The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson is a lengthy fantasy novel that follows 3 Povs (among others) and is one of the longest books I've ever read. It boasts over 1,100 pages of content spread across 15 POVS but you will be hooked on the series after reading it. It's set in a fantasy world called Roshar, where a kingdom, Alethkar, is at war with a race called the Parshendi, after their king was assassinated by an assassin hired by them. It's mainly set in a beach-side city, and the frontlines of the war. It follows Kaladin, an ex-soldier who's now a slave who is forced to take part in one of the worst jobs in the war. Dalinar Kholin, the brother of the slain king and uncle to the new king, who is afflicted with dreams and visions of times long past. And Shallan, a girl of a family who is in dire need of money, who has gone on a mission to steal a magical object owned by the daughter of the slain king.
It took me around a month to finish this book. Other readers might find it takes longer than that. But it will definitely be worth it. While it can take a long time to get good and exciting, or for really important plot changes to happen, it's a really good read. After a bit, you will be absorbed and enthralled in the world as you read. I couldn't put it down, especially by the last 400-300 pages. I even read the last 200 pages in one night because it was so good. Brandon Sanderson is able to worldbuild while giving the most organic feeling. It's like you're experiencing it through the character's eyes. He's also able to give every character you read about motives and reasons for doing what they are, while also providing lots of moments where you read the character's thoughts. The larger theme of the book is a purpose to keep going in life. One of the most famous quotes from the book is ¨Life before death, strength before weakness, journey before destination.¨ This fits in with the three main character's motivations. Shallan is doing a risky and life threatening thing to support her family, Kaladin is trying to find a purpose to keep going and doing his slave´s work, and Dalinar is trying to unite the kingdom after it has been fractured. Each character is given substantial character development, and the author takes his time doing this. Probably tens of thousands of words are dedicated to only these three characters. Not to mention the other 12 POVs. There are also some other minor POVS, like the assassin that had killed the king, who is set up for a bigger role in the next book. Kaladin uses this mantra to keep himself from giving up, which results in one of the best endings in a book I've read. The ending concludes the book in a bombastic, action packed, unforgettable way that left me stunned. Though the final battle takes around 200 pages to get through, it's worth it. It's super satisfying, to see this character who has been beaten down so much, who's been pushed back and abused, ignored and beaten by so many around him. Who´s survived so much, be able to defy expectations, and do the impossible. Along with other characters like Shallan, who´s ending scene leaves on a big cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more. Overall, this book is amazing, though it is a tall order. I suggest this to more experienced readers, who have read larger books before and have the patience/time to read a long book.
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