The Way of Shadows

by Brent Weeks
The Way of Shadows cover
Good Books rating 4.29
Fantasy
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4605
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9780748112586
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2009-06-11
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Way of Shadows introduces readers to a gritty world where assassination is an art form, and survival is a daily struggle. Durzo Blint, the city's most accomplished assassin, takes on an unlikely apprentice, Azoth, who must shed his old identity and embrace a new one as Kylar Stern. Together, they navigate a landscape of political intrigue, dark magic, and deadly consequences. The novel is praised for its break-neck pacing, intricate plot twists, and richly detailed world-building, making it a standout in the fantasy genre. /n/n Brent Weeks' debut novel is the first in the Night Angel series, blending elements of fantasy, action, and suspense. The story explores themes of identity, survival, and the moral complexities of violence. With its vivid characters and immersive setting, The Way of Shadows has cemented Weeks' place among the great epic fantasy writers of our time.

Reviews
Fantasy Book Review · 2025-10-21
exciting 4.65

The story is engaging with excellent pacing, well-developed characters, and competent writing. It ticks all the boxes for a great dark fantasy novel.

Imagine diving into a world where every element of dark fantasy is meticulously crafted. The story flows seamlessly, keeping you hooked from start to finish. The characters are not just believable but also likable, making it easy to get invested in their journeys. The writing is solid, ensuring that the narrative is both engaging and enjoyable. It's a book that doesn't just meet expectations but exceeds them, offering a rich tapestry of political intrigue, compelling characters, and thrilling action.

Quick quotes

    The story is interesting, the pacing top-notch, the characters reasonably well-rounded and believable/likable.

    The writing is perfectly competent.

    It ticks all the boxes for a great dark fantasy novel.

Before We Go Blog · 2023-08-08
thrilling 4.50

This book is brutal and action-packed, with a fast-paced and thrilling narrative. It's filled with secrets and unexpected twists.

If you're looking for a book that doesn't hold back, this is it. It's brutal, action-packed, and thrilling, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The fast-paced narrative ensures that there's never a dull moment. Secrets and unexpected twists abound, making it a journey filled with surprises. It's not just a book; it's an experience that will leave you breathless and eager for more.

Quick quotes

    The positives of this book, though? There are so many. It's brutal and action-packed. It's fast-paced and thrilling.

    There are secrets, unexpected twists, and a lot of heart.

    It's not just a book; it's an experience that will leave you breathless and eager for more.

Grimdark Magazine · 2023-05-06
impressive 4.00

This novel is a quintessential dark fantasy with cool fight scenes, political intrigues, and compelling characters. The harsh environment adds depth to the story.

Ever wanted to immerse yourself in a world that's as harsh as it is captivating? This novel delivers just that. The fight scenes are not just cool but also meticulously crafted, adding a layer of excitement to the narrative. Political intrigues weave through the story, making it as complex and engaging as any real-world drama. The characters are compelling, drawing you in and making you care about their fates. The harsh environment isn't just a backdrop but a character in its own right, adding depth and realism to the story.

Quick quotes

    The Way of Shadows is a checklist for great dark fantasy- cool fight scenes, political intrigues, compelling characters, a harsh environment, wonderous magic.

    It’s a fun, action-packed story with a lot of heart.

    The characters are compelling, and the world-building is impressive.

Zezee With Books · 2017-09-05
surprising 4.00

The novel is a dark and gritty surprise with compelling characters and a harsh environment.

This reviewer was pleasantly surprised by the book's dark and gritty tone. They appreciate the compelling characters and the harsh environment that adds depth to the story. The reviewer found the novel to be a total surprise, enjoying its dark and gritty atmosphere. The characters are well-developed and the setting is immersive, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    The novel was a total surprise. I didn't expect to like it.

    It's dark and its grittiness smacks you in the face as soon as you start reading.

    The characters are compelling and the environment is harsh.

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