Words of Radiance

This is a book I read during Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon!

Anyone who knows me knows how much I ADORE Brandon Sanderson. I attempt to explain how much I love his writing and words fall utterly short. He is a genius, an evil, evil, amazing, GOD of writing.

Moving on.

This book. I cried three times during this book- out of happiness. I laughed aloud like a lunatic in a public place (Dear people in Starbucks- I assure you I am sound of mind!). I think my heart was running a marathon for the last 500 pages.

Olan Rogers will help me illustrate how much I loved this book-

Thank you Olan. BTW- if you have never watched his Ghost in the Stalls video. Do it. Your sides will hurt from the laughing. Click here to watch!

Also- let me say right now, my new favorite book OF ALL TIME is Words of Radiance. Also, let me go on record to say that Sanderson should have a group of bodyguards who protect his person and a group of scientists to make sure his vitals are all okay. Because we have 8 more of these GIANT books (thank goodness!) that have to come out. And I don’t think I could take not knowing what happens.

Anyway- onwards. What do I love so much about Sanderson? Well. Apart from him being a literary genius, I LOVE the way he writes in hints. As I read I gather little clues along the way, but they are not overt, and they are not predictable. He handles characters amazingly. You CARE about the characters. They are flawed, but they are wonderful, and you love them despite their flaws. And development. Character development, relationship development, world development. It’s all so wonderful.

If you have not read this book and the book before it STOP NOW. I am going into geek-out-spoiler-mode.

My friend and fellow Sanderson geek, Katie, called this. I however, did not. My heart stopped. Katie said she knew it had to happen eventually because Shallan needed to grow into her own, and this had to happen without Jasnah. She was so right. It should have been obvious because Words of Radiance is Shallan’s book. Anyway- I was heartbroken because I LOVED Jasnah.

As I said, this was Shallan’s book. We finally got to find out what happened in her past. She killed her mom, which I had kind of guessed, but what I didn’t realize is that she killed her mom with Pattern. This just sets my head spinning…

We also get to see Shallan really blossom in this book. She learns how to work with Pattern, she becomes strong in so many different ways. Shallan is bad ass in this book. And I think she is my favorite character.

Kaladin, oh Kaladin. You sir, are a grumpy pants. Seriously the whining and moping and anger issues that happened in this book were ridiculous. BUT. Then he meets Shallan. And slowly things change.

Shadolin. I like Adolin and Shallan together, I really do. They are cute, and he is learning so much from her. However, I am totally shipping Shadalin.

They had some awesome scenes where they learn to appreciate each other. I think my favorite chapter in this book was Boots, which happens to be when Shallan and Kaladin first meet. Shallan pretends to be a Horneater when she rides up to the city and she demands that Kaladin gives her his books as recompense for insulting her. Best. Chapter. Ever. Written. I was laughing so hard my everything hurt.

Shallan ends up showing Kaladin how broken she is and as a result Kaladin sees that his moping and anger isn’t justified. He too can be like Shallan. And he begins to change. The moment was beautiful.

Wit was confusing to me in the first book. I could tell he was important, really, really important, but I didn’t really understand who he was, or what his purpose was. Holy cannoli! This book gave such huge hints. And Wit is awesome, he really is.

Kaladin becoming a radiant was one of those happy moments where I cried I was so happy. Kaladin finds himself and finds his honor in protecting the king even though he wants him dead. And at his weakest he becomes most strong and bonds with Syl. It was beautiful, and perfect.

Szeth dies!!! I was so excited. And then…Szeth was brought back to life. And I wanted to smack something.

Kaladin tells Dalinar about Amaram, but the problem is the two are bffs. I was so frustrated at Kaladin for not understanding that you can’t just accuse someone like Amaram without proof. Your word against his is not going to work. But finally the truth is revealed.

Adolin kills Sadeas and I cheered for happiness. FINALLY. And no one brought his sorry ass back to life, thank goodness.

And Jasnah returns to this world just after all the excitement has ended. But hey, at least she is alive!!

So obviously I loved this book. There was no a single bit I can say was not good. If I could give this ten stars, I would. However I can only go to 5, so 5 it is.