The Way of Kings

-ZanMgt- OneNight · February 10, 2011

[WARNING THIS THREAD MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR, THE WAY OF KINGS, MISTBORN OR THE WHEEL OF TIME]

I finally have The Way of Kings, took me a while but I finally have it. As with my read through of Mistborn, I will write down my thoughts on each chapter as I read it. It is kind of a scary thought for me to start this though knowing that Sanderson plans on doing ten of these books, which means that the series most likely will not be done until 2021+. If this book gets me hooked then I suspect I will finally understand how the first Wheel of Time readers feel. Well here I go. I am now opening the book...

Prelude.

Wow, this artwork is amazing. I have never seen so much in a non-art related book before... And I am just at the beginning! I do not think that this book will disappoint in the slightest. Brandon obviously put a lot of thought and effort into this.
I have now spent five to ten minutes just staring at the all the artwork. I think it is now time for me to actually read some of the story lol!
Oh yes, I forgot how hard it is to read a book with its own background with its own magic. It is hard to keep track of all of it. But so far the book is looking good. I almost feel like I am standing there with Kalak right now.
Spectacular! I only finished the Prelude, which is three pages long, and I really feel connected to these characters. Brandon writes this in such a way that I can almost feel Kalak's pain!

Prologue.

Szeth is a odd fellow, he reminds me of Marsh or Zane from Mistborn. Mostly Zane.
lol I thought I wouldn't have to read any more about clothing or the latest "fashion", I guess I was wrong. Oh well at least it does not take entire chapters as mid-late-Wheel of Time does.
It is strange to read this fight scene. Because I do not yet know all of the different magics and powers, I am confused by this. What I do understand however is pretty cool.
Man I am loving these Lashings, the possibility's are endless! I hope this character (or another "Lasher") is seen a LOT more in the book!
Ahhh very clever. Szeth super-Lashed the balcony to the ground collapsing it, I didn't think you could do that.
I have a question about these Lashings. What if one was to Lash a castle wall into the sky? Or even into space? Would it tear out of the ground and then fly until it hit the anchor point and just hover there? Or does the anchor have to be on a object?

That is it for now. I will continue tomorrow.

redarm · February 10, 2011

Finished this one last week. Good book. Considering doing a reread already. I'll follow along with you in the meantime. As far as some of your comments/Questions I'd have to say RAFO. All that gets asnwered at some point. Enjoy the story. The entire epic promises to be , well, epic.

Erunion · February 10, 2011

Read and Find Out my friend. All will be made clear in time.

Well, not all.

-ZanMgt- OneNight · February 12, 2011

I apologize for not posting yesterday, many things were happening and I completely forgot.

Part One, Chapter One, "STORMBLESSED"

That is an odd "blurb" Brandon has for this book, a collection of odd sentences moments before death? I cannot understand what it is talking about...
Heh, this book sure does get around, first it was in Ralak's time, then it was 4500 years later, now it is a additional five years later. I wonder if this will be like Foundation (Brilliant book).
That is interesting, it looks like Brandon is going to go for the same route as Mistborn and follow a young child/adult as main character. That is a delicate balance which I hope he can maintain.
Kaladin feels far older then he is supposed to be, I hope he has a interesting enough back story to explain it. I severely dislike it when, in a book or movie, a young adult is far wiser and superior to his elders. Unless of course there was a good reason behind it. So far though I like Kaladin.
After Cenn got wounded he thought he saw a warping of the air around Kaladin, I guess I now know how Kaladin is so lucky. He has got to be some form of a magic wielder.
! Cenn dies? That is rather violent, for a 15 year old to be killed like that. Maybe he is still alive though... probably not though.

Chapter Two, "HONOR IS DEAD"

I didn't expect it to jump in time again, although this is only eight months so it is not to big a jump.
How and when did Kaladin become a slave? I would think that with his superior capability's that he would be able to keep from being a slave in the first place or at least break away by now.
I am still having trouble understanding what these "spren" are. What exactly do they do and how many are there? I hope they are explained better later.

-ZanMgt- OneNight · February 13, 2011

Chapter Three, "CITY OF BELLS"

Okay seriously, this is getting creepy. These blurbs sound as if someone is either visiting anyone that is about to die and record what they say, which is disturbing enough, or someone is killing people on purpose to record these statements. By the way what year is it? In the book I mean?
Shallan's character so far is interesting but I think her "wittyness" is just a little forced. Almost no one speaks like that anywhere on Earth. Of course you could argue that the book does not take place on Earth and therefor doesn't have to be similar to us in any way.
So far the detail of this book is feels like just the right amount, not too much and not too little. To many other books I have read either did not have enough descriptions, so I get confused, or too much and I get bored. (Lord of the Rings: Return of the King especially)
Okay maybe I should reverse my earlier statement. Or at least change. For common things such as how someone looks or the shape of a city this book does great with. When it comes to these odd things such as spheres, dun-spheres, spren, Soulcasting, Voidbringers, Heralds and all the other races Brandon does not do enough explaining.
What could Jasnah Kholin possibly help Shallan? I guess that she could give Shallan money but that does not seem like someone like Jasnah would do. (At least what I have read so far does not support this theory.)

