Brandon Sanderson

Kate Reading

Michael Kramer

Book One of the Stormlight Archive

The Way of Kings

A new epic series by the best-selling writer of Robert Jordan's final Wheel of Time® novels introduces the world of Roshar through the experiences of a war-weary royal compelled by visions, a highborn youth condemned to military slavery and a woman who would save her impoverished house.

I have been dying from air quality migraines for 2+ days with wildfire smoke and I have a TON of baking to do for a show next weekend and even though my TBR list is 300 books long, I am being a big baby and falling into the arms of one of my favourite books ever because I simply can’t do 

Apiecalypse Jen

I have only read the prologue which wasn't a fun read at all, after looking it up online I found out that the first chapters won't be fun either.

THOU art I

Alina

We are not creatures of destinations. It is the journey that shapes us. Our callused feet, our backs strong from carrying the weight of our travels, our eyes open with the fresh delight of experiences lived.

Watching them stand resolute and capable in stances they had only been just been taught, Kaladin realized something. These men—cast off by the army, forced to work themselves near to death, then fed extra food by Kaladin’s careful planning—were the most fit, training-ready recruits he’d ever been given.

By seeking to beat them down, Sadeas had prepared them to excel.

She felt guilty for being unable to record his death. And she felt stupid for that guilt.

No. He’d had no easy fall, like those drops. He’d earned his scars. He’d bounced off walls, bashed his face and hands. He’d killed innocent men by accident. He’d walked beside those with hearts like blackened coals, adoring them. He’d scrambled and climbed and fallen and stumbled.

And now here he was. At the end of it all. Understanding so much more, but somehow feeling no wiser.

No, this place wasn’t natural. The land had been broken. And now it broke the people who came to it.

So be it. Cutting down trees, building bridges, fighting in the army. None of it mattered. He would just keep living. They’d taken his freedom, his family, his friends, and—most dear of all—his dreams. They could do nothing more to him.

If there was one thing he still let himself long for, it was the chance to hold a spear. To fight again, to try and find his way back to the man he had been. A man who had cared.

Caroline Clutterbuck Kapulkin

Despite Sanderson's reputation, this book disappoints on multiple fronts. The characters feel recycled from other fantasy novels, while the world remains frustratingly vague. Dialogue that's meant to be witty falls flat, and the narrative is bogged down by unnecessary intermission chapters and predictable reveals. The author's obsession with palindromes adds another layer of irritation. Only the final hundred pages offer any real entertainment, though even these moments lack surprise.

Liana

Great world building as usual from Brandon Sanderson - really developed the characters well and draws you into the plot. Feels like this is the book setting the stage for the actual show - slow paced and detailed. Enjoyable will definitely be carrying on to see what happens to everyone next.

Lorna Isles

crazzyyyyyyyy cannot wait to read the next one it’s literally 2 am tho i gotta sleep

Daphne Li-Chen

ploral

What the fuck was this? I must read words of radiance immediately.

Ein Muss für alle Fantasy Fans. Tolles World building und high fantasy vom Feinsten.

Braucht aber die ersten 250 Seiten um reinzukommen.

Jeremy Mano

Ein Muss für alle Fantasy Fans. Tolles World building und high fantasy vom Feinsten.

Braucht aber die ersten 250 Seiten um reinzukommen.

Introduces the world of Roshar through the experiences of a war-weary royal compelled by visions, a highborn youth condemned to military slavery, and a woman who is desperate to save her impoverished house.

WOW. Brandon Sanderson truly is a master of his craft. his world-building is unparalleled, the story is unique, and the characters are so full of depth and realness. 

so why only four stars then? I hate to be this person, but these books are so dang long. my ADHD brain struggles even with how great everything else is. I just wish these books were more concise. like, kaladin’s bridge run chapters?? 

 wanted to throw myself into the chasm. anyway, that’s just my personal preference. fantastic storytelling and incredible in literally every other way.

emily learmont

WOW. Brandon Sanderson truly is a master of his craft. his world-building is unparalleled, the story is unique, and the characters are so full of depth and realness. 

so why only four stars then? I hate to be this person, but these books are so dang long. my ADHD brain struggles even with how great everything else is. I just wish these books were more concise. like, kaladin’s bridge run chapters?? I wanted to throw myself into the chasm. anyway, that’s just my personal preference. fantastic storytelling and incredible in literally every other way.

best book ive ever read (kaladin deserves the biggest sloppiest kiss ever)

Each character feels so well developed and each chapter moves the story along at a perfect pace. At no point did it drag or stumble. It didn’t feel like it took 45 hours to listen through but I’m glad there was 45 hours of this wonderful story. Sanderson does it again. 

Alex Shinsky

Stormfather, what a book!

Each character feels so well developed and each chapter moves the story along at a perfect pace. At no point did it drag or stumble. It didn’t feel like it took 45 hours to listen through but I’m glad there was 45 hours of this wonderful story. Sanderson does it again. 

Omar 

Sandersons work is held back by its inability to invoke grit, gravitas and realism. On every level, it sits deeply fictional, and does not draw an illusion sufficient for you to get the idea that these are super immersive events

Everything else is better than top notch tho. This book is closed to a 4.7 stars to me.

A new epic series by the best-selling writer of Robert Jordan's final Wheel of Time novels introduces the world of Roshar through the experiences of a war-weary royal compelled by visions, a highborn youth condemned to military slavery and a woman.

