theravenkingx's Reviews (336)

I have said this before and I am saying it again: Brandon Sanderson is the Taylor Swift of the publishing industry. They are both hugely successful with strong fan followings, and they both love their Easter eggs.

I recently conquered my fear of big books and completed "The Way of Kings," which spans over 1000 pages in just 6 days.

Brandon Sanderson's creation of a unique universe, where each planet boasts distinct cultures, magic systems, and political landscapes, is commendable. His series are interconnected set in the same universe but can be enjoyed independently, allowing readers to dive into specific works without committing to the entire collection.

While I initially struggled with Part 1 due to its slow pacing, the captivating world-building kept me engaged. Around the 600-page mark, the story took an intriguing turn, altering my perception. I was sure to rate it lower but part 2 changed my mind.

The series lives up to its reputation—the meticulous world-building, clever nods to previous works, cunning foreshadowing, and well-crafted characters contribute to its allure. Although I didn't personally connect with any character, they serve the story's purpose effectively. The final 100 pages left me awestruck and hungry for more.

Kaladin, the hero battling chronic depression, evokes mixed feelings. While I appreciate the positive representation of mental health, his constant self-loathing occasionally made me roll my eyes.

There is no doubt that Brando Sando is one of the best authors out there. His prose may be simple, but the way he plans out his books and leaves crumbs for us to follow is nothing short of amazing.

"The Way of Kings" introduces three central characters: Shallan, a scholar with hidden motives; Kaladin, a depressed protector of friends; and Dalinar, a grieving highprince cursed with visions. The story kicks off with the assassination of a king by Szeth, a mysterious Shin assassin hired by the Parshendi—an ethnic group with marbled black and red skin. This event coincides with the Alethi and Parshendi signing a peace agreement.

The Assassination leads Dalinar, the king’s brother and the protector of King's son - Elhoker, to a war against the Parshendi at the Shattered Plains. These plains consist of massive plateaus, requiring leaps from one plateau to another using bridges carried by mistreated slaves. 

Among these slaves is Kaladin, who mourns his brother and the friends he failed to protect during a betrayal in war in which he was a soldier. Now on bridge duty,  saddened by the mistreatment, he defies authority by taking responsibility for protecting the bridge four and it's crew.

Meanwhile, Shallan studies under heretic scholar Jasnah, the king's daughter. Jasnah, under the order of her uncle Dalinar,  seeks clues related to the king's cryptic last words—the most powerful words a man can utter. Shallan, however, has her own agenda, driven by family reputation and financial concerns. She wants to steal a soulcaster - a powerful object that turn one into another - from Jasnah.

The character's journeys intertwine with the cosmere's history, its gods, and the enigmatic Knight Radiants, who once vowed to protect humanity from Voidbringers but mysteriously vanished.

Sugar, spice and everything vice

It feels good to be back in this morally ambiguous, grimdark
circle of the world.

This book is so good. If you’re someone who enjoys character-driven stories, then you are going to absolutely love this book. I admit that this book doesn't have the strongest of plots, but it makes up for it with its compelling world-building and characters.

The strength of this book lies in its exceptionally well-written characters, complete with well-thought-out backstories. The world-building is immersive and brutal, and Joe Abercrombie’s intricate writing style.

Joe Abercrombie is a master of writing enthralling morally corrupt characters that you can'tt help but love.

Plot & Setting
"The story takes place after the events of the first trilogy. To fully enjoy the book, I recommend reading all the standalones that came before this one, or at least read ‘The Heroes,’ as the events from that book are heavily referenced.

Thirty-five years have passed since the Gurkul were defeated at Adua. The world is now brimming with new advancements and technology. Bayaz, our beloved antagonist, still pulls the strings behind the scenes, wielding influence and controlling most of the world through his bank - Valiantly and Balk. The technological progress has led to job losses, with people working in underpaid sweatshops. The ruthless Glokta remains enslaved to Bayaz, while his equally cunning daughter - Savine, has become a prominent investor running multiple successful businesses using her guile and threats.

In the North, Bethod’s grandson, Stour Nightfall, has burned the city of Uffrith, prompting the Dogman’s daughter, Rikke, to flee with her companion, Isern, in search of refuge.

Leo - the young lion, is eager to fight the Northman lead by Stour Nightfall and bask in the glory, but her mother - an experience war general, doesn't think it's the right time as they lack the resources and men needed for the war and are expecting reinforcements from King Jazel.

Meanwhile, King Jazel’s son, Orso, wants to help the Dogman against the Northman, but Glokta and his puppeteer, Bayaz, have other plans."

The new generation of heroes is young and full of hope, completely unaware of the invisible hand of Bayaz pulling the strings. Will they outsmart the First of the Magi, or will they, like their parents, admit defeat and bend their knees to the magi? The epic ending of this book has proven one thing that theywon'tt be the same in the next book. Their confidence will shatter, and hope will turn into rage. But will that be enough? It will be  interesting to witness.

I enjoyed Savine’s character development the most. She transitions from a ruthless, greedy, and unlikable ‘Shark Tank’ investor to a trouble  and hopefully more grounded person. What she becomes is yet to be seen, but after going through such a traumatizing incident, I am expecting nothing less from her.

Leo's naivete annoyed me, but the thing he sets in motion is sure to make things a bit more complicated.

I am intrested to see what roles Jonas Clover - the laziest man alive - plays in the next book. I really enjoyed his Pov. He has a sense of humor and skill to avoid his tasks. He is me, me is him. 😜