Words of Radiance Reactions (SPOILERS)

[Delightful]

I honestly can't wait for Jasnah's book!!

Ditto! Although I wonder how much time will be spent at the library.

[Erai Sedai he/him]

Ditto! Although I wonder how much time will be spent at the library.

haha i know right! 

[kadolin]

Most memorable part of the book for me.

 

Syl arguing with Stormfather while urging Kal in his dire moment to say the 3rd Oath.

 

He is mine! I claim him.

HE BETRAYED HIS OATH.

I don't care.

HE WILL KILL YOU.

The Words. Kaladin. You have to speak the Words!

I FORBID THIS.

YOUR WILL MATTERS NOT! YOU CANNOT HOLD ME BACK IF HE SPEAKS THE WORDS!

 

Was so full of emotions reading that part. >< Her loyalty, her faith, putting her life on the line despite Kal sorta killing her once.

[AerionBFII he/him]

Gave me shivers man!!

 

Too many epic moments to quote but the one that sticks with me is Hoid and Jasnah.... going Bonnie and Clyde..

 

He looked down as she twisted her Shardblade rotating the tip pointing at him. "I'd be surprised if that little knife of yours poses me any real threat Kholin."

[Anomander Matt]

Finally got around to reading WOR. I loved the book and couldn't put it down for 4 days! I'd convinced myself not to read any series that weren't completed due to my frustration with asoif. I'm glad I changed my mind. I've read most of the responses in this thread and have just a few comments. The first is related to those that are disappointed in no major pov characters dying. I've always felt the grrm style is an easy/cheap way to force out an emotional response from the reader by killing a main character (out maybe I'm still bitter over Ned Stark lol). I'm not saying a main character should ever die, but I prefer to look at an epic story as a decision to start with characters that make it to the end, and describe their path. To clarify, if I ever wrote my own epic, I'd take the characters that I plan to be key to the final outcome, and tell their story from the beginning. I'm not saying every character I'd start with would survive the entire time, but that I'd want as much of the backstory for the final protagonists/antagonists known from beginning to end. By saying this I simply mean to convey that I'm glad Dalinar, Adolin, etc survived thus far.

As for my own thoughts - I'd assumed Jasnah had survived in shadesmar due to the mystery and quickness if her death - especially being such a main character whose final dead body was never seen.

I'd actually thought Kaladin would have a confrontation with Szeth where he convinced him the Knights were refounded (breaking his truthless oath), then persuaded him to teach everything he knew about lashings. I was way off on that lol

I actually was surprisingly into Shallan's character this book (not the flashbacks, but the current events).

The Kadolin, Adolin, Shallan triangle does make me uncomfortable.

Ok so I'd like to add more, but getting called to bed by the wife, but I look forward to pouring through this site for more information about the cosmere!

[Guest]

Finally got around to reading WOR. I loved the book and couldn't put it down for 4 days! I'd convinced myself not to read any series that weren't completed due to my frustration with asoif. I'm glad I changed my mind. I've read most of the responses in this thread and have just a few comments. The first is related to those that are disappointed in no major pov characters dying. I've always felt the grrm style is an easy/cheap way to force out an emotional response from the reader by killing a main character (out maybe I'm still bitter over Ned Stark lol). I'm not saying a main character should ever die, but I prefer to look at an epic story as a decision to start with characters that make it to the end, and describe their path. To clarify, if I ever wrote my own epic, I'd take the characters that I plan to be key to the final outcome, and tell their story from the beginning. I'm not saying every character I'd start with would survive the entire time, but that I'd want as much of the backstory for the final protagonists/antagonists known from beginning to end. By saying this I simply mean to convey that I'm glad Dalinar, Adolin, etc survived thus far.

 

I couldn't agree with you more on the death toll. I to hate to invest myself in a character only to see him (or her) get blatantly killed. However, in defense to GRRM, Ned Stark needed to die for the story to move forward and he has refrain himself from killing any other too important character. The main crew is still more or less intact and for this I am grateful. As for SA, I sincerely hope our main crew will make it to the end, whole, but I must say I do expect Dalinar to die at some point. I do not mind some of the secondary character, such as Elhokar,  to bite the dust, but killing Adolin because it would be painful or worst to free Shallan to make room for Kaladin would be horrible.

