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

Apr 23, 2022 Bridgit rated it it was amazing

Enjoyed this even more on the second time through. The interludes and world building aspects were much more impactful now, knowing what was coming.

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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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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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Mar 10, 2014 Tamsin rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, fiction, high-fantasy, 2014

Damn you, Sanderson, now I'm hooked on yet another unfinished series! I started to worry whilst reading this book that I just wasn't 'getting' it; I had heard so many good things about it yet I was finding it slow and plodding. But then the half way mark appeared and boom! I was hooked... the storylines stated to come together, characters became more interesting and I grew quite fond of Wit ( who I am looking forward you reading more about). luckily the next in the series has been released, and ...more

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