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- Title: Words of Radiance: Book Two of the Stormlight Archive
- Author: Brandon Sanderson
- Narrator: Kate Reading, Michael Kramer
- Length: 2.009293981
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 04-Mar
- Publisher: Macmillan Audio
- Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
Let me take you on a journey—one that’s been echoing in my ears for weeks now. *Words of Radiance: Book Two of the Stormlight Archive* by Brandon Sanderson, narrated by the incredible duo of Kate Reading and Michael Kramer, isn’t just an audiobook—it’s a wind-swept odyssey across the jagged landscapes of Roshar. At over 48 hours long, this epic fantasy audiobook is a commitment, but one that unfurls like a desert sunrise: slow, breathtaking, and worth every second.
I first cracked open this audiobook—or rather, pressed play—while winding through the dusty roads of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. The air outside was thick with the scent of cedar and spice, but inside my rental car, the storm-blasted plains of the Shattered Plains took over. It reminds me of a time when I was trekking the Atacama Desert, listening to *One Hundred Years of Solitude*. Back then, the surreal narration matched the alien sands stretching endlessly before me. With *Words of Radiance*, though, it’s the clash of steel and the howl of highstorms that sync with the rugged world beyond my windshield. Sanderson’s storytelling is a force of nature, and this audiobook experience feels like a companion on a grand adventure.
The story picks up where *The Way of Kings* left off, diving deeper into the lives of Kaladin, Shallan, and Dalinar. Kaladin, the dark-eyed spearman turned bodyguard, grapples with newfound powers tied to his spren, Syl, while protecting a king who doesn’t deserve his loyalty. Shallan, brilliant and broken, chases secrets that could unravel the world, her wit as sharp as the shards she seeks. And Dalinar, the stalwart highprince, faces an assassin whose powers defy comprehension—Szeth, the white-clad nightmare who haunts Roshar’s rulers. Then there’s Eshonai, the Parshendi warleader, whose desperate gamble could reshape everything. Sanderson weaves these threads with a master’s touch, building a tapestry of honor, betrayal, and the weight of choices.
What strikes me most is how personal this epic feels. Kaladin’s struggle to rise above his past mirrors moments I’ve seen in my travels—like the time I met a fisherman in Oaxaca who rebuilt his life after a hurricane took everything. His quiet resilience, much like Kaladin’s, stayed with me. Shallan’s fractured strength reminds me of the stories I heard from that Oaxacan grandmother, her voice weaving tales of survival with a cadence that held us all spellbound. Sanderson’s characters aren’t just larger-than-life; they’re deeply human, flawed and fighting through their storms.
Now, let’s talk about the audiobook experience itself—because with Kate Reading and Michael Kramer at the helm, it’s a masterclass in narration. Kramer’s gravelly timbre brings Kaladin and Dalinar to life with a rugged intensity that you can almost feel in your bones. He’s the voice of a warrior, steady and commanding, yet layered with vulnerability. Reading, meanwhile, captures Shallan’s spark and Eshonai’s gravity with a warmth and precision that pull you into their minds. Together, they’re like two sides of a coin, balancing the masculine and feminine energies of Roshar. The audio quality is pristine, with every clash of Shardblades and rustle of storm-blown cloaks crisp and immersive. It’s the kind of listening experience that makes you forget you’re just hearing a story—you’re *there*, trudging through the chasms or standing atop Urithiru.
That said, it’s not flawless. At nearly 50 hours, the audiobook can feel like a marathon—especially during some of Shallan’s slower scholarly detours. I found myself wishing for a tighter edit in spots, much like when I’ve lingered too long in a market, captivated but ready to move on. And while the dual narration is a strength, the frequent shifts between voices can jar you out of the flow if you’re not fully locked in. Still, these are minor quibbles in a work this vast. The payoff—the climactic battles, the revelations about the Voidbringers, the quiet moments of connection—is worth every minute.
How does it stack up? Compared to *The Way of Kings*, *Words of Radiance* feels more confident, its world richer and its stakes higher. It’s less an introduction and more a plunge into the deep end. If you’ve listened to other Cosmere tales like *Mistborn*, you’ll spot Sanderson’s signature: intricate magic systems (hello, Surgebinding!) and plots that twist like mountain roads. But this audiobook stands apart in its sheer scale—think *Lord of the Rings* meets *Game of Thrones*, with a dash of desert mysticism.
Who’s this for? If you’re a fan of epic fantasy that rewards patience, this is your next listen. It’s perfect for long drives, quiet evenings, or any time you crave a story that sweeps you away. Newcomers might want to start with *The Way of Kings* to get their bearings, but for those ready to dive into Roshar’s storms, *Words of Radiance* is an audiobook free to claim your soul—just check Audiobooks.com for a free download if you’re lucky enough to snag it.
Reflecting on it now, this audiobook feels like those nights in Oaxaca, gathered around the grandmother’s tales. The best narrators—like Reading and Kramer—don’t just read; they transport you. They make you taste the dust of the Shattered Plains, hear the wind’s roar, feel the weight of a world on the brink. It’s a reminder of why I love stories: they connect us, across miles and lifetimes, to something bigger.
So, grab your earbuds, hit play, and let Roshar unfold before you. It’s a journey worth taking.
Until the next tale,
Marcus Rivera
