The Way of Kings
question
Boring! Is this really "epic fantasy"...?
Darin
Jan 04, 2012 11:59AM
Alright, I'm about 500 pages into this book and frankly I don't see the hype throwing it into a number of best "Epic Fantasy" Top 10 lists.
The story is slow, for 200 pages it seems that Dallinar is having visions going nowhere, arguing with his son, confused and thinking too much...while Kaladin is breaking his neck trying to improve the bridgemen. The plot moves at a snail's pace, similar to The Wheel of Time (IMHO) which is why I gave up on that series after the fifth or sixth book.
This fantasy world is crazy and some things are really annoying. For example,
***SPOILERS***
1. It is beneath men to read, they are read to by women. Now, tell me how this works for a general during a battle? True, they use glyphs all the time, but still...reading maps without written text, troop formations, troop numbers, names of battle sites, etc. etc. I don't know, maybe I'm crazy by not thinking that glyphs could cover all of this.
2. I'm tired of all the 'spren which seem to emote with anything that happens (flesh rot, working hard, creativity, fear, anger, etc.). I think I've seen some 'spren around me emoting "BORED"!
3. The text "Storms" is used too frequently. Stormfather! Highstorms! Stormlight! Storms! Okay, I acknowledge that the series is "The Stormlight Archive", but can't it be toned down.
4. There isn't enough history given of the fantasy world. The book started off with some history and you get pieces here and there of the Voidbringers, Radiants, etc. but it's infrequent and disappointing because it could add so much to the book/series.
5. The war with the Parshendi is tiresome and filled with the dilemma of bridges, bridge runners, crustaceans pulling bridge siege engines, falling into chasms, etc. - when are decisive battles going to appear? Finally, something new appeared with Dallinar noticing that a Parshendi general was wearing Shardplate. Wow! Something cool! Kaladin finally discovered that the Parshendi are crustaceans themselves. Wow! Weird and reminiscent of Pirates of the Caribbean and the crew of Davy Jones. The Shardplate, Shardblades - very interesting and the opening battle in the book was awesome.
I'm not impressed with "The Way of Kings" and seeing how this is the first Brandon Sanderson novel I've read, I was expecting a lot more. The book is over 1200 pages and it moves so slowly that it should have been truncated to 600 pages. I'm too far in to let myself quit, but for now I cannot place it in the Top 10 "Epic Fantasy" list. The "Kingkiller Chronicles" and "Malazan Empire" series are so much better. I truly hope it improves.
My 2.5 cents...
Big D!
The story is slow, for 200 pages it seems that Dallinar is having visions going nowhere, arguing with his son, confused and thinking too much...while Kaladin is breaking his neck trying to improve the bridgemen. The plot moves at a snail's pace, similar to The Wheel of Time (IMHO) which is why I gave up on that series after the fifth or sixth book.
This fantasy world is crazy and some things are really annoying. For example,
***SPOILERS***
1. It is beneath men to read, they are read to by women. Now, tell me how this works for a general during a battle? True, they use glyphs all the time, but still...reading maps without written text, troop formations, troop numbers, names of battle sites, etc. etc. I don't know, maybe I'm crazy by not thinking that glyphs could cover all of this.
2. I'm tired of all the 'spren which seem to emote with anything that happens (flesh rot, working hard, creativity, fear, anger, etc.). I think I've seen some 'spren around me emoting "BORED"!
3. The text "Storms" is used too frequently. Stormfather! Highstorms! Stormlight! Storms! Okay, I acknowledge that the series is "The Stormlight Archive", but can't it be toned down.
4. There isn't enough history given of the fantasy world. The book started off with some history and you get pieces here and there of the Voidbringers, Radiants, etc. but it's infrequent and disappointing because it could add so much to the book/series.
5. The war with the Parshendi is tiresome and filled with the dilemma of bridges, bridge runners, crustaceans pulling bridge siege engines, falling into chasms, etc. - when are decisive battles going to appear? Finally, something new appeared with Dallinar noticing that a Parshendi general was wearing Shardplate. Wow! Something cool! Kaladin finally discovered that the Parshendi are crustaceans themselves. Wow! Weird and reminiscent of Pirates of the Caribbean and the crew of Davy Jones. The Shardplate, Shardblades - very interesting and the opening battle in the book was awesome.
I'm not impressed with "The Way of Kings" and seeing how this is the first Brandon Sanderson novel I've read, I was expecting a lot more. The book is over 1200 pages and it moves so slowly that it should have been truncated to 600 pages. I'm too far in to let myself quit, but for now I cannot place it in the Top 10 "Epic Fantasy" list. The "Kingkiller Chronicles" and "Malazan Empire" series are so much better. I truly hope it improves.
My 2.5 cents...
Big D!
