The Way of Kings: Book Review

Dive into one of the most epic fantasy novels ever written. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson follows a myriad of characters that have to face enemies, monsters, assassins and much more while surviving the flaws and biases of the world they live in. Find out why this novel has become a fan favorite and why they love it as much as they do.

The Way of Kings Summary

The Way of Kings tells the story between many characters’ point of views. I will only mention the ones that are most important to the plot. Kaladin, Shallan Davar, Szeth-son-son-Vallano, and 

Szeth-son-son-Vallano is a Shin man that has to follow the commands of whoever possesses the orb. He is instructed to kill the king of one of the mightiest nations, Alethkar. Szeth has powers such as surgebinding that were once possessed by the Knights Radiant who are no more. Along with his powers, Szeth also is the owner of an Honorblade, which makes him difficult to defeat and an effective assassin. 

Once again, Szeth is told to assassinate a king. This time, he has to kill Gavinar, who is the Alethi king. Gavinar is in the midst of celebrating the peace treaty with the Parshendi but is assassinated. The Parshendi admit to hiring the assassin to kill Gavinar which leads to a war between the two people. 

Dalinar, the brother of the king, is undergoing a change from preferring war and battle to questioning it. He also has visions that take him to the past when the Knights Radiant were alive. The people around Dalinar question his mental state and whether or not he is going insane. That opens the door for his opponents to challenge and undermine his authority. 

Kaladin And Shallan

Kaladin is a darkeyed villager who hates lighteyes. They have treated him horribly and have massacred his friends while branding him a slave. As a kid, he wanted to be a surgeon but by unforeseen circumstances, had to join the army. Kaladan faces against an enemy that is in possession of a Shardblade and Shardplate and defeats him. As the victor, Kaladin is supposed to be rewarded the Shardblade and Shardplate but his betrayed by Brightlord Amaram, who keeps the treasure for himself and kills all who were witnesses to Kaladin’s victory.

Shallan is a lighteyed woman whose family is in debt. She comes from a family that has little influence and are in need of money and much more. That is why Shallan has journeyed to seek Jasnah Kholin, sister of the Alethi king and become her ward. The ward is. a ruse so Shallan can get close enough to steal the Jasnah’s Soulcaster. 

Commentary

As you have seen from the summary above, there is a lot going on. You have to follow numerous point of views, retain a lot of history, and learn about magical weapons and of heroes forgotten. There is a lot to take in but it is worth it because the world building and story telling by Brandon Sanderson is worth it. 

The characters are well written and are easily likable. If you are like me, then you prefer some point of views more than others. That becomes annoying when something major happens and the narrator switches and you have to read about events that are taking place in other parts of the world. But it also keeps you reading which is a plus.

In this novel, the Stormblades and most of the magical elements don’t play too heavy of a role. Instead, we are immersed in the characters and their struggles. There is a lot to take in and the focus on the characters instead makes it easier to dive into this wondrous world that he has created.

Conclusion

If you are in need of a long trilogy, then this is a great option. The Way of Kings is a unique novel that is worth the investment you put into it as a reader. I plan on reading all the novels and reviewing them here so you can have a better idea of what to expect and decide if you want to read them or not.

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