I cannot articulate how happy I am to have come across this… I’ve been reading way of kings and I’m close but not done with it yet. I really needed to just hear people talk about it! Every single outlet I found are people just giving full spoiler reviews of the entire book, but I wanted reviews of smaller chunks so that I can consume more content as I go… Thank you so much!
Just subscribed to your channel. I just discovered you through this video; and I'm utterly charmed by your enthusiasm and your description of TWoK. I read Books 1-4 of the Stormlight Archive last year and although I did not go into reading it with the same misgivings you did, I was thoroughly hooked after just the first few pages. I read the books back to back and boy it was an emotional rollercoaster. Watching this video was like reliving my emotions from that first read. I'm in the mindset now of preparing for when Wind and Truth drops next month and I don't have the time for a re-read of the series so far. So channels like yours are helping me to remember the details of the story and refresh my enthusiasm. Happy reading! I hope you enjoy every twist and turn and all the emotional challenges you are about to encounter with this read.
What a sweet comment! Also, thank you for sharing your journey with this series! It’s always the best hearing how other people have navigated through a series! Thank you for coming along with this journey, it will be a lot of fun talking to those of you who have already read these amazing books!
Started my re-read in August (including edgedancer and dawnshard). Starting RoW today and Hopefully I can finish that and Sunlit Man before 12/6. We'll see lol
I highly recommend checking out audiobook clips for name pronunciations! But I'm also just a huge fan of Michael Kramer and Kate Reading who are the narrators (they're both so good, I love listening to them).
Pronunciation help. I just read this as well, but via audiobook, and here is how they pronounced the names :) : Shallan - Shuh-lon Jasnah - Yas-nuh Syl - Sill Szeth - Zeth I loved Kaladin. Love how depression was conveyed through him.
Welcome to the Stormlight archives from someone who has read the series uptill the 5th book which is not out yet. I love your reaction and you have earned a subscriber. Now remember Journey before destination.
Thank you for the awesome welcome and comment! I am loving hearing from all of the seasoned Stormlight Archive fans! Also, EXCELLENT reminder! Will do!
I'm so glad this video brought me to your channel! Loved this discussion. Instant subscribe 🙂The Stormlight Archive is something truly special. I'm so excited to see more of your reviews, the things you're already picking up on and thinking about tells me you're going to LOVE this book, and series. As for my first experience with The Way of Kings, the Prelude absolutely baffled me but I could tell something epic was brewing, just so much mystique around that backstory. Then you get dropped into some of the coolest action with Szeth's Prologue. Sanderson can really write an action scene, and it's great to see a preview of how the magic works in this series. I was hooked instantly. You're going to love this series and the other Cosmere books. The community is a very welcoming one and we all love to discuss these books. Glad you're here with us. Can't wait to see more from you.
Really loving this review of the first few chapters. Your perspective is so interesting to hear! And you caught stuff I never did. Hope to keep up with this.
Don'y know if anyone else in the comments has already done so, but in case no one has, I'll attempt to help clarify the pronounciations of certain names, since I'm primarily an audiobook listener. Kaladin - Kal-a-din (pretty simple, you got that one!) Shallan - Shuh-lahn Szeth - Zeth (basically just a silent "s") Jasnah - Yahs-nuh (the J has a "y" pronounciation like in many Germanic languages) Adolin - Ay-doe-lin Renarin - Reh-nar-in (sometimes prounced more like Ruh-nar-in) Dalinar - Dal-in-ar Sadeas - Sad-e-us Amaram - Am-uh-ram Syl - Sill (like Sylphie, Sylvan, or window-"sil" Taravangian - Terra-van-gee-un Gavilar - Gah-vih-lar Kalek - Ka-lek Taln - Tahln (soft "ah" sound) Also some location names: Alethkar - Al-eth-kar Urithiru - You-ree-thee-roo (soft "th" sound) Karbranth - Kar-brawnth Theylena - They-len-uh (soft "th" sound)
Ok, so why are you amazing and also reading my mind?! lol. I have been reading part 2, and I have been wondering how on earth I am going to figure out how to pronounce some of these names!😭😂 You are awesome, thank you!