Wow...I have to respectfully disagree with you about TWOK. I mean, I admit, the book did move slowly at times, but part of the appeal of the book for me WAS the mystery of the world, how it came to be, what happened with the Radiants, etc. And I would argue that the war with the Parshendi being uneventful was a key plot device. It was supposed to be that way, which was one of the main problems that Dalinar was dealing with in the story. I think the world was incredibly imaginative, well thought out, and I enjoyed learning about it bit by bit. The spren, also, were a plot device. They have something to do with the disappearance of magic, at least that's my hypothesis.
But, we're all entitled to our own opinions, of course. I did have a little more trouble getting into his Mistborn series, where I thought the characters were just...uninteresting. Vin and Elend both irritate me. They just don't seem real to me.
Brandon Sanderson, also, is a fairly new writer, which he freely admits. Everyone needs time to polish their craft a bit. Sad you guys feel that way.
On the other hand, I tried Gardens of the Moon a few years back, and honestly couldn't get past the second or third chapter. Just didn't catch me. People keep telling me to give it another shot, though, which I probably will.
If you guys hate Sanderson so much, who do you recommend?
But, we're all entitled to our own opinions, of course. I did have a little more trouble getting into his Mistborn series, where I thought the characters were just...uninteresting. Vin and Elend both irritate me. They just don't seem real to me.
Brandon Sanderson, also, is a fairly new writer, which he freely admits. Everyone needs time to polish their craft a bit. Sad you guys feel that way.
On the other hand, I tried Gardens of the Moon a few years back, and honestly couldn't get past the second or third chapter. Just didn't catch me. People keep telling me to give it another shot, though, which I probably will.
If you guys hate Sanderson so much, who do you recommend?
My only crit of The Way of Kings is that it ended. I so enjoyed this book so much I am dying to read the sequel. If you think its boring or too long, then you probably think reading is boring, go play video game or watch a movie or maybe you are more suited to read another genre like a military thriller or something else. Everything I see the very few who dislike Sanderson's writing are saying can be said about Tolkien, Robert Jordan, Raymond E. Feist and even TErry Goodkind. If you don't like any of those then you probably don't really like epic fantasy.
I didn't read the entire post or all the replies but I will say this:
Until you finish this book, don't comment on how boring or exciting it is. I could NOT get into it until over half way. There's a tipping point though where suddenly EVERYTHING is awesome and you literally will not be able to put the book down until the end.
I would have quit the book, but it came from a VERY good recommendation. I think recommended to someone else who was about to quit until I told him I had the same problem and to stick with it. He stuck with it and later thanked me because it's very enjoyable once you get through all the setup.
Until you finish this book, don't comment on how boring or exciting it is. I could NOT get into it until over half way. There's a tipping point though where suddenly EVERYTHING is awesome and you literally will not be able to put the book down until the end.
I would have quit the book, but it came from a VERY good recommendation. I think recommended to someone else who was about to quit until I told him I had the same problem and to stick with it. He stuck with it and later thanked me because it's very enjoyable once you get through all the setup.
lol I just read through all the comments, and laughed out loud multiple times. I can't remember the last time I read a 1200 page book....hmmmm....actually NEVER! During the reading of TWOK's, I didn't stop once and think to myself, "am I almost done"? By the time I got to the end, I was online looking up when the next book came out. Let's see, this book has: world building, character building, unique magic system, small battles, large battles, unique social system, swords forming out of thin air, magic powered armor, and multiple plot twists to top it off (the jam episode was awesome).
I think if someone states they do not like this book, then they probably just don't like epic fantasy. And that's OK. I would recommend some short sword and sorcery books like Conan, or anything by David Gemmel.
I think if someone states they do not like this book, then they probably just don't like epic fantasy. And that's OK. I would recommend some short sword and sorcery books like Conan, or anything by David Gemmel.
If you thought this way about The Way of Kings, maybe epic fantasy is not for you. True, epic fantasy is slow to get started and, I find myself sometimes sitting there thinking "UG! Just get on with the story!". But, Brandon Sanderson has written everything for a purpose, thickening the plot, expanding the characters and introducing you to a strange new world with a different system of magic. This is all done as a introduction, because honestly if it went right into intense action scenes, before giving you back ground material, you would put the book down on the grounds of it being to confusing. I would like to note, the intense action scenes come later in the book, and they are magnificent!!!!
Anyway, you might want to try a different type of genre. Robinson Wells and Dan Wells write wonderful fast past sci fi ish novels that will get your heart pumping. Neal Shusterman, does a little bit of everything, though I highly recommend his book Unwind and of course Orson Scott Card, who you probably know of.
I hope this helps you in your quest to find amazing books (not boring ones!).
