In 2023, I ranked The Stormlight Archives books in order from the book I enjoyed the most to the book I enjoyed the least. Keep in mind I haven’t rated any of them lower than four stars, so I enjoyed them all. But I did this in order to compile my thoughts to prepare for book five. Well, book five is here and I have finished Wind and Truth, so it’s time to rank the completed Stormlight Archives series.
1. Words of Radiance
Words of Radiance was easily the best book in this series, in my opinion. And I know a lot of other people feel the same way. In Words of Radiance, the world building from book one began to come together. The action picked up and the plot line became clearer. New characters were added, and the main characters plot lines intertwined which helped the story feel more cohesive. Sanderson nailed book two.
2.The Way of Kings
The Way of Kings is mildly overwhelming. There was a lot of worldbuilding that slowed things down a bit. There was also a learning curve to the magic system. The characters were still discovering it, so they didn’t have all of the answers. Which meant the reader didn’t have all of the answers. And some of those answers don’t develop until later books. I found myself liking Shallan and Kaladin’s points of view better than Dalinar and Adolin’s. But a lot of the world building happened in Dalinar’s perspectives, so it felt slow. Shallan and Kaladin helped move the plot along which in turn helped Dalinar and Adolin’s perspectives become more interesting. The Way of Kings was a great start and left me wanting more.
3. Rhythm of War
Rhythm of War had some slow spots. There were new characters being added which slowed things down a bit. But they were essential to closing out this story sequence. Sanderson ended a lot of major plot points in this story. But the plot took a totally different direction, which expands the world even further.
4. Wind and Truth
Wind and Truth felt like coming home. The characters were great as always. I felt a lot of growth in them, especially Kaladin. I also loved the focus put on Szeth. However, as much as I loved this book from an emotional standpoint it could have used a little more editing. Toward the middle things started to get a little jumbled. But honestly, this series is too close to my heart. I was able to overlook some of the things that bothered a majority of people, and my ratings are based solely on my enjoyment, and I liked it. I’m still not completely sure where the overall story is going but I’m along for the ride.
5. Oathbringer
Lastly, we had Oathbringer. Oathbringer felt like a bridge to the next books. It was packed full of world building and more charcter development. It took the plot of the first two books and structured them in a way that helped Sanderson expand the plot in Rhythm of War. With that growth there were some growing pains. This book felt slow at times, but it was all necessary for the directional shift that happened in the last book.
With that the first arc of The Stormlight Archives has come to an end for me. It’s the end of an era.
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i haven’t read this series, but I recently watched a spoiler review and now I’m considering reading book one, but…its already pretty long !🤔 i like how you delved into your thoughts on each book so far, it gave me a better idea of what to expect.
It really is a great series! Book one is a lot to take in but once you get used to it, I think you’ll love it!
I checked out the audiobooks (21 day loan for free) from my local public library. I don’t have much time for reading, but listen to dozens of audiobooks each year. They’re much faster than reading too.
That’s a thought. I might have to listen to the series now because I’m sad it’s over.
I really am not usually one of those internet guys, but…
WRONG.
I’m not actually mad, I just disagree 🙂 for me it goes:
1: WoR
2: WoK
3: Oath
4: RoW
5: Secret History
6: Dawnshard
7: Edgedancer
8: Sunlit
9: WaT
I have so many problems with WaT. There were individual cool moments for sure, but many character arcs were wrapped up so well by RoW, they were disservices by WaT. Was very disappointed. And so much of my life has revolved around stormlight, it was genuinely personally hurtful. I realize how pathetic that is, but it’s true.
The good thing is we’re all allowed to have opinions and they can differ! I see your points on WaT but I’m just coming out of a six month long reading slump where nothing I read suited me. So to be back in that world with characters I loved and to finally enjoy reading again was a breath of fresh air to me. Like I said in the post and my review I see the technical issues but I ranked them completely based on my enjoyment.