Jessica ❁ ➳ Silverbow ➳ ❁ 's review of The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive, #1) (original) (raw)

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Jessica ❁ ➳ Silverbow ➳ ❁ 's Reviews > The Way of Kings

The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive, #1)
by

Jessica ❁ ➳ Silverbow ➳ ❁ 's review
bookshelves: assassins, esp, fantasy, favorites, favorite-secondary-characters, i-hate-this-heroine, it-burns-us-precious, not-your-ordinary-creatures, here-be-slaves, some-kinda-magic, the-book-boy-is-mine, best-series, shiny, rabid-reads-reviews, buddy-reads-are-the-best, best-of-the-best, superheroes-superhero-like-powers, book-outlet, audible, it-came-from-the-sea

Read 6 times. Last read October 2, 2024 to October 8, 2024.

4/29/18: even better the second time.

Reviewed by: Rabid Reads

4.5 stars

I have a new favorite author. His name is Brandon Sanderson.

This book . . . made me curse like a sailer.

If I had tried to read it in public, at the very least, I would have been banned from the property. More likely, I'd have either been locked up for 24-hour observation at the local mental health ward or at the local precinct for Disturbing the Peace, but only after having passed numerous drug tests, proving that I wasn't Drunk and Disorderly.

If you think I'm exaggerating, check out my status updates on Goodreads .

I am not exaggerating.

Honestly, in a book this large, it's nearly impossible to touch on every highlight, so I'm left trying to decide which are the best . . . it's a thankless task, but here goes:

Worldbuilding:

If it's been done before, I haven't read it, and like Wit said, it's novelty we humans appreciate most.

The majority of the world in THE WAY OF KINGS is like a tropical ocean habitat on dry land. Plants retract completely into the ground before a wagon wheel or foot can tread upon them. Instead of cows or oxen pulling those wagons there are "chulls" which are over-large hermit crab-sounding things. The monstrous "chasmfiends" the nobility hunt for sport are basically giant badass lobsters. Instead of ants or beetles scuttling on the ground, there are "cremlings" that sound an awful lot like crawdads.

It's kind of awesome.

More awesome than that are the people groups.

While there were separate and distinct cultures, that wasn't the focus of the differences. The focus was on their Extras: the Alethi who fall into a kind of Berserk warrior state they call the Thrill when they are in battle. Purelakers who can communicate with the fish that fill the waters of their home. Parshendi who grow their own carapace-like armor and have legs strong enough to jump chasms in the Shattered Plains that everyone else needs a bridge to cross. Horneaters who have a kind of fairy sight that allows them to see elemental spren whether the spren wish to be seen or not.

I absolutely loved it.

Characters:

There are so many great characters that I can only give you the gist. These people . . .

I wept, but not from sadness, not from loss. I wept b/c my heart could not contain my awe and gratitude and respect for these men, these dregs of society, who one man and one spren had bound together into something so valiant, so courageous, so honorable . . . that I could do nothing but weep.

Some people shy away from that sort of thing, and being the kind of person that I am, I view that as its own tragedy. Suffice it to say that if you are a character-driven reader, you will leave this world with a much expanded family.

Master of Misdirection:

I read this as part of a massive group buddy read (SHOUT OUT to my peeps at Sanctum of Fantasy (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)]). Several members achieved "Master of . . . " titles during the read, and I'm granting Sanderson Master of Misdirection status.

Not only did he expertly paint characters as non-threatening nonentities so that your mind was blown when their nefarious true natures were revealed, but he stealthily laid the groundwork consistently throughout the story, making it utterly believable.

But he didn't limit himself to grand scale misdirection, no, he did not. He also regularly made your heart stop for the three seconds it took to get past the obvious reaction to the reality of the situation that was entirely different from the path he had lead you down.

*salutes* *fights urge to gesture rudely once back is turned*

Moral Ambiguity:

The singular complaint I saw voiced during the BR was that there wasn't an identifiable Great Evil that Good needed to triumph over.

By the end of the book that was no longer the case, but even before that I didn't mind, b/c Sanderson constantly makes you question: what is right? What is good? It's a deliberate tactic to both make the reader really think about right and wrong, good and evil, and also to eventually make the difference abundantly clear.

