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A review by roksyreads
The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Brent Weeks’ debut novel features political intrigue, unusual magic, and thrilling action.
In the dangerous Warrens, Azoth has few choices to survive. To escape lifelong destitution in the slums, he apprentices himself to Durzo Blint and commits to a life of cultivating death.
Apart from the primary antagonist, of course, this is one of the few stories for which I can say - genuinely - that I am invested in all of the characters. Whilst the odd one did irritate me (as intended), none of the characters felt superfluous, and each one is carefully wrought and developed. I could picture each and everyone clearly in my mind, from looks to mannerisms, and felt I could relate in some way to an aspect of each.
This book is dark, violent, and intense in ways which challenge a reader's moralities at every turn, yet beneath the layers of grey there is a spark - brilliant, though faint - of the kind from which one cannot turn away. The final chapters of this first book in the trilogy see that spark flare to life, and I feel I am a moth drawn to that flame. All the quibbles I might have about dialogue (which at times could have used a little more attention) were quickly overwhelmed by the intricacies of the narrative and the expertly handled world-building.
In the dangerous Warrens, Azoth has few choices to survive. To escape lifelong destitution in the slums, he apprentices himself to Durzo Blint and commits to a life of cultivating death.
Apart from the primary antagonist, of course, this is one of the few stories for which I can say - genuinely - that I am invested in all of the characters. Whilst the odd one did irritate me (as intended), none of the characters felt superfluous, and each one is carefully wrought and developed. I could picture each and everyone clearly in my mind, from looks to mannerisms, and felt I could relate in some way to an aspect of each.
This book is dark, violent, and intense in ways which challenge a reader's moralities at every turn, yet beneath the layers of grey there is a spark - brilliant, though faint - of the kind from which one cannot turn away. The final chapters of this first book in the trilogy see that spark flare to life, and I feel I am a moth drawn to that flame. All the quibbles I might have about dialogue (which at times could have used a little more attention) were quickly overwhelmed by the intricacies of the narrative and the expertly handled world-building.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, Death, Child death, Blood, Torture, and Gore
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Emotional abuse
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Rape