The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I just want to start off by saying that I never had any desire to read this book, so the fact that I’m giving it a five-star review is saying something.
Overview:
Way of Kings is an epic fantasy novel that takes place during a time of great divide among the people Alethkar. Their caste system is broken up into two types of people: darkeyes and lighteyes. Those with light eyes are the upper class, though there are different levels within the darkeyes and lighteyes. This story follows four main characters: Kaladin, Dalinar, Adolin, and Shallan. Kaladin is a slave that used to be a squad leader in the army. Dalinar is a highprince who thinks he’s receiving visions from the Almightly. Adolin is Dalinar’s son and a world-renouwned dueler. Shallan is a thief disguised as a ward to a famous scholar. All of these characters have a part in something very big that is about to occur that might change the entire course of history.
The Plot
This is one of the most intricate plots I’ve ever seen in a book. Mind you, I don’t generally read high fantasy books (and when I do, they’re usually children and young adult novels), but even with my limited experience with epic fantasies, I can guarantee that there is nothing boring or predictable in this book. Honestly, after reading 1001 pages, I still feel like I’m just barely starting to grasp what is going on in this series. I mean that as a compliment, because Brandon Sanderson has clearly set this up to raise questions for later books. It does take a little patience in some parts though. Especially when he ends and chapter on a cliffhanger and then switches to a different character’s perspective. Not nice, Brandon Sanderson! Anyway, my point is, the author clearly has meticulously planned out a very layered plot that keeps the reader guessing and questioning.
The Writing Style
Sanderson does a fabulous job at world-building! Most fantasy novels have several things in common: magic, mystical creatures, characters with unnatural power. Way of Kings has all of that, yet it is written in such a way that it all seems like a completely new concept. The way magic is used in these books is very specific and follows a set of rules, which I really appreciate. (I despise stories where characters can do whatever they want with their magic with no consequences. That’s not relatable, as real people have limitations and struggles.) The creatures are also very unique. Some examples are axhounds, skyeels, and spren of pretty much any kind you can think of (whindspren, lifespren, fearspren, etc.). Even the currency used is unique – glass spheres that house jewels that glow with stormlight. Their money glows! They use it to light their houses! How cool is that? I give huge props to Brandon Sanderson for his fabulous world-building of such a unique fantasy world.
The Characters
Of course I saved the best for last. Characters are the most important part of any story to me, and if I feel a strong connection to the characters, I will be sucked in until the very last page. I have to admit that I did enjoy some characters more than others. Kaladin was by far my favorite. He is probably the most resilient character I have ever encountered in a book. EVERYTHING goes horribly wrong for him, and he gets beaten down by a relentless storm of tragedies and catastrophes. Yet, he is a survivor that not only lives through everything life’s thrown at him, but manages to make something of himself and inspire others around him to keep fighting and keep living, even in the depths of dispair. He really is an incredible example of character development, and I feel like I could write an entire essay about they ways he grows and changes. Dalinar is also another favorite. He is so firm and principled, he’s basically an older version of Captain America, and really, who doesn’t love dear old Cap? All of the characters in this story are three-dimensional, complex characters, who go through soul-searching journeys that really force them to face their demons and search deep inside for the potential of who they could be if they are brave enough.
Overall
Overall, if you are looking for a unique book to get completely lost in, I would definitely recommend Way of Kings.