So if you're the kind of reader that needs that distinction, don't give up, b/c, man alive, you will get it.

The last 10%:

Sanderson followed a strict formula for the last 10% of his book. It goes like this:

1. What's the worst thing that can happen? Let's do that.
2. How can we make it even worse? Let's do that, too.
3. Now let's make it look like--_despite overwhelming odds_--everything will work out fine.
4. Now let's crush that hope.

Rinse, wash, REPEAT.

Part IV will leave you emotionally wrung-out (in a good way), and Part V will give your FEELS a chance to recover whilst blowing your mind (really, your mind should be in pieces by the time you finish).

Having just finished yesterday afternoon, I'm surprised that I'm not still in some kind of stupor, but I've prevailed. I did have to step away several times during that last 10% to give myself a chance to recover. I used that time to: order paperbacks of both installments for my dad and hardbacks for myself, b/c these books . . . they deserve shelf space.

What kept THE WAYS OF KINGS from being a 5.0 star read were a handful of issues in the beginning of the book. I've been told that WoK was shoved through the editing process to get it into bookstores quickly, and it shows in the repetition of phrases, especially in the prologue. The third time Someone came at Someone Else with "broad, sweeping strokes" (of his sword), I was over it. And when an Assassin continually referred to a hallway runner as being red . . . like blood . . . well, despite how fantastic the rest of the book was, I couldn't entirely overlook it's less than stellar start.

However, overall . . . again I say, I have a new favorite author.

Pre-Review:
I'd like to say something simple and profound like, "I have no words . . . "

Sadly, the truth is that I have too many. Once I've pared them down into something reasonable, we'll be speaking again.

In the interim, I shall leave you with these:

“Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!”

Draw your own conclusions.

My other reviews for this series:

Words of Radiance (The Stormlight Archive #2)
Oathbringer (The Stormlight Archive #3)

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Quotes Jessica ❁ ➳ Silverbow ➳ ❁ Liked

“Just because I do not accept the teachings of the devotaries does not mean I've discarded a belief in right and wrong."
"But the Almighty determines what is right!"
"Must someone, some unseen thing, declare what is right for it to be right? I believe that my own morality -- which answers only to my heart -- is more sure and true than the morality of those who do right only because they fear retribution.”
― Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings

“We follow the codes not because they bring gain, but because we loathe the people we would otherwise become.”
― Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings

“Somebody has to start. Somebody has to step forward and do what is right, because it is right.”
― Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings

“Authority doesn't come from a rank.," Kaladin said, fingering the spheres in his pocket.
"Where does it come from?"
"From the men who give it to you. That's the only way to get it.”
― Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings

Reading Progress

March 31, 2015 –Started Reading

March 31, 2015 –0.0% "NOT until tmw, but, hey, I'm on the ball ;) BR with THE WHOLE WORLD."

April 1, 2015 –1.0% "Even after all these centuries, seeing a thunderclast up close made Kalak shiver. The beast’s hand was as long as a man was tall. He’d been killed by hands like those before, and it hadn’t been pleasant.

Dis gun b gud."

April 1, 2015 –2.0% "RL keeps interfering with my reading this morning, but so far, this is promising.

As much as I loved Star Wars growing up, this is the first book I've read that seems to maybe be similar in situation and/or setting. A true SFF, not one or the other. It's too early to tell for sure, but I really like it."

April 1, 2015 –2.0% "For if you were going to assassinate a man, he was entitled to see you coming.

Ah man . . . I HATE Noble Assassins. There is NO SUCH THING as a Noble Assassin."

April 1, 2015 –4.0% "When they approached, the grass pulled away, each individual stalk withdrawing into a pinprick hole in the stone. After the wagons moved on, the grass timidly poked back out and stretched its blades toward the air. And so, the cages moved along what appeared to be an open rock highway, cleared just for them.

I have to admit that's pretty nifty."

April 2, 2015 –7.0% "“Lost, Tvlakv?” Kaladin called. “Perhaps you should pray to the Almighty for guidance. I hear he has a fondness for slavers. Keeps a special room in Damnation just for you.”