Luke Harkness

I'm fully in!

As stated in part one review, I have read this book before but cannot remember quite being invested in it enough to leave a respectable review - therefore I have it 5* as I just presumed that was the right thing to do.

Now I've read it fully. Now I've invested over a week into this absolute epic and I'd say this is now in my top books of all time. It tells many stories, offers up such a phenomenal and interesting world and fully grips you in with an unknown history, interesting questions, fascinating theories, deep characters and that feeling of really having lived through these characters' lives. First time round I didn't really get the hype. Second time round, I am all aboard the hype train! 🚂

The brand new epic fantasy series from international bestseller Brandon Sanderson. According to mythology mankind used to live in The Tranquiline Halls. Heaven. But then the Voidbringers assaulted and captured heaven, casting out God and men. Men took root on Roshar, the world of storms. And the Voidbringers followed ... They came against man ten thousand times. To help them cope, the Almighty gave men powerful suits of armor and mystical weapons, known as Shardblades. Led by ten angelic Heralds and ten orders of knights known as Radiants, mankind finally won. Or so the legends say. Today, the only remnants of those supposed battles are the Shardblades, the possession of which makes a man nearly invincible on the battlefield. The entire world is at war with itself - and has been for centuries since the Radiants turned against mankind. Kings strive to win more Shardblades, each secretly wishing to be the one who will finally unite all of mankind under a single throne. On a world scoured down to the rock by terrifying hurricanes that blow through every few days is a young spearman, forced into the army of a Shardbearer, led to war against an enemy he doesn't understand and doesn't really want to fight. What happened deep in mankind's past? Why did the Radiants turn against mankind, and what happened to the magic they used to wield?

It does definitely feel like the first part of a whole story. But the first part of a story I'm very invested in. I remember parts of it from my first read, but as I thought, there's a lot I don't remember and a lot I didn't pick up. Now a now experienced reader, I fan appreciate it so much more. Fascinating and deep world, a couple of REALLY cool characters and it feels a little bit over the top in places which is 100% OK as the rest of the book is so grounded. Look forward to part two!

Released in two volumes due to size of book. According to mythology mankind used to live in The Tranquiline Halls. Heaven. But then the Voidbringers assaulted and captured heaven, casting out God and men. Men took root on Roshar, the world of storms. And the Voidbringers followed . . . They came against man ten thousand times. To help them cope, the Almighty gave men powerful suits of armor and mystical weapons, known as Shardblades. Led by ten angelic Heralds and ten orders of knights known as Radiants, mankind finally won. Or so the legends say. Today, the only remnants of those supposed battles are the Shardblades, the possession of which makes a man nearly invincible on the battlefield. The entire world is at war with itself - and has been for centuries since the Radiants turned against mankind. Kings strive to win more Shardblades, each secretly wishing to be the one who will finally unite all of mankind under a single throne. On a world scoured down to the rock by terrifying hurricanes that blow through every few days is a young spearman ,forced into the army of a Shardbearer, led to war against an enemy he doesn't understand and doesn't really want to fight. What happened deep in mankind's past? Why did the Radiants turn against mankind, and what happened to the magic they used to wield?

As stated in part one review, I have read this book before but cannot remember quite being invested in it enough to leave a respectable review - therefore I have it 5* as I just presumed that was the right thing to do.

Now I've read it fully. Now I've invested over a week into this absolute epic and I'd say this is now in my top books of all time. It tells many stories, offers up such a phenomenal and interesting world and fully grips you in with an unknown history, interesting questions, fascinating theories, deep characters and that feeling of really having lived through these characters' lives. First time round I didn't really get the hype. Second time round, I am all aboard the hype train! 🚂

james

Christine

Vicky  Nuñez 

The Way of Kings is the first book of this epic fantasy series. As the first book in long series, this first books is filled with history and explanations of its religion, magic system, etc. 
But they are all peppered throughout the book and are never too overwhelming. The history lessons are intertwined with the characters so you never get bored.
 Honestly, I'm just in awe of what an incredibly detailed world Sanderson has created. It made for an interesting book.
I am in awe and I loved every minute of it, I can't wait to read the rest!

Elisabeth Thoresen

Catarina Lopes 

4.5/5!

It was veryyy good, a true epic high fantasy novel. My only gripe is that there were some moments where I was bored and dragging through it, which is normal in such a big book, so understandable

Can see myself giving it a 5 star though upon a re-read or the more I think about it

Gracie Marsden

The last 10% of the book made four stars. The first 90% I give three stars. This is a wonderful fantasy/adventure novel, with meticulous world planning and dazzling creativity. My only complaint is how long the book is. Worth the read.

Tatiana

The Way of Kings: 4.5/5

I was so nervous to read this thinking it wouldn't live up to the hype but DAMN this book was AMAZING. Sanderson does an incredible job or slowly introducing information without leaving the reader confused and it hooks you from the start.

I'm so proud of reading this massive book and I cannot wait to continue the series!! :D

fucking finally. i cant believe i just did that. brando sando youre insane!!

Kyle Curry

Great start. Sanderson loves to hear himself write as it were, so settle in because this books takes the long route. Albeit through wonderful scenery and a compelling mythology; it's quite a set up for the series to come. GOT fans will enjoy.

Delaney Vorwick

Cannot wait to be utterly confused for another 1,000 pages in the next book of this series 

The Way of Kings Book One of the Stormlight Archive

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