In actual fact, Brandon didn't really want to split this in two but the first book of the series is simply too large to put in one tome. So consequently the break point between the books is quite arbitrary so it doesn't feel like a new story. It's kind of like the 4 hour version of Lord of the Rings where you've got to flip the DVD over after about 2 hours or so!
*SPOILER ALERT*
So we are plunged right back into where we left off. Sanderson has always liked to weave strands together rather than rely on a single fast-paced plot to carry the narrative. That is part of the reason he did such a good job with tying up Robert Jordan's many Wheel of Time loose threads. And Way of Kings has three or four seemingly disparate plotlines that he is starting to bring into alignment.
Brandon wanted a big first book (or at least felt it was merited) partly because he wanted to take enough time to set the scene and develop the characters but also have a decent enough story to carry through the book. His characters are always engaging and interesting, and Way of Kings is no different.
Kaladin is still stuck at the Shattered Plains, trying desperately not to get himself or any of his bridge crew killed. But is he more than he seems?
Dalinar's visions are becoming stronger and more incisive, but can he discover their meaning before it drives him insane? The war isn't going anywhere fast, the highprinces seemingly content to have the odd skirmish with the Parshendi but wary of committing more than they want to.
In the capital Shallan is fighting between loyalty to her family and her desire to learn about the world under the care of Jasnah. A stunning revelation changes everything for Shallan and she has a tough decision to make. Once which will change her life completely.
Where does Szeth fit in to everything? Who controls him, and what is their ultimate aim?
And what happened with the Knights Radiant? Will they rise again to save the world from the Desolation?
You genuinely care about the people he is writing about, you want to know more about them and you find the pages flying by as you are drawn in to the world and its history. Sanderson doesn't do things by half and he loves to create huge universes for his characters to play in. The surface has only just been scratched but once again you are itching to know more.
The genre here is nothing you haven't seen before; fantasy and magic, an enemy to face down, epic battles, political infighting and squabbling, romance etc.. But Sanderson does these things so well that you don't really mind. He always manages to throw enough twists in to keep things interesting and his magic systems are among the best there are.
This is an epic-scale story, there is so much going on and even more hinted at. I read a lot of books and have a lot of series going on at once, but Sanderson's are always memorable and they are the ones that I graviate towards almost without thinking. His attention to detail, his love of his craft and his infectious desire to entertain keep me coming back more and more.
The second book of this (proposed) ten book epic is already out and it won't be very long at all until I'm cracking through that. This is what Sanderson does, he reels you in and keeps you desperate to get the next installment in your hands.
Verdict: 4.5 stars out of 5
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