Kaladin is my boy. Sanderson's exploration of depression through this character has really helped me through my rough days. I also got a kitten recently for emotional support. She has a tendency to climb on my shoulder. I named her Syl.
I literally can not think of another character that I am more invested in than Kaladin. His entire arc is so well done. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps. The final 25% of the book is so captivating. I also love Dalinar so much. I am a sucker for a character who will do their duty no matter what the cost (Stannis Baratheon lol :D)
Kaladin was my first favourite but it shifted slowly to szeth. Dropping down on a thunderclasp with nighblood exploding it I could just picture that EPIC scene.
It's interesting that you found Kaladin's story as slow at first. My first time reading WoK I actually had that feeling with the Dalinar/Adolin stuff, whereas the Kaladin story felt really dynamic from page 1 and kept me engaged right from the start.
The beginning of a great story. As soon as I got the book in my hand, I was so excited. I took a day off from work and read the book right away. Awesome characters, weapons, magic, world and plot. Sanderson is the GOD of fantasy today.
I finished with Oathbringer last week. I started to read The Way of Kings a month ago. I was just too sucked in to the world and I loved every second of it.
Whoa! You finished way of kings, worlds of radiance, and oathbringer in 3 weeks? (A month - 1 week ago). Man, that’s a record! My guy read 400,000 words per week.
One of the things I love about your videos, it's the books in the background. I am listening audiobooks and I miss seeing the paper, all those book covers, the memories that come with them.
I'm rereading this book right now to prepare for Rhythm of War. I haven't read the first 2 in several years, and I forgot how much I loved them. It's been fun to get back into them.
This was the first book I reach after a good 6/7 years of not touching a single book. Probably not the smartest place to start again... and I did struggle through the first half for months, but my god am I glad I started here. Absolutely amazing book and my hype for the series is incredibly high!
I remember while I was reading it, in my head I was wondering when I’d have the aha moment that I’m reading a book as good as almost everyone else has said it is. A lot of the scenes felt like they were just there, because nothing significant was happening. Bridge 4 stole my heart and Dalinar was fascinating but I thought everything else was good but not nearly on that level. Then I realize I’m in the final battle and I’m FURIOUS at Sadeas and I can’t read fast enough even though I’m terrified of what could happen. And that’s when I realized the scenes I thought were just filler weren’t that at all, but instead letting you get truly connected to the characters. It also made later surprises feel even more surprising, because I wasn’t expecting something everytime there was a new POV. He’s a master of his craft and I really, really hope the rest of this series cements it as one of my top 4 ever.
@@mikesbookreviews I think one of the strengths of this series - especially into Words of Radiance - is that the characters do DUMB SHIT because it fits their character to do so. You want them to do X, but they decide on Y because of prejudices, moments of weakness, etc. I really think that's a BIG part of what makes the characters feel real and relatable.
This and The First Law trilogy were my favourite fantasy books that I read this year. Will read Words of Radiance after I'm done with the First Law standalones.
I’m going to The First Law after Stormlight. I just got The Way Of Kings in the mail, so I have a journey ahead of me. I’m trying to branch out from just re-reading A Song Of Ice And Fire over and over. I thought about going to The Wheel Of Time, but the tv show turned me off from it.
I am a huge *tWoT* fan Wheelie, and to my surprise _Syl_ ended up becoming one of my favorite fantasy characters. Whenever she appeared in passages I was glued to them.
I started this last night. I'm a 1/4 of the way through. Don't want to go to bed UT I need to lol. I cant put it down. I approached it in a way were if I dont understand the terminology when first seeing something, to just move forward. It all seems to get there when he wants you to understand. For me there isn't any crazy info dumps so, again for me, it's pretty easy to follow along. Then at times be questioning things but soon figuring it out. It's amazing. Glad I made the leap!!
Great review. I'm so glad you did this review. For me, I didn't feel it was slow at all. I was so engrossed with it and I couldn't put the book down. I was all in. It was a page turner for me. I also loved how all the background was given in dialogue and there were no info dumps. It was amazing.
ever since I first saw one of your Stephen King reviews last year, your channel has been one of my go-to's before purchasing any book. Keep doing what you do, Mike!
I started getting into sci-fi/fantasy at the end of last year, and decided to start The Way of Kings last week. I’m on page 337 and I’m struggling. This helped me to dive back in and trust the process.
I am on my third re-read & decided to look up some reviews since I have never actually watched any. Loved everything you said. This book is a little bit of a hike when compared to mistborn but so so worth the journey.
Before I started reading TWOK I remember feeling so intimidated by the number of pages. But as soon as the plot started putting on its running shoes, it became impossible to drop.. it's like a literary drug. BTW, are you getting the leatherbound editions as well? They look majestic.
This is such a cool story. Kaladin and Dalinar are both badasses. The Shardblade and the Plates are like the Warhammer 40k Space Marines power armors and weapons. The world building and lore is dense and inviting. It's just so darned COOL!
The best part about this series is how much thought has gone into fleshing out the world of Roshar..from flora and fauna to the coin system. BS is arguably the best in world building currently writing
Cool coffee mug! Just starting Oathbringer ... was introduced to Way of Kings a couple months ago ... just loving this! **Should I read Edgedancer before Oathbringer? Sanderson suggests it in the preface. Love your channel!