Welcome to the party. Really a remarkable series You are very lucky that the fifth book has been released and you have the completion of the first arc. I on the only had am doing a reread, since I read the first three on publication. Good luck, great video.
I found your channel through watching your Opposites Attract Book Club series with Merphy, and you are so fun to listen to! I LOVE this series and am so glad you're liking it so far. I've been reading the first four books to get ready for book 5 in December and have had a lot of fun vlogging my experience! You have great thoughts and predictions, and I'm excited to see how you keep liking the series. (:
@AmberAliseReads yes!! The Stormlight Archive has been consuming my life since August. I was even reading The Way of Kings in the hospital while I was in labor. 🤣
I am so glad you are enjoying it! It’s so fun to hear your thoughts. I found this series super intimidating as well, but man, it’s so worth it. It’s now my favorite series! I could talk about it for days 😂 I’m excited to hear what you think as the story goes on. This series truly has some of the best characters and character relationships ever.
You all have no idea how hyped you all have gotten me about this series! Even though the size of these books are still absolutely crazy to me, lol, if I wasn't hooked already - you all have definitely solidified the fact that I must complete this series!
I know fantasy isn't usually your jam, but I thought there was a chance you would like this series since the plot and how everything weaves together is so intriguing! Glad you're enjoying it so far Amber. Will definitely be following you on your journey!
Yay! Another Stormlight journey to follow. Hopefully you stick through it. Each time i find one of these it gives me an opportunity to relive the joy of reading through it for the first time. The reread value on these books is so good. Ive probably listened to the audiobook of way of kings at least 15 times and each time i still find new stuff. Hope you enjoy the journey
this is great! I'm currently reading book 4 for the first time but I just started the Audiobook of Way of Kings in the background while I work and it's already so exciting to revisit the story with a little more knowledge about the world and characters. Can't wait to follow along your adventure!
Oh wow! Since you're on book 4, I cannot imagine how many great things you have read in the story by now! Thank you Patrick! I look forward to journeying through this story with you all!
Got algorithmed to this video. Just dropping in to say how great your enthusiasm is. To be as high on the book as you are before the momentum even starts is something I don't think I've seen before. I'll be sure to keep checking in.
just started Way of Kings myself last month and taking my time getting through book 1 (got to part 3 yesterday). such a good read and loving every moment of it. wish i found about Sanderson earlier and wish i had all the time in the world to read all of them before book 5 comes out next month. nonetheless, great to see your fresh prospective of the Stormlight Saga and i've subscribed to your channel to follow your cosmere journey alongside mine. happy reading!
Girl I'm reading this with you. Randomly found your cider researching the world while I read. So glad I found this channel 😁 Subbed and see you next video!!!
I did finish this book, and it had me in its grip from the moment I read the first page. The prologue was amazing. It really set things up for the rest of the chapters and story. Keep reading it, and you will be staying up late reading the ending.
So fun to find your channel as i chomp on the bits for Stormlight 5! I'm currently on my first reread and over halfway through Rhythm of War, and it's all just....🙌 And since i read each of them as they were released, reading them back to back had been SO rewarding. Excited for you to continue your journey!
Great review! This is the first video I’ve seen on your channel, but I’m here for the series. Stormlight is amazing. I love how invested you are in the story already! Brandon is very intentional in his storytelling and all I can say is buckle up. Honestly, Brandon in my view is the level of storyteller that Oda is.
I have literally been wondering how many fans of the Stormlight Archive also enjoy One Piece! haha. I love that you commented this! Thank you for your kind words!
@ Haha yeah, big overlap! In terms of character-driven arcs with emotional highs and lows, worldbuilding, theme exploration, and long-term plotting, Oda and Brandon are quite similarly skilled as storytellers. Enjoy!