Anyway, you might want to try a different type of genre. Robinson Wells and Dan Wells write wonderful fast past sci fi ish novels that will get your heart pumping. Neal Shusterman, does a little bit of everything, though I highly recommend his book Unwind and of course Orson Scott Card, who you probably know of.
I hope this helps you in your quest to find amazing books (not boring ones!).
Reece Monahan
Sorry but you don't determine what is and isn't epic fantasy based on its pacing. Stop being so entitled and realise that fantasy has no rules. The ma
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at first i struggled through the chapters especially those of Shallan and jasnah ,reading about the childhood of kaladin and how he ended up as a slave wasn't a good experience but as kaladin kept on fighting&hoping to change the world i persevered and yeah it was worth it and let's be frank i just couldnt live without knowing what will happen to Dalanar , his sons , kaladin after he became a wretch and certainly the truthless Shin .. then there was a time of revelations when everything seemed clearer and was written that way for a good purpose
i even ended up loving the personality of shallan and that's something to say
i loved the idea of spren and how they r related somehow to the last magic
the theory of jasnah about the voidbringers ending up as slaves for the light eyes
the different religious structures and theologies was interesting
the promise of some dark evil groups throwing in the dice in the future and the revelation about the new master of the assassin in white was well written
and a lot of other things jut made me reread the book a second time and certainly there ll be a third one
i even ended up loving the personality of shallan and that's something to say
i loved the idea of spren and how they r related somehow to the last magic
the theory of jasnah about the voidbringers ending up as slaves for the light eyes
the different religious structures and theologies was interesting
the promise of some dark evil groups throwing in the dice in the future and the revelation about the new master of the assassin in white was well written
and a lot of other things jut made me reread the book a second time and certainly there ll be a third one
I cannot believe the crap you guys are throwing at this book. Is a developed world, multiple storyline, and and in-depth plot to confusing for you? I mean, whit what you're saying about this book, I can hardly imagine how you would feel about some the world's greatest works of writing, such as Lord of the Rings, or maybe The Kingkiller Chronicles, by Patrick Rothfuss. On the topic of the use of the word "storm", would you rather him use the profanity it replaces? This is also a world constantly pelted by hurricanes (highstorms) so there languages and culture have kind of built off of that. Writing involves the readers own interpretation of the world, and you have to be wiling to think about what's going on before you bag on the author.
I loved this book and am very excited for the next. I didn't find it boring at all.
Darin wrote: "Alright, I'm about 500 pages into this book and frankly I don't see the hype throwing it into a number of best "Epic Fantasy" Top 10 lists.
The story is slow, for 200 pages it seems that Dallinar ..."
The biggest problem is where you say that this is the first Sanderson work you've read. This novel is the first where he really begins to give away that all his novels coexist in the same universe. There have been hints in the past, but this one makes it completely obvious.
This author is incredible when it comes to hiding huge world altering secrets in the simplest of sentences. I've read it four times over myself and I'm still finding links to other Shardworlds and their magic systems. Unlike so many other authors, his descriptions are far from meaningless. He's not just telling you the color of everyone's dress and its history all the way back to the beginning of time (I'm looking at you Robert Jordan), he's giving you clues to mysteries in books both past and future. He's hiding recurring characters in supposedly unrelated novels and hinting at links between many vastly complex magic systems. Most people never even notice the world of information hidden between the lines. There are entire worlds hidden there for those that care to look.
To me, this book is a masterpiece. Easily the best he's written to date.
The story is slow, for 200 pages it seems that Dallinar ..."
The biggest problem is where you say that this is the first Sanderson work you've read. This novel is the first where he really begins to give away that all his novels coexist in the same universe. There have been hints in the past, but this one makes it completely obvious.
This author is incredible when it comes to hiding huge world altering secrets in the simplest of sentences. I've read it four times over myself and I'm still finding links to other Shardworlds and their magic systems. Unlike so many other authors, his descriptions are far from meaningless. He's not just telling you the color of everyone's dress and its history all the way back to the beginning of time (I'm looking at you Robert Jordan), he's giving you clues to mysteries in books both past and future. He's hiding recurring characters in supposedly unrelated novels and hinting at links between many vastly complex magic systems. Most people never even notice the world of information hidden between the lines. There are entire worlds hidden there for those that care to look.
To me, this book is a masterpiece. Easily the best he's written to date.
If the Wheel of Time was not for you, then this book is not for you either. I personally enjoyed it very much, but it's not for everyone.
If you want something with a faster pace, you might try Warbreaker by Sandersom, which is a stand alone novel.
I personally agree with the comments of Rutsahl, Chase Sebastian, and James. This is a very detailed, well-developed, well-thought out world with a lot of intricacy. That may just not be your thing, and that's OK.
If you want something with a faster pace, you might try Warbreaker by Sandersom, which is a stand alone novel.
