Book Review: The Way of Kings
A slow-to-start but worthwhile epic fantasy read.
I've been an epic fantasy fan since I started reading (and really enjoying) books (Riftwar Saga, Dragonlance, Wheel of Time, Game of Thrones, etc), and have also read and liked the Mistborn series. So when I discovered Sanderson had also written an epic fantasy series, I was thrilled.
The Way of Kings took me a while to get into. Sanderson not only alternates perspective between several characters, every 3rd chapter or so goes back in time to flesh out more and more of the main protagonist's background. While I enjoy a good backstory, I've rarely seen it done in a fashion where it doesn't disrupt the flow of the story (*eyeroll* let's see how fast I can get through this so I can get back to the main plot). This book did it better than most, but it's the main reason I had trouble gaining momentum.
Once I did, however, I couldn't put the book down. Most of the characters are deep an interesting. Shallan's personality, quirks, and conflict were a great combination that drew me into her plotline more than anyone else's. Sanderson does a great job of painting a world that is medieval in feel but definitely un-Earth-like, with rock- and crustacean-based fauna and flora that he describes very well, along with mysterious spren that seem to represent every aspect of life and emotion.
The next book in this series is at the top of my list. I'm glad the 3rd book is out, because I'm sure that I'll be binging straight through to the end of that one, too.
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Ryan Southwick
Ryan Southwick
Ryan Southwick
Ryan Southwick
Ryan Southwick