As a big fan of the series, this was so fun to watch. I just love seeing someone being excited about something that I also like. I think you like the book even more than I do. When I first read The Way of King, it was kind of hard to get through. The series starts with a Prelude, where we are introduced to these Heralds and after that we jump to a completely different character and the Heralds are scarcely mentioned. We have a prologue from Szeths PoV and even if we get a few chapters with him sprinkled throughout the book, he is far from the main focus of the book. And there will be more instances throughout the book, where Sanderson is introducing a character, a place or a part of Roshars history, that just doesn't become very relevant in this book. Having read everything in the Stormlight Archive that has been released so far, I see how these things are important for future books, but I admit that that was pretty hard for me to work through. If I hadn't read some other Sanderson books before, I might have concluded that the series isn't for me. But it's really cool to see that you are already excited about parts of the book that I struggled with. Makes me wonder what you will think when you get to the part when I started loving the series.
I love the idea of taking each part individually! I've been in it so long, I forget how it was to not know it all. He does such a good job of dripping out secrets. I look forward to part 2!
High-key excited for these newbie chronicles! I feel like Kaladin and Shallan are my favorite characters in such different ways. In the most vague terms I think Kaladin has some of my favorite individual scenes, but I'm overall completely invested in Shallan's story and where her character growth might be leading her (as of my current spot half way through Words of Radiance.) But I adore almost all of these characters, even the ones who I want to see earn their karmic payback. Happy reading! I can't wait to see more of your reviews!!
Woooo! Thank you for your kind words! I loved reading your take on Shallan and Kaladin! I am SUCH a Kaladin fan already, lol, so this makes me more excited to see where Shallan's plot line goes!
The Prelude was the coolest opening to a book I ever read when I first picked it up. The way of kings isn't my favorite in the series, but it held my attention enough to give the 2nd book a shot. I'm half way through book 4 right now. Trying to catch up before book 5 comes out.
I've never seen one of your videos before, but I'm so excited for the journey before you. Later in this book you'll met a Parchman to help give you a little insight on them and book 4 the flashback character is a Parshindi, so you'll get to see some of the scenes in this book from their point of view. Subscribed to watch your journey. This book ranks very highly in my all time favorite books, but the other three books that are out today are equally as good. The next book you get Shallan flashbacks which will help your understanding of what shaped her character....though even in the preview chapters for book 5 we are learning about her past. Dalinar will be flashback character in book 4 and you get to see why he is so driven to be a standup guy.
After hearing your review I think these are the long books for people who don't like long books. Like you my wife and I like books that get to the point. We both love this series. I'm excited to hear what you think of the later books.
The way you talk about this brought back the feeling I first felt on my first read. Once you do another read through, you still feel the same emotions and sometimes more since you pick up on more details each time. Wait until you get your first "Sanderlanch"
Just finished up Rhythm of War. So fun to see someone starting this insane journey. I definitely gravitated toward Shallan more than Kaladin in book one. For me, this and book two have been the highest rated, both at a 5 star. Oathbringer and Rhythm of War were four stars for me just because they had sections that dragged in the middle. There is a concept called Sanderlanche, where Sanderson books tend to go crazy in the last pages and that formula becomes more and more apparent as the books go on. These books are marathons to get through, and while I personally feel there are times where they go too far into detail, there's no denying they are excellent books with truly phenomenal worldbuilding.
If you expect to be spoon fed every thing you need to know, I can see the books being intimidating or frustrating, but for me they just sparked that natural curiosity. I wanted to know, and he never once let me down. I would say building the trust in Sanderson not "wasting your time" is typically the hardest part. It allows you to care deeply and instantly! Book 3 in this series is my favorite book of all time, and this is my favorite series of all time (and its not complete yet). Sanderson ALSO has "my favorite characters in fiction", but not for this series. Mistborn Era 2 holds that honor. If you didn't know, this is a joint universe with multiple other series (and puts Marvel MCU up as an example of everything coming together). While you can read and enjoy The Stormligh Archive alone, the reset of the cosmere offers some amazing morsels and fantastic connections... I recommend thinking about sneaking some other material between books for that reason. Thankfully, its not written as an inside joke (Where you know you missed something, but you don't know why). There are entire characters to recognize from other books, but you will still love them even if you don't know that you might aught to recognize them. Also... pay attention to the curses people use. It truly does feel like every single word is on purpose. Either way, Journey before Destination, and enjoy the ride! I LOVE your insights and the careful way you have picked these apart.
i did the same thing, reading "book by book". I would complete one, then go read something else, then go back to the next "book". I'm so glad you liked them. I think that Brandon's books don't have the flowery language that turns a lot of people off of fantasy. happy reading!