Chapter Four, THE SHATTERED PLAINS

This blurb is also strange. Why would a healer take a dying mans blood? That would only serve to speed up the death in a more painful way, or at least I believe it would. Whoever is collecting these last word statements is obviously not right in the head. AKA Evil.
Man Kaladin has been beaten down pretty bad since that last battle, or at least I assume it was his last.
lol I can just imagine, lost somewhere on the road. Your resources dwindling, many dangers are near, having to constantly keep an eye on rebellious slaves then with your only map one of your slaves tear it into hundreds of pieces right before you eyes! Kaladin is an awesome character.
It is hard to imagine living in a place with such dangerous things such as a Highstorm. Which by the way if a Highstorm is so dangerous then why is it that the wagons are not tipped over? I would think that the wind would be strong enough to flip just about anything on its side, or even throw it a few hundred feet.
I am having a really hard time trying to imagine what Chulls look like. The image I have is like a square crab, or maybe a rectangle.
Something tells me that Kaladin will find anything but a justice or a chance for freedom here. He probably won't even be allowed in the army with those marks on him. He will simply be too dangerous to give a weapon to.

redarm · February 13, 2011

Funny. You jumped to some conclusions here. Some spot on, others not even close. RAFO to see which is which. Also, there are pictures of Chulls in the book somewhere. Take a look.

Erunion · February 14, 2011

What Redarm said.

I figure the Wagons are very, very wide with a low center of gravity. Once you see the picture of the chulls (basically a massive bodied crustacean with a small head, retractable legs and antennae) you'll understand that the wagons are probably really wide. These are not Wild West covered wagons. Your other questions are, well, RAFO. Have fun. Most things will become clear in time.

Just a heads up, there are a lot of flashbacks in this book, but they work really, really well with the story.

-ZanMgt- OneNight · February 14, 2011

Chapter 5, HERETIC

I like how Jasnah acts towards Shallan. Neither to harsh or to kind. Just how an important person who does not have a lot of time and is nearly always working should act.
Ahhh, so Shallan wants Jasnahs Soulcaster, then she will replace it with hers to hide the theft and get away with out any problem. Or at least that is what I believe the plan is supposed to be. What is more likely to happen is Shallan will come to like Jasnah and not want to steal the Soulcaster or will get caught with it when she attempts to escape.

Chapter 6, BRIDGE FOUR

I am getting the feeling that a Bridgeman is not a good thing, although I cannot see why. Moving a small bridge around can't be that bad. This sounds like it might be boring.
This is not that interesting so far, moving a bridge around, complaining about pain and exhaustion. I don't get it...
Oh, wow... I did not think about how the armies would attack in the Shattered Plains. Yeah now I can see why being a Bridgeman can be extremely bad. And without any armor it is nearly suicide.
Well here are my predictions on what will happen with Kaladin as a Bridgeman he will either escape. Get many other to help him escape or he will eventually become a soldier. Probably by saving a Highprince's life. But the fight for survival will definitely be hard and a interesting read.

Erunion · February 14, 2011

The entire concept of The Shattered Plains is great. Fighting a war on that would be fascinating, and it is fascinating to read about.

-ZanMgt- OneNight · February 15, 2011

Chapter Seven, "ANYTHING REASONABLE"

That is odd phrasing. Shallan is thinking about her father's Soulcaster and says something odd, here is the passage,

Nobody knew hwere he'd gotten the fabrial, which she now carried
in her safepounch. it was unusable, damaged on the same disastrous ev-
ening that her father her died. Don't think about that, she told herself
forcefully.

Why say disastrous? This is probably nothing, but I still find the phrasing odd.
That is odd, it seems that Shallan is describing one of those Blades. And the rest of the scene describes a violent incident with her holding a Blade. Did she kill her father? Nah couldn't be... Could it?
Something about this Kabsal just feels off, I feel like he is too likable. Although maybe he is just likable.

Chapter Eight, NEARER THE FLAME

I really like Yalb I hope I get to see more of him in this book!
With the way things had been going I did not expect Shallan to become Jasnahs ward until halfway through the book.

Erunion · February 15, 2011

OneNight, never, ever, ever, put anything down as 'just nothing'. There are a lot of questions about Shallan's past, some answers are hinted at, but many are simply unknown.

Kabsal... Hrmm... Who's Kabsal? I can't remember. Yalb is the sailor dude, right?

Talmanes · February 19, 2011

Kasbal is the priest dude.

jwillis7 · February 23, 2011

really like this please do not stop it is awesome to get someones thoughts while reading

Erunion · February 23, 2011

Hope you haven't disappeared on us... Wherefore art thou?