 

 

As for my own thoughts - I'd assumed Jasnah had survived in shadesmar due to the mystery and quickness if her death - especially being such a main character whose final dead body was never seen.

 

I thought Jasnah was dead, dead.

 

 

I'd actually thought Kaladin would have a confrontation with Szeth where he convinced him the Knights were refounded (breaking his truthless oath), then persuaded him to teach everything he knew about lashings. I was way off on that lol

 

I expected Kal to come forward with his knowledge much before that in the book. I had no hopes for Szeth except to see him die as I do not particularly like him as a character. I do not enjoy reading his POV either.

 

 

I actually was surprisingly into Shallan's character this book (not the flashbacks, but the current events).

The Kadolin, Adolin, Shallan triangle does make me uncomfortable.

 

Shallan did grew up on me in this book. I absolutely loved the Shallan/Adolin pairing as I think they are adorable together. I hated the chasm scene as it felt like a plot device to plant Kaladin as a potential love interest for Shallan. Bottom line is I do not want Shallan and Kaladin to end up as a couple and I would throw my book away if Brandon decides the best way to make it happen is to kill of Adolin.

 

Welcome.

[kadolin]

Shallan did grew up on me in this book. I absolutely loved the Shallan/Adolin pairing as I think they are adorable together. I hated the chasm scene as it felt like a plot device to plant Kaladin as a potential love interest for Shallan. Bottom line is I do not want Shallan and Kaladin to end up as a couple and I would throw my book away if Brandon decides the best way to make it happen is to kill of Adolin.

 

Yea I groaned when I saw it in play, that Shaladin ship need to sink or a better pairing made for those 3 without ruining their friendship. I don't want to see jealousy between Kaladin & Adolin. Brandon did mention he likes conflicts in relationships, that storming sadist.

[Guest]

Yea I groaned when I saw it in play, that Shaladin ship need to sink or a better pairing made for those 3 without ruining their friendship. I don't want to see jealousy between Kaladin & Adolin. Brandon did mention he likes conflicts in relationships, that storming sadist.

 

Well, I think we are bound to see at least some jealousy as I suspect Adolin will find out about the chasm scene. Anyway, I could see Adolin jumping down on Kaladin for calling the dibs on his girl. It does not mean it would ruin the friendship though. It may bring them closer as they would get to express what they really think of each other and fight like two roasters in a ring. Nothing brings out a good bromance better than a little fist fight over a girl

 

However, if Shallan breaks up with Adolin to go with Kaladin and both gets established as a happy couple, then yes it would ruin the friendship, unless Adolin gets killed, which is probably why most Shalladin shippers are hoping for his death

 

As for the conflict implied by Brandon, I am personally more envisaging something along the lines of Adolin thinking he is not good enough for Shallan and trying to break up with her or maybe Shallan growing more distant due to her other "occupations" and Adolin thinking she must want to break up because, you know, he is not a Radiant and, you know, all his relationships fail anyway........ On her side, Shallan will need to acknowledge whatever feelings she has for Adolin: does she really want to marry him or does she just think he is handsome? My favorite screenplay is angsty Adolin pushing everyone away from him only to find himself in a very tight spot as he'll attempt some crazy highly dangerous feat of some sort trying to redeemed himself which would force Shallan to confront her feelings. Now that she is about to really loose him, how does she feel about him? That would be sweet, but cheezy, I'll admit

[Kal973]

Finished !

So these were my reactions while I was reading...

 

1)What de storm Jasnah's dead ??? She can't be !  No way ! Brandon, you can't trick me on this, Jasnah is my favourite female character ! She rocks ! She's not dead !

2)I'm a stick . Shallan, if you want it to soulcast sticks pretend to be Jasnah, it could convince them... 

 

3)Kal, don't be such a paranoid b****, Dalinar is not trying to abuse you. 

 

4)Wow, Shallan certainly knows how to play her part !

5)Pattern  I want a Pattern

6)Shadolin's first date.  Shallan you just killed me. 

7) Kaladin and the horse . Reminds me of Shallan and the stick

8) Kal, can't you see Adolin's trying to be nice with you ?