That sounds like a great method for getting through these books! It's definitely helping me appreciate it a lot more! I was nervous that I wouldn't like TWOK, because I couldn't connect to Mistborn and kept DNF'ing it. However, this book has blown me away and has exceeded my expectations!
I just found your channel and I'm so elated to see you so enthusiastic about the Storm light Archives. I'm about to start my own Cosmere Universe Journey. I will definitely be following as you go through this book as well as other Brandon Sanderson books you venture into. Thank you so much for your awesome introduction of this series.
I got your Tress video on my feed a few months ago and now this, no Mistborn or anything else, straight into the big thick and more complex one. This is going to be a hell of a ride haha.
I read The Way of Kings in September and was instantly hooked. By the halfway mark I had already bought the other 3 books and had pre-ordered Wind and Truth. The series has pretty much consumed my last months of reading. I'm on about page 800 of Oathbringer right now. There is definitely some recency bias going on, but it my favorite series of all time thus far and that is saying a lot. You mention world building and character development...at 3000 pages in both continue....so good!!
No spoilers I promise- Oathbringer probably has the most bombastic ending I have ever read. Buckle up and enjoy the ride. Just got done with my 3rd re-read for Wind and Truth in just a few weeks.
Drink it in. Easily one of the best series I’ve read in a long time. The characters are incredibly complex and do jump off the page. The world is layered with a deep history and the magic systems are unique but limited. The story has loads of twists and turns with some real shocks along the way, I almost envy you being able to experience this story for the first time. At least book 5 (Wind & Truth) is coming out soon so I have that to enjoy for the first time 😁🙌
What a an awesome description for this series and what's to come! Thank you for sharing that! You have me extra excited to continue reading TWOK and.the rest of the books!
I wasn’t too fond of Mistborn either. I picked up The Way of Kings instead and now currently on the 4th book and having such a fun time. I might try the Mistborn series again after I complete Rhythm of War!
I was in the exact same position! I tried reading Mistborn 3 times and I finally decided DNF'ed it. "The Way of Kings" has blown my mind with how much of a different experience it has been. I highly recommend it!
Awesome video! Subscribing and commenting to help keep a close eye for the next video in the series. I've read the first 4 books twice, just finished the reread a couple weeks ago in advance of book 5 coming out next month. So I'm like all Stormlight all the time in terms of content right now lol. Your enthusiasm is infectious!!! You're spot on in a lot of your thoughts and theories, but only time will tell of course :) :) Keep going and enjoy the rest of this incredible book!!
You've read all 4 books twice?! That's impressive! I would love to get to that point one day! I can already tell that there are a ton of things that I am going to want to go back to, to connect some dots, which will definitely require a re-read! Thank you for your kind words! I look forward to discussing this amazing series with you all!
Your POV on Kaladin at the beginning made me tear up thinking of the climax… Also Szeth is “zeth” and Jasnah is “yasnah”, soft J I’ll be interested to see your reactions to the rest of the SA!
YESSSSS! I love this! My favorite series! I see all the Manga behind you, and I'm not surprised that you're enjoying this. Pronunciation: Shallon - shuh-lahn Jasna- Yasna Szeth-Zeth Adolin - long a
I’m currently reading the entire Cosmere for the first time and just finished reading rhythm of war and I can tell you it only gets better. By the time that I started the way of Kings I had already read Elantris and the final empire so I was well aware that I was going to love Brandon‘s writing. I was a little worried with the Heralds stuff in the beginning because that was a lot of names going by at once but the moment I turned the page to the prologue and read the words “Szeth-Son-Son Vellano, Truthless of Shinovar, wore white on the day he was to kill a king.” I was hooked. That singular sentence grappled me for the entire rest of the series.
When I first read the opening I was so confused but once it started to focus on specific characters it all came together for me. The honor chasm scene sold me on the series
I just started this series last month and I’m on chapter 12 of book 3 needless to say I’ve been enjoying them. Fun to see someone else starting the journey.