I personally agree with the comments of Rutsahl, Chase Sebastian, and James. This is a very detailed, well-developed, well-thought out world with a lot of intricacy. That may just not be your thing, and that's OK.
I have read a lot of your comments. I 100% disagree on most of your thoughts. I saw you mentioned Malazan and The Kingkiller for books you love. I personally never could get into either and your boring opinion on this one is the I use for Kingkiller (though I admit it is VERY well written). Malazan should not even be discussed with this book, but that's just my opinion. It has so many flaws I am not going to list them.
This is one of the best books I have ever read and the character building is second to none. Starting from about chapter 67 til the end gets me emotional just thinking about.It saddens me that someone would be so ignorant towards something so wonderful just because he lacks patience. My point is your post should have waited until you finished it at least.
This is one of the best books I have ever read and the character building is second to none. Starting from about chapter 67 til the end gets me emotional just thinking about.It saddens me that someone would be so ignorant towards something so wonderful just because he lacks patience. My point is your post should have waited until you finished it at least.
I read 57 books last year and this was the best one. Opinions, man.
I just finished reading TWOK. I found it to be engrossing. Having read Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn books previously, I fully expected a fantastic world to be slowly drawn out for me, and it was. Nothing in his writing is done to fill pages; it all builds up to something, even if it doesn't feel like it at the time of reading. As TWOK is the first in a proposed 10 book series you have to be in it for the long haul. That said, if you've not finished the book yet I can understand your frustration with the pace, but if you see it out I believe you won't be disappointed and, like me, you'll be eager to get down to you local bookstore to pick up the next instalment.
I read TWOK in a week or two. I enjoyed the struggles of the characters. I enjoy epic fantasy. Epic doesn't mean that the book is an awesome book, it is descriptive of the genre. Epic - meaning a long journey, lots of characters, it's own made-up world with epic events that change the made-up world.
I've enjoyed most of Sanderson's books that I've read. They are inventive, well-written and clean.
I've enjoyed most of Sanderson's books that I've read. They are inventive, well-written and clean.
You can better stick to kvothe knocking up fairies.There is less world building there & less confusing history.magic system is straight from fairy tales(weave moonlight into cloak).after all talks of conductivity and all he can sympathize a lightning from an iron arrow to a tree.Cant believe you put up with sexism in king killer("Each woman is like an instrument, waiting to be learned, loved, and finely played, to have at last her own true music made.)but you cant bear it here. since amorous conquests of kvothe holds more appeal to you than battle scenes you can try paranormal romances.Epic fantasy is not your cup of tea.
Some of these posts are just ridiculous. I happen to love everything Sanderson writes, but if someone else doesn't then that impacts my life in no way whatsoever. It doesn't offend, anger, or frustrate me and I don't understand people to whom it does.
It seems like many of the people here who strongly dislike WoK do so for reasons that lead me to believe they don't really understand what epic fantasy usually means in terms of worldbuilding and character development. It doesn't seem that it's so much that they dislike Sanderson's work but rather that they aren't fans of the genre.
It seems like many of the people here who strongly dislike WoK do so for reasons that lead me to believe they don't really understand what epic fantasy usually means in terms of worldbuilding and character development. It doesn't seem that it's so much that they dislike Sanderson's work but rather that they aren't fans of the genre.
Epic fantasy takes time to gain traction. The Way of Kings follows the form of classical High Fantasy, something that has to be appreciated for what it is.
As far as the creation of characters, I think it's unfair to call them shallow. Personally, I loved Dalinar, Vin, Kelsier, Wit, and others. If you don't like them as well as Jordan's characters, that's completely fair, but c'mon. People are different. If you share no common ground with a character, it might say something about how both you and the author see the world. It doesn't necessarily mean that the characters are "bad" or "poorly constructed."
Bah. I love Sanderson, Rothfuss, Butcher, Weeks, Martin, and many other fantasy writers, all of whom are very different writers. All this is simply to say, try to make sure you understand an author's purpose before you condemn their work as "bad writing." Variation in stylistic preferences does not bad writing make. :)
As far as the creation of characters, I think it's unfair to call them shallow. Personally, I loved Dalinar, Vin, Kelsier, Wit, and others. If you don't like them as well as Jordan's characters, that's completely fair, but c'mon. People are different. If you share no common ground with a character, it might say something about how both you and the author see the world. It doesn't necessarily mean that the characters are "bad" or "poorly constructed."
Bah. I love Sanderson, Rothfuss, Butcher, Weeks, Martin, and many other fantasy writers, all of whom are very different writers. All this is simply to say, try to make sure you understand an author's purpose before you condemn their work as "bad writing." Variation in stylistic preferences does not bad writing make. :)
I found the beginning of TWOK a bit of a slog but ended up not being able to put the book down. Looking foward to the next one, which isn't far away from being published. Hope I can last the "10 book" distance. I was tired of Goodkind by the end of his Sword of Truth series. He lost the plot round about Chainfire/Phantom and I got bored. Hoping Brandon keeps up the standard of all his other novels. Have loved them all.
