The new, hardcover editions of Brandon Sanderson‘s WORDS OF RADIANCE are due to be published in the UK in two weeks (April 14th)! The second novel in the acclaimed and best-selling Stormlight Archive epic fantasy series, published by Gollancz, here’s the synopsis…
Expected by his enemies to die the miserable death of a military slave, Kaladin survived to be given command of the royal bodyguards, a controversial first for a low-status “darkeyes.” Now he must protect the king and Dalinar from every common peril as well as the distinctly uncommon threat of the Assassin, all while secretly struggling to master remarkable new powers that are somehow linked to his honorspren, Syl.
The Assassin, Szeth, is active again, murdering rulers all over the world of Roshar, using his baffling powers to thwart every bodyguard and elude all pursuers. Among his prime targets is Highprince Dalinar, widely considered the power behind the Alethi throne. His leading role in the war would seem reason enough, but the Assassin’s master has much deeper motives.
Brilliant but troubled Shallan strives along a parallel path. Despite being broken in ways she refuses to acknowledge, she bears a terrible burden: to somehow prevent the return of the legendary Voidbringers and the civilization-ending Desolation that will follow. The secrets she needs can be found at the Shattered Plains, but just arriving there proves more difficult than she could have imagined.
Meanwhile, at the heart of the Shattered Plains, the Parshendi are making an epochal decision. Hard pressed by years of Alethi attacks, their numbers ever shrinking, they are convinced by their war leader, Eshonai, to risk everything on a desperate gamble with the very supernatural forces they once fled. The possible consequences for Parshendi and humans alike, indeed, for Roshar itself, are as dangerous as they are incalculable.
Gollancz has also released THE WAY OF KINGS in new hardcover editions (out now) and are due to publish the third instalment in the series, OATHBRINGER, in new editions in July 2022.
Here are just a few of the reviews WORDS OF RADIANCE has received…
‘Balancing fascinating worldbuilding with a page-turner of a plot, this is a series fantasy fans won’t want to miss.’ — Kirkus (Starred Review)
‘Brandon Sanderson’s reputation is finally as big as his novels.’ — New York Times
‘Sanderson has used the room afforded by a book of this size to build it in loving detail […] the characterization is on the whole as as meticulous as the world-building. A very impressive continuation.’ — Booklist
‘Sanderson’s skill at world building is unmatched, and in the Stormlight Archive series he has developed an innovative magical system and combined it with rich, complex characters to create a compelling story. His eagerly awaited sequel to THE WAY OF KINGS exceeds expectations. This developing epic series is a must-read for all fantasy fans.’ — Library Journal
‘WORDS OF RADIANCE may be the most accomplished followup to a popular first novel in the last 15 years and the time and energy that Sanderson put into this work tells throughout the novel.’ — Buzzfeed
‘WORDS OF RADIANCE is excellent […] [it] cranks up the level of intrigue to dizzying extremes […] Sanderson’s experiment is working, and he gets better with every book. The journey will be worth it. Yes, you should buy this book. Yes, this is a series worth following to the end.’ — Tor.com
‘Whether you’ve been hyped for WORDS OF RADIANCE or not, you are not prepared for how fantastic it is […] it absolutely revels in its fantasy world, one of actual gods, bizarre magic, knights with superpowers, spirits and sorcery, monsters, demons, and magic sword called Shardblades. It embraces the fantastic, and does so with an astonishing amount of creativity […] WORDS OF RADIANCE is a must-read.’ — io9.com
The fourth instalment in the series, RHYTHM OF WAR, is also published in the UK by Gollancz, and will be available in new paperback editions on April 28th.
Zeno represents Brandon Sanderson in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.