a word on the series and the structure (no spoilers)

[Matthew]

Since today we begin The Way of Kings, I wanted to give a note about the series and structure of this book to help those who have never read (1) a book this long and (2) something this deep in epic fantasy.

The Stormlight Archive is a 10-book series of which Way of Kings is the first volume. (Note: The 4th volume releases November and all the books have been some of the highest rated book, per amount of reviews, that you'll find on Goodreads.)

The difference between this book and others in the epic fantasy genre (think Red Sister) is that Sanderson didn't just write a setting, a few characters, and a story. Sanderson built a world and he will describe it in all its detail including plants, animals, customs, currencies, social habits, religions, philiosophies. Also the magic system is easily his most complex.

I say all of this to encourage you: give it time. Let the book breathe. It's going to be a great ride but this book has some very heavy lifting to do as the start of the series.

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As for structure, the book is written in 5 parts with a set of 3 interludes between each part. The interludes give us quick short stories about other characters and areas that we (I'm sure) will meet in later books. It's actually a genius way of expanding your world constantly in every book while still having a focused arc.

As one last note to those reading the physical/Kindle book, everything means something. Sanderson is a huge symbol/glyph fan. Every drawing or illustration means something. This series will draw out your inner detective because there are so many questions and mysteries.

To the audiobook readers:
Is this your first time listening to Michael Kramer and Kate Reading?
What are your thoughts?

Stormfather be with you on this read.

[Ethan]

I am on chapter 4 now and I have loved having this immense world completely envelop me. The magic system is so interesting and I know it has only scratched the surface with what I’ve read.

I have the audiobook and have listened to one chapter on it. The narrator is excellent from what I have heard and I found myself wanting to listen to it on 1x speed to feel the drama and pronunciation. I’ll mostly read my kindle version though so I can soak in all the intricacies of the setting and characters.

[Thomas]

Do you know if we learn the meaning behind the epigraphs in this book or in a later book?

They’re all in the year 1171, 30 secs before the death of a “subject.” It’s so interesting.

[Matthew]

Yes, this book.

[Bob]

I was wondering the same thing about the epigraphs. I was thinking they were comments to come later in the chapter

[Matthew]

Bob wrote: "I was wondering the same thing about the epigraphs. I was thinking they were comments to come later in the chapter"

Each book (and many times each part of the book) have their own unique epigraphs that are eventually explained somewhere in the book. However, it always comes at a major plot twist/reveal.