I just started Way of Kings as well! It has been the easiest book that I've read as long as this one. I was intimidated by the 1000 pages and before I knew it I was 750 pages deep
When i first picked up the book, i was hooked from the beginning because of the immediate depth of scale and scope of the world. When Kalak was stumbling through the aftermath of a clearly VICIOUS fight, which he narrowly survived. I was so enraptured when you the book showed that this was an immortal, he was deathly tired and his sanity was cracking, and then the final implication of THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST FIGHT LIKE THIS HE HAD PARTICIPATED IN. It was the worst, but it was not the first made me feel so sad for all the heralds.
Currently doing a re-read of the series up to Stormlight 5's release, halfway into Stormlight 2 now. I still get hyped up for moments in the series even though I've read it before. I really think this is our reading generation's titan series that will follow us as we get older. Like Wheel of Time did from 1997 to 2013, or Malazan from 1999 to 2011.
Oh wow! How exciting! What an excellent point! I completely agree and I've only just started! There is something truly unique and powerful about this series!
I like your comment about feeling like you've already read a whole book in just Part 1. Sanderson says he writes each entry in this series like it is a trilogy on its own. It will feel like 3 books in one just in terms of content and pacing and character growth. This is maybe more noticeable beginning in Words of Radiance. Which book 2 is my favourite book in the series! The Way of Kings is the foundation however, which is nothing to scoff at when thinking about a 5k page journey. Also, I think you ARE allowed to dislike any of the characters. It will make the whole journey more impactful as you watch them grow and change. Have fun with the interludes! They are often just further peeks into life around the world.
I was intimidated by Way of Kings and the Archive, too. But I'm so glad I did. There are so many predictions and hopes you shared, and I just have to say RAFO: Read And Find Out You are in for the best ride.
This fandom LIVES on new reader reactions, and yours are great! I am interested whether some things will hit differently for you then they did for my Middle Age White Man self.
Oh storms. Are you in for a wild ride. Fans call the end of a Sanderson book the Sanderlanche because of how that simmering you are just starting to feel keeps growing until after 1000+ pages the pressure is finally released and when I got to this one I was literally yelling out loud at the book because it was soo good. And then you get to all of the Cosmere connections between all his other books and you'll be so Invested (wink) that you'll have to read all his other books to find the answers to all if your questions.
Ages are weird in Roshar because their year is 1.1 Earth years. But here are the rough ages in Earth years of the characters: Kaladin is 23, Shallan is 19, Jasnah is 39, Adolin is 26, Renarin is 22, Dalinar is 58, Elhokar is 29. And Kalak is 6,000+ (maybe 10,000+?) years old.
I really didn't care for Shallan on my first read through bc she is so removed from the main plot in Way of Kings that I never got attached to her. I only started liking her after rereading the series😅
😂 That's completely understandable! At first I was like, "Why am I reading about her when Kaladin's storyline exists?!" lol, but I eventually grew to like her (at least as of now)! haha
This is a book I wish I could read for the first time again. It’s probably my favorite reading experience I’ve ever had. Without giving anything away, the ending is just outstanding. I read the first 2/3rds of this book over the course of 2 months. I read the last 3rd in like 2 days 😂
This book was incredibly terrifying to me, but it was my next stop in the cosmere after all of mistborn and a couple novellas. I finished it in 5 days, I destroyed it, it might just be my favorite book ever, currently in Words of Radiance about to finish probably this week. Remember to read Dawnshard and Edgedanger in their appropriate places, I would say read Warbreaker after The Way of Kings. Enjoy, I know I am.
Yes! I found it extremely intimidating! I am glad we both gave it a chance - it's amazing! Thank you for the tips! I didn't even know about Warbreaker! I'll have to keep that in the back of my mind!
@@AmberAliseReads Brandon Sanderson is well known for his books building up to a massive crescendo and then being impossible to put down for the last 20% of the book because it all comes together. It's colloquially known as "The Sander-lanche" (like avalanche). You're in for a real treat. Journey before destination.
Name pronunciations: The J in Jasnah's name has a Y sound (common in Nordic names) so said like Yasna. I made the same mistake when I read it. Kaladin was spot on. Syl like window sill.
