Reviewed by Ryan O’Boyle
It can be hard to find a great fantasy fiction book to start off a series. Let alone have the sequels continue to surprise and delight. Sometimes the fantasy lore is underwhelming, the characters not well developed. Look no further than The Way Kings, book one in the Stormlight Archive. Brandon Sanderson crafts a marvelous tale, full of twists and turns. He writes from the perspective of many characters. Weaving together a tapestry of events so colorful it’s like watching a movie.
Join a world of dazzling creatures, powerful magic and compelling people. The Way of Kings opens with an enticing prelude. It alludes to a grand battle. The Heralds, participants in this battle, abandon the fight. They leave behind one of their own, with a haunting “Forgive us…” to insinuate the Heralds leave the one to intense suffering. This juicy quote provides fuel to a hungry plot, set to expand across ten large books.
After the prelude, forty five hundred years pass. Gavilar Kholin, King of Alethkar, a nation on Roshar, celebrates a truce with a group of beings called the Parshendi. Midfeast, he is assassinated. His brother, Dalinar Kholin, is distraught. Dalinar finds a message scrawled in blood above his brother’s corpse. He wages war against the Parshendi to avenge his brother’s death. A long drawn out siege on the Shattered Plains causes a rift amongst the ruling class. Alliances shift, lines are drawn, betrayal lurks around every corner.
Brandon Sanderson deftly creates a believable fantasy world. He incorporates religions, politics and characterizations that feel real. His writing style makes the entire read feel fast paced and engaging. It is fascinating to watch the style change with each character. A master of detail, Mr. Sanderson makes the enormous tome feel like a light read.
Amidst controversy, assassins, betrayal, mysteries and countless inner battles, you’ll laugh, love and gasp your way through. The Way of Kings is a must read.