The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson(5/5)

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson is a fictional story about how people can have problems that aren't physical and are mental instead. The Way of Kings is told through several different characters and their perspectives. One of these characters is Dalinar who is one of the highprinces of the realm. In contrast to that another prominent character is Kaladen who is a slave in one of the death camps that are the bridge crews. In the story Kaladen, who is now a bridge man is forced to run without armor or a shield towards enemy archers and see the horrors of everyone he knows dying around him and getting replaced over and over again. This cycle repeats until he feels that there is no reason for him to keep living. As he stands over a chasm about to jump when a wind spirit named Syl convinces him that he should try to save his fellow bridgemen. As the book continues Kaladen has to struggle with the burden of trying to keep his fellow bridgmen alive and the memories at how all of his attempts to do the same first with his team of soldiers then with his slave friends has gotten them all killed. While that is taking place Dalinar, the once feared warrior is having visions that cause him to thrash about wildly and spout gibberish every high storm. As Dalinar is trying to lead his country to victory he begins to doubt himself and his abilities to lead as the visions continue and he begins to lose his thirst for battle. The Way of Kings is a memorable book that will stick with you for many years with its world building, complex characters, and great storyline. A common thing to see in the book is how war is a terrible thing for the average citizen. I agree with Sanderson’s view on how war isn’t a good thing and how diplomacy and cooperation are better for everyone. Another issue that the book brings up is the issue of segregation based on the physical traits of people. However, an important concept that the book doesn’t talk about much is the abuse of power in a government. A book that does cover things like a controlling government and abuse of power is 1984 by George Orwell. The Way of Kings has changed how I approach life with its demonstration of the mental struggles that everyone faces at one point or another and its deeper, more philosophical lessons about life. In conclusion The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson is an amazing book that covers many important aspects of life from the mental problems that many face to the physical struggle that occurs from other events causes to some philosophical outlooks on life.