[book-info title=”Words of Radiance” author=”brandon-sanderson-2″]

First of all my apologies about the incomplete Alienated review that went – briefly – live this morning.  I have been so  engrossed in Words of Radiance I didn’t get around to writing the Alienated review in time.  It will be written after Words of Radiance.

So, Words of Radiance.  I am approximately 40% of the way through the 48-hour long audiobook version of Words of Radiance.  Here are my initial thoughts on this first half.  A full review will come later.  There are some spoilers ahead so I’ll add a cut to be sure.

Shallan.  In this book it’s pretty clear that Shallan is suffering post traumatic stress from an  as yet undisclosed incident in her childhood.  I am happy she found her spren although I much prefer Syl to Pattern.  At the point I am now, she has just met her fiancé Adolin Kholin – I see definite rom-com moments ahead there!  I was surprised that Sanderson used the old “kill off the mentor to force the hero to progress” trope quite so early.  

Kaladin.  Kaladin had a large story arc in Way of Kings, book 1 of the Stormlight Archive, so for the moment in Words of Radiance his plot is evolutionary rather than revolutionary.  He’s expanding on the role of leader and trainee Windrunner he had at the end of the last book.  I did particularly enjoy the confrontation with the Assassin in White – it was nicely written – and Kaladin was clearly not ready for it.

The Kholins.  I had a good chuckle to myself at Adolin’s part in Project Unify Alethkar – he clearly enjoyed being off the leash for a bit.  I feel really sorry for Renarin though – what a shame he feels the pressure to become a soldier when it’s clearly not the right career path for him.  Dalinar and Navani have remained in the background really so far so no major developments there.  Given that the book was originally called High Prince of War referring to Dalinar I expect to see him kick some ass in the second half of the book.

The Parshendi.  For me this has been one of the most interesting parts of the book.  Through Eshonai’s point of view we learn much more of Alethkar’s mysterious opponents, their motivations and their final peace attempt.  I had a bad feeling when Eshonai went out into the storm and suffered the change.  I’ve not read far enough to learn the consequences yet, but I’m certain it can’t be anything good.  

All in all I’m enjoying Words of Radiance.  Full review to come later.