Reviewing my new favourite fantasy || The Way Of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

Where do I begin by expressing my joy while reading book one of the stormlight archives?

This is my first time reading anything high fantasy/science-fiction fantasy or Brandon Sanderson, so I was optimistic; however, I have loved every page and every character throughout this book. I want to share that joy and love here.

Kaladin, I love this boy wholeheartedly; his heartbreaking journey spoke to me. I love him and Syl together, and the balance and dynamic they bring out in each other are superb. But, what I loved most was watching Kaladin grow as a Bridgeman. He went from giving up on everything to giving it his all and becoming a leader. Then, the scene between Kaladin and Syl at the chasm made my heart swell, and my love for them increased to the maximum. Kaladin and Syl are two well-written and incredibly complex characters, and I can't wait to read about the rest of their journey throughout the rest of the series; plus, that ending was just incredible...Can Kaladin get any cooler?

Syl was silent for a moment. "Do you want to be a miracle?" "No," Kaladin whispered. "But for them, I will be."

I adored Shallan; her character is so meticulous! She may seem whiny to some, but honestly, I would be the same if I had the impossible task of saving and protecting my family. I enjoyed how deeply she felt for her art; I found it so beautiful, and how it was written and described captured my heart. She was troubled, scared and alone, and although she made some foolish choices, she learned from her mistakes and decided to start her journey on the right path (I believe). I can't wait to read the next book and learn more about Shallan and Jasnah's characters, research, and possible friendship.

In drawing a portrait, her medium was the soul itself. There were plants from which one could remove a tiny cutting - a leaf or a bit of steam - then plant it and grow a duplicate. When she collected a person's memory, she was snipping free a bud of their soul, cultivating and growing it on the page.

Ok, let's talk about Szeth because, holy hell, is he awesome!! He was the first character to introduce me to the book, and he made an incredible impression. He was perfect and was one of the reasons I carried on reading. The magic was unbelievable; I found it so detailed and unique that I marked every inch of the page because it was so cool, and I did not want to miss a single detail. Sanderson wrote Szeths character so well; every time I read in his POV, my heart ached. He was never free; no one cared for him; all they cared about was using him for his power and ability, which he saw as his punishment!! My heart could hardly take it, and it got worse throughout. I can't wait to see his character progress throughout the series and hope he may become free of his chains one day.

Szeth-son-son-Vallano, Truthless of Shinovar, wore white on the day he was to kill a king.

Dalinar and Adolin were two characters that I found incredibly alluring. Firstly, I'll start by saying that I felt so sorry for Dalinar. Others and himself constantly questioned him, and it was so hard to see him go through this; it must have been agonising not being able to trust yourself. I also hated how he only wanted to do good and, in return, was betrayed; my heart hurt for him, so I hope he gets his retribution, although he seems too good to even think about taking revenge (Sadly). Now, Adolin, I had a hard time connecting with him initially; however, the more I read about him, the more I adored him. I love his development; it was interesting to see him go from doubting his father to suddenly realising why he did what he did. It was beautiful to see their connection grow, and I can't wait to see it grow stronger throughout.

If I should die," Dalinar said, "Then I would do so having lived my life right. It is not the destination that matters, but how one arrives there.

Now that I've shared my thoughts on the characters I love dearly, I want to talk about all the other amazing things that Sanderson has managed to capture throughout this incredible book.

Firstly, the world!! Holy hell, this world is so fantastically written and memorable. I don't know how he does it, but the world is written so intricately that I can't help but picture it in my mind. The creatures, earth, atmosphere, wildlife—it is all unimaginable; how does he do it? It was like Sanderson opened the door to Roshar, and I could step through and experience everything for myself!

Lastly, the part that fascinated me the most was the magic. I tabbed and marked much of the book because the magic system was exceptionally detailed and outstanding. I have never read a book with a system for magic such as this one, so I was blown away. I loved the Fabrials; their uses are so irregular yet otherworldly that I was astonished whenever they were mentioned. Windrunning and lashing were also incredible, and I loved reading about Szeth as he used these abilities and other characters who came to learn these abilities.

The Way of Kings has become my new favourite fantasy, and I can't wait to learn more about the magical system within the next couple of books, which I will pick up as soon as possible!!

This book is perfect for anyone looking for an Intricately designed magic and world system, Giant magical blades, Talking Sprites, and more.