Summary
Words of Radiance is the second installment in Brandon Sanderson's The Stormlight Archive series, following the events of The Way of Kings. The novel explores the world of Roshar through a structured narrative that includes a prologue, 89 chapters, an epilogue, and 14 interludes.
Plot
In Words of Radiance, Brandon Sanderson expands his epic in Roshar, focusing on the Shattered Plains where the Alethi and Parshendi are in conflict. The novel follows characters navigating transformative challenges.
Shallan Davar investigates the secrets of the Knights Radiant and experiences self-discovery. Her journey includes developing Lightweaver abilities and confronting her past, including her involvement in her mother's death. She masters the Oathgate and guides Dalinar Kholin and his forces to Urithiru, influencing Alethi politics.
Kaladin Stormblessed transitions from an enslaved soldier to a Knight Radiant, confronting leadership responsibilities and his bias against lighteyes. He faces the Assassin in White, Szeth, and accepts the Third Ideal to save Dalinar. Despite his victory, Kaladin struggles internally to reconcile his powers and leadership role.
Dalinar Kholin, a highprince aiming to unify Alethkar, faces political and personal challenges. His visions drive him to restore the Knights Radiant's honor, leading to a tentative alliance with the Parshendi and decoding messages of the Everstorm. He deals with internal betrayal and ancient threats as he seeks unity to prevent disaster.
A climactic battle erupts on the Shattered Plains. The Parshendi summon the Voidbringers, reviving a significant threat to Roshar. Dalinar's leadership is vital in managing alliances for survival. As Roshar's future hangs in the balance, each character's story contributes to the larger narrative of the Stormlight Archive.
Characters
Kaladin Stormblessed: Kaladin transforms from a soldier to the captain of the royal bodyguards. As a Windrunner, he explores new powers connected to his past and loyalty to figures like Dalinar and King Elhokar. His relationship with Syl, an Honorspren, centers on themes of honor. He reflects on this with the statement: “Honor is dead. But I’ll see what I can do.”
Shallan Davar: Shallan transitions from a noblewoman to a strategic player against the Parshendi. As a Lightweaver, she gains the ability to Soulcast and bonds with the spren Pattern. These experiences address her traumatic history and resilience, with her art serving as a crucial outlet.
Dalinar Kholin: Known as the Blackthorn, Dalinar seeks to reunite Alethkar and revive the Knights Radiant. His highstorm visions guide his mission, and bonding with the Stormfather as a Bondsmith establishes his role in the coming Desolation.
Adolin Kholin: Dalinar's son Adolin faces political intrigue and personal growth. A skilled duelist and Full Shardbearer, he shows loyalty and valor, hinting at his future with the Knights Radiant.
Eshonai: A Parshendi Shardbearer, Eshonai initially seeks peace but transforms into Stormform, marking a shift toward war and highlighting the conflict.
Sylphrena (Syl): Syl embodies Kaladin's ideals and struggles. Her presence is central to his development and key plot events.
Setting
In Words of Radiance, Brandon Sanderson constructs an intricate universe in Roshar. The severe climate and mystical phenomena influence societal dynamics and character development. The Shattered Plains feature immense plateaus and chasms, serving as a battleground for characters like Kaladin and Dalinar. Urithiru, a city shrouded in lore, emerges as a site of ancient mysteries. Once home to the Knights Radiant, it offers opportunities for characters to explore and uncover its secrets. Sanderson uses these detailed locations to drive the plot, integrating cultural and environmental elements into the storyline.
Within the novel’s setting, Sanderson introduces a complex magic system. Surgebinding, a key element, allows individuals to control two of Roshar's 10 fundamental forces, called Surges, through bonds with sentient entities known as spren. Notable Surges include Adhesion, Gravitation, Illumination, and Transformation. Characters like Kaladin and Shallan use their Surge pairings for various abilities. Stormlight, a luminescent energy, powers Surgebinding. Kaladin, for example, uses Stormlight to enhance physical abilities and manipulate gravity. This enables him to move swiftly in battle and influence combat outcomes. The system supports intense action and emphasizes character growth and responsibility.
Themes
Power and responsibility
Words of Radiance explores the weight of power and accompanying responsibilities through Kaladin's experiences. As a Knight Radiant, he grapples with the moral implications of his abilities, which enable him to protect others. This shows that power can empower while also being burdensome. Dalinar Kholin’s efforts to unify the highprinces indicate that power can lead to either division or unity, depending on the wielder's intentions.
Morality as a trajectory
Words of Radiance portrays morality as a dynamic journey. Characters such as Kaladin and Elhokar show that personal growth and ethical choices shape one's moral compass over time. Kaladin decides not to assassinate Elhokar after recognizing the king’s effort to change. This demonstrates the evolution of morality as past actions and realizations guide future decisions.
Mental health and growth
Words of Radiance addresses mental health through its characters' personal struggles. Shallan's dissociation from traumatic experiences addresses themes of coping and self-discovery. Kaladin's battle with depression highlights resilience in adversity. These narratives depict the characters' attempts to navigate their turmoil and reconstruct their identities. This shows their path toward healing and purpose despite internal scars.
Quick facts
Words of Radiance won the David Gemmell Legend Award for Best Novel in 2015.
Words of Radiance debuted at #1 on The New York Times bestseller list.
Spanning 1,088 pages, Words of Radiance was the largest book Tor Books had printed at the time of its release in 2014.
Brandon Sanderson’s initial title for the book was “The Book of Endless Pages.”
Shallan Davar is highlighted as the central character, with significant development of her backstory.
Key themes explored include identity, leadership, mental health, resilience, and the value of cooperation.
Kaladin evolves significantly, transitioning from a doubtful soldier to a powerful Knight Radiant.
The Parshendi characters receive deeper portrayal, becoming tragic figures with their own perspective on the conflict.
Sanderson is praised for masterful world-building, detailed character arcs, and compelling action sequences.
The climax features a significant battle between characters Szeth and Kaladin, noted as a memorable moment.
The audiobook version is narrated by Michael Kramer and Kate Reading, consistent with the previous book.
About the author
Brandon Sanderson (1975-) is an American author of high fantasy and science fiction novels. He is widely acclaimed for his complex world-building, evident in the Cosmere universe, the setting for his two major fantasy series, Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive. He has also written multiple series of young adult novels, including The Reckoners, Skyward, and Alcatraz. Sanderson's work often features intricate magic systems and rich cultural details. He is also known for completing author Robert Jordan’s high fantasy series, The Wheel of Time.