You get a lot of world-building in the first book of a series and that can make it a bit draggy.
But, yeah, this is exactly what epic fantasy is, IMO.
Looking forward to the next book, though I will probably get an electronic version because I'm getting too old to see the print in paperbacks without assistance.
But, yeah, this is exactly what epic fantasy is, IMO.
Looking forward to the next book, though I will probably get an electronic version because I'm getting too old to see the print in paperbacks without assistance.
I don't get your complaints. For one, I agree with whoever said you haven't read enough to really judge, whether you agree or not. And no, I haven't ever walked out of a movie or quit a book. That said, I enjoyed it a lot by 500 pages.
Let's start with number 3 since the first two I don't even think are worth adressing if you only read 500 pages of a 1000 page book than is seemingly the first of many in a huge detailed series. Does it bother you when people in real life say things like "god knows" "oh god" or "god damn" or "god almighty" or "thank god"? It's basically the same idea.
For number 4, again you're saying it hasn't given enough history, yet you're half into the first book of what will be many?
5, all of those things are extremely important for what ends up happening later in the book.
I think you just have very different expectations for what the book is really supposed to be.
Let's start with number 3 since the first two I don't even think are worth adressing if you only read 500 pages of a 1000 page book than is seemingly the first of many in a huge detailed series. Does it bother you when people in real life say things like "god knows" "oh god" or "god damn" or "god almighty" or "thank god"? It's basically the same idea.
For number 4, again you're saying it hasn't given enough history, yet you're half into the first book of what will be many?
5, all of those things are extremely important for what ends up happening later in the book.
I think you just have very different expectations for what the book is really supposed to be.
I just finished reading the book and ... love it. From start to finish. There is a lot of intrigue which for some people who doesn't have the patience can get frustrating. For me the intrigue works. Makes me want to turn the page
Umm to be frank, the first half of the book is quite boring indeed..But it gets much much better afterwards.
Well, this just proves that everyone has different opinions, and that is fine. There is nothing wrong with someone liking or disliking this book.
In my opinion, I think this was an excellent book. And even though there was not a lot of action in the first half of the book, I never found it boring.
For this people that compare this to WoT unfavorably, I have to say I disagree. I find it hard to believe that people find the characters shallow in WoK as compared to the characters in WoT. In my opinion, the was more character growth in Way of Kings (one book so far) than in all ten books of the WoT written by Jordan (where all the women started as obstinate know-it-alls and ended the 10th book as obstinate know-it-alls).
As to WoK being formulaic, I am curious as to what formula they are referencing? For epic fantasy, I knows the LotR formula that is used in many books, but I truly believe there is more original in WoK in terms of world and story building than in many other stories of the genre.
And on statements that this is more slow moving or boring that either WoT or Kingkiller chronicles (and I really enjoyed the Kingkiller chronicles) what really plot movement was there in books 4-9 of WoT or bid story plot development in the second of Kingkiller book?
Again, everyone has there own opinion, and though I am sorry for them that they felt the WoK was a waste of time, I value their opinion, even when I strongly disagree with it.
In my opinion, I think this was an excellent book. And even though there was not a lot of action in the first half of the book, I never found it boring.
For this people that compare this to WoT unfavorably, I have to say I disagree. I find it hard to believe that people find the characters shallow in WoK as compared to the characters in WoT. In my opinion, the was more character growth in Way of Kings (one book so far) than in all ten books of the WoT written by Jordan (where all the women started as obstinate know-it-alls and ended the 10th book as obstinate know-it-alls).
As to WoK being formulaic, I am curious as to what formula they are referencing? For epic fantasy, I knows the LotR formula that is used in many books, but I truly believe there is more original in WoK in terms of world and story building than in many other stories of the genre.
And on statements that this is more slow moving or boring that either WoT or Kingkiller chronicles (and I really enjoyed the Kingkiller chronicles) what really plot movement was there in books 4-9 of WoT or bid story plot development in the second of Kingkiller book?
Again, everyone has there own opinion, and though I am sorry for them that they felt the WoK was a waste of time, I value their opinion, even when I strongly disagree with it.
I agree that it is a slow moving story....maybe even to slow.
BUT....but....it is a good story beneath all those pages. And by the time I got to the end I was determined to read part two.
BUT....but....it is a good story beneath all those pages. And by the time I got to the end I was determined to read part two.
