The Way of Kings

5.00/5.00

Speak again the ancient oaths! Life before death, Strength before Weakness, Journey before Destination!

The Way of Kings is a cornerstone of modern epic fantasy, a new chapter in the fantasy genre, an exemplar of storytelling excellence. At its core, the way of kings is a character driver story, that is deep , intricate and emotional. This book tells such a complete story, with astounding worldbuilding that feels so fresh, such rootable characters and an intricate plotlines.

Plot -> the shattered plains and the bridges are enough by itself to make this a brilliant plot. Dalinar's plot is intricate and delves into political intrigue and has a wonderful twist at the end! I loved kaladin's stories more than anything happening in real time, except for the final battle where he speaks the ancient oaths to become a Knight Radiant! Shallan's storyline is fun but not as interesting as Kaladin's, but I think it is a necessary break from the shattered plains.Worldbuilding/Magic System -> Its all about the spren, in this magnus opus of Brandon Sanderson's world. Flame spren and wave function collapse ? wow. The magic system is probably one of the most innovative I have ever read, referring to surgebinding and the shards. Soulcasting seems a bit mundane. However, the biology and the geology of Roshar is second to none. I am so impressed by the idea of the shattered plains, the ancient oaths, the eye-colors and so much more. However, the worldbuilding is not the perfect 10. For example, I think the Wheel of Time does worldbuilding better in some books (like book 4 and 5). Maybe I'll be wrong when I read more of The Stromlight Archive.Character Development -> Best I have read. Kaladin's story is so gripping. I am a 100% on board on the Kaladin train. Dalinar's morality and his regret, his wonderful relationship with his son Adolin, Adolin's respect and loyalty to his father, OMG. Such rootable, wonderfully complex and flawed characters. They learn and change through the book. Dalinar learns that the book's ideas are not suited for the world as it is today. Adolin's path to trusting his father, his regret over doubting his father, Kaladin's despair, his honor, his leadership and his hatred and distrust of lighteyes! OMG!Prose -> Super competent prose. However, I think the prose could have done a better job of bringing out the grandness of this story. It is brilliant storytelling, and for this reason Brandon Sanderson is one of my favorite authors, but why not have a little of poetic and quotable work? At least during the high points of the book.. It leaves me wanting. I also did not enjoy how the book kept jumping from POV to POV in every other chapter. Why not have 2-3 kaladin chapters together, and then move on to 2-3 chapters of Dalinar and Adolin? I found the POV hopping a bit irritating. You can have multiple POV (i would argue that it is necessary in epic fantasy), without having to jump in every other chapter. Think Wheel of Time, which has so much more POV than Stormlight, but it handles it more gracefully. Its not that I don't enjoy Shallan, I do, I loved her story, but stop jumping back and forth! It adds no value to the book. Emotional Impact -> Absolutely loved the book. I didn't mind the slower pace, I actually enjoyed taking my time with Kaladin and Dalinar. What an ending! Dayum! Dalinar slamming the shardblade in the rock to buy Kaladin's freedom! Kaladin speaking the second oath! My favorite moment of the book is when Kaladin promises to being Tien back home to his father. I teared up! Teft asking Kaladin not to give up.. beautiful. "You will not lift these hanging men from their noose for a breath and then let them fall back!"