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A review by theravenkingx
The Way of Kings Part Two by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
I have said this before and I am saying it again: Brandon Sanderson is the Taylor Swift of the publishing industry. They are both hugely successful with strong fan followings, and they both love their Easter eggs.
I recently conquered my fear of big books and completed "The Way of Kings," which spans over 1000 pages in just 6 days.
Brandon Sanderson's creation of a unique universe, where each planet boasts distinct cultures, magic systems, and political landscapes, is commendable. His series are interconnected set in the same universe but can be enjoyed independently, allowing readers to dive into specific works without committing to the entire collection.
While I initially struggled with Part 1 due to its slow pacing, the captivating world-building kept me engaged. Around the 600-page mark, the story took an intriguing turn, altering my perception. I was sure to rate it lower but part 2 changed my mind.
The series lives up to its reputation—the meticulous world-building, clever nods to previous works, cunning foreshadowing, and well-crafted characters contribute to its allure. Although I didn't personally connect with any character, they serve the story's purpose effectively. The final 100 pages left me awestruck and hungry for more.
Kaladin, the hero battling chronic depression, evokes mixed feelings. While I appreciate the positive representation of mental health, his constant self-loathing occasionally made me roll my eyes.
There is no doubt that Brando Sando is one of the best authors out there. His prose may be simple, but the way he plans out his books and leaves crumbs for us to follow is nothing short of amazing.
"The Way of Kings" introduces three central characters: Shallan, a scholar with hidden motives; Kaladin, a depressed protector of friends; and Dalinar, a grieving highprince cursed with visions. The story kicks off with the assassination of a king by Szeth, a mysterious Shin assassin hired by the Parshendi—an ethnic group with marbled black and red skin. This event coincides with the Alethi and Parshendi signing a peace agreement.
The Assassination leads Dalinar, the king’s brother and the protector of King's son - Elhoker, to a war against the Parshendi at the Shattered Plains. These plains consist of massive plateaus, requiring leaps from one plateau to another using bridges carried by mistreated slaves.
Among these slaves is Kaladin, who mourns his brother and the friends he failed to protect during a betrayal in war in which he was a soldier. Now on bridge duty, saddened by the mistreatment, he defies authority by taking responsibility for protecting the bridge four and it's crew.
Meanwhile, Shallan studies under heretic scholar Jasnah, the king's daughter. Jasnah, under the order of her uncle Dalinar, seeks clues related to the king's cryptic last words—the most powerful words a man can utter. Shallan, however, has her own agenda, driven by family reputation and financial concerns. She wants to steal a soulcaster - a powerful object that turn one into another - from Jasnah.
The character's journeys intertwine with the cosmere's history, its gods, and the enigmatic Knight Radiants, who once vowed to protect humanity from Voidbringers but mysteriously vanished.
I recently conquered my fear of big books and completed "The Way of Kings," which spans over 1000 pages in just 6 days.
Brandon Sanderson's creation of a unique universe, where each planet boasts distinct cultures, magic systems, and political landscapes, is commendable. His series are interconnected set in the same universe but can be enjoyed independently, allowing readers to dive into specific works without committing to the entire collection.
While I initially struggled with Part 1 due to its slow pacing, the captivating world-building kept me engaged. Around the 600-page mark, the story took an intriguing turn, altering my perception. I was sure to rate it lower but part 2 changed my mind.
The series lives up to its reputation—the meticulous world-building, clever nods to previous works, cunning foreshadowing, and well-crafted characters contribute to its allure. Although I didn't personally connect with any character, they serve the story's purpose effectively. The final 100 pages left me awestruck and hungry for more.
Kaladin, the hero battling chronic depression, evokes mixed feelings. While I appreciate the positive representation of mental health, his constant self-loathing occasionally made me roll my eyes.
There is no doubt that Brando Sando is one of the best authors out there. His prose may be simple, but the way he plans out his books and leaves crumbs for us to follow is nothing short of amazing.
"The Way of Kings" introduces three central characters: Shallan, a scholar with hidden motives; Kaladin, a depressed protector of friends; and Dalinar, a grieving highprince cursed with visions. The story kicks off with the assassination of a king by Szeth, a mysterious Shin assassin hired by the Parshendi—an ethnic group with marbled black and red skin. This event coincides with the Alethi and Parshendi signing a peace agreement.
The Assassination leads Dalinar, the king’s brother and the protector of King's son - Elhoker, to a war against the Parshendi at the Shattered Plains. These plains consist of massive plateaus, requiring leaps from one plateau to another using bridges carried by mistreated slaves.
Among these slaves is Kaladin, who mourns his brother and the friends he failed to protect during a betrayal in war in which he was a soldier. Now on bridge duty, saddened by the mistreatment, he defies authority by taking responsibility for protecting the bridge four and it's crew.
Meanwhile, Shallan studies under heretic scholar Jasnah, the king's daughter. Jasnah, under the order of her uncle Dalinar, seeks clues related to the king's cryptic last words—the most powerful words a man can utter. Shallan, however, has her own agenda, driven by family reputation and financial concerns. She wants to steal a soulcaster - a powerful object that turn one into another - from Jasnah.
The character's journeys intertwine with the cosmere's history, its gods, and the enigmatic Knight Radiants, who once vowed to protect humanity from Voidbringers but mysteriously vanished.