Brandon Sanderson's The Way of Kings is widely praised for its intricate world-building, rich character development, and complex magical systems. Readers commend its epic scope but note that its extensive length and heavy exposition can be challenging. Overall, it's a rewarding read for devoted fantasy fans, despite requiring patience for storyline development.

Fans of epic fantasy with intricate world-building, like J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time, will relish Brandon Sanderson's The Way of Kings. These readers appreciate expansive narratives, deep lore, complex characters, and rich magic systems. Ideal for those seeking immersive and long-form storytelling.

On the continent of Roshar, several characters develop the ability to channel stormlight, a radiant energy that enables magic. Among them are Kaladin, a former soldier turned slave; Shallan Davar, a noblewoman seeking to save her family; Dalinar Kholin, a warrior questioning his society; and Szeth-son-son-Vallano, an assassin. Their paths converge at the Shattered Plains amid an ongoing war. The book contains graphic depictions of injuries and death, including death by suicide.

Brandon Sanderson

Adult

Novel

The Stormlight Archive

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Way of Kings reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Way of Kings | SuperSummary

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Overview

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The Way of Kings Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Way of Kings Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Above Silence”

Prelude-Part 1, Chapter 11

The Way of Kings Prelude-Part 1, Chapter 11 Summary & Analysis

Interludes 1-3

The Way of Kings Interludes 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Illuminating Storms”

Part 2, Chapters 12-28

The Way of Kings Part 2, Chapters 12-28 Summary & Analysis

Interludes 4-6

The Way of Kings Interludes 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Dying”

Part 3, Chapters 29-51

The Way of Kings Part 3, Chapters 29-51 Summary & Analysis

Interludes 7-9

The Way of Kings Interludes 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Storm’s Illumination”

Part 4, Chapters 52-69

The Way of Kings Part 4, Chapters 52-69 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “The Silence Above”

Part 5, Chapter 70-Epilogue

The Way of Kings Part 5, Chapter 70-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Way of Kings Character Analysis

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Themes

The Way of Kings Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Way of Kings Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Way of Kings Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Way of Kings Essay Topics

The Way of Kings

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Way of Kings?

Reading Age

Book Details