#way of kings review

I have actually managed to finish The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. Although, I don’t think I would’ve managed it without the audiobook…

I loved the world-building and the diverse array of cultures and people we get to experience through many perspectives. 

The characters are deeply flawed in the best way. They have great inner character development and you clearly see their growth from beginning to end. Every one of their stories ends differently than how you thought they would. I won’t spoil it but he ending had me rooting for them and so excited. 

That being said…. I have nitpicks

Possibly the biggest nitpick is some of the dialogue is just laughable. Particularly Shallan’s early conversations which were supposed to be witty just felt childish and awkward. her character I found to be a bit annoying because of this but I don’t think it’s the actual character, but the dialogue I didn’t like. There were other instances with Dalinar and Kaladin which also had some unnatural and awkward dialogue. 

The “interludes” were a bit jarring the first time reading this. They felt completely unnecessary and you never revisited the characters shown in one chapter. I’m partway listening to this a second time and now I can connect the dots and see how SOME of these flow to the current story. I’m sure they will be more relevant in later books. 

The story itself I didn’t find all that interesting. The Alethi culture I find confusing and annoying to be honest. That is the point of them but why would a group of people who have a great many ardents that study history, philosophy and everything else not look into the Parshendi?? Why would they not discover more about their battle tactics and how their culture works? 

A huge point of Dalinar’s character is that he is apparently the ONLY one who realizes the war has to end at some point. Not one other person does anything to help this war to end. I still don’t understand how Brandon managed to make 60% of this story about going and getting gem hearts because it’s not that interesting… at all. We don’t know if there are any true consequences if they don’t have enough. They are living in wealth and comfort… the only reason they are doing “battle” for these gem hearts is because of status. It’s dumb. 

The beginning and middle of the story I begrudgingly listened through but the ending made me want to read the second book. It all came together but I don’t think it needed 45 hours (or 1000 pages) to get there.