Words of Radiance

4.5 stars.

This was such a strong continuation of the story, with a huge amount of plot momentum propelling us forward, more additional layers and insights into this world and its people, and some excellent character work focusing on Shallan. Adolin, Pattern, Sebarial, and Eshonai were also very well built-upon (in Adolin's case) or introduced (for the other three). I definitely missed Dalinar's more in-depth involvement, though I do know that he is a focus of the next book, which I am very excited for. Kaladin, while still giving me the highest highs of excitement with his triumphs, and the lowest lows of anger and betrayal when things don't go well for him, did re-tread some emotional ground throughout this book, which knocked some points off of my enjoyment. It was clearly purposeful, as he gets involved in a clearly-wrong plot to kill the King and betray Dalinar's trust in him, Shallan confronts him about his attitude and judgement issues, and he got majorly punished by the universe with Syl's temporary loss -- which all leads to him finally snap out of his wishy-washy feelings in regards to his gifts.

I am extremely invested in this story and I am in it for the long haul, that is for sure. Can't wait to pick up the next book!