LAWD, but I love a rabble rouser ;)"

April 2, 2015 –13.0% "“Pardon. I meant that you have discriminating taste in books_.”_ “I’ve never eaten one, actually.” “Brightness, I believe you are having sport with me.” “Not yet I’m not. I haven’t even really begun.”

Hahahaha."

April 3, 2015 –16.0% "“I’ve asked, using the names you gave me,” Ishikk said. “Nobody has seen him. Now, perhaps I could find you a fish that could locate him.” Ishikk rubbed his stubbly chin. “I’ll bet a stumpy cort could do it. Might take me a while to find one, though.”

Purelakers are pure awesome."

April 3, 2015 –18.0% "The hallmark of insecurity is bravado.

Is Dalinar crazy . . . like a fox??"

April 3, 2015 –22.0% "“Sadeas. Surely I did not just hear you openly—before the king—call my son useless_. Surely you would not say that, as such an insult would_ demand that I summon my Blade and seek your blood. Shatter the Vengeance Pact. Cause the king’s two greatest allies to kill one another. Surely you would not have been that foolish. Surely I misheard.”

SNAP."

April 4, 2015 –26.0% "Some take lives. Some save lives.

*wails*"

April 4, 2015 –27.0% "“Religion’s romantic,” Adolin said, scratching his head. “Eternal love and all that, right?”

*snorts* Okay, yeah, Adolin is pretty worthless right now, but ALL THREE of the main POVs are _almost_-adults, so I'm giving them a lot of leeway b/c character growth<-----it's inevitable. And beyond that, he kind of makes me laugh.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it ;)"

April 4, 2015 –31.0% "“Some think you’ve gone mad,” she said. “Like that man who just sits and stares at the floor. They say the battle stress broke your mind.” “Maybe they’re right. I didn’t consider that.”

LOL."

April 4, 2015 –32.0% "“Unfortunately, Brightness,” Wit replied with a sigh, “I’ve taken to framing my insults in terms this lot will understand. If it will please you, I shall attempt to improve my diction to more elevated terms.” He paused. “I say, do you know any words that rhyme with bescumber?”

*giggle snorts*"

April 5, 2015 –34.0% "“Wait,” Teft said. “You put chull dung in Highprince Sadeas’s soup?” “Er, yes,” Rock said. “Actually, I put this thing in his bread too. And used it as a garnish on the pork steak. And made a chutney out of it for the buttered garams. Chull dung, it has many uses, I found.”

EPIC."

April 5, 2015 –41.0% "Never fight other men except when forced to in war. Bang!
Let your actions defend you, not your words. Bang!
Expect honor from those you meet, and give them the chance to live up to it. Bang!
Rule as you would be ruled. Bang!

Dalinar is killing me. KILLING me. Y u hav to 2 b so gud, Dalinar? Y so brave? Why so damn near perfect?! *rubs fist over heart*"

April 7, 2015 –45.0% "“I,” she muttered, “am really coming to hate the Alethi monarchy.” “Is that so?” a calm voice said from behind . . . “I’ll try not to take it personally.” Shallan winced, then blushed furiously. “I didn’t mean individually_, Brightness Jasnah. I meant categorically.”_

LOL. I don't hate you, just your family."

April 7, 2015 –45.0% ""Is the murder of a king not of interest to you?” “Yes, Brightness,” Shallan said. “We children love things that are shiny and loud.”
"

April 7, 2015 –49.0% ""If it doesn’t work, I’ll be in front, so I’ll be the first to drop. If I die, move the bridge to shoulder-carry. We’ve practiced doing that. Then you’ll be rid of me.” The bridgemen were silent. **“What if we don’t want to be rid of you?**” long-faced Natam asked.
"

April 8, 2015 –57.0% ""There is a place in the world. Marabethia. Have you heard of it?” “No,” Kaladin said. “...The people are known for their great fondness for debate. At each intersection in the city they have small pedestals on which a man can stand and proclaim his arguments. It is said that everyone in Marabethia carries a pouch with an overripe fruit just in case they pass a proclaimer with whom they disagree.”"

