Book Review of The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

This book review of The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson is part of my Cosmere Quest.

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When I started The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson, I was ready for a massive fantasy novel that might take some effort to get through. But to my surprise, the pages flew by! The book pulls you in right away, and I hardly noticed the length. The world of Roshar felt so real, and Sanderson’s characters are rich with depth and personality. I found myself immersed in their lives and struggles, constantly wondering what would happen next. Sanderson has created an epic fantasy that is both gripping and heartfelt, full of complex relationships, mysteries, and unforgettable moments.

Even if you’re new to epic fantasy, this story will capture you. It’s layered with emotion, thrilling battles, and questions about life and honor. I couldn’t stop thinking about it even after I put it down. Sanderson’s worldbuilding is something special, and I’m already excited to dive into the next book!

Plot Summary

The Way of Kings is the first book in Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive series. While it does follow many storylines, the primary story centers around three main characters: Kaladin, Dalinar, and Shallan. Kaladin, a former soldier turned slave, fights to survive in a brutal war, haunted by a painful past. Dalinar, a high prince and warrior, deals with visions and questions about his honor and destiny. Dailinar continuously doubts his purpose – even as he leads his armies. Shallan, a young scholar, seeks forbidden knowledge to save her family, and along the way uncovering secrets that could change her world.

These three are each on their own journey, but their paths slowly intertwine in ways that are as epic as they are unexpected. Sanderson builds the story layer by layer, revealing pieces of Roshar’s mysteries and the deep connections between people and the powerful Shardblades and Shardplate. The plot unfolds with gripping twists and a careful balance between action and introspection. It’s a story about finding light in the darkness—literally and figuratively.

My Review

An Amazing World and Magic System

If you’ve ready any Sanderson before, there’s no surprising that the worldbuilding is second to none. Roshar is simply stunning – filled with mythical feeling creatures, strange plants that retract when touched, and storms that shape life itself. Each detail feels intentional, as if Sanderson has thought of every single element to make Roshar feel alive. The highstorms, fierce tempests that ravage the landscape affect everything from the culture to the economy. It’s so wonderfully immersive.

The magic system, too, is unique and well-defined. Instead of vague, mystical powers, Sanderson gives us a structured system based on “Stormlight.” Characters use Stormlight to enhance their abilities, heal wounds, and even perform feats of strength and speed. The Shardblades and Shardplate are symbols of power and status, but they’re also incredibly deadly. Sanderson’s attention to detail with the magic makes it feel grounded, even when things get fantastical. It’s a fine line, and Sanderson walks it masterfully.

Deeply Built Characters

I absolutely loved the characters in this story. There’s so much depth to the personal struggles we get to observe in Kaladin, Dalinar, and Shallan. I was very quickly attached to all of these characters as Sanderson explored their pain and inner conflicts. For so many reasons, Kaladin really resonated with me. He’s dealt with so much hardship and betrayal, yet he keeps fighting. At one point, he says, “The purpose of a journey is not to arrive.” This line hit me hard. It’s a reminder that growth comes from the journey itself, not just the end goal.

Dalinar’s struggle with his visions and his dedication to honor make him an equally compelling character. He’s a warrior, but he’s tired of war, and he longs for peace and purpose. Watching him navigate his responsibilities and try to live by his moral code made me root for him all the more. Shallan, too, has her own share of secrets and strengths, and her curiosity and cleverness make her fascinating to follow. All three characters evolve so much over the course of the book, and it’s impossible not to feel attached to them.

Honor, Hope, Sacrifice.. and so much more.

The themes in The Way of Kings make it more than just a fantasy novel. Honor is a central theme, especially with Dalinar’s character. He lives by a strict moral code, but the world around him doesn’t always make that easy. Kaladin’s journey, too, is about more than survival; it’s about protecting others and finding purpose, even when it seems hopeless. This book makes you think about loyalty, sacrifice, and what it truly means to stand by your beliefs.

Hope is another powerful theme in the story. I was really impressed that even in their darkest moments, these characters kept finding reasons to persevere. The mantra “Life before death, strength before weakness, journey before destination” recurs frequently throughout the book. And it really resonated with me – I often have similar thoughts as I struggle through the daily struggles of parenting, owning/operating a startup, and trying not to get overwhelmed by the “thousand little cuts” of daily life. It’s just a good reminder of the power of hope and resilience.

A Real Emotional Impact

One of the things to me that makes The Way of Kings special is the emotional depth. Sanderson doesn’t just show us battles or magic; he brings us into the characters’ personal struggles. The story is full of powerful moments and reflections on life, leadership, and love. At one point, Dalinar says, “You can’t have my pain,” which speaks to the idea of taking ownership of one’s journey, no matter how hard it gets.

The characters’ thoughts and decisions often struck a chord with me. Sanderson makes you feel what they’re feeling, whether it’s the weight of Kaladin’s burdens, Dalinar’s doubt, or Shallan’s determination. It’s rare to find a book where the characters feel so real and their struggles so meaningful.

Parting Thoughts

In my opinion, The Way of Kings is a masterpiece in fantasy. It is the rare book that lived up to the hype for me. Sure, it didn’t catch me off guard like other 5 star books I’ve read. But it’s an impressive feat in and of itself when a book has 5 star hype and lives up to it.  Sanderson has crafted a world that is vast, intricate, and full of life, with characters that stay with you long after you finish the book. It’s a story that explores the meaning of honor, the strength of hope, and the importance of resilience. At times lately my life has been in deep need of resilience and perseverance – so in some ways this book just found it’s way into my life at just the right time, which can’t be discounted.

Finally… if for some reason you’re hesitant about the length, I really encourage you not to be. I think Sanderson’s storytelling is so immersive that you’ll find yourself swept up in the journey, just as I was. I am super excited to start Words of Radiance soon, for sure!

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Other Books You Might Enjoy

• Book Review of The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
• Book Review of Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell by Brandon Sanderson

About the Author

Brandon Sanderson is an American fantasy author who’s made a name for himself with his complex worlds and inventive magic systems. Born in 1975 in Nebraska, he started writing while studying at Brigham Young University. His Mistborn series launched him to the top of the fantasy genre. With its gripping storylines, Mistborn cemented his reputation as one of the strongest voices in modern fantasy. One of his career highlights was finishing Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time series. A task that earned him significant respect in the fantasy world. Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive series has been hugely popular. It is praised for its complex characters and massive scope. He’s won the Hugo Award and the David Gemmell Legend Award. His books have sold millions of copies worldwide. Readers love how detailed and ambitious his stories are and there’s no denying his impact on the genre.