Szeth-son-son-Vallano, Truthless of Shinovar, wore white on the day he was to make another convert.
I cannot articulate how happy I am to have come across this… I’ve been reading way of kings and I’m close but not done with it yet. I really needed to just hear people talk about it! Every single outlet I found are people just giving full spoiler reviews of the entire book, but I wanted reviews of smaller chunks so that I can consume more content as I go… Thank you so much!
When Syl brought the leaf :')
😭😭😭 What a beautifully emotional moment!!
Just read that chapter, genuinely such a sweet moment
We induct another convert, MWAHAHAHAAAA!!! But seriously, love your videos, glad you enjoy Stormlight!
😂😂 Love this! Also, thank you so much!!
This book has the most captivating prelude and introduction I’ve ever read. I knew from those alone that I would need to read this whole series.
Yes! I couldn't believe how impressed I was right way!
Just subscribed to your channel. I just discovered you through this video; and I'm utterly charmed by your enthusiasm and your description of TWoK. I read Books 1-4 of the Stormlight Archive last year and although I did not go into reading it with the same misgivings you did, I was thoroughly hooked after just the first few pages. I read the books back to back and boy it was an emotional rollercoaster. Watching this video was like reliving my emotions from that first read. I'm in the mindset now of preparing for when Wind and Truth drops next month and I don't have the time for a re-read of the series so far. So channels like yours are helping me to remember the details of the story and refresh my enthusiasm. Happy reading! I hope you enjoy every twist and turn and all the emotional challenges you are about to encounter with this read.
What a sweet comment! Also, thank you for sharing your journey with this series! It’s always the best hearing how other people have navigated through a series! Thank you for coming along with this journey, it will be a lot of fun talking to those of you who have already read these amazing books!
Started my re-read in August (including edgedancer and dawnshard). Starting RoW today and Hopefully I can finish that and Sunlit Man before 12/6. We'll see lol
I highly recommend checking out audiobook clips for name pronunciations! But I'm also just a huge fan of Michael Kramer and Kate Reading who are the narrators (they're both so good, I love listening to them).
Pronunciation help. I just read this as well, but via audiobook, and here is how they pronounced the names :) :
Shallan - Shuh-lon
Jasnah - Yas-nuh
Syl - Sill
Szeth - Zeth
I loved Kaladin. Love how depression was conveyed through him.
I'm so glad you're enjoying this series and love your enthusiasm.
I'm so excited you're liking it! I also found you from Merph's book club. Book One is so magical.
Thank you for taking the time to check out my channel!! Magical is the PERFECT word to describe this amazing world!
Welcome to the Stormlight archives from someone who has read the series uptill the 5th book which is not out yet. I love your reaction and you have earned a subscriber. Now remember Journey before destination.
Thank you for the awesome welcome and comment! I am loving hearing from all of the seasoned Stormlight Archive fans! Also, EXCELLENT reminder! Will do!
So glad you're enjoying this book. Look forward to your full review.
Thank you!! 😌
I'm so glad this video brought me to your channel! Loved this discussion. Instant subscribe 🙂The Stormlight Archive is something truly special. I'm so excited to see more of your reviews, the things you're already picking up on and thinking about tells me you're going to LOVE this book, and series.
As for my first experience with The Way of Kings, the Prelude absolutely baffled me but I could tell something epic was brewing, just so much mystique around that backstory. Then you get dropped into some of the coolest action with Szeth's Prologue. Sanderson can really write an action scene, and it's great to see a preview of how the magic works in this series. I was hooked instantly.
You're going to love this series and the other Cosmere books. The community is a very welcoming one and we all love to discuss these books. Glad you're here with us. Can't wait to see more from you.
Really loving this review of the first few chapters. Your perspective is so interesting to hear! And you caught stuff I never did. Hope to keep up with this.
Don'y know if anyone else in the comments has already done so, but in case no one has, I'll attempt to help clarify the pronounciations of certain names, since I'm primarily an audiobook listener.
Kaladin - Kal-a-din (pretty simple, you got that one!)
