The Way of Kings

The Stormlight Archive, Book 1

By: Brandon Sanderson

Narrated by: Michael Kramer, Kate Reading

Length: 45 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

According to mythology, mankind used to live in 'The Tranquiline Halls': heaven. But then the Voidbringers assaulted and captured heaven, casting out God and men. Men took root on Roshar, the world of storms, but the Voidbringers followed. The Almighty gave men powerful suits of armor and mystical weapons, the Shardblades. Led by 10 angelic Heralds and 10 orders of knights known as Radiants, mankind finally won (or so the legends say).

Today the only remnants of those supposed battles are the Shardblades, the possession of which makes a man nearly invincible on the battlefield. The entire world is at war with itself - and has been for centuries since the Radiants turned against mankind. Kings strive to win more Shardblades, each secretly wishing to be the one who will finally unite all of mankind under a single throne.

On a world scoured down to the rock by terrifying hurricanes, a young spearman is forced into the army of a Shardbearer, led to war against an enemy he doesn't understand and doesn't really want to fight.

©2010 Dragonsteel Entertainment LLC (P)2011 Orion Publishing Group Limited

Huge in every way

This was great - Can’t say it didn’t drag out a little in the Middelfart but what 1000 page book doesn’t? I was never off and most of the time I was on like crazy. Will highly recommend any fantasy fan.

Amazing. A true masterpiece.

A masterpiece by Brandon Sanderson and the narration is flawless. A++ all across the board.

Good

Not his best but still good an makes you wanna lisen to the rest of the series

Listen if you have a lot of patience

The narrators both have an annoying way of speaking, but after a few hours you sort of get used to it, the man's impersonation of women in particular is horrible, maybe he could ask Podehl for some hints.

The story builds slow and the reverse chronological order of the main characters backstory is irritating, but the world is intriguing and the main plot engrossing.

amazing book with a captivating ending.

this book had me listening to it all day and night absolutely loved it, master storytelling and great narrators

Perfect

From start to finish the book captivates the reader and pulls him deeper and deeper in to a world of... whatever it is, it's perfect.

Solid

A great book, with a solid story and enjoyable narrators.

My only complaint would be that Kramer and Reading prounounce "Sadeas" differently.

Long - 45 hours and the first of 10 books!

Epic certainly sums up this work. After almost reaching the end of this 45 hour book, I did some quick searching on the net and found Brandon Sanderson is planning this is a 10 book series! If you're after a fast-paced story, this probably isn't for you. If you loved the Wheel of Time series you'll probably love it. (Personally, I gave up after about 7 books....).
The character development in this story is excellent as you'd expect and I certainly enjoyed the book. However, given its length and lack of excitement in many places I'm not sure I'll be back for book Two onward.

Epic fantasy in a vivid new world

There will be many comparisons between this series and the Wheel of time series which Sanderson helped to complete. There is a similarity in that both stories begin in universes which are shaped by an unresolved conflict in pre-history but this universe is rich, imaginative and unique and stands alone.

I can't remember another piece of fantasy literature in which a world has been so comprehensively rendered and in which the characters exist in such an authentic and engaging fashion. Fundamental themes are broached and navigated naturally and although it is a long book the plot only deepens as the novel progresses rather than stalling or becoming self indulgent.

In truth my only regret is that I have discovered this series as the first book is written and will have to wait many years for the conclusion. This is something I am happy to live with in order to be able to regularly visit the universe Sanderson has introduced me to with this book.

Great Book, Fantastic Narration

This has to be the best Brandon Sanderson work. The world-building is just spectacular. Michael Kramer really brings the scenes to life with his narration. Kate Reading does not have the key chapters so cant really judge her. Really looking forward to listening to the other two books as well.