9) Kadolin fighting 4 shardbearers... Guys, you are awesome when you fight together !

10) Adolin stayed in jail to convince Elhokar he had to release Kaladin ? Wow, I really love this guy.

11) Kal, you little... what the storm are you doing, why do you give this shardblade to Moash. The guy just told you he wanted to kill the king and you're supposed to be a bodyguard you stupid man !

10) Shallan saves the day (and Kal) in the chasms. Wow, this girl is a true radiant-to-be. Kal, look at her and stop complaining !

11) Bridge four, best team ever !

12) Kal, you were such a pain in the *** during this whole book, but you are so... storming stormblessed when you act as the one you truly are inside !! The Elhokar rescuing and the fight against Sezth were epic ! 

13) Thank you Adolin for killing Sadeas, the guy was driving me mad !

14) So Shallan killed both her parents. That's hard. 

15) I knew Jasnah was NOT dead ! I want more of Jasnah ! 

16) I CAN'T WAIT I HAVE TO READ THE NEXT BOOK

[LtGrimes618 he/him]

Okay  help me out what is nightblood and what other series does it play a role in the Cosmere? Thanks

[natc]

Okay help me out what is nightblood and what other series does it play a role in the Cosmere? Thanks

The sword leaking black smoke at the end that cheerfully asks if anybody felt like destroying evil today.

Just read Warbreaker.

[Patrick Star]

I got frustrated with all of the character's antics, and was mostly raging by the end.

 

[Shaggai]

I couldn't agree with you more on the death toll. I to hate to invest myself in a character only to see him (or her) get blatantly killed. However, in defense to GRRM, Ned Stark needed to die for the story to move forward and he has refrain himself from killing any other too important character.

Read A Storm of Swords.

[Winds Alight she/her]

Well, this is gonna be long. And loud. I will YELL at things. And there will be spoilers. Of course!

 

I started reading the book 3.5 weeks ago because I kinda had to. It has been four years since I read The Way of Kings and I forgot a lot that happened then and I didn't want to lose everything. And I had three weeks of vacation, wo I figured "Now or never". I didn't really expect three weeks to be enough since I needed almost two months for The Way of Kings, but I was done in two weeks with WoR. I was kinda slow in the beginning, but the second half I took like four days and then I was through.

 

 

I kinde measured the book in Kaladin chapters from the beginning and was grinning whenever I read about him.

Jasnah's death really got me unexpected. I was just like "Wait what, HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?" (when of course it actually DID NOT HAPPEN, as we saw in the epilogue, but back then, I was surprised)

Also, Shallan surprised me in book two. In book one, I didn't like her all that much and when I learned that book two would be centered on her, I groaned internally. But then, everything changed when the Ghostbloods attacked. Without Jasnah and all on her own, she got so very exciting. Pattern helped in that. I loved him from the beginning.

 

Throughout the book, I still craved for every piece of Kaladin. It was great to see him from different POVs, Dalinar, Adolin and later Shallan.

I thoroughly enjoiyed every scene in which Kal was in hte chasms with his crew. The surgebinding practicing was fun.

When it came to Adolin's relationship to Kal, I found myself waiting for them to beat each other up and then become friends afterwards.

 

When Shallan an dKaladin met for the first time, I was laughing hysterically. "Boots!" This was GOLDEN.

 

I almost wet myself when Szeth first attacked. They all were so utterly unprepared and my heart almost stopped when Kaladin got hit. Dalinar's reaction to finding out Kaladin's alive was kind of touching. He ... cared.

 

The four on one duel was so intense, I had to read until deep in the night. After that, it took me only three days to finish the book. This fight was what really stopped me caring about anything else than this book and what happens next.

I cried my eyes out when Kaladin was in prison and said "Never again". Later it was kinda funny how Dalinar said that every soldier at least once in his life spends time in prison and that it isn't a big deal at all.

And, of course, ADOLIN LOCKED HIMSELF IN A CELL TOO because he didn't think it was right to lock Kaladin in. I LOVE the guy, SO MUCH. And Adolin WEARS COLOGNE IN PRISON. This was the moment I definitely knew those two were going to be BFFs. Despite their differences, they are very much alike.