TWOK is the first fantasy novel I've read for years and I've just finished Book 2. I don't agree that it was boring; I enjoyed both books. However, I do concur with some of the points above. The interludes can be annoying and the back and forth presentation of Kaladin's life history doesn't work too well. I also found the gender apartheid irritating - men aren't taught to read/women and men eat separately, etc. And women concealing their left hands for the sake of modesty is rather strange.
I'd like to have seen more of Shallan's character as well - for long stretches of the book she's ignored.
Overall, though, I consider TWOK a good read and a good book to ease me into the fantasy genre.
I'd like to have seen more of Shallan's character as well - for long stretches of the book she's ignored.
Overall, though, I consider TWOK a good read and a good book to ease me into the fantasy genre.
If you think its boring, you should first read Anything! by Karen Miller, then go back to reading this book, and you'll love it.
I'm going to weigh in in (?) favour of this book, I didn't have these problems with it at all. Actually, it was one of my favourite books of the last year.
Yes, it is a big book, and yes it does move quite slowly. But I don't think this is a problem - why call it 'epic fantasy' otherwise?
I found the characters likeable, even if I could predict most of their actions. Brandon even threw in a few of the twists that he does so well.
The history hinted at is supposed to be mysterious - I imagine the appearance of archives will solve this.
If I have a criticism it is that if the author must revolve through a limited roster of characters then they really should ensure they are equally interesting.
If I want anything more of the series it is an expansion into new characters, areas and nations.
On another note, I love The Kingkiller Chronicles and am willing to defend A Wise Man's Fear.
Yes, it is a big book, and yes it does move quite slowly. But I don't think this is a problem - why call it 'epic fantasy' otherwise?
I found the characters likeable, even if I could predict most of their actions. Brandon even threw in a few of the twists that he does so well.
The history hinted at is supposed to be mysterious - I imagine the appearance of archives will solve this.
If I have a criticism it is that if the author must revolve through a limited roster of characters then they really should ensure they are equally interesting.
If I want anything more of the series it is an expansion into new characters, areas and nations.
On another note, I love The Kingkiller Chronicles and am willing to defend A Wise Man's Fear.
I like fantasy and epic fantasy and I love Brandon Sanderson's stuff. I think the magic system in the Mistborn series is the most well-thought-out and original one I've ever come across. His newest in that series "The Alloy of Law" was a great read. I picked it up at breakfast one morning, thinking to read a chapter and put the finished book down 5 hours later! Having said that, I did find that the beginning of the Way of Kings was slow. I waded through the first 450 pages and then LOVED the rest of the book. I think the beginning is tough partially because the world is so darn unfamiliar...highstorms, rockbuds, spren etc. Epic fantasy needs epic setup and not everybody's up for that...a matter of personal preference in what you like to read I guess. I will definitely buy and read the second book. Given how good I found the second half of the first one to be, I am expecting great things!
Wooooow. I know there are people that really aren't into this kind of read, but calling it boring is a HUGE stretch to me. The fact is that as a beginning to an epic, there are things introduced here that are obviously going to be explained in the long run, such as the spren.
Sanderson creates, not just a fantasy, but a new world that you aren't used to and have to come to understand, which might be why you didn't like it. I am shocked you didn't like it, I shot through those 1200 pages in about 2 months, which is EXTREMELY fast for me. Loved this book, and looking forward to the next.
Sanderson creates, not just a fantasy, but a new world that you aren't used to and have to come to understand, which might be why you didn't like it. I am shocked you didn't like it, I shot through those 1200 pages in about 2 months, which is EXTREMELY fast for me. Loved this book, and looking forward to the next.
Funny, the first half of this book had me thinking about boredomspren too. I'll admit I had a lot of the same feelings you had for a large portion of the book.
The last few hundred pages really turned it around for me though. It is far from my favorite fantasy but I still think it's quite good. I'll definitely be reading the next book (something I didn't even consider during most of this book). I was especially surprised I even became interested in Shallan by the end. I wanted to skip her chapters so badly in the beginning.
I still don't like spren though.
The last few hundred pages really turned it around for me though. It is far from my favorite fantasy but I still think it's quite good. I'll definitely be reading the next book (something I didn't even consider during most of this book). I was especially surprised I even became interested in Shallan by the end. I wanted to skip her chapters so badly in the beginning.
I still don't like spren though.
I read this while waiting for the final WoT book. I agree that the pace is much slower than Wot and it took me until about half way through to begin to appreciate it. The problem is (as I see it) that it should NOT be compared to WoT at all. With this book Sanderson is creating something much different, but still in the epic fantasy category.
I found the story very thought provoking. It makes you look a little deeper at the mindset of each character... what makes them tick, why they do what they do or feel how they feel. The good vs evil struggle in this story is not a physical one, but a mental struggle (especially with Kaladin).
