There’s one critique that’s continuously followedThe Stormlight Archive, but it’s actually the book series' greatest virtue. Commonly considered thebest of Brandon Sanderson’s books,The Stormlight Archiveseries is a gigantic venture of epic fantasy, passing even the likes ofA Song of Ice & FireorThe Wheel of Timein average novel length. It’s an immense series to commit to, but the ultimate reward crucially overshadows the intimidation of those page counts.
Likely due to the density of each volume,The Stormlight Archiveisn’t Sanderson’s most widely read work. That title goes toMistborn, his other long-running series, which has appealed to a broader pool of audiences with its shorter and easier-to-follow story. But for fans ofSanderson’s Cosmere fantasy universe, the novels set on Roshar are must-read material, and there are reasons to look past the drastic length. For instance, book 2,Words of Radiance, is the highest-rated book ever on Goodreads. While such a score should be treated with a grain of salt, it’s still a notable accomplishment.
The Stormlight Archive’s Slow Pacing Allows For Great Endings
Brandon Sanderson Has Mastered The Slow-burn Narrative
The most common critique ofThe Stormlight Archiveis its pacing.The Way of Kingsis the shortest installment in the series at just over 1,000 pages, but even it can be slow to get through at first, as Sanderson spends a significant number of pages setting up the world and characters. Further along in the series, thebooksOathbringerandRhythm of Warhave received some criticism for their redundancy and general issues with pacing. While these aren’t entirely unjustified criticisms, there’s a distinct reason why Sanderson’s books are crafted this way.
383,181
403,736
454,768
Rhythm of War
455,891
Brandon Sanderson isn’t just writing books with massive word counts to dissuade potential readers. HisStormlight Archivenovels are purposefully written to be slow-burn narratives. They’re epics, after all. There’sa long drag of build-up in each novel, which ultimately allows for a more hard-hitting, impactful climax. ConsiderThe Way of Kingsand how much time readers spend familiarizing themselves with Kaladin. By the novel’s ending, there’s a profound emotional connection between the reader and the character, and it makes the final battle on the Shattered Plains and subsequent events incredibly moving.
I’m Tired Of Fantasy Shows Copying Game Of Thrones, But It’s Exactly What The Stormlight Archive’s Adaptation Needs
Every modern fantasy show has copied Game of Thrones, and I’d like to see The Stormlight Archive be the first to take the right lessons from it.
Wind And Truth Will Be Brandon Sanderson’s Longest Book Yet
Wind And Truth Is Supposed To Be Nearly 500,000 Words
Sanderson’supcoming book isWind and Truth, which will be the final installment of the first arc ofThe Stormlight Archiveseries. It’s reported to be his longest book yet, which perfectly coincides with the idea of having a powerful ending. This may not be the last book in the saga, but to conclude the arc that began with 2010’sThe Way of Kings,readers should expect a long, drawn-out process that’s ensured to hit every emotional beat, capping off the arcs for characters like Kaladin, Shallan, and Dalinar.
The Stormlight Archive
The Stormlight Archive is an epic fantasy series by Brandon Sanderson, set on the storm-ravaged world of Roshar. The series follows multiple characters, each with their unique storylines, as they navigate political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and powerful magic. Central to the story are the Knights Radiant, legendary warriors with magical abilities who must return to save their world from impending destruction. The series explores themes of honor, leadership, and the burden of power.
