way of kings

Dalinar’s visions pump up the world building as Kaladin experiences an awakening of self-realization as the story circles the ultimate climax.

Betrayal and mysterious forces drive the story forward as things ramp up for Shallan and Kaladin.

Shallan dives deep into the world of ethics, philosophy, and religion. Kaladin enacts his new strategy to help save his crew and suffers the consequences of good intentions. There is a continuing subtle theme of the power and meaning of intentions behind action as we continue our journey in The Way of Kings.

Sanderson explores some interesting themes of leadership and internal self-development with Kaladin’s internal shadow. We get more sociopolitical tension as Dalinar departs further from the Alethi tradition, as Adolin struggles to keep his father’s growing eccentricity from tarnishing their family’s name. And some cool interludes!

In these chapters, we get a glimpse a good picture of the politics and social structures of the Alethi kingdom and how those play into the battles on the Shattered Plains. We also get to see some badass Shardbearer action, and Kaladin does his best to win over his bridgecrew.

Social hierarchy, slavery, religion, magic, WEATHER? There is as much world-building as plot movement as we continue following Kaladin in his descent and are introduced to a new main character, Shallan.

We’re introduced to the Stormlight world and meet a main character who seems to be haunted by his failures.

The first book club blog launches with the first entry into Brandon Sanderson ambitious and immersive Stormlight Archive. There area few reasons why this is my first pick, and I’m excited to be going into this world with a blank slate.