If you're looking for fast paced action and fighting then you'll be better off looking elsewhere, but if you can appreciate the why and the how of the inner workings of a person's thoughts and how past events can affect our choices in life, then I would highly recommend this one.
I'm looking forward to book two.
I found the story very thought provoking. It makes you look a little deeper at the mindset of each character... what makes them tick, why they do what they do or feel how they feel. The good vs evil struggle in this story is not a physical one, but a mental struggle (especially with Kaladin).
If you're looking for fast paced action and fighting then you'll be better off looking elsewhere, but if you can appreciate the why and the how of the inner workings of a person's thoughts and how past events can affect our choices in life, then I would highly recommend this one.
I'm looking forward to book two.
Personal taste I suppose.. It seems a lot of you are after faster paced stories with less world building and description. The extra detail is what makes me love it all the more though. I helps me build the world in my head and imagine it clearer.
Sanderson is amazing at planning the entirety of his stories out before he even starts actually writing the chapters. Something that was barely hinted at early in the book or even in a previous book in the series suddenly makes sense, giving you that "Oh!" feeling.
Even the ways the different series link together in the Cosmere are astounding. I can spend hours on the Coppermind wikia or something similar trying to piece together the puzzles and predict whats going to happen in future books. I'm hoping one day he'll finally write a Cosmere book telling us about the various Shardholders and what finally culminates between them all.
I think one of his earlier unpublished works was about before the Shards were broken, and the people who eventually pick them up and become Shardholders. I hope he rewrites that book and publishes it eventually. Oh and then there's the reoccurring character in pretty much all of his books. I'm sure anyone who's familiar with his works knows who I'm talking about.
Sanderson is amazing at planning the entirety of his stories out before he even starts actually writing the chapters. Something that was barely hinted at early in the book or even in a previous book in the series suddenly makes sense, giving you that "Oh!" feeling.
Even the ways the different series link together in the Cosmere are astounding. I can spend hours on the Coppermind wikia or something similar trying to piece together the puzzles and predict whats going to happen in future books. I'm hoping one day he'll finally write a Cosmere book telling us about the various Shardholders and what finally culminates between them all.
I think one of his earlier unpublished works was about before the Shards were broken, and the people who eventually pick them up and become Shardholders. I hope he rewrites that book and publishes it eventually. Oh and then there's the reoccurring character in pretty much all of his books. I'm sure anyone who's familiar with his works knows who I'm talking about.
I figure it's like construction. The larger the building, the larger a foundation you need. There has to be lots of world building and character introduction, because otherwise there isn't enough to support all that will come after.
Which isn't to say that it makes getting through all the world building any easier. Every time I read The Lord of the Rings, I find the first half of The Fellowship of the Ring to be a bit of a slog. Luckily, I know the payoff is coming once I get through it.
Which isn't to say that it makes getting through all the world building any easier. Every time I read The Lord of the Rings, I find the first half of The Fellowship of the Ring to be a bit of a slog. Luckily, I know the payoff is coming once I get through it.
This discussion really shows how many different opinions there is.
Some people prefer books with lot of action, others (like me) prefer looooong books with detailed descriptions and "everyday actions"
I loved this book, and didn't thought it slow at all - I read it in less than a week...
Some people prefer books with lot of action, others (like me) prefer looooong books with detailed descriptions and "everyday actions"
I loved this book, and didn't thought it slow at all - I read it in less than a week...
deleted member
Dec 04, 2013 09:13AM
0 votes
This was possibly the most unintelligent review I have ever read. "How does it work for generals?" The you explain how it works all on your own, and then say "but still". No, there is no but still you explained exactly how it works.
Second, it sounds like your biggest problems are:
1.) an ambitiously created, extremely well-thought out world
2.) A society and culture different from your own.
Third, I have no idea what you're talking about when it comes to the history, because there is more history in this book alone than in probably anything else.
You do know it's okay to just simply not like a book, right? You can, subjectively, just not like it. But the problem with your review is that you are just making up objective reasons that aren't there. You don't have to make up reasons in order to just say "it wasn't really my thing". But since you're just inventing fake reasons, I figured I'd respond.
Second, it sounds like your biggest problems are:
1.) an ambitiously created, extremely well-thought out world
2.) A society and culture different from your own.
Third, I have no idea what you're talking about when it comes to the history, because there is more history in this book alone than in probably anything else.
You do know it's okay to just simply not like a book, right? You can, subjectively, just not like it. But the problem with your review is that you are just making up objective reasons that aren't there. You don't have to make up reasons in order to just say "it wasn't really my thing". But since you're just inventing fake reasons, I figured I'd respond.
The funny thing is...you're probably looking for books with lots of fights, sex, and magic. This is the first book in a 10 book series, not a stand alone.
