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christian08's review against another edition
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, War, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Slavery, Mental illness, and Medical content
Moderate: Child death, Torture, and Gore
feral_sapphic's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book was absolutely fantastic. While the vibe is much different from Mistborn, and feels much more like high fantasy (which I think it is), it stands apart from every other fantasy book I've ever read, and should I read the rest of the series, will probably become my favorites. The sheer depth of the world Sanderson has created here is phenomenal. I can't begin to explain all of the details because I still feel so lost on many of them, but that is because of their strength and how real the world feels.
The character building is fantastic as well, and I think it plays a big part in this book as setup for the rest of the series. Kaladin's character arc (or the beginnings of it) is gorgeous, and I love Dalinar and Adolin and Jasnah, and all of the various storylines explored throughout the book.
Sanderson's plotting is tight, as always, and while I had seen some reviewers mention the hugeness of the climax, I didn't really sense that because I thought the rest of the book was paced very well, and I think I'd gotten emotionally invested enough in the characters by that point that it didn't feel as shocking as it could have. I have a feeling the big plot twists will come later in the series. But that epilogue was distressing, to say the least. I can't wait to continue.
The character building is fantastic as well, and I think it plays a big part in this book as setup for the rest of the series. Kaladin's character arc (or the beginnings of it) is gorgeous, and I love Dalinar and Adolin and Jasnah, and all of the various storylines explored throughout the book.
Sanderson's plotting is tight, as always, and while I had seen some reviewers mention the hugeness of the climax, I didn't really sense that because I thought the rest of the book was paced very well, and I think I'd gotten emotionally invested enough in the characters by that point that it didn't feel as shocking as it could have. I have a feeling the big plot twists will come later in the series. But that epilogue was distressing, to say the least. I can't wait to continue.
Graphic: Gore
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Torture, War, and Medical content
Minor: Child death, Slavery, and Racism
emilyplun's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Blood, Gore, Murder, Slavery, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Violence, and Child death
Minor: Medical content
nytephoenyx's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Everyone talks about how much they like Brandon Sanderson's books, but I didn't understand until now. THE WAY OF KINGS and this world Sanderson has built on the edge of desolation easily slid into my favorite epic fantasy worlds. He weaves it all together with care and expertise. You can tell when a fantasy world has rules and when it's pure creative energy - finding and learning the rules of magic and conduct and societies is one of my favorite aspects of fantasy because it's like unfolding the world around me until I can sink into it. Sanderson does this perfectly. I *believe* in his world. And I want to read more.
The characters, as well, are notable. They're all flawed, they all feel pain and temptation, but they are also kind and brave. You root for them, and even if you don't click with them you can respect them. Kaladin and Syl were my favorite POV, but once I got into the rhythm of the book, I was never bored.
Epic fantasy is always a commitment - the genre has a reputation for being long-winded - but if you want an incredible world with interesting magic, notable characters, and everything at stake... THE WAY OF KINGS in incredible. I'm looking forward to reading more of the Stormlight Archive.
For more reviews and bookish content, fly on over to The Literary Phoenix.
The characters, as well, are notable. They're all flawed, they all feel pain and temptation, but they are also kind and brave. You root for them, and even if you don't click with them you can respect them. Kaladin and Syl were my favorite POV, but once I got into the rhythm of the book, I was never bored.
Epic fantasy is always a commitment - the genre has a reputation for being long-winded - but if you want an incredible world with interesting magic, notable characters, and everything at stake... THE WAY OF KINGS in incredible. I'm looking forward to reading more of the Stormlight Archive.
For more reviews and bookish content, fly on over to The Literary Phoenix.
Graphic: Slavery and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Blood, Death, Gore, and Racism
harleig_h's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Gore
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Animal cruelty
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