 

And. AND. KALADIN AND SHALLAN, IN TH CHASMS. I alawys mark scenes and lines I love most with post-its, and the chapters they spent together are the ones where I got two post-its on one page because THIS WAS SO PRECIOUS. Of course, they acted stupid and I kept yelling "You are so dumb! BOTH OF YOU!!!"

I really wasn't surprised to see them kiiiiinda fall for each other. I'm looking forward where that's going to lead to. Love triangle? This could be bad, but at the same time absolutely hilarious.

 

Kaladin losing his powers and fearing he killed Syl with his plans was TORTURE. HOW COULD YOU. From the first moment on when hi actually considered killing the king would be A GOOD IDEA I was all NO DON'T DO THAT IT'S A BAD IDEA.

And then came the big showdown and Kal became what he needed to be. Yes, I was excited, I grinned stupidly and read the scenes over and over again because I couldn't get over them. The big fight Szeth vs Kaladin was extremely intense.

 

And Adolin GRINNING BECAUSE HE KNEW "SOMETHING WAS OFF ABOUT KALADIN". And "you too?" to Shallan  See what you've gotten yourself into, boy.

 

The end was ... hard. I think having killed Sadeas will have consequences. Well, OF COURSE it will. And I'm afraid it will make Adolin a much darker man than the bright lad he is now.

 

The Lopen starting to glow made me cheer loudly. The whole book made me cheer.

 

When I finished the last page, I had to go back and read many scenes again. And I will to so many more times. I know this.

 

 

I'm sorry for this nonsense. But finally I got it out of my system. All the emotions!

[Guest]

...

 

It is always interesting to read other people's reactions. Yours could not be more different then mine 

[Edgedancer he/him]

Well, this is gonna be long. And loud. I will YELL at things. And there will be spoilers. Of course!

 

I started reading the book 3.5 weeks ago because I kinda had to. It has been four years since I read The Way of Kings and I forgot a lot that happened then and I didn't want to lose everything. And I had three weeks of vacation, wo I figured "Now or never". I didn't really expect three weeks to be enough since I needed almost two months for The Way of Kings, but I was done in two weeks with WoR. I was kinda slow in the beginning, but the second half I took like four days and then I was through.

 

 

I kinde measured the book in Kaladin chapters from the beginning and was grinning whenever I read about him.

Jasnah's death really got me unexpected. I was just like "Wait what, HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?" (when of course it actually DID NOT HAPPEN, as we saw in the epilogue, but back then, I was surprised)

Also, Shallan surprised me in book two. In book one, I didn't like her all that much and when I learned that book two would be centered on her, I groaned internally. But then, everything changed when the Ghostbloods attacked. Without Jasnah and all on her own, she got so very exciting. Pattern helped in that. I loved him from the beginning.

 

Throughout the book, I still craved for every piece of Kaladin. It was great to see him from different POVs, Dalinar, Adolin and later Shallan.

I thoroughly enjoiyed every scene in which Kal was in hte chasms with his crew. The surgebinding practicing was fun.

When it came to Adolin's relationship to Kal, I found myself waiting for them to beat each other up and then become friends afterwards.

 

When Shallan an dKaladin met for the first time, I was laughing hysterically. "Boots!" This was GOLDEN.

 

I almost wet myself when Szeth first attacked. They all were so utterly unprepared and my heart almost stopped when Kaladin got hit. Dalinar's reaction to finding out Kaladin's alive was kind of touching. He ... cared.

 

The four on one duel was so intense, I had to read until deep in the night. After that, it took me only three days to finish the book. This fight was what really stopped me caring about anything else than this book and what happens next.

I cried my eyes out when Kaladin was in prison and said "Never again". Later it was kinda funny how Dalinar said that every soldier at least once in his life spends time in prison and that it isn't a big deal at all.

And, of course, ADOLIN LOCKED HIMSELF IN A CELL TOO because he didn't think it was right to lock Kaladin in. I LOVE the guy, SO MUCH. And Adolin WEARS COLOGNE IN PRISON. This was the moment I definitely knew those two were going to be BFFs. Despite their differences, they are very much alike.

