The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive, #1) in /r/Fantasy Discussion Group

Jun 20, 2010 seak rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2010, arc-review, 2022, 2022-tbr

This is an older review with a couple additions I hadn't realized I didn't put up here. Also found here: http://seaks.blogspot.com/2010/08/rev...

As one of the biggest releases of the year in one of the only genre's that count, The Way of Kings (Stormlight Archive Book 1) comes out tomorrow (in the US) and the word that normally comes to many people's minds is... hype. Does it live up to the hype? Well, let's see...

King Gavilar has been killed by an assassin in white and Alethkar's forces have be ...more

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Jun 14, 2012 Janny added it

I liked this far more than Elantris and Mistborn.

Also, I applaud when a series writer doesn't finish a volume with a totally nail-ripping cliff hanger. This isn't a stand alone. But the new reader stepping in to a very long book can appreciate a solid story and not feel cheated at the ending.

The setting is vivid and otherworldly. ...more

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Apr 04, 2011 Justin rated it it was amazing

Shelves: macmillan, fantasy, epic, read-2014

More a review of WORDS OF RADIANCE, but also a commentary on the series at large: http://www.staffersbookreview.com/201... ...more

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May 02, 2017 Tooms rated it it was amazing

The Way of Kings is easily the best book by Brandon Sanderson that I have read, and easily one of the best epic fantasy's I've read. It is original, and stands tall among other epic's because of it. Deep, multi-layered, and subverting expectations while still remaining entertaining and satisfying.

The story primarily follows four characters. Kaladin, Dalinar, Shallan, and Szeth with a spattering of other points of view throughout. Their stories are separate, and yet they weave together quite well The Way of Kings is easily the best book by Brandon Sanderson that I have read, and easily one of the best epic fantasy's I've read. It is original, and stands tall among other epic's because of it. Deep, multi-layered, and subverting expectations while still remaining entertaining and satisfying.

The story primarily follows four characters. Kaladin, Dalinar, Shallan, and Szeth with a spattering of other points of view throughout. Their stories are separate, and yet they weave together quite well through commonalities. The different stories and perspectives help to create quite a vivid and realistic world steeped in history, mythology and its own complexities. It cannot be denied however that Kaladin is the primary protagonist who dominates most of the novel. His story is always interesting, so much so that the other characters sometimes feel that they get in the way of continuing his. By novel's end however, its easy to look back and reflect that the story works so well because of all those points of view.

If I had one gripe it would be this: It's interesting that one tenant of the story is the concept of Journey before destination, because Sanderson doesn't necessarily adhere to this. While the journey is a good one, it drags. There are just too many moments where I as the reader said "ok, I get it, I see where this is going, can we get on with it?" The central problem for Sanderson is that this book, and all his books in general, are about the destination. Everyone remembers the final few hundred pages of a Sanderson book, and The Way of Kings is absolutely no different. But the journey to get there is in my opinion just too drawn out. Perhaps I'm wrong, and the time and care taken to get to the end is precisely what makes the end so good, but my gut tells me we could get there sooner and it would still have the impact.

If you have the patience (and time) to read such a hefty tome, and to know that there are many more to follow, then I highly recommend this book. For fans of epic fantasy, frankly you cannot call yourself one without reading this. ...more

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Sep 09, 2010 Mike rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, fantasy, audio, owned, series

This is quite possibly the best epic fantasy novel that I have ever read. The world is amazing. The characters are amazing. The mystery, the intrigue, the battle scenes--all amazing. Brandon Sanderson gets epic fantasy like few others. Brilliant work. I can't wait for the next one. ...more

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Aug 17, 2015 Laura rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

I met Brandon Sanderson's writing through his first novel Elantris, which I read way back when it came out. My 15-ish yr old self's impression of Elantris was distinctly, "yes, I can't put this down, but overall it feels predictable."

So, fast forward to 2015, and I've picked up this whopper (actually I listened to the audiobook), Way of Kings. And it is as if a completely different Sanderson wrote this. The dialogue is compelling, the characters are built with intense psychological tension.

The ...more

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