The Way of Kings

I'm nobody's fangirl, so I’ll risk starting by saying that The Way of Kings is genuinely original: stormlight, soulcasting, bridges over chasms, and whatnot. The author of the book, this Brandon Sanderson fellow, must be an incredible writer and storyteller, right?

So, why not full marks? Slipped with the mouse?

It took me a few months to trudge through the book, which already says something. Especially the verb trudge, which describes my reading experience with unnerving accuracy. Most of the more than 1,100 pages went by at a snail’s pace.

Most, but not all. There were some truly fascinating moments along the way; their relative share was just so small that the overall effect was like sipping water faintly flavored with a single mint leaf. In fact, the story only seemed to really pick up speed at the very end. The best spices were stuck at the bottom of the glass!

Rewarding? Sure.

But I’m evaluating the whole book here, and it left me covered in cold sweat. A bit of streamlining might have done the trick… Anyway, Words of Radiance is apparently even longer, so you can probably guess the rest.

The Way of Kings is an incredible start to Brandon Sanderson’s epic The Stormlight Archive. From the very first page, I was immersed in the vast, intricately crafted world of Roshar, a land constantly battered by storms. Sanderson’s world-building is absolutely brilliant, every detail, from the unique geography to the complex cultures and political systems, feels thoughtfully created, making Roshar come to life as a truly living, breathing world. The novel follows three main characters, each of whom plays a significant role in the unfolding story. Kaladin, once a soldier with great promise, is now a slave, struggling with despair and trying to find redemption. Shallan, a determined young woman, seeks to apprentice under the renowned scholar Jasnah Kholin while hiding a secret of her own. Dalinar Kholin, a highprince of the realm, starts experiencing mysterious visions that challenge his understanding of honor and leadership. What stands out to me the most is Sanderson's ability to dive deep into character development. Kaladin’s journey, especially, resonated with me as it explores themes of resilience, self-worth, and the transformative power of hope in the face of despair. The book also introduces a fascinating magic system that ties seamlessly into the world’s lore, adding another layer of mystery and intrigue. While The Way of Kings is long and its detailed world-building can be a lot to take in at first, I found it to be a rewarding and compelling read. Sanderson lays a solid foundation for the rest of the series, and I can already see how the intricate plot will lead to even more epic adventures. If you enjoy immersive fantasy with rich storytelling and complex characters, The Way of Kings is definitely a must-read for you.