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Words of Radiance

By: Brandon Sanderson
Narrated by: Michael Kramer, Kate Reading
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Publisher's summary

From number one New York Times best-selling author Brandon Sanderson, Words of Radiance, audiobook two of the Stormlight Archive, continues the immersive fantasy epic that The Way of Kings began.

Expected by his enemies to die the miserable death of a military slave, Kaladin survived to be given command of the royal bodyguards, a controversial first for a low-status "darkeyes". Now he must protect the king and Dalinar from every common peril as well as the distinctly uncommon threat of the Assassin, all while secretly struggling to master remarkable new powers that are somehow linked to his honorspren, Syl.

The Assassin, Szeth, is active again, murdering rulers all over the world of Roshar, using his baffling powers to thwart every bodyguard and elude all pursuers. Among his prime targets is Highprince Dalinar, widely considered the power behind the Alethi throne. His leading role in the war would seem reason enough, but the Assassin’s master has much deeper motives.

Brilliant but troubled Shallan strives along a parallel path. Despite being broken in ways she refuses to acknowledge, she bears a terrible burden: to somehow prevent the return of the legendary Voidbringers and the civilization-ending Desolation that will follow. The secrets she needs can be found at the Shattered Plains, but just arriving there proves more difficult than she could have imagined.

Meanwhile, at the heart of the Shattered Plains, the Parshendi are making an epochal decision. Hard pressed by years of Alethi attacks, their numbers ever shrinking, they are convinced by their war leader, Eshonai, to risk everything on a desperate gamble with the very supernatural forces they once fled. The possible consequences for Parshendi and humans alike, indeed, for Roshar itself, are as dangerous as they are incalculable.

Other Tor books by Brandon Sanderson:

  • The Cosmere
  • The Stormlight Archive
  • The Way of Kings
  • Words of Radiance
  • Edgedancer (Novella)
  • Oathbringer

The Mistborn trilogy:

  • Mistborn: The Final Empire
  • The Well of Ascension
  • The Hero of Ages

Mistborn: The Wax and Wayne series:

  • Alloy of Law
  • Shadows of Self
  • Bands of Mourning
  • Collection
  • Arcanum Unbounded

Other Cosmere novels:

  • Elantris
  • Warbreaker

The Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series:

  • Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians
  • The Scrivener's Bones
  • The Knights of Crystallia
  • The Shattered Lens
  • The Dark Talent

The Rithmatist series:

  • The Rithmatist

Other books by Brandon Sanderson:

  • The Reckoners
  • Steelheart
  • Firefight
  • Calamity
©2014 Dragonsteel Entertainment, LLC (P)2014 Macmillan Audio

Featured Article: 16 of the Best Fantasy Authors Ever


There is no feeling quite like falling in love with a great fantasy listen, doing a little digging, and joyfully discovering that the author has an extensive catalog of audiobooks for you to dive right into. Fantasy as a genre is particularly blessed with a wealth of diverse authors writing all different kinds of stories. From classic epics to standalone novels that were published in the last few years, it's the perfect genre for losing yourself in a full day’s worth of listening. These brilliant fantasy authors will transport you to another world—whether a parallel universe or a post-apocalyptic version of Earth.

What listeners say about Words of Radiance

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A big step up

I enjoyed book one, I loved book two. Do not skip the interludes. No matter how frustrating they can be.

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Stellar all around

Sanderson is a master of the payoff and he writes action like no one else. For fans of George RR Martin, Patrick Rothfuss, Steven Erikson, JRR Tolkien, Joe Abercrombie, great high fantasy/science fiction.

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3rd time, not the charm

Loved the first two books. This one was a slog to get through the storyline. Too many internal thoughts/narrative details, too much internal conflict/drama, and what’s with giving all the main characters crushing mental illness?! What a punishing experience this book was for the listener.

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INCREDIBLE

Honestly, I don’t know what is happening. This author is able to weave in enough of his world to allow you to weave a small bit of the undescribed yourself, just enough to build anticipation but never enough to foresee any part of the story beyond some Easter eggs. I LOVE THIS STORY

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New favorite series

Once you understand the world created in TWOK, you simply get to enjoy watching this story unfold.

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love it

The reading was performed lovely and the writing is just plain awesome. So much suspense and wonderful detail to the world building as well as character depth.

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consistently brilliant

Sanderson never disappoints. this is my 3rd time through this series already. cannot wait for more to be added to his cosmere in 2024.

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Pure Enjoyment

I started this series with the encouragement of my son. I was soon pulled into this story and invested in the characters. I laughed out loud and cried. I enjoyed this tale immensely.

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tone

the tone of the orrators felt... off? sometimes pulling you out of the story, though it was an excellent title and a wonderful performance/recording.

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So damn good

Everything about it is amazing. What a great series so far!
Do yourself a favor and give it a go

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