I never read edgedancer and I finished oathbringer with full comprehension.. but there’s some things where you can tell he references something nonessential that happened in edgedancer. I’m going to read it during my next reread
I don't think this is a spoiler. Edgedancer is mostly about lift, Malen and szeth if I remember correctly. Not sure if I got the name right but nalen is the herald of the skybreakers
I'm going to start my 6th read through of this book soon with book four coming out in November. Solid review with your thoughts pretty much echoing my own. I really do like how individual all the characters seem. It certainly would have been easy to just have random bridge guy 1-20 and call it a day. It's the little things. On a related note, I would absolutely read a 2000 page book about only The Lopen....if you know what mean, gancho.
Mike you should know that the thumbnail for your WYSR video for Stormlight is very NSFV. We can clearly see Shallan’s safehand and that’s unacceptable.
I think that specific image has been mirrored. I think if you look up the original, she's sitting on the other side making the exposed hand her free hand.
I loved this book so much I read it in 2 days (and one night). Just couldn't put it aside - really wanted to know what happens to Kaladin and Bridge 4.
Hey there, thank you for the review. I recently fell in love with reading, and this is one to the series that stood out to me. Definitely getting into it now.
The Way of King's is my favourite book of the stormlight archive although Word's of Radiance is a better book reading the way of kings is one of the most enjoyable reading experiences I've ever had. Great review.
Good review. I just finished a re-read of this one and am about half way through the second book, again. Along with your comment about pacing, and to enjoy the journey, I would point out that Brandon has developed these stories like they are three traditional novels. The climax at the end of butter than the two smaller ones in the middle, but you still get three cycles of build-up, climax, and resolution between the covers. So, you're absolutely right. It's not a race, enjoy the journey and the story.
I will say, the part through the beginning Kaladin that felt so slow, it felt much less so on a second read. I think it just really pulls hard on your emotions so long before you know what will happen. It's tough, but definitely worth getting through.
I read all 3 books in less than 2 weeks. I digested them, then I did the audio books, and im re-reading again waiting for the Rhythm of War in a few months!!! Cant wait!
Hi there Mike. How are you doing? Thanks for this video. After dnf-ing the Wicked Years I have taken the dive back into the Wheel of Time series and I am so glad that I did. Both Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson write so much better than several other authors that I have read.
I think you should check your narrative at the 18m mark discussing how this is such a slow burn up until page ~400 or so... my guy, there has to be world building done and there are multiple characters/setups going on...literally the NUMBER ONE REASON I avoided this book for so long is ppl like you talking about how difficult/slow it was....I didn't think so at all, like whatsoever! The characters are amazing, the pacing is spot on, it heats up and then is just a full blown masterpiece. I mean, such an amazing book - don't pander to the audience by intimidating future readers! My only tip here. P.S. - Spren aren't weird. I never thought that was lame. Like, in fact, it makes the story work. #Syl
When I started watching video reviews of this series, I realized I pronounce most names differently than how they're pronounced..but It's too late to change now. Then I guess people from around the world pronounce them differently
@@mikesbookreviews Guess so. It's an interesting observation though about how Americans and non Americans pronounce words. The way Shallan is pronounced, I would have written it like Shalaan. With it's current spelling, I ended up pronouncing it like Alan
I really don't understand why this book has such good reviews. It's such a simple story and simply written. I can only think its rated so high because it appeals to people that don't read much, or teenagers.
That is such an objectively false take, it completely exposes your intent as a hater. Try to be less obvious and extreme in your negative comments next time you hate on something; you'll have a better chance at fooling someone into believing you if you do.
@@JadusMoltriel Stop being so emotional. After much hype online I read this book, but I found it to be simply written, with simple characters. I found nothing deserving of all the hype. I do think that its so popular because its some peoples first fantasy novel, and that means teenagers.
I hope that Brandon changes his mind about live action. The Cosmere books feel like an anime (not to the point of a shounen). It'd be cheaper and easier to stay loyal. But yeez, how many 20-25 minutes episodes would it take?. My estimation of Brandon prose->visual scene, based on other adaptations and the graphic audios, is 20 minutes=6k-7.5k words
stormlight archive is my favorite fantasy series! I listened to it on audible and the readers were so incredible even tho each book was like 50 hours long.... such an enjoyable series 10/10 for me
Im thinking about listening to them on audio when book 5 is closer to coming out...its a husband and wife right? And i think they did the wot series too
I know you don't listen to audiobooks Mike, but the audiobook versions of The Stormlight Archive are amazing. Michael Kramer and Kate Redding do an amazing job, just like they did with Wheel of Time.
Snikrot 37 Nah, I didn’t enjoy their narration, ESPECIALLY KATE’S. Something about her cadence and intonations just annoyed me, it was like reading poetry. I used to scream so hard when we got to a Shallan chapter because I knew how bad it’d be, and how did she and Mike not agree on how to pronounce Sadeas’s name? How did that error escape editing, it really needed a production team. After this, I said, “never again” and decided to stick with reading the books. However, 4% into Words Of Radiance, I decided to give the graphic audiobooks a chance and it was a wonderful experience. The only problem I had was that the music could be louder than the narration and it didn’t really bother me very much. So I listen to the graphic audio at times and other times, I read the books. It really works for me and I can’t recommend them enough. But Mike and Kate, that was a no from me.
@@henrywayne5724 My sister experiences similar problems right now. Guess it just isn't for everyone. I considered recommending the graphic audio version to her since she doesn't have time to read, but I hadn't heard them myself so I wasn't sure if they were good. Your comment makes me a bit more optimistic
I am very late to the game, but I just read Stormlight Archive, and it is definitely THE Sanderson book for me. For context, I have always been a huge WoT fan, I read Mistborn, Warbraker and Elantris but find the plot moving too fast at times. The Way of Kings feels like the perfect book for me, it has the best character work out of all Sanderson books I have read, Kaladin is slightly different from the typical Sanderson's charismatic leader, he is way more depressing and more believable imo (Kaladin remembering his friends' names somewhat reminds me of late book Rand) The setting and theme read more like an epic fantasy than other BS works. I absolutely agree with Mike, if you are a WoT fan and never find BS other works that compelling, the Way of Kings will probably change your perspective entirely
Do you know something about the Stormlight Archives? The build up is slow and the ends are SO EPIC!!! Currently reading Words Of Radiance and I can’t wait to finish it, not because the book is BAD, but because I KNOW the ending is SO GOOD AND I WANT TO EXPERIENCE IT SOONER!!!!!! That’s how much I trust Sanderson. And I know how you feel with the slow build up, at first, I was like, “I get it now, let’s GET GOING!!!” But when you finish it, you just love it.
Steven Erikson gets away with long books too (and does it astonishingly well). I would rate him higher than Abercrombie in the field of grimdark fantasy. Brandon's writing is more YA style ethically cleaned world, characters have their development and interesting to follow, but they feel like stage actors. Still, great worldbuilding, original magic systems and enjoyable read.
Very good summation I think. I just couldn't get into The Way of Kings. DNF:ed it around the 60% mark. It just dragged, but never managed to drag me in.
I'm 780 pages into the book and I'm just waiting for it to pick up. The book IS slow but to me it's been that way the whole time aside from when Szeth makes an appearance. At this point I'm really struggling to see why everyone loves WoK so much which I find strange because I enjoyed Mistborn Era 1 a lot!
The first book is like that, all about the slow buildup and worldbuilding in order to set up a TEN BOOK series, each of 1000+ pages. I also had a problem with the slow build up at first, I was like, “I get it now! Let’s go!” But upon reread, I’m realizing this slow build up is what made this book worthwhile in the first place, the fact that he’s taking his time to establish this deep and complex world with deep and complex characters. It’s not Westeros, which is essentially historic Europe. It’s a whole new world you get immersed in with very complex characters dealing with serious mental issues. It IS worth all the hype. And with the second book, oh boy, after the characters and the world have been established, there is NO turning back, the second book has you on the edge of your seat, especially with Shallan. I just adore his character work so much.
I'm a huge Sanderson fan and fantasy in general, but I haven't read this book/series yet. I'm currently working my way through Wheel of Time and I'm waiting for the 5th book of this series to come out before I start. I want to read this SOOO BAD, but I just can't start another unfinished series, even from Sanderson. Watching this review just makes me want to go for it, but I will finish Wheel of Time first and then maybe get going on this one. Too many books, so little time...
PnutButtaJllyMan Yeah, you should probably buy it soon. Rhythm Of War comes out in November, and well, each of the succeeding books is longer than the last, and that’s 1000+ pages, plus the pages aren’t normal size pages and the font is REALLY SMALL. It might take you three months to finish them and you might not be in time when Rhythm Of War comes out. The audiobooks are each 48hrs+ long. But hey, I don’t know how fast you can read, but still, you should probably get Way Of Kings soon..
In your review you said Stormlight Archive is the best book to go after completing wheel of time. Just wanted to ask is it the same the other way round? Coz I have just completed reading Oathbringer, obviously waiting eagerly for Rhythm of War, but I can already feel that hollow which Stormlight will be leaving. So Can wheel of time be the perfect alternative? As i Know even you have Wheel of Time after Stormlight.
I tried to get into this series because all the hype around it, but it's just soooo dense. And not in a good way. I prefer books and writing style such a Joe Abercrombie, where world building and development come about in a natural way, usually through character dialogue. This was just so full of exposition dumps, and while most people love the magic system... I found it to be way over the top. Just not my cup of tea, but thanks for the excellent review as always.
I'm currently reading this book I'm on chapter 8 in part 1. I really enjoy kaladins parts although im really struggling with Shalans parts which is kinda off putting I really hope her parts become more interesting
I feel like not including "Life before Death; Strength before Weakness; Journey before Destination" (in the Epic Announcer Voice) at the end of the excerpts as a capstone for the reading was a missed opportunity.
Hello Mike, Just picked up The Stormlight Archive and found your channel after finishing the wheel of time series. Two questions for you. First, where did you get that mug? I absolutely love it! Second, will your spoiler episode just cover spoilers for The Way of Kings or will you discuss things from all three books?
My Sanderson experience has been mixed. I read the Mistborn trilogy and liked it although book 2 was slow. I read Elantris and disliked it. I’m wondering if WoK is more like the majority of the Mistborn trilogy or like Elantris.
No Stormlight Archive is way better than them. Elantris was one of his early books. Therefore, it's not that good. I read Stormlight before Mistborn. I will say Stormlight is his best. Mistborn felt average to me.
Mistborn in my opinion feels like a less mature read....not YA necessarily but not far off. Great series but feels like Sanderson The Hobbit to Stormlight’s LoTR
New subscriber and I've been binging your videos. I really like your content and I'm wondering what fantasy epic books you highly recommend for beginners?
I recently finished this book after setting it down for many months. Your take on the book is the closest I've heard that mirrors my own. I did struggle with portions of the book being very slow and at times uninteresting. There are many repetitive aspects to Kaladin's story that could have been tightened up while still getting the point across. I appreciate books that either tell a chronological story or introduce characters at a later point of their arc, and then go back to explain their backstories when needed. I have a positive view of the book but skipping around and intentionally leaving out major aspects of Kaladin's story took away from my interest in the book to where I stopped reading it for a period. I don't enjoy that writer's device and think it detracted from the book and the story by telling events out of sequence for dramatic effect towards the end. I also did get tired of hearing about the corny consusion-spren (long wordspren) etc. Often they were just a detractor and clutter. A lot of pages with no value where you can skim past. A lot of commentators on the book act as if there are so many valuable nuggets to this book that every word has to be read in great detail. I feel the exact opposite. Much is skippable and there's too much redundancy in the book. It should have been written closer to 750-900 pages in length and cut down on a lot of the overly wordy descriptions of things that provided no value or insight. There are some really good moments, but a lot of dead space as well that should have been shorn up that didn't advance the story as you stated.
Probably Sanderson best Novel. Prose and dialogue are still poor, but his characterization improved and the worldbuilding is great. Also, while the book should have been a couple hundred pages shorter, it ends on a very strong note. Overall a very good book.
@@briankirkpatrick5706 I admit, I struggled with her too. But kaladin still shines hehe even if its not his book. She does get better.... then worse, then better. LOL Crazy Brandon stuff all around !
Kaladin is my boy. Sanderson's exploration of depression through this character has really helped me through my rough days. I also got a kitten recently for emotional support. She has a tendency to climb on my shoulder. I named her Syl.
That's really awesome!
Syl is the perfect name for a kitten
@@elcee8 Thanks. Unfortunately, nobody else I know reads SLA so they don't get the reference, lol
@@ritterbrown5474 well... Clearly they should be introduced to the series.
@@KulanSinclair Not for lack of trying, of course. Staring at 1100 pages makes the ones who were curious about it back down.
I literally can not think of another character that I am more invested in than Kaladin. His entire arc is so well done. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps. The final 25% of the book is so captivating. I also love Dalinar so much. I am a sucker for a character who will do their duty no matter what the cost (Stannis Baratheon lol :D)
Kaladin was my first favourite but it shifted slowly to szeth. Dropping down on a thunderclasp with nighblood exploding it I could just picture that EPIC scene.
It's interesting that you found Kaladin's story as slow at first. My first time reading WoK I actually had that feeling with the Dalinar/Adolin stuff, whereas the Kaladin story felt really dynamic from page 1 and kept me engaged right from the start.
This
Same here. I found the highprinces' storyline to be very slow. Kaladin, however - what a guy.
The beginning of a great story. As soon as I got the book in my hand, I was so excited. I took a day off from work and read the book right away. Awesome characters, weapons, magic, world and plot. Sanderson is the GOD of fantasy today.
One does not refer to him as the Lord Ruler of modern fantasy lightly.
I finished with Oathbringer last week. I started to read The Way of Kings a month ago. I was just too sucked in to the world and I loved every second of it.
It's addicting, for sure.
Why'd you read Oathbringer first?
@@Filler382 I didn't. It just took me only three weeks to read all three books
Whoa! You finished way of kings, worlds of radiance, and oathbringer in 3 weeks? (A month - 1 week ago). Man, that’s a record!
My guy read 400,000 words per week.
One of the things I love about your videos, it's the books in the background. I am listening audiobooks and I miss seeing the paper, all those book covers, the memories that come with them.
Yep, I'll never walk away from print.
I was just going to buy this book this afternoon, and there you go with this excellent review, love it
Hope you enjoy it!
Enjoy! This book is truly incredible.
For me this book and this series is incredible. It pull me back to reading books, so I'm very grateful to Brandon Sanderson for that.
I'm rereading this book right now to prepare for Rhythm of War. I haven't read the first 2 in several years, and I forgot how much I loved them. It's been fun to get back into them.
I'd love to revisit them if my schedule allowed the time. Maybe before book 5 releases.
@@mikesbookreviews you'll probably need to reread them by then. You forget the little details after a few years. I made that mistake with Oathbringer.
Same..its been since oathbringer came out since i read them and I've been enjoying the re-read alot! I ❤ dalinar!
This was the first book I reach after a good 6/7 years of not touching a single book. Probably not the smartest place to start again... and I did struggle through the first half for months, but my god am I glad I started here. Absolutely amazing book and my hype for the series is incredibly high!
Indeed, if folks stick with it during the beginning they're going to love it.
Such a great book. Bridge four is the best.
That is my CREW.
I remember while I was reading it, in my head I was wondering when I’d have the aha moment that I’m reading a book as good as almost everyone else has said it is. A lot of the scenes felt like they were just there, because nothing significant was happening. Bridge 4 stole my heart and Dalinar was fascinating but I thought everything else was good but not nearly on that level.
Then I realize I’m in the final battle and I’m FURIOUS at Sadeas and I can’t read fast enough even though I’m terrified of what could happen. And that’s when I realized the scenes I thought were just filler weren’t that at all, but instead letting you get truly connected to the characters. It also made later surprises feel even more surprising, because I wasn’t expecting something everytime there was a new POV. He’s a master of his craft and I really, really hope the rest of this series cements it as one of my top 4 ever.
“Damaged” protagonists. Perfect description.
Not a single one of these POV characters could you accuse of being perfect.
@@mikesbookreviews I think one of the strengths of this series - especially into Words of Radiance - is that the characters do DUMB SHIT because it fits their character to do so. You want them to do X, but they decide on Y because of prejudices, moments of weakness, etc. I really think that's a BIG part of what makes the characters feel real and relatable.
This and The First Law trilogy were my favourite fantasy books that I read this year. Will read Words of Radiance after I'm done with the First Law standalones.
Oh, man. You're in for a treat.
I’m going to The First Law after Stormlight. I just got The Way Of Kings in the mail, so I have a journey ahead of me. I’m trying to branch out from just re-reading A Song Of Ice And Fire over and over. I thought about going to The Wheel Of Time, but the tv show turned me off from it.
I am a huge *tWoT* fan Wheelie, and to my surprise _Syl_ ended up becoming one of my favorite fantasy characters. Whenever she appeared in passages I was glued to them.
I started this last night. I'm a 1/4 of the way through. Don't want to go to bed UT I need to lol.
I cant put it down.
I approached it in a way were if I dont understand the terminology when first seeing something, to just move forward. It all seems to get there when he wants you to understand.
For me there isn't any crazy info dumps so, again for me, it's pretty easy to follow along. Then at times be questioning things but soon figuring it out. It's amazing. Glad I made the leap!!
I was literally just looking for your review of this book last night.
I thought it was better to wait and ramp up to the release of RoW.
I am half way through Words of RAdiance now and think this may be moving its way to the top of my favorite series list for sure.
Yeah, WoR takes it to another level.
Great review. I'm so glad you did this review. For me, I didn't feel it was slow at all. I was so engrossed with it and I couldn't put the book down. I was all in. It was a page turner for me. I also loved how all the background was given in dialogue and there were no info dumps. It was amazing.
ever since I first saw one of your Stephen King reviews last year, your channel has been one of my go-to's before purchasing any book. Keep doing what you do, Mike!
Thanks so much!
Kaladin's story in this book was amazing
100%
Another great video Mike!! Shallan's arc is low-key my favourite in this book
Yeah, and it gets even better in book 2. Which is kind of incredible.
What a powerful opening. That alone sold me. I'm going tomorrow to pick it up.
I hope you love it!
Just started the second book, already one of if not my favorite series.
Storms I was hyped for this one
I started getting into sci-fi/fantasy at the end of last year, and decided to start The Way of Kings last week. I’m on page 337 and I’m struggling. This helped me to dive back in and trust the process.
I am on my third re-read & decided to look up some reviews since I have never actually watched any. Loved everything you said. This book is a little bit of a hike when compared to mistborn but so so worth the journey.
Before I started reading TWOK I remember feeling so intimidated by the number of pages. But as soon as the plot started putting on its running shoes, it became impossible to drop.. it's like a literary drug.
BTW, are you getting the leatherbound editions as well? They look majestic.
I sure am. I'm getting all the leatherbound books from Sanderson, but boy they're expensive
This is such a cool story. Kaladin and Dalinar are both badasses. The Shardblade and the Plates are like the Warhammer 40k Space Marines power armors and weapons. The world building and lore is dense and inviting. It's just so darned COOL!
You are right, there is more to spren, but I can't stop seeing them as basically Pokemon. You can even catch them.
The best part about this series is how much thought has gone into fleshing out the world of Roshar..from flora and fauna to the coin system. BS is arguably the best in world building currently writing
Hard to argue.
Out from GRRM
He's leaps ahead of Martin when it comes to worldbuilding.
@@hakonfreyrgunnarsson6772 I'm going to have to disagree. I have read most of Brandon's books and none seem as fleshed out as Song of Ice and Fire.
One of my favorite unfinished series ever. I’ve read the first 3 book several times. Just love BS
I agree about that slow start 😅👍📖
Dalinar is my favorite character
Because the Blackthorn is what Roshar needs.
Same!
Mike that intro got me fired up for freight today. Thanks brother! 🤘I absolutely loved this book.
Right on!
That wheel of time mug is awesome
Cool coffee mug! Just starting Oathbringer ... was introduced to Way of Kings a couple months ago ... just loving this!
**Should I read Edgedancer before Oathbringer? Sanderson suggests it in the preface. Love your channel!
I never read edgedancer and I finished oathbringer with full comprehension.. but there’s some things where you can tell he references something nonessential that happened in edgedancer. I’m going to read it during my next reread
@@luketufts6827 Thanks ... I'll skip it for now!
@@alexfrederick3404 Just get Arcanum Unbounded so you can get into the Cosmere properly!
Edgedancer is in it
I don't think this is a spoiler. Edgedancer is mostly about lift, Malen and szeth if I remember correctly. Not sure if I got the name right but nalen is the herald of the skybreakers
I'm going to start my 6th read through of this book soon with book four coming out in November. Solid review with your thoughts pretty much echoing my own. I really do like how individual all the characters seem. It certainly would have been easy to just have random bridge guy 1-20 and call it a day. It's the little things. On a related note, I would absolutely read a 2000 page book about only The Lopen....if you know what mean, gancho.
Mike you should know that the thumbnail for your WYSR video for Stormlight is very NSFV. We can clearly see Shallan’s safehand and that’s unacceptable.
SCANDALOUS
Not safe for vorinism
I think that specific image has been mirrored. I think if you look up the original, she's sitting on the other side making the exposed hand her free hand.
INVESTED in the Cosmere, I see what you did there ;)
I loved this book so much I read it in 2 days (and one night). Just couldn't put it aside - really wanted to know what happens to Kaladin and Bridge 4.
Hey there, thank you for the review. I recently fell in love with reading, and this is one to the series that stood out to me. Definitely getting into it now.
The Way of King's is my favourite book of the stormlight archive although Word's of Radiance is a better book reading the way of kings is one of the most enjoyable reading experiences I've ever had. Great review.
Good review. I just finished a re-read of this one and am about half way through the second book, again. Along with your comment about pacing, and to enjoy the journey, I would point out that Brandon has developed these stories like they are three traditional novels. The climax at the end of butter than the two smaller ones in the middle, but you still get three cycles of build-up, climax, and resolution between the covers. So, you're absolutely right. It's not a race, enjoy the journey and the story.
I will say, the part through the beginning Kaladin that felt so slow, it felt much less so on a second read. I think it just really pulls hard on your emotions so long before you know what will happen. It's tough, but definitely worth getting through.
I was gonna wait til I finished WOT but I'm only on book 6 and can't wait any longer so I just started this this week
Hope you enjoy! I think if you get through the first half you’re going to like it a lot
I read all 3 books in less than 2 weeks. I digested them, then I did the audio books, and im re-reading again waiting for the Rhythm of War in a few months!!! Cant wait!
How long did you read each day?
Hi there Mike. How are you doing? Thanks for this video. After dnf-ing the Wicked Years I have taken the dive back into the Wheel of Time series and I am so glad that I did. Both Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson write so much better than several other authors that I have read.
Your advice to take this boom as it is is great, and ties into the themes of the story: journey before destination.
Just read this book, loved it!
I think you should check your narrative at the 18m mark discussing how this is such a slow burn up until page ~400 or so...
my guy, there has to be world building done and there are multiple characters/setups going on...literally the NUMBER ONE REASON I avoided this book for so long is ppl like you talking about how difficult/slow it was....I didn't think so at all, like whatsoever! The characters are amazing, the pacing is spot on, it heats up and then is just a full blown masterpiece.
I mean, such an amazing book - don't pander to the audience by intimidating future readers! My only tip here.
P.S. - Spren aren't weird. I never thought that was lame. Like, in fact, it makes the story work. #Syl
When I started watching video reviews of this series, I realized I pronounce most names differently than how they're pronounced..but It's too late to change now. Then I guess people from around the world pronounce them differently
I always say folks should say them as they read them. I've pronounced Smaug incorrectly for 35 years. And I'm going to continue to do so.
@@mikesbookreviews Guess so. It's an interesting observation though about how Americans and non Americans pronounce words. The way Shallan is pronounced, I would have written it like Shalaan. With it's current spelling, I ended up pronouncing it like Alan
@@KakashiHatake-ou7mp It's not the American way, it's just the Roshar way of saying it which differ depends on the region of the continent as well
A 1001 page HARDCOVER?! Just imagine how long the paperback will be!
I really don't understand why this book has such good reviews. It's such a simple story and simply written. I can only think its rated so high because it appeals to people that don't read much, or teenagers.
Interesting theory.
That is such an objectively false take, it completely exposes your intent as a hater. Try to be less obvious and extreme in your negative comments next time you hate on something; you'll have a better chance at fooling someone into believing you if you do.
@@JadusMoltriel Stop being so emotional. After much hype online I read this book, but I found it to be simply written, with simple characters. I found nothing deserving of all the hype. I do think that its so popular because its some peoples first fantasy novel, and that means teenagers.
The Way of Kings is easily one of my favourite fantasy books of all time.
I hope that Brandon changes his mind about live action. The Cosmere books feel like an anime (not to the point of a shounen). It'd be cheaper and easier to stay loyal. But yeez, how many 20-25 minutes episodes would it take?.
My estimation of Brandon prose->visual scene, based on other adaptations and the graphic audios, is 20 minutes=6k-7.5k words
I can't imagine anyone arguing against Stormlight being an anime when the MCs are all wearing Gundam Mecha suits into battle.
Huh..I just realized Mike's a Light eye noble :D
But I'm like Kaladin in that I reject the shardplate/blade.
stormlight archive is my favorite fantasy series! I listened to it on audible and the readers were so incredible even tho each book was like 50 hours long.... such an enjoyable series 10/10 for me
Im thinking about listening to them on audio when book 5 is closer to coming out...its a husband and wife right? And i think they did the wot series too
Good review Goncho!
Ha ha, I say that my kids sometimes and they're like ???
I started The Way of Kings last week and am on around page 700. I'm definitely late to the ball game.
