In cinema, gaming, and literature, it is a rarity for the sequel to outperform the original. But when one does, it does so in a decidedly spectacular fashion. The Empire Strikes Back, Kingdom Hearts 2, and today’s focus — Words of Radiance, the second entry into the Stormlight Archive.

The praise is certainly deserved. To prove my point, check out the Goodreads Top 100 Books list (books with over 100k ratings). It should be noted that this book eclipses the likes of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Return of the King.

If you’re already a fan of Sanderson but haven’t read The Way of Kings, go do so immediately. It is absolutely required. If you have read it, I’m astonished you weren’t immediately clamoring for this entry already.

Having spent the last 7 months working my way through the greater share of the Cosmere, I can appreciate the connections—sometimes subtle, sometimes very explicit. What I’ve come to realize is that Roshar and the events of the Stormlight Archive are absolutely the true heart of the whole… shebang? (I honestly don’t know what the proper word would be here, as “Franchise” sounds too reductive!)

Refer to the previous article for the finer details on the Setting and the goings on in The Way of Kings.

We pick up with Shallan, who takes a much more central role this time around. She is traveling on the same ship she once sailed to reach Kharbranth, but this time she’s joined by Jasnah. As they discuss the mysterious happenings plaguing the world, Jasnah reluctantly begins sharing her theories. Unfortunately, the pair is separated, and Shallan is forced to make the journey to the Shattered Plains alone. With most of her belongings gone, she carries what remains of Jasnah’s research on a ride with a familiar face...

Meanwhile, Kaladin is adjusting to life as a free man, though he struggles to reconcile his debt to a Lighteyes. Despite his internal conflict, he dedicates himself to his role as a bodyguard. The rest of Bridge Four is with him, and together they begin the rehabilitation of the former Bridgecrews into a true fighting force.

Dalinar continues to have visions, but a worrying countdown has appeared, seemingly heralding a terrifying threat. His plan to have Adolin duel for Shardblades is progressing—though perhaps not as fast as necessary. Things are thrown further out of alignment with dark news and a surprising new arrival: Shallan.

Shallan brings news of Jasnah and a few new tricks she picked up en route. She confirms she is Adolin’s intended, sparking a courtship that, while different from Alethi expectations, is far more charming than I anticipated.

On the other side of the war, Eshonai is attempting to broker peace, hoping against hope to speak to Dalinar. Her sister, however, has discovered a new form and intends to bind her people—the Listeners, or “Singers”—with it. Finally, Shen (revealed as Rlain) questions his place in this new paradigm. Though accepted by Bridge Four, he ultimately chooses to return to his people because something is coming… something sinister.

Wow, wow, WOW!

I am an unabashed fan of Sanderson and the Cosmere, but for the first time in a very long while, I can say without a doubt that Words of Radiance is not only my favorite Cosmere novel, but it is—without a doubt—in my top 3 novels of all time.

I came into this world through the Mistborn Saga. Era 1 was a revelation for me, and Era 2 (sorry Vin) is even better, but Stormlight was a part of the Cosmere that I’d felt was “overhyped.” I couldn’t fathom that anything would be bigger or better than what I’d read previously. I see now why Roshar is such a focal point, and I can see why it’s often referred to as his “Magnum Opus.”

The themes hit just as hard as the world-building:

The highs in this book are heights unmatched, and the lows hit just as deep. I am being completely honest when I say I was a man possessed toward the end of this book. I read over 400 pages in a single day—I could NOT put it down. This was a “Sanderlanche” unparalleled in my prior reading.