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

Just wow

I’ve longed for a book like this. A unique universe that is hard to leave. All wrapped up in amazing storytelling.

Author's best series!

This is my second reading and I loved it even more than the first time. Michael and Kate are my favorite narrator couple and possibly my second most favorite narrators ever (RIP Roy Dotrice).
The story is amazing and all I wish for in a fantasy saga. As always in Sanderson's books magic system is perfectly thought out and interesting.
After reading Arcanum unbounded the subtle hints at cosmere are more noticeable and I enjoyed them a lot more.
Overall one of my favorite books...

Epic fantasy at its best

Such an epic, immersive story with intricate character design and great world building. Definitely recommend!

Great book, great readers

Arguably Sanderson's best book in my opinion and very well read! I highly recommend this book.

Excellent story, hindered by narrator

The story is grand, detailed, and intriguing even if events sometimes unfold a bit slowly.
Michael Kramer is one of the best narrators I've come across, and he would get 6 stars if I could give them.
However, Kate Reading on the other hand is average at best, and her lackluster performance is contrasted bitterly by Kramer's brilliance. It seems they didn't even talk to each other regarding the characters, since they pronounce names differently sometimes.

A slow burn

Brandon Sanderson is a master of his craft. That being said, this book takes the long road. The detail and character exploration builds a rich world but does so at expense of maintaining the listener's attention. I do think the book could have been shorter and more action packed. But if you are willing to commit it is worth it in the end.

The Next Game of Thrones

Wow! I am amazed at the detail that went into this book! This is a work of art in word form! I’m am sad that it has ended, but excited for the next book! This is only the first out of 10 planned books!!! (Three of which are released already) This is going to be truly something to behold when it is completed! I recommend strongly.

The performances by the readers where really good actually. I enjoyed them. They were pretty consistent through out the book and appreciated the different gender voices for the different genders (depending on whose point of view it was written from), it did bug me a little that in one chapter the Lady pronounced the one character’s name different from the male voice. But all in all, really well done..

So in summer....
Get this book and start listening now!! But be prepared to set aside 2-3 weeks of your life as this will consume all your free time.

Happy listening

yeah, its good

its long very long, but thats ok it uses its leagth to its streagth, dont let this book's leagth thorw you off its a good listen all the way though.

Great book can't wait for the next part

Excellent buildup of the story, make u eager to start nhe next book. If u like fantasy listen to this.

Epic

What did you love best about The Way of Kings?

Great story, Amazing characters. Kinda hard to start because of lack of information, yet it will be explained further in the book.
Also excellent readers!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Way of Kings?

everything! there are no words to describe

What does Michael Kramer and Kate Reading bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

it was a good method for me in order to "read" the book while working

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

#Epic #TWOK #TheWayOfKings

Any additional comments?

Thanks!