'm perhaps being picky. However, out of the three currently released installments in the Stormlight Archive this is my least favourite novel, although it is still highly entertaining.)
*Review includes WoR part 1 as well.
My main issue with this book is Shallan. She's bloody irritating. Her so-called wit is so infuriating and childish that it constantly draws me out of the story! I find her difficult to empathise or even sympathise with. Shallan apologists excuse her erratic behaviour due to her PTSD. However, she murdered both her parents, actively lies to everybody who cares about her, and constantly belittles those around her of a lesser station (while being praised for it!) Other characters do suffer similar flaws, most prominently Kaladin, but these characters are challenged for their prejudices and they had serious consequences for their arcs. Yet 'precious' Shallan is, by and large, left unscathed, except for her internal conflict (guilt) and the lies she tells herself (also deeply irritating, especially in Oathbringer). I found myself growing distant from her as the plot progressed and actively sighed when she became the point of view. This is a real shame because I like her character in The Way of Kings...
I was also frustrated by the interludes. While useful conveying information they were dull and, as this was a re-read I found myself skipping them when they came up. These are places for Sanderson to info-dump and they seriously decrease the tension he's attempting to build up by deviating from the characters I care about (even Shallan is more entertaining) to go off on a tangent about the rest of the world. Objectively I know these are important to lay the foundations for the rest of the story, but they are still annoying!
I also missed Jasnah, but that's because I stan Jasnah Kholin... I had to settle for my fave problematic Dalinar instead!
However, I did really enjoy rereading Words of Radiance, but I am more excited to continue onto my favourite novel in the series Oathbringer!
*Review includes WoR part 1 as well.
My main issue with this book is Shallan. She's bloody irritating. Her so-called wit is so infuriating and childish that it constantly draws me out of the story! I find her difficult to empathise or even sympathise with. Shallan apologists excuse her erratic behaviour due to her PTSD. However, she murdered both her parents, actively lies to everybody who cares about her, and constantly belittles those around her of a lesser station (while being praised for it!) Other characters do suffer similar flaws, most prominently Kaladin, but these characters are challenged for their prejudices and they had serious consequences for their arcs. Yet 'precious' Shallan is, by and large, left unscathed, except for her internal conflict (guilt) and the lies she tells herself (also deeply irritating, especially in Oathbringer). I found myself growing distant from her as the plot progressed and actively sighed when she became the point of view. This is a real shame because I like her character in The Way of Kings...
I was also frustrated by the interludes. While useful conveying information they were dull and, as this was a re-read I found myself skipping them when they came up. These are places for Sanderson to info-dump and they seriously decrease the tension he's attempting to build up by deviating from the characters I care about (even Shallan is more entertaining) to go off on a tangent about the rest of the world. Objectively I know these are important to lay the foundations for the rest of the story, but they are still annoying!
I also missed Jasnah, but that's because I stan Jasnah Kholin... I had to settle for my fave problematic Dalinar instead!
However, I did really enjoy rereading Words of Radiance, but I am more excited to continue onto my favourite novel in the series Oathbringer!