The Way of Kings

The Stormlight Archive, Book 1

By: Brandon Sanderson

Narrated by: Kate Reading, Michael Kramer

Length: 45 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

From number one New York Times best-selling author Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings, book one of the Stormlight Archive, begins an incredible new saga of epic proportion.

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 10 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 10 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.

The result of more than 10 years of planning, writing, and world-building, The Way of Kings is but the opening movement of the Stormlight Archive, a bold masterpiece in the making.

Speak again the ancient oaths:

Life before death.

Strength before weakness.

Journey before destination.

And return to men the Shards they once bore.

The Knights Radiant must stand again.

Other Tor books by Brandon Sanderson:

The Cosmere

The Stormlight Archive:

• The Way of Kings
• Words of Radiance
• Edgedancer (Novella)
• Oathbringer

The Mistborn trilogy:

• Mistborn: The Final Empire
• The Well of Ascension
• The Hero of Ages

Mistborn: The Wax and Wayne series:

• Alloy of Law
• Shadows of Self
• Bands of Mourning

Collection:

• Arcanum Unbounded

Other Cosmere novels:

• Elantris
• Warbreaker

The Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series:

• Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians
• The Scrivener's Bones
• The Knights of Crystallia
• The Shattered Lens
• The Dark Talent

The Rithmatist series:

• The Rithmatist

Other books by Brandon Sanderson:

• The Reckoners
• Steelheart
• Firefight
• Calamity

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2010 Dragonsteel Entertaiment, LLC (P)2010 Macmillan Audio

Excellent writing and performance

One of the best fantasy books I’ve heard in a very long time. Moving on to the next book now!

A thought filled novel

This was the first work of Sanderson that I read at the recommendation of my chiropractor. By the time I reached the end I was enchanted. The main story is fantastic by itself, but I find the subtext of novel the equally appealing part. Sanderson’s examination of religion and societal norms truly makes me love this series. I love the multilevel depth of the story telling. A true masterpiece.

Upon completion of the series that is written so far I had two complaints. The first was the desire to read the next novel immediately which speaks more to my impatience. The second, I could think of no other book that could satisfy so completely and thus struggled to find a work I could read next. All in all, not bad complaints to have.

Its just amazing

Sanderson is definitely one of my favorites. No matter what, I will keep coming back to his books, especially stormlight archive. For anyone who loves fantasy, this is the book you can’t miss!

Regarding "poor narration" - it's not true

This isn't as much of a review of the book itself (not much more to add that others haven't said already; it's one of the best books I've read in years due to outstanding character- and world-building).

I wanted to address the narration issue that some reviews have commented on. I was nervous buying the book because of people's complaints about Kate Reading's narration. Reading does a fine enough job. She does have sort of a "sing songy" cadence. But I'm 38 hours into the book and have gotten used to her. As well, she seems to narrate fewer chapters than her narration partner.

Anyway, the "problem", if you want to call it that, is that Michael Kramer is such an overwhelmingly good narrator that Reading suffers in contrast. Kramer is the best narrator I've ever heard in an audio book. He has this unique gravitas, and it's almost like he's letting you in on a secret, magical tale that's been hidden for ages. So what's happening is people are hearing the brilliant Kramer, and then the merely good Reading, and concluding that Reading is awful. But she's not awful, just not as good, and the switch can be jarring.

Worth a read

I adore these books and I'm on my second time through. The story is compelling and Sanderson achieves excellent character development. I particularly enjoy both of the narrators in this series.

Michael Connelly reader looking for a new series

Any additional comments?

Since I finished the Michael Connelly and Lee Child series of books, I have been looking for another series to entertain me while I travel back and forth to work. I was a little skeptical due to the mythical topic. I usually do not enjoy subjects based on mythical characters. These books are so much more than that. I trusted the reviews of the other readers and pushed the purchase button and I have never been more entertained. during my listening I have realized real life application from the plot.

best fantasy writer ever,

I don't understand how a writer can be so creative and so descriptive in such a cohesive large book that has multiple characters and multiple different story arcs it's a incredible work a must read and puts other writers to shame

Great beginning to an epic fantasy series.

Great world building, and an incredible story. Excellent voice work, with distinct voices for the characters.

Phenomenal book!!!

Absolutely loved the book from beginning to end. Sanderson's world building and character building is top notch. The depth of the characters was done extremely well. I held off reading this book for so long because of the length. So glad I finally decided to jump in. If you haven't read it. Give it a read. You won't be disappointed. I've put in into one of my most favorite books ever read. I alternated between physical book and audio when I'm working. narrator's do a pretty good job. Highly recommend this series to everyone.

Michael Kramer is amazing

This is not necessarily a review for Sanderson work which I mentioned in my review of the kindle book . Michael Kramer took an amazing story and made it even better with his narration . It was thoroughly enjoyable and kindler my imagination in such a was that I felt transported to roshar every time I opened Audible up to start listening ! Kate reading is good too in her own right but Michael Kramer is fantastic