The Way of Kings Book one of The Stromlight Archive

Roshar is a world characterized by tumultuous storms and ongoing conflicts. Centuries ago, the Knights Radiant played a pivotal role in ensuring peace and security. Today, however, only their magical Shardblades remain—powerful weapons capable of determining the outcomes of wars and influencing the balance of power among kingdoms. One significant conflict unfolds in a devastated region known as the Shattered Plains, where ten separate armies engage in battle against a common enemy. Among these forces is Kaladin, who relinquished his medical training to safeguard his younger brother, only to find himself trapped in slavery. Brightlord Dalinar Kholin leads another of the armies, driven by visions of ancient times that inspire him to unify the military factions and the nation. Meanwhile, across the ocean, Shallan grapples with her aspirations, torn between the temptation to steal or to learn from the scholar Jasnah Kholin—Dalinar's niece—who is investigating the secret causes of the war. I don't know where to start talking about this excellent book. The worldbuilding is breathtaking and full of fascinating details that intertwine harmoniously. It's full of witty dialogue, while the unique and vivid characters hit me right in the heart. Rarely have I experienced a work that deals so sensitively and respectfully with such profound themes as depression and trauma. At the same time, it reflects how fictional stories can change real lives. The epicenes of the novel made me scream out loud, rejoice, and cry. Without a doubt, it is one of the most outstanding works of the fantasy genre. Every one of the 1K+ pages was worth the read – even though there was a lot of setup before the real epicenes hits. This book will work best for epic fantasy readers, that love character-focused narratives and good worldbuilding. Life before death, strength before weakness, journey before destination!