The Way of Kings
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive, Book 1) by Brandon Sanderson
The epic fantasy I've been looking for.
I’ve said it before: many books labeled as “epic fantasy” tend to fall short of the “epic” part. They get bogged down in exposition, spending pages upon pages on world building, character backstories, or just describing a single room. Next thing you know, you're about 20 or 30 percent into the book and nothing has actually happened. Don't get me wrong, worldbuilding is essential, but pacing matters. Spread it out.
I like books that keep things moving, and this is why I love The Way of Kings. I wasn’t prepared for the sheer amount of action, but I loved it all the more. The book is packed with multiple set pieces, and the last 20% is nearly nonstop action, culminating in a finale full of revelations that make you eager to jump into book two. Truly epic in every sense of the word.
Sanderson’s worldbuilding is equally impressive, and it’s seamlessly woven into the narrative. You’re not hit with a wall of information; you discover the world and its rules through context. Magic isn’t explained outright; you learn how it works by watching it in action. Characters aren’t described in a list of traits; their actions and dialogue show you who they are.
A note for new readers: The Stormlight Archive books are massive and require some dedication to get through, but the payoff is a genuinely epic fantasy experience.