 

And. AND. KALADIN AND SHALLAN, IN TH CHASMS. I alawys mark scenes and lines I love most with post-its, and the chapters they spent together are the ones where I got two post-its on one page because THIS WAS SO PRECIOUS. Of course, they acted stupid and I kept yelling "You are so dumb! BOTH OF YOU!!!"

I really wasn't surprised to see them kiiiiinda fall for each other. I'm looking forward where that's going to lead to. Love triangle? This could be bad, but at the same time absolutely hilarious.

 

Kaladin losing his powers and fearing he killed Syl with his plans was TORTURE. HOW COULD YOU. From the first moment on when hi actually considered killing the king would be A GOOD IDEA I was all NO DON'T DO THAT IT'S A BAD IDEA.

And then came the big showdown and Kal became what he needed to be. Yes, I was excited, I grinned stupidly and read the scenes over and over again because I couldn't get over them. The big fight Szeth vs Kaladin was extremely intense.

 

And Adolin GRINNING BECAUSE HE KNEW "SOMETHING WAS OFF ABOUT KALADIN". And "you too?" to Shallan  See what you've gotten yourself into, boy.

 

The end was ... hard. I think having killed Sadeas will have consequences. Well, OF COURSE it will. And I'm afraid it will make Adolin a much darker man than the bright lad he is now.

 

The Lopen starting to glow made me cheer loudly. The whole book made me cheer.

 

When I finished the last page, I had to go back and read many scenes again. And I will to so many more times. I know this.

 

 

I'm sorry for this nonsense. But finally I got it out of my system. All the emotions!

I have to say that was enjoyable to read.

 

One thing I'd like to ask you, given that you didn't mention it. Did you recognize the blade given to Szeth at the end?

 

...also you might want to know that there's a retcon coming concerning the end to Kaladin/Szeth fight.

Edited May 10, 2015 by Edgedancer

[Winds Alight she/her]

Thanks

I have to say that was enjoyable to read.

 

One thing I'd like to ask you, given that you didn't mention it. Did you recognize the blade given to Szeth at the end?

 

...also you might want to know that there's a retcon coming concerning the end to Kaladin/Szeth fight.

 

Uhm, can't say that I have, no.

 

Ans well, what could that be. 

[Edgedancer he/him]

Thanks

 

Uhm, can't say that I have, no.

 

Ans well, what could that be. 

A shame, recognizing that one is a blast. Anyway, try reading Warbreaker. It's available for free on Branond's website.

 

From what he said he's changing it in the paperback, so Kaladin averts delivering the killing blow in the last second and Szeth severs his bond to the Honorblade, taking away his ability to use Stormlight, and just lets himself fall to his death. As far as Brandon's reasons go, he said it's apparently both because Kaladin killing an opponent that has given up goes against the theme (because just letting the same man fall to his death to secure a powerful Shard is so much better ) and so having him come back to live feels less like a betrayal to the readers because the absolutely 100% deadly landing didn't happen on screen or something like that... yeah I'm not a fan of the retcon.

[Winds Alight she/her]

Wow. The Warbreaker thing. I see. That's embarrassing. But then again, I read that one more than four years ago and I forgot so much. Shame on me. I wish I had time to read all of Sanderson's books again, I also forgot half of Mistborn and Elantris 

 

Uuuh ... well. I don't think I would like that. 

[AerionBFII he/him]

Did anybody else pin down the exact moment reading this book when they changed from

"OMG WHAT HAPPENS NEXT  ??"  to "OMG IM NEARLY FINISHED   "

[Winds Alight she/her]

Eeeeh, I forgot two scenes that made me react in VERY funny ways.

 

First one was the one where Kal and friends are supposed to learn how to ride a horse.

Moash's "Can't I just slap it on the head like a chull to make it stop?" cracked me up. I'm a rider and have a horse myself, so I know how much that wouldn't work and it was HILARIOUS to see Kaladin being TERRIFIED of getting on the horse 

 

 

The second scene was the one with Sebarial in the showdown. Everyone's screaming and running around in terror, dying or already dead, and he and his wife just sit there, save an unorganised army from certain death, eat and READ BOOKS. I LOVED that.
"The end of the world? Meh, better get this book done. And look, food is flying by, would be a shame if it ended up in the chasms."