Book Review The Way of Kings (Sanderson)

Introduction

I’m about fifteen years late, but I finally read The Way of Kings. My eldest brother can finally breathe a sigh of relief—and if he’s reading this, hi!

The cover shows two armored figures facing each other across rocky plateaus under a stormy sky. The book itself sits proudly on a pile of other Brandon Sanderson novels, marking the beginning of The Stormlight Archive, one of his most famous works.

The story follows Kaladin, a young man torn from his home by war and forced to work as part of a bridge crew. On the Shattered Plains, huge plateaus and deep canyons divide the land, and soldiers must carry massive bridges into battle.

Using his last bit of strength, Kaladin fights to protect his crew, while Highprince Dalinar struggles with strange visions and questions about war, leadership, and his own sanity. His sons think he’s losing his mind, but Dalinar believes the storms carry a deeper meaning.

Far across the continent, Jasnah Kholin searches for ancient knowledge, hiding her motives from others. Shallan Davar, a clever young woman who wants to become Jasnah’s ward, carries secrets of her own. As she studies under her mentor, her lies and beliefs start to crumble, and she begins to doubt everything she thought she knew.

Books Overview of The Way of Kings

When Rhythm of War released on November 17, 2020, I decided it was time to return to The Stormlight Archive and start again with The Way of Kings. I had read it before I began reviewing books, but this time I wanted to write down my thoughts.

I remembered loving it, even if some details—characters, events, and moments—had grown foggy over the years.

This book follows three standout characters. Kaladin, once a soldier and now a slave, fights to survive when most others give up. Shallan, a smart and talented artist, hopes to save her family’s fading reputation. Dalinar Kholin, a noble Brightlord, lives by honor and loyalty but is haunted by visions he can’t explain.

Their stories unfold during a long war with the Parshendi, who assassinated Dalinar’s brother, King Gavilar, years earlier. From brutal battles on the Shattered Plains to quiet scenes filled with mystery, Sanderson builds a vivid fantasy world filled with glowing stones, spirits called spren, and weapons that shimmer with light.

If you enjoy imaginative fantasy worlds full of wit, warmth, and wonder, you might also love Tress of the Emerald Sea—another masterpiece by Sanderson with heart and humor.

Story & Character Analysis of The Way of Kings

Kaladin’s Journey and Transformation

Kaladin Stormblessed is the emotional heart of this story. Once a proud spearman, he becomes a slave, sold to a Highlord who uses men as tools of war. On the Shattered Plains, Kaladin joins Bridge Four, a crew that carries wooden bridges into battle while arrows rain down from the sky.

The early chapters feel heavy, showing his despair and hopelessness. Yet as the story unfolds, he begins to grow stronger, both in spirit and in will. His bond with Syl, a small spren who glows with light and mischief, becomes a source of hope and change. Their friendship transforms his life and guides his journey toward freedom and purpose.

Dalinar’s Vision and Leadership

Dalinar, a respected warlord and noble leader, experiences strange visions during powerful storms. In these visions, he steps into the bodies of people from the past and witnesses events that reveal lost truths. These moments raise questions about leadership, faith, and the meaning of honor.

Dalinar’s story contrasts with Kaladin’s. While Kaladin fights to survive at the bottom, Dalinar struggles to lead from the top. His chapters explore politics, family, and morality within a society divided by lighteyes and darkeyes, showing how power and class shape the world. His perspective adds balance, revealing both the strength and weakness of those who command.

Shallan’s Secrets and Discovery

Shallan’s chapters move at a slower pace but offer deep emotional impact. Traveling to the city of Kharbranth, she becomes Jasnah’s student while secretly planning to steal from her. She’s torn between her love for learning and her desperate need to protect her family. As her story unfolds, a major twist changes everything, forcing readers to see her in a new light.

Szeth: The Assassin Torn by Duty

Then there’s Szeth, the assassin. Bound by an oath he cannot break, he kills against his will. He’s powerful, skilled, and deeply broken—wanting death but unable to end his own life. His mysterious abilities and moral struggle add a haunting layer to the novel and hint at larger secrets within the world.

Supporting Cast

Sanderson fills The Way of Kings with unforgettable side characters. The members of Bridge Four—Rock, Sigzil, Moash, and Teft—each bring something unique to the group. Their transformation from hopeless slaves to loyal warriors is one of the most powerful parts of the story.

