The Way of Kings

by Brandon Sanderson
The Way of Kings cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Fantasy
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Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99 Hardback • £30.00
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 2380
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780575097384
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2010-12-30
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

The Way of Kings introduces readers to the epic world of Roshar, a planet ravaged by massive storms that have sculpted its ecology and civilization. The remnants of the once-great Knights Radiant, including their legendary Shardblades and Shardplate, are highly sought after, sparking wars and shaping the fate of nations. The story follows multiple characters, including Kaladin, a former medical apprentice turned slave, Brightlord Dalinar Kholin, haunted by visions of the past, and Shallan, a young woman with hidden motives seeking knowledge from a renowned scholar. This groundbreaking fantasy novel is the first in The Stormlight Archive series, praised for its intricate world-building, complex characters, and thrilling action. It has redefined the genre, earning accolades from readers and critics alike for its depth and originality.

Reviews
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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