November Stormlight Reread 🌸
So for all of November (and 3 days at the beginning of December) I decided to do something a little crazy… I reread all of the Stormlight Archive books (my fav series) to get ready for the new book, Wind and Truth. Holy. Cow. My mind was blown doing this reread! A little back story, when I first started my Cosmere journey back in 2019, Stormlight was my first book series I read from Sanderson, and while it was an enjoyable first read, reading it a second time with all the rest of the Cosmere under my belt was MIND BLOWING! I noticed so many connections I hadn’t seen before!! Also, doing this before the new book came out was such a great idea as it picks up where right where it left off! I’m currently reading Wind and Truth, about halfway done, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts once I finish!!!
After my recent deep dive into rereading the entire Stormlight Archive series, I wanted to share some of the fascinating insights and practical details I picked up – especially for those curious about the sheer scale of Brandon Sanderson's work or considering their own reread before Wind and Truth drops! One of the most common questions I see is about the Stormlight Archive word count or page count. And let me tell you, these books are truly epic in scope! When you hold *The Way of Kings*, *Words of Radiance*, *Oathbringer*, and Rhythm of War in your hands, you immediately feel the weight of these incredible stories. Each book averages well over 400,000 words, often translating to over 1000 pages in print! It’s a significant commitment, but every single word is worth it. Knowing the total word count for the entire series (which is well into the millions) really puts into perspective how much world-building and character development went into it. Speaking of the books, the Stormlight Archive book covers are iconic! On my reread, I spent more time appreciating the artistry on each one. The stunning cover for The Way of Kings immediately draws you into Roshar, and the intricate details on Words of Radiance hint at future revelations. And *Oathbringer*'s cover? Absolutely breathtaking, perfectly capturing the grandeur and solemnity of that pivotal book. It's amazing how much the art conveys once you understand the story inside. My biggest takeaway from this reread was how much my understanding of the Cosmere enhanced the experience. When I first read Stormlight, I knew very little about Sanderson's wider universe. But this time, having read other Cosmere books, I saw so many subtle (and not-so-subtle) connections! Characters I thought were minor now had deeper implications, and certain magical systems clicked into place with knowledge from other worlds. It truly makes the entire Cosmere feel like a living, breathing entity. For example, recognizing certain worldhoppers or understanding the background of shardic power adds layers of enjoyment you just can't get on a first read without that broader context. Revisiting books like Oathbringer and seeing the development of characters like The Sibling and the hints about their role, or the early appearances of Rlain, gave me such a clearer picture. It’s like watching a complex tapestry unfold, thread by thread. If you're planning a reread, keep an eye out for these prolonged story arcs and character developments—they're truly rewarding. This journey has made me even more excited to dive into Wind and Truth with a comprehensive understanding of the lore, the characters, and the intricate connections spanning the Cosmere.
