"The purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you how to think, but to give you questions to think upon." --Chapter 57

Brandon Sanderson is a wonderful worldbuilder. Having read Mistborn, I knew to expect great things of his worldbuilding, but the world he has created here is amazing. The book is advertized as following in the tradition of the Wheel of Time, but having read about half of the Wheel of Time, I already prefer this universe. I love the complexity and the adventure of learning more about this world. I think what struck me most about this world was not that I understood everything, but that after a thousand pages, I still have questions about the world. There is definitely more to discover about this world and the magic system in the coming books.

Furthermore, I found most of the characters and ideas presented complex and satisfying. I particularly like Dalinar, for his musings and struggle with what's real and what's honorable. Sanderson raises interesting questions about honor, consequences of action, narration of history, and more. All in a non-preachy manner, in a way that fits the characters. It's the kind of book that is enjoyable simply for the story, but also raises questions that are important to life in our world if you care to pay attention.

Overall I loved this book. It's long but I never felt like it dragged or that Sanderson spent too much time developing. The plot developed while the worldbuilding was taking place so it never felt like the plot was put on hold for the worldbuilding. If you don't like 1000 page wondrous monstrosities, however, this may be difficult for you. However, as one who proudly proclaims Lord of the Rings as her favorite series, I loved the Way of Kings. I'm already excited to see what Brandon Sanderson will do with the rest of the series and already sad that I cannot binge read the entire series now!

Reread #2: Just as epic, and wowza some of the best fight/battle sequences ever! There's a couple scenes that just come to life in my mind as if they were a movie. Also it was incredibly fun to go through this time round being more Cosmere-aware and finding lots of foreshadowing, hints, and cool little things. Gonna make myself stick to my reading schedule and not rush on ahead to WoR...sigh...