-ZanMgt- OneNight · February 24, 2011

Sorry, I have been very busy these past few weeks and have had no time to read. However I should have time to read/post tonight!

Erunion · February 24, 2011

Good!

Talmanes · February 25, 2011

Yeah I have enjoyed reading your speculations. I absolutely loved this book.

-ZanMgt- OneNight · February 26, 2011

Argh! Sorry I have not been able to post again, I should be able to post tonight. If not then I will try soon.

-ZanMgt- OneNight · February 26, 2011

Chapter Ten, "STORIES OF SURGEONS"

I am liking this chapter so far, unfortunately I think I know where these "past" chapters will end. Most likely with Kaladin's family dead to a Lighteyes...
Heh, it is funny to read about the characters views of spren. Personally I believe that spren do not cause anything, but are attracted to the action taking place. So when someone has fear, fearspren are attracted to it. Same with rotspren. They are attracted to rot, and so using inductive reasoning the characters assume that the spren are the cause.

Chapter Eleven, "DROPLETS"

Hey, Kaladin is going to the Honor Chasm. I smell a epiphany coming up! Maybe Kaladin will be able do something that gets him promoted to a soldier soon after this chapter!
lol! I love the way Kaladin dealt with Gaz, I hope that he keeps that kind of attitude for the rest of the book!

INTERLUDES

ISHIKK - NAN BALAT - SZETH

I-1, "ISHIKK"

This chapter has been weird... I like it but don't understand much... Interesting character though I look forward to reading more of him, as long as he has a more important role than just being an informer.

I-2, "NAN BALAT"

*shudders* I have read only half a page and I am weirded out by this character... I hope I do not have to read to much more of him later...

I-3, "THE GLORY OF IGNORANCE"

I really feel sorry for Szeth, I hope they explain how exactly he became "Truthless" and then why...
lol this feels like a bad joke. A footpad being the master of a man such as Szeth... Although I guess that's better than Szeth in the hands of someone who will full utilize Szeth's potential

alligator · February 27, 2011

Szeth is the only consistent interlude character, so you don't have to worry about reading more from Nan Balat, lol.

Have you read Elantris, Zan?

-ZanMgt- OneNight · February 27, 2011

Yes I have, and I loved almost all of it except the end. I just thought that it went too fast at the end with not enough explained.

alligator · February 28, 2011

Alrighty, I agree, the ending was a little slapdash. But did you notice anything familiar about the foreigners in Ishikk's interlude? :smile:

-ZanMgt- OneNight · February 28, 2011

I have been thinking long and hard about it and no, I do not notice anything familiar about the foreigners... Unfortunately I do not have Elantris right now so I cannot read it to figure out what you mean. Do you mind giving me a hint?

Chapter Twelve, "UNITY"

Huh, already I am liking Adolin and Renarin as much as I like Kaladin. I do not know about Adolins attitude with dueling though... Does he mean like a friendly fight? Or a battle to the death? And with him being so against Sadeas makes me believe that Sadeas will be a good guy. I do not have a problem with Renarin though, hes cool.
Dalinar character feels like Liam Neeson's attitude mixed with Arnold's/Stallone's strength wrapped in a Crysis Suit! Overall awesomeness. Unfortunately he is going crazy from the visions from the Almighty, or whoever is giving him those visions.
Elhokar is giving me a weird vibe... I don't trust him. I fear that while he is doing something he thinks is good he will eventually nearly lead his armies to ruin.
lol! I really hope I get to see more of Wit, just this brief introduction of him has been hilarious!
That was a interesting way to end the chapter... I predict about twenty people will die due to that chasmfiend...

Chapter 13, "TEN HEARTBEATS"

That battle was exciting but fills me with questions... First off how will they repair their Shardplates? Second why was Sadeas not down there with the King, and third what is a gigantic gem doing inside of a chasmfiend?

alligator · February 28, 2011

I don't have any of the books with me, lol...

but okay, just a hint... hm... the specific (non-English) words the foreigners use should be familiar to a reader of Elantris. Kolo?

Erunion · February 28, 2011

I think I can answer the shardplate question - It regrows, using stormlight. Feed shardplate stormlight, and it'll self-repair (this is explained pretty soon I think). Also, Adolin's dueling is a non-lethal (though dangerous) contact sport, much like jousting was in the Medieval era. Also, like jousting, it can be to the death, it just rarely is.

As to why a chasmfiend has a massive gem in it?

That is a topic of some... Discussion amongst fans.

Just an FYI, from what we've read, it seems that almost all the large crustacean-like creatures have gems in them, (which makes hunting a very popular, and very profitable sport. It also makes gems easily obtainable and affordable, indeed, they are a renewable resource, hence the currency that uses lots, and lots, and lots of little gems).

The Way of Kings

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