Words of Radiance (Brandon Sanderson)

Continuing from last time . . .

The war rages between the Alethi and Parshendi on the Shattered Plains. A seemingly endless war—yet something worse looms. Mysterious writings appear counting down days. A dreaded assassin has been spotted. The Parshendi are behaving oddly. Powerful individuals calling themselves the Ghostbloods plot their own schemes. Tensions are high; something is coming. Amidst it all . . .

- Kaladin Stormblessed now serves a guard for the unpopular king. Still learning to harness his abilities, he relies heavily on his spren, Syl, as a confidant and guide. But when old enemies arrive, he will soon be forced to choose between vengeance and honor . . . 

- Dalinar continues his fight against the Parshendi. His visions no longer secret, he realizes he must rally the kingdom for a final stand. He and his son, Adolin, attempt to do so. But Sadeas and others have their own machinations . . .

- Shallan grapples with her painful past as she learns at Jasnah's side. Can she help her mentor find Urithiru, the fabled lost city? The Shattered Plains may hold the key . . . 

- Szeth-son-son-Vallano continues carrying out his master's edicts, unable to disobey as he kills across the world. But a reckoning is coming . . . and all is about to change.

- Eshonai of the Parshendi sees a way for her people to prevail, drawing on a new yet dangerous power. But it may cost them everything . . .

Storms approach. The world shakes. Secrets are revealed. The Voidbringers are coming . . . will the Knights Radiant will rise again?

The Stormlight Archive continues with a massive book two (over 1300 pages). As with the first, I enjoyed the story, though this one felt unevenly paced. The characters remained excellent and the world  intriguing. The story progressed decently and there were unexpected twists (and much remains veiled). There were bursts of excellent messages. Some side stories seemed random, introducing new characters in new locales; I assume they will tie in at some point? Overall, I enjoyed it, though a touch less than the first.

Rating: A-