The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
The Way of Kings
This is the largest book I've ever read, sitting at 1008 pages. I was extremely intimidated and hesitant to give this a chance. I had my standards set high for the fantasy genre by the Lord of the Rings and had just been rocked by the moving story of Project Hail Mary. I will admit that I stopped reading this book for several months because the first few chapters are overwhelming. Sanderson has a completely new world that has so many new rules and histories that are all alluded to. This can be confusing but readers have to trust the process.
As one reads this book, the world is unraveled. This is why everyone says Sanderson's world building is great. To many, this world building can be frustrating and draining, but I quite enjoyed it.
There is an ensemble cast in this novel each with completely separate roles in a parallel/common conflict. Some find that the different cast members have unequally exciting plot lines. I disagree. I found the stories of Szeth, Shallan, Kaladin, and Dalinar all enthralling, though Kaladin's was likely the most entertaining (as I think most would agree).
This book is not for the faint of heart. It's not going to be a casual read. It took me several months of reading, listening, reading, listening, re-reading, googling, etc. to finish it. While some may think that sounds unappealing; to me, it made the world so enthralling. The setting and world mechanics Sanderson builds can be studied just like the great fantasy authors that have changed the game (I'm thinking of JRR Tolkien, FYI). Sanderson isn't coming up with gimmicky mechanics to make the stories fun, instead he has come up with the mechanics and forces the characters to create exciting stories within those mechanics. To me, it was irresistible about halfway through part two of five. I couldn't put it down.
The ending of this book is an absolute bomb-drop. Don't expect to have too many answers. It's a satisfying ending, don't worry, but it will definitely force you to drop $20 on the next book, words of radiance.
I wish I could read this book for the first time again. But I can't. So I must go on in a world that's a little less sweet; a little less bright.
If you choose to read it, good luck.