Shallan - Shuh-lahn
Szeth - Zeth (basically just a silent "s")
Jasnah - Yahs-nuh (the J has a "y" pronounciation like in many Germanic languages)
Adolin - Ay-doe-lin
Renarin - Reh-nar-in (sometimes prounced more like Ruh-nar-in)
Dalinar - Dal-in-ar
Sadeas - Sad-e-us
Amaram - Am-uh-ram
Syl - Sill (like Sylphie, Sylvan, or window-"sil"
Taravangian - Terra-van-gee-un
Gavilar - Gah-vih-lar
Kalek - Ka-lek
Taln - Tahln (soft "ah" sound)
Also some location names:
Alethkar - Al-eth-kar
Urithiru - You-ree-thee-roo (soft "th" sound)
Karbranth - Kar-brawnth
Theylena - They-len-uh (soft "th" sound)
Ok, so why are you amazing and also reading my mind?! lol. I have been reading part 2, and I have been wondering how on earth I am going to figure out how to pronounce some of these names!😭😂 You are awesome, thank you!
Welcome to the party. Really a remarkable series You are very lucky that the fifth book has been released and you have the completion of the first arc. I on the only had am doing a reread, since I read the first three on publication.
Good luck, great video.
I found your channel through watching your Opposites Attract Book Club series with Merphy, and you are so fun to listen to! I LOVE this series and am so glad you're liking it so far. I've been reading the first four books to get ready for book 5 in December and have had a lot of fun vlogging my experience! You have great thoughts and predictions, and I'm excited to see how you keep liking the series. (:
Aww, thank you!! 😌
Wait, I love that we're both reading this series at the same time! I am going to have to check out your videos!!
@AmberAliseReads yes!! The Stormlight Archive has been consuming my life since August. I was even reading The Way of Kings in the hospital while I was in labor. 🤣
@@passmorebooks The dedication is amazing!! 😂🤍! I love it! This makes me realize that I have no excuses not to finish! 😂
I am so glad you are enjoying it! It’s so fun to hear your thoughts. I found this series super intimidating as well, but man, it’s so worth it. It’s now my favorite series! I could talk about it for days 😂
I’m excited to hear what you think as the story goes on. This series truly has some of the best characters and character relationships ever.
You all have no idea how hyped you all have gotten me about this series! Even though the size of these books are still absolutely crazy to me, lol, if I wasn't hooked already - you all have definitely solidified the fact that I must complete this series!
OMG! I am here for your point of view! I love-love-love this series so much! I wish I can read it for the first time too! ❤❤❤
Exactly how I feel!!! She is so enthusiastic, I am here for it!!!😊😊😊
I know fantasy isn't usually your jam, but I thought there was a chance you would like this series since the plot and how everything weaves together is so intriguing! Glad you're enjoying it so far Amber. Will definitely be following you on your journey!
Well you nailed it Terry! This book has every thing that I love about storytelling!! I can’t want to continue talking about it with you all!
@@AmberAliseReads Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the next part!
Yay! Another Stormlight journey to follow. Hopefully you stick through it. Each time i find one of these it gives me an opportunity to relive the joy of reading through it for the first time. The reread value on these books is so good. Ive probably listened to the audiobook of way of kings at least 15 times and each time i still find new stuff. Hope you enjoy the journey
Ah I'm so excited for you! 🥰 This is a long and deeply rewarding journey.
Thank you!! Your comment makes me even more excited to continue!
Ohhh this will be fun! I love how you deliver information and your thoughts!
Wooo! 🥳 Thank you for your kind words!
this is great! I'm currently reading book 4 for the first time but I just started the Audiobook of Way of Kings in the background while I work and it's already so exciting to revisit the story with a little more knowledge about the world and characters. Can't wait to follow along your adventure!
Oh wow! Since you're on book 4, I cannot imagine how many great things you have read in the story by now! Thank you Patrick! I look forward to journeying through this story with you all!
Got algorithmed to this video. Just dropping in to say how great your enthusiasm is. To be as high on the book as you are before the momentum even starts is something I don't think I've seen before. I'll be sure to keep checking in.
Thank you for taking the time to leave these kind comments Daniel!
I love hearing your thoughts on one of my favