The Way of Kings

The Way of Kings
By Brandon Sanderson
Tor Books, 2010. 1007 pgs. Fantasy

This is the first in Brandon Sanderson's new epic series, The Stormlight Archive. Sanderson's worldbuilding is allowed to stretch its wings in this lengthy book, immersing us in a strange world ruled by storms that sweep across the land so frequently that they have shaped ecology and civilization. War rages on a ruined landscape known as the Shattered Plains where ten armies fight separately against a single foe. Young Kaladin was raised as a surgeon but was forced to abandon that life to protect those he loves as a soldier. Brightlord Dalinar commands one of the armies at the Shattered Plains, but lately has been troubled by over-powering visions of ancient times and the Knights Radiant, and has begun to doubt his own sanity. Across the ocean, a sheltered young woman named Shallan tries to convince an eminent scholar, Jasnah Kholin, to take her on as a ward. Shallan's task will be difficult, especially since her motives are less than pure. But Jasnah's research hints at something big: that their world is changing, and they must prepare before a new storm breaks.

In addition to the intricate world created here, I'm always impressed with Sanderson's detailed characters and epic storytelling. This is a great start to what I'm sure will be a successful series. I was a little bemused to find that the heroes here closely resemble those from his other books, but that didn't really detract from the experience of watching them rise to meet their challenges. Fans of the Wheel of Time series should especially enjoy this new series.

BHG