I know you don't listen to audiobooks Mike, but the audiobook versions of The Stormlight Archive are amazing. Michael Kramer and Kate Redding do an amazing job, just like they did with Wheel of Time.
Snikrot 37 Nah, I didn’t enjoy their narration, ESPECIALLY KATE’S. Something about her cadence and intonations just annoyed me, it was like reading poetry. I used to scream so hard when we got to a Shallan chapter because I knew how bad it’d be, and how did she and Mike not agree on how to pronounce Sadeas’s name? How did that error escape editing, it really needed a production team. After this, I said, “never again” and decided to stick with reading the books. However, 4% into Words Of Radiance, I decided to give the graphic audiobooks a chance and it was a wonderful experience. The only problem I had was that the music could be louder than the narration and it didn’t really bother me very much. So I listen to the graphic audio at times and other times, I read the books. It really works for me and I can’t recommend them enough. But Mike and Kate, that was a no from me.
@@henrywayne5724 My sister experiences similar problems right now. Guess it just isn't for everyone.
I considered recommending the graphic audio version to her since she doesn't have time to read, but I hadn't heard them myself so I wasn't sure if they were good. Your comment makes me a bit more optimistic
Goosbumps! What a great intro Mike!
I am very late to the game, but I just read Stormlight Archive, and it is definitely THE Sanderson book for me. For context, I have always been a huge WoT fan, I read Mistborn, Warbraker and Elantris but find the plot moving too fast at times.
The Way of Kings feels like the perfect book for me, it has the best character work out of all Sanderson books I have read, Kaladin is slightly different from the typical Sanderson's charismatic leader, he is way more depressing and more believable imo (Kaladin remembering his friends' names somewhat reminds me of late book Rand) The setting and theme read more like an epic fantasy than other BS works.
I absolutely agree with Mike, if you are a WoT fan and never find BS other works that compelling, the Way of Kings will probably change your perspective entirely
Do you know something about the Stormlight Archives?
The build up is slow and the ends are SO EPIC!!!
Currently reading Words Of Radiance and I can’t wait to finish it, not because the book is BAD, but because I KNOW the ending is SO GOOD AND I WANT TO EXPERIENCE IT SOONER!!!!!! That’s how much I trust Sanderson.
And I know how you feel with the slow build up, at first, I was like, “I get it now, let’s GET GOING!!!” But when you finish it, you just love it.
I just finished it, it was so good!!
Life before Death
Strength before Weakness
Journey before Destination
The immortal words
Really cool that you made non-spoiler & spoiler videos. I’m not done yet, ha. Thanks!
Sir, you have the best intros on the Net.
Tai'shar, White Man.
Ha. Thanks!
Steven Erikson gets away with long books too (and does it astonishingly well). I would rate him higher than Abercrombie in the field of grimdark fantasy. Brandon's writing is more YA style ethically cleaned world, characters have their development and interesting to follow, but they feel like stage actors. Still, great worldbuilding, original magic systems and enjoyable read.
Very good summation I think. I just couldn't get into The Way of Kings. DNF:ed it around the 60% mark. It just dragged, but never managed to drag me in.
After you finish way of kings, you will get excited to find out the other books just gets longer.
Dalinar is my favorite character too!! The best!
Life before Death!!
strength before weakness
Journey before Destination
I'm 780 pages into the book and I'm just waiting for it to pick up. The book IS slow but to me it's been that way the whole time aside from when Szeth makes an appearance. At this point I'm really struggling to see why everyone loves WoK so much which I find strange because I enjoyed Mistborn Era 1 a lot!
I'd stick with it, these books are all about the long slow build up until everything comes together for an epic, blow you away conclusion.
Mistborn is significantly more fast paced, WoK is slower but much more satisfying in my opinion.
Take it from me, it doesn’t pick up and is not worth it, I don’t get the love for this ???
The first book is like that, all about the slow buildup and worldbuilding in order to set up a TEN BOOK series, each of 1000+ pages. I also had a problem with the slow build up at first, I was like, “I get it now! Let’s go!” But upon reread, I’m realizing this slow build up is what made this book worthwhile in the first place, the fact that he’s taking his time to establish this deep and complex world with deep and complex characters. It’s not Westeros, which is essentially historic Europe. It’s a whole new world you get immersed in with very complex characters dealing with serious mental issues. It IS worth all the hype. And with the second book, oh boy, after the characters and the world have been established, there is NO turning back, the second book has you on the edge of your seat, especially with Shallan. I just adore his character work so much.
I'm a huge Sanderson fan and fantasy in general, but I haven't read this book/series yet. I'm currently working my way through Wheel of Time and I'm waiting for the 5th book of this series to come out before I start. I want to read this SOOO BAD, but I just can't start another unfinished series, even from Sanderson. Watching this review just makes me want to go for it, but I will finish Wheel of Time first and then maybe get going on this one. Too many books, so little time...
Its on my list of books I have to read but haven't bought yet. I was thinking about holding off till book 5 comes out
PnutButtaJllyMan Yeah, you should probably buy it soon. Rhythm Of War comes out in November, and well, each of the succeeding books is longer than the last, and that’s 1000+ pages, plus the pages aren’t normal size pages and the font is REALLY SMALL. It might take you three months to finish them and you might not be in time when Rhythm Of War comes out. The audiobooks are each 48hrs+ long. But hey, I don’t know how fast you can read, but still, you should probably get Way Of Kings soon..
