The Way of Kings

by Brandon Sanderson
The Way of Kings cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Fantasy
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Waterstones
Paperback • £14.99 Hardback • £30.00
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 2380
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-11-28
  • ISBN: 9780575097384
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2010-12-30
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

The Way of Kings introduces readers to the epic world of Roshar, where massive storms shape the landscape and society. The story follows multiple characters, including Kaladin, a slave seeking to protect his men; Dalinar Kholin, a warlord haunted by visions of the past; and Shallan, a scholar with hidden motives. As they navigate a world filled with magical artifacts and ancient prophecies, they uncover truths about the Knights Radiant and the true cause of the war that rages on the Shattered Plains. The novel is praised for its intricate world-building, complex characters, and groundbreaking storytelling, making it a standout in the fantasy genre. The book is the first in The Stormlight Archive series and has been lauded for its depth and originality. It features a richly detailed world, a multi-POV narrative, and a blend of action, political intrigue, and personal drama. Readers have praised it for elevating the art of storytelling and introducing a series that will change the history of fantasy.

Reviews
The Fiction Fox · 2024-09-23
fantastic 4.50

The characterization and development of both main and side characters are supreme, with clear favourites among them. The reviewer found the story to be one of the best modern epic fantasy books.

The reviewer praises the characterization and development of both main and side characters, highlighting their favourites. They describe this book as one of the best modern epic fantasy books out there. The reviewer appreciates the intricate world-building and the way the story unfolds, making it a truly immersive experience. They also highlight the emotional depth and the way the characters deal with their struggles, which adds a layer of realism and relatability to the story. The reviewer finds the pacing to be slow at times, but the payoff is worth the wait.

Quick quotes

    The characterization and development of both the main characters and side characters is supreme, although I do have clear favourites among them.

    The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson is one of the best modern epic fantasy books out there right now.

    In just over 1000 pages you will disappear into the world of Roshar.

Books Are My Third Place · 2023-11-17
enthusiastic 4.50

The book is highly recommended for fans of epic fantasy, especially those who have read the Mistborn trilogy. It is praised for its immersive world-building and complex characters.

This reviewer is a big fan of epic fantasy and thinks this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys the genre. They particularly appreciate the depth of the world-building and the complexity of the characters. The reviewer also mentions that the book's length is justified by its rich content and engaging storytelling. They highlight how the book's themes and character development make it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    I'd recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone who loves epic fantasy, and has already read the Mistborn trilogy.

    The world-building is so intricate and detailed that it feels like a living, breathing place.

    The characters are complex and well-developed, making it easy to become invested in their journeys.

Reddit - Fantasy · zuo8c4 · 2022-10-22
favorite 5.00

The book is described as the reviewer's favorite, with a particular appreciation for how it deals with trauma and mental health.

This reviewer considers The Way of Kings their favorite book, praising its handling of trauma and mental health themes. They find the characters' struggles and growth to be deeply moving and relatable. The reviewer also highlights how the book's exploration of these themes has had a positive impact on their own life, making it a standout read. They appreciate the depth and complexity of the characters, which makes the story feel personal and impactful.

Quick quotes

    The Way of Kings is my favorite book.

    It's so good, the way some characters deal with trauma and their mental health has helped me a lot with my own struggles.

    The characters' struggles and growth are deeply moving and relatable.

Grimdark Magazine · 2020-10-13
majestic 4.00

The series is described as enchanting and majestic, with only minor criticisms about its length. The reviewer finds the book magical and captivating.

The reviewer finds the series to be truly enchanting and majestic, with a magical quality that draws them in. They mention that the book is quite long, which is the only minor negative aspect they can find. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the story, which makes it a standout in the fantasy genre. They also note that the book's length is justified by its rich content and engaging storytelling.

Quick quotes

    There is truly something enchanting, majestic, and magical about this series.

    My only minor negatives are that this is a true doorstopper of a book.

    The depth and complexity of the story make it a standout in the fantasy genre.

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