A review by afictionalescapist
The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks

adventurous dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

The Way of the Shadows - Brent Weeks 

The first entry into the Night Angel trilogy follows Azoth, a street rat struggling for survival in the Warrens. At 11 years old he is doing his very best to remain on the right side of his dangerous superiors while dreaming of the day he can take them all down. 

His dream becomes a terrifying reality as Durzo Blint the most talented and frightening wetboy (assassin infused with Talent) the world has ever seen reluctantly takes Azoth under his wing. 

Leaving his life behind, Azoth is stripped of his identity, forced to kill or be killed and grows into someone you don’t want to come face to face with in an alleyway. Will he be able to hold on to his humanity, or give into the darkness? 

This was an impressive, fast paced and easy to read debut. The book could almost be split into two, half coming of age, half high stakes political coup where the tables turn and character development really starts to come out. 

We see Azoth grow from a child in terrible circumstances into a hardened man who has trouble with the choices he has to make in order to remain alive. 

Underneath this we have a struggle and need for friendship and a forbidden love that is just not viable for trained killer, a hunt for an ancient magic and God like political entities set on taking over. 

I had a really good time with this book, I’m interested to see where the sequel picks up!