If you found the book boring, then you're more into violence than plot and execution. You also have to read the book from cover to cover to get everything. Sanderson likes to put small, but very important information in slower sections.
I am currently on my 8th re-read of TWOK, and Im noticing things that I didn't notice in my first 7 reads. Little things, that make the big picture a little clearer.
You also can't compare TWOK to any of Sanderson other books. Just like you can't compare those books to each other. Every book/series of Sanderson's has a unique magic system and world.
TWOK is a lot of political maneuvering, back story, and character development. You have to remember that even the characters in the book aren't sure how the magic system works...so why should the reader?
If you found the book boring, then you're more into violence than plot and execution. You also have to read the book from cover to cover to get everything. Sanderson likes to put small, but very important information in slower sections.
I am currently on my 8th re-read of TWOK, and Im noticing things that I didn't notice in my first 7 reads. Little things, that make the big picture a little clearer.
You also can't compare TWOK to any of Sanderson other books. Just like you can't compare those books to each other. Every book/series of Sanderson's has a unique magic system and world.
TWOK is a lot of political maneuvering, back story, and character development. You have to remember that even the characters in the book aren't sure how the magic system works...so why should the reader?
I have to agree as well. although I do like Sanderson's Mistborn series, it was very original, I'm not thrilled with TWOK. It's clear that he was inspired to do his own epic series to compare to The Wheel of Time but it just falls short. It feels shallow and contrived. I feel like I'm watching a stage play rather than being immersed in a movie.
I don't like how he's structured the book, going back and forth between Kalidan young and Kalidan present day, it doesn't flow very well, also those 'interludes' drive me crazy! I don't want to hear about a brand new character when I just started getting into the main plot line. It makes me want to put the book down.
I do agree about the use of the word 'Storm'. He obviously is trying to borrow from WOT in regards to profanity in his world. At least in WOT the profanity made grammatical sense. 'Burn you' 'Burn me' and 'By the light' all feel like a natural way to curse. 'Storm you' doesn't seem to make sense. How do you 'Storm' someone? That would be like someone in WOT saying 'Fire you' It doesn't feel natural.
I also agree about the 'spren', they just seem like an annoying addition. I could understand if they only appeared during times of extreme emotion, but he has them popping up all the time. They just seem pointless. Also 'Syl' reminds me too much of a fairy. As soon as she appeared it lessened my believability. I could tolerate the spren as a natural part of the world but when one of them turns into your fairy companion it just rings to much like Tinkerbell.
With WOT it was a completely believable world, with a lot of depth and structure and very three dimensional characters. I do think Brandon is generally a good writer, I really do, and he's a nice guy but I don't think TWOK will measure up to the strength of some of the newer series.
I don't like how he's structured the book, going back and forth between Kalidan young and Kalidan present day, it doesn't flow very well, also those 'interludes' drive me crazy! I don't want to hear about a brand new character when I just started getting into the main plot line. It makes me want to put the book down.
I do agree about the use of the word 'Storm'. He obviously is trying to borrow from WOT in regards to profanity in his world. At least in WOT the profanity made grammatical sense. 'Burn you' 'Burn me' and 'By the light' all feel like a natural way to curse. 'Storm you' doesn't seem to make sense. How do you 'Storm' someone? That would be like someone in WOT saying 'Fire you' It doesn't feel natural.
I also agree about the 'spren', they just seem like an annoying addition. I could understand if they only appeared during times of extreme emotion, but he has them popping up all the time. They just seem pointless. Also 'Syl' reminds me too much of a fairy. As soon as she appeared it lessened my believability. I could tolerate the spren as a natural part of the world but when one of them turns into your fairy companion it just rings to much like Tinkerbell.
With WOT it was a completely believable world, with a lot of depth and structure and very three dimensional characters. I do think Brandon is generally a good writer, I really do, and he's a nice guy but I don't think TWOK will measure up to the strength of some of the newer series.
Agreed. I personally dislike most of Sanderson's work. I think he is generic, unoriginal, sterile, and just can't stop spoonfeeding the reader about how some thing or other works in his world (I got it for **** sake, stop it already, you're spoiling your own book). I like to call it forced writing, where you just throw in elements by the proven recipe to get the product, without any inspiration or passion. It seems to me he is trying to appeal to very wide audience, and what we get is pure mediocrity.
I totally agree with the comments. They hype this guy to be a master of fantasy. I toughed out the beast of book The Way of Kings just to prove to myself that i can finish it. A complete waste of time. I rather read a calculus book then touch another Sanderson book.
The writing is quite formulaic. For the last 200 pages, I skipped a lot of the pointless description... the story is a bit formulaic also.
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His first published work, Elantris, came out in 2005.
The Way of Kings was published in 2010. Not to m ...more
Oct 10, 2018 10:13AM · flag