Publication Date: Aug 2010
Synopsis:
Roshar is a world of stone and storms. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain so frequently that they have shaped ecology and civilization alike. Animals hide in shells, trees pull in branches, and grass retracts into the soilless ground. Cities are built only where the topography offers shelter.
It has been centuries since the fall of the ten consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and suits of armor that transform ordinary men into near-invincible warriors. Men trade kingdoms for Shardblades. Wars were fought for them, and won by them.
One such war rages on a ruined landscape called the Shattered Plains. There, Kaladin, who traded his medical apprenticeship for a spear to protect his little brother, has been reduced to slavery. In a war that makes no sense, where ten armies fight separately against a single foe, he struggles to save his men and to fathom the leaders who consider them expendable.
Brightlord Dalinar Kholin commands one of those other armies. Like his brother, the late king, he is fascinated by an ancient text called The Way of Kings. Troubled by over-powering visions of ancient times and the Knights Radiant, he has begun to doubt his own sanity.
Across the ocean, an untried young woman named Shallan seeks to train under an eminent scholar and notorious heretic, Dalinar’s niece, Jasnah. Though she genuinely loves learning, Shallan’s motives are less than pure. As she plans a daring theft, her research for Jasnah hints at secrets of the Knights Radiant and the true cause of the war.
What To Expect:
The Way of Kings is the first book in an adult epic fantasy series. You can expect expansive worldbuilding, characters fighting against impossible odds, and ancient magical powers.
Content Warnings:
Language: Mild – A few very mild swears and made-up curse words
Sexual Content: Mild – Light kissing, flirtation, mild innuendos
Violence: Heavy – War violence including slavery, death and graphic descriptions of blood and gore; depictions of battlefield medicine and surgery.
Substance Use: Mild – Some characters drink alcohol and drugs are mentioned
Prejudices: Moderate – Classism, sexism; Mild – Racism
Religious Themes: There are fantasy gods and religions important to the plot. Several of the main characters are religious. No real world religions are present.
Other Topics: Heavy – Trauma, grief, depression and suicidal thoughts
Please keep in mind that some things may be missed in content reviews and this is meant to be a general overview without spoilers. Use your own discretion with the information provided to make the right choice for you! View our guideline here.
Leave a comment