Their bond represents the strength of friendship and unity in the face of despair. Bridge Four becomes more than a team—they become a family.

The mysterious Wit is another standout. Fans of Sanderson’s other works will recognize him as a figure who connects many stories in the Cosmere. His scene with Kaladin, where he plays a strange flute-like instrument, is both eerie and beautiful. The melody feels ancient, echoing through the canyon like a song from another world.

If you enjoy fantasy tales that balance humor and emotion, The Spellshop captures that same blend of heart and magic in a lighter, cozy way.

Worldbuilding of The Way of Kings

The Living World of Roshar

Few authors build worlds like Brandon Sanderson. The Way of Kings stands beside The Eye of the World in its sense of discovery and wonder. Every page reveals more of Roshar, a land shaped by violent highstorms and ancient mysteries.

Sanderson doesn’t just describe places—he makes you feel them. The ever-moving grass that bends with the wind, the glowing stormlight that powers both magic and machines, and the armor and weapons that shimmer with ancient energy—all of it feels real.

Sanderson’s Craft and Layered Detail

His writing is clear and paced perfectly. He introduces new cultures, politics, and mythologies without overwhelming the reader. You never feel lost, only fascinated.

The balance of depth and simplicity is what makes his worldbuilding so impressive. You can see the care in every detail—the languages, the religions, even the small daily habits of Roshar’s people. It’s a world that feels alive.

Reading it, I often felt like I could touch the dust of the Shattered Plains or hear the rumble of a coming storm. Every detail shapes the story, influencing the characters and their choices. That’s what makes Sanderson’s worlds so special—they’re not just backdrops, they’re living, breathing parts of the story.

Themes & Writing Style of The Way of Kings

The book’s heart beats with the ideals: Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination.

These words guide every character and echo through the story. Kaladin learns courage and purpose through pain. Dalinar seeks honor and truth while battling doubt. Shallan hides behind lies until she faces them head-on.

Through them, Sanderson explores themes of morality, leadership, sacrifice, and self-discovery. Each character’s journey feels deeply human, even in a world filled with magic and gods.

Sanderson’s writing style is both grand and clear. He writes with precision but never loses emotion. His pacing flows naturally, mixing action with quiet reflection. The magic systems—Stormlight, Shardblades, and Soulcasting—are explained in ways that feel logical yet mysterious, keeping readers curious without confusion.

Every scene has purpose, and his attention to character detail makes the story both powerful and personal. The book is long but never dull—it’s a majestic experience from start to finish.

Single Point of Concern 

If there’s one small concern, it’s that Sanderson’s writing sometimes feels too perfect. His stories are polished to near flawlessness, like a beautifully crafted machine. But occasionally, that precision takes away a bit of the raw charm.

Certain passages feel slightly predictable, almost like he’s following a formula that works a little too well. At rare moments, the structure feels safe—carefully built but missing that spark of wildness that makes a story feel alive.

Even so, this is a minor issue in an otherwise brilliant work. The polish shows how much mastery and control Sanderson has over his craft. It’s a reminder that even the best writers must balance structure with soul. And despite this, The Way of Kings never loses its magic or its heart.

Conclusion

All things considered, The Way of Kings is an extraordinary journey through a world of Shardblades, spren, Stormlight-infused gems, and Parshendi armor. It offers massive battles, deep emotional growth, and characters that stay with you long after the final page.

Each interlude adds new layers, new characters, and fresh perspectives that make the world feel even more alive. As the first book in The Stormlight Archive, it sets an incredibly strong foundation for everything to come.

The balance between story and worldbuilding is masterful. The mysteries Sanderson plants keep readers eager for more. Even though it’s a long read, every chapter feels worth the time. I finished it feeling inspired and impatient for the next installment.

The Graphic Audio edition takes the experience even further. The full cast, sound effects, and music make the story immersive. While some small phrases are cut, the spirit of the book remains untouched. The voice acting is excellent—each performer sounds distinct and full of life.

Hearing familiar voices from Mistborn made it even better. I followed along with the illustrations and chapter headings and found myself completely drawn into the world once again.

Now, I face a tough choice—wait for the next Graphic Audio release or dive straight into my hardcover copy. Honestly, I don’t think I can wait. The storms of Roshar are calling again, and I’m ready to return.