The Way of Kings Review: A Modern Fantasy Epic

Welcome to The Way of Kings Book Review, the first entry in Brandon Sanderson monumental series, The Stormlight Archive. This epic fantasy introduces readers to the alien world of Roshar, a land dominated by devastating highstorms that sweep across the continent. Through multiple perspectives, including Kaladin, a soldier turned slave, we experience a brutal world where survival is a constant battle. What follows is one of the greatest opening acts to a fantasy series I’ve ever read.

If you’re looking for the best advice I can give, it’s this: go into this book completely blind. Seriously, stop reading reviews (including this one!), and trust that you’ll be utterly captivated by the world of Roshar, the incredible characters, and the rich magic systems. But if you’re still on the fence, stick around for this spoiler-free review of The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson.

World Building: Roshar is Practically a Character

When I dive into a story, I want to escape to a world that feels alive and distinctly different from my own. And wow, does Sanderson deliver.

Roshar is not just a backdrop; it’s practically a character in its own right. The world revolves around the periodic highstorms that ravage the land, shaping the environment, culture, and even the flora and fauna. The Shattered Plains serve as a central location, a harsh landscape where much of the action unfolds.

From plants that retract into the ground during storms to cultures shaped by Roshar’s unforgiving environment, Sanderson’s attention to detail is unparalleled. The saying “Life before death, strength before weakness, journey before destination” perfectly encapsulates the resilience required to survive in such a world. You can tell that every little aspect of this world was meticulously crafted. Roshar has already earned its place alongside legendary fantasy settings like Westeros and Middle-Earth, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

Oh, and let’s not forget about the spren. But I’ll let you discover those intriguing creatures for yourself.

Characters: A Deep Dive into Mental Health (and Badassery)

Brandon Sanderson has truly set himself apart as an author who handles mental health with authenticity and care. No character embodies this more than Kaladin, the main POV character in The Way of Kings. Kaladin’s struggle with depression and anxiety is portrayed in a way that feels incredibly real and relatable. While classic fantasy often shied away from such topics, Sanderson leans into them, making Kaladin’s journey all the more compelling.

Another one of the standout characters is Jasnah Kholin, a strong, intelligent scholar who challenges the norms of her society. Her journey in both The Way of Kings and the sequel, Words of Radiance, explores themes of morality, knowledge, and power. Jasnah who’s arc is one of the most fascinating in the series.

But Kaladin and Jasnah aren’t the only stars of the show. Sanderson surrounds them with a rich cast of characters, including Shallan, Dalinar, Adolin, and the members of Bridge Four. Each of these characters is well-developed, with their own goals, personalities, and arcs. None of them feel like throwaway pieces; they all contribute to the intricate tapestry of the story.

Pacing: A Rollercoaster with a Few Bumps

If I had to point out a weakness in The Way of Kings, it would be the pacing. Pacing is something I’ve struggled with in multiple of Sanderson’s novels, and this one is no exception. Sanderson himself has said that he writes each book of The Stormlight Archive as a trilogy within a book, and you can definitely see this in how the pacing unfolds.

The Way of Kings suffers from what we like to call “middle book syndrome,” despite being the first in the series. The first third of the book is an incredible introduction to the world and characters, and the ending is a classic “Sander-lanche” where everything comes together in an epic, emotional climax.

However, that middle third drags a bit. I understand why it’s necessary, but it takes around 500 pages for first-time readers to really get hooked. That’s a significant commitment, and I can see how it might deter some people.

But trust me, power through. The payoff is immense, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most satisfying conclusions in epic fantasy. If you’re a fan of A Song of Ice and Fire, this series will likely resonate with you, though it offers a different kind of magic system and a more optimistic outlook.

Overall: This Generation’s Fantasy Masterpiece

I don’t say this lightly, but Brandon Sanderson’s The Way of Kings Review Score is a 10/10. Now, a 10 doesn’t mean it’s a perfect book—no book is perfect—but The Way of Kings sets a standard that I now compare all other fantasy books to. So far, I’ve yet to encounter a story that balances character development, world-building, and plot as masterfully as Sanderson does here.

If you’re hesitant about the book’s length, I urge you to take the plunge. I promise you’ll be fully immersed in the world of Roshar, and you’ll fall in love with Bridge Four. The Way of Kings is not just a book; it’s an experience, and one that every epic fantasy lover should have. Read The Way of Kings, and I guarantee it will redefine what you expect from the genre.