The Way of Kings
Written by Brandon Sanderson (2010)
Written by Brandon Sanderson and set within his ever-expanding Cosmere universe, The Way of Kings is the first entry in The Stormlight Archive—a demanding but deeply rewarding tome. Sanderson doesn’t linger on the unnecessary; his writing is focused, his world-building rich and organic in a way that only a truly skilled writer can pull off. He knows how to build a world that feels lived-in without ever feeling over-explained.
This first book centers on a handful of compelling characters:
Kaladin, a former soldier turned enslaved bridgeman, caught in a brutal war on the Shattered Plains, who forms a powerful bond with Syl, a mysterious and curious windspren.
Shallan, a young noblewoman apprenticing under the king’s heretic sister, whose quiet ambition to save her family from ruin leads her down increasingly dangerous paths.
Dalinar, the king’s uncle, a legendary Shardbearer haunted by visions of a coming Desolation during the highstorms—visions that may make him a prophet or a madman.
The characters are layered, relatable, and often caught between forces much larger than themselves. And for fans of Sanderson’s larger Cosmere, the inclusion of Hoid, here playing the King’s Wit, is a delightful and enigmatic throughline—mischievous and cryptic as ever.
What makes The Way of Kings exceptional is the level of care and craft Sanderson devotes to his people, his pacing, and the sheer architecture of the plot. His prose isn’t as elegant or lyrical as Tolkien or Rothfuss, but it’s clear, purposeful, and driven by a sense of momentum and emotional truth. Despite the book’s enormous length, there's remarkably little filler. Almost every chapter carries its weight and deepens either the world or the character arcs—or both.
Yes, brevity is the soul of wit, but the world here is so vast and alive that I’d gladly have spent a few hundred more pages with these characters. That’s not just a sign of great writing—it’s the sign of a truly great story.
That said, one of the side effects of Sanderson’s prolific output is that, once finished, it’s rare to feel a strong pull to reread his work. There's always a new world, a new series, a new idea waiting around the corner. He’s a master at forward motion, less so at making you long to return.
Still, The Way of Kings is a towering start to an epic saga. If this is your first venture into the Cosmere, it’s a strong beginning. If it’s not, it’s yet another reminder of just how far Sanderson’s reach extends—and how high he aims.
Rating: A-