I really enjoyed watching your review and like the way you bought up different points of the book. Thus, me subscribing is inevitable. Hello there. 😂
We dont need this, we already know how amazing that whole saga is
Luv Brandon Sanderson books!!
In your review you said Stormlight Archive is the best book to go after completing wheel of time. Just wanted to ask is it the same the other way round? Coz I have just completed reading Oathbringer, obviously waiting eagerly for Rhythm of War, but I can already feel that hollow which Stormlight will be leaving. So Can wheel of time be the perfect alternative? As i Know even you have Wheel of Time after Stormlight.
I think so since I read all 3 before starting WoT.
I tried to get into this series because all the hype around it, but it's just soooo dense. And not in a good way. I prefer books and writing style such a Joe Abercrombie, where world building and development come about in a natural way, usually through character dialogue. This was just so full of exposition dumps, and while most people love the magic system... I found it to be way over the top. Just not my cup of tea, but thanks for the excellent review as always.
....Here we go
I'm currently reading this book I'm on chapter 8 in part 1. I really enjoy kaladins parts although im really struggling with Shalans parts which is kinda off putting I really hope her parts become more interesting
Assuming you have read the book by now what do you think of Shallan now? And have you started Words of Radiance yet?
Brandon, there's no way you'll ever read this but thank you 🍻
I feel like not including "Life before Death; Strength before Weakness; Journey before Destination" (in the Epic Announcer Voice) at the end of the excerpts as a capstone for the reading was a missed opportunity.
I did it for the Why You Should Read Stormlight video.
@@mikesbookreviews Ahh, fair enough.
I spent an entire vacation just reading WoK. Then I came home and the first thing I did was order the other two
Hello Mike,
Just picked up The Stormlight Archive and found your channel after finishing the wheel of time series. Two questions for you.
First, where did you get that mug? I absolutely love it!
Second, will your spoiler episode just cover spoilers for The Way of Kings or will you discuss things from all three books?
Just WoK.
When you said to take your time with the book and that it isn't a race, I was expecting you to say "it's about the journey, not the destination."
My Sanderson experience has been mixed. I read the Mistborn trilogy and liked it although book 2 was slow. I read Elantris and disliked it. I’m wondering if WoK is more like the majority of the Mistborn trilogy or like Elantris.
No Stormlight Archive is way better than them. Elantris was one of his early books. Therefore, it's not that good. I read Stormlight before Mistborn. I will say Stormlight is his best. Mistborn felt average to me.
Mistborn in my opinion feels like a less mature read....not YA necessarily but not far off. Great series but feels like Sanderson The Hobbit to Stormlight’s LoTR
UNITE THEM
Bridge 4. Forever.
Does the spoiler video only give spoilers from The Way of Kings? Or does it talk about things from future books too?
New subscriber and I've been binging your videos. I really like your content and I'm wondering what fantasy epic books you highly recommend for beginners?
I recently finished this book after setting it down for many months. Your take on the book is the closest I've heard that mirrors my own. I did struggle with portions of the book being very slow and at times uninteresting. There are many repetitive aspects to Kaladin's story that could have been tightened up while still getting the point across. I appreciate books that either tell a chronological story or introduce characters at a later point of their arc, and then go back to explain their backstories when needed. I have a positive view of the book but skipping around and intentionally leaving out major aspects of Kaladin's story took away from my interest in the book to where I stopped reading it for a period. I don't enjoy that writer's device and think it detracted from the book and the story by telling events out of sequence for dramatic effect towards the end.
I also did get tired of hearing about the corny consusion-spren (long wordspren) etc. Often they were just a detractor and clutter. A lot of pages with no value where you can skim past. A lot of commentators on the book act as if there are so many valuable nuggets to this book that every word has to be read in great detail. I feel the exact opposite. Much is skippable and there's too much redundancy in the book. It should have been written closer to 750-900 pages in length and cut down on a lot of the overly wordy descriptions of things that provided no value or insight.
There are some really good moments, but a lot of dead space as well that should have been shorn up that didn't advance the story as you stated.
Finally you have arrived welcome to the party pal.
? I read it 3 years ago.
If someone really doesn’t like Syl they have some serious problems.. I wish I had a Syl
How do you mean "problems"?
I’ll put $100 on Dalinar winding up having some sort of psychosis re: those “visions” in book 5 😂
Probably Sanderson best Novel.
Prose and dialogue are still poor, but his characterization improved and the worldbuilding is great.
Also, while the book should have been a couple hundred pages shorter, it ends on a very strong note.
Overall a very good book.
I'd put WoR over it by a hair, but that's like picking a favorite LotR book for me.
I really enjoyed this book, read it in like 5/6 days, but I'm really struggling with words of radiance.
I flew through WoR. I think having more attachment to the characters made it an easier read for me than WoK.
WoR is a much much better book than Way of kings. Though way of kings is amazing.
I think it's the character of shallan who I'm struggling with. Although I seem to have got to a part where she has gotten much more interesting.
@@briankirkpatrick5706 I admit, I struggled with her too. But kaladin still shines hehe even if its not his book. She does get better.... then worse, then better. LOL Crazy Brandon stuff all around !
journey before destination
I haven't read the WOT series. Is the writing similar to this series? If so, I am totally thinking about giving WOT a shot.
Yessssssssss