Here is a list of The Stormlight Archive books ranked, according to Goodreads. It might be an odd thing to do, but who doesn’t like snooping in the reviews of books they’ve read???
#7 – Edgedancer – 4.11
This first book in The Stormlight Archive books ranked surprises me – but only a bit. I liked this! Lift is such a great character to follow and this novella has a great mix of heart and excitement.
Being introduced to characters we’re going to meet later in the main series is a good idea – although I would be happy just to meet them and get on with it. That being said, Edgedancer is by no means my least favourite of the Stormlight books – or novellas.
#6 – Dawnshard – 4.32
My least favourite Stormlight novella is Dawnshard! But this has a whopping 0.21 lead on Edgedancer which I think odd.
Sure, Dawnshard is not terrible – or bad – but it is a little dull. Novellas should be fast-paced and snappy, and this just wasn’t.
#5 – Wind and Truth – 4.36
It doesn’t surprise me that Wind and Truth is this far down The Stormlight Archive books ranked list. I’m amazed it has a rating over 4.
All I will say is, let’s hope the second arc of the series ends on a higher note and is less rushed.
#4 – Rhythm of War – 4.56
Rhythm of War, I felt, had the same issues of being rushed and not sticking the landing that Wind and Truth has. But for at least the first 40% of the book, I was having a good time and things seemed to be going better than when I was bored to tears reading Oathbringer.
That did not remain the case, however, and I almost DNF’d the thing.
#3 – Oathbringer – 4.60
We’re into the top three, and somehow, Oathbringer has managed to grab third place with a very nice 4.60 rating on Goodreads. Why is it rated so highly? I will never guess.
What even happened in this book? We go from books with great character exploration and thematic nuances to some generic stuff that builds terribly on that solid foundation.
#2 – The Way of Kings – 4.66
Here we go! The Way of Kings is rated #2 on the ranking. I disagree – my personal ranking would have it at #1, but to be honest, both these first two books are some of my favourite 2000 pages of fantasy.
This is the book that started it all – after two prologues – and follows the best character, Kaladin. It’s a shame that in Oathbringer-onwards Kaladin is reduced to a stereotypical character, because in the first two books his complexity and heart are the biggest draw of the series.
#1 – Words of Radiance – 4.76
I might personally think Words of Radiance should be #2 on The Stormlight Archive books ranked, but it earns this position at #1.
This book has all the character examination, great themes, and fast-paced plotting of the first book, but it takes the stakes that bit higher, making for one of the best endings in Sanderson’s work – including Hero of Ages!
What do you think of this list of The Stormlight Archive books ranked, according to Goodreads? What would your ranking be?