April 8, 2015 –61.0% "“What in the…” he said. “All three of you? What are you doing up here?” “Feasting,” Kaladin’s mother said nonchalantly. “On what?” “On irregularity, dear,” she said. Lirin sighed. “Dear, you can be very odd, you know.” “And didn’t I just say that?”

I LOVE THIS FAMILY!! *wails* WHY, Brandon Sanderson, WHY?"

April 9, 2015 –68.0% ""Let the Vorin believe as they wish—the wise among them will find goodness and solace in their faith; the fools would be fools no matter what they believed.”

Jasnah . . . so wise."

April 9, 2015 –75.0% "“Father? What are we doing?” “Being provocative,” Dalinar said, striding right up to where Elhokar and Sadeas were chatting... “…and I think that—” The king cut off, glancing at Dalinar. “Yes, Uncle?” “Sadeas,” Dalinar said. “What is the status of your investigation of the cut girth strap?”

*headdesk* So unsubtle, our Dalinar. LOL."

April 9, 2015 –77.0% "“I will not fight,” Rock said. “Is not my place.” He glanced up at the spheres, then smiled faintly. “But shooting bridge is all right.”

I love you, Rock."

April 10, 2015 –79.0% "“Why am I here?” the man asked, lowering his flute, leaning back and relaxing. “Why are any of us here? That’s a rather deep question for a first meeting, young bridgeman. I generally prefer introductions before theology. Lunch too, if it can be found...Actually, practically anything should come before theology. But especially introductions.”

Every time I think I can't possibly love this book more . . ."

April 10, 2015 –83.0% ""

April 11, 2015 –87.0% "“Those savages practically ignored the assault force. All twenty bridges set, most with nary a casualty. It seems like a waste, somehow."

SADEAS! I'M COMING FOR YOU . . . and when I get there . . .
"

April 11, 2015 –Finished Reading

April 20, 2018 –Started Reading

April 20, 2018 –6.87% "“Lost, Tvlakv?” Kaladin called. “Perhaps you should pray to the Almighty for guidance. I hear he has a fondness for slavers. Keeps a special room in Damnation just for you.”

"

April 21, 2018 –34.83% "“Rock, this is not my real name,” the Horneater admitted. “Is just what lowlanders can pronounce.” “What’s your real name, then?” Teft asked. “You won’t be able to say it.” Teft raised an eyebrow. “Numuhukumakiaki’aialunamor,” Rock said. Teft hesitated, then smiled. “Well, I guess in that case, Rock will do just fine.”

*snickers*

Also, I LOVE Rock 🖤🖤🖤"

April 23, 2018 –Finished Reading

April 24, 2018 –50.05% "“I,” she muttered, “am really coming to hate the Alethi monarchy.” “Is that so?” a calm voice said from behind. Jasnah walked past, wearing a sleek violet dress, followed by a parshman porter with a stack of books. “I’ll try not to take it personally.” Shallan winced, then blushed furiously. “I didn’t mean individually, Brightness Jasnah. I meant categorically.”

B/c that’s somehow less insulting? *snorts*"

April 24, 2018 –57.01% "In that darkness, an enormous face appeared just in front of his. A face of blackness, yet faintly traced in the dark. It was wide, the breadth of a massive thunderhead, and extended far to either side, yet it was somehow still visible to Kaladin. Inhuman. Smiling.

"

April 25, 2018 –61.0% "“What in the…” he said. “All three of you? What are you doing up here?” “Feasting,” Kaladin’s mother said nonchalantly. “On what?” “On irregularity, dear,” she said.

*giggle snorts* I love Kaladin’s mom. 🖤"

April 26, 2018 –89.0% "SADEAS!!! 🔥🔥🔥👿

"

September 25, 2020 –Started Reading

September 30, 2020 –Finished Reading

October 18, 2020 –Started Reading

October 21, 2020 –Finished Reading

January 22, 2023 –Started Reading

January 25, 2023 –Finished Reading

October 2, 2024 –Started Reading

October 8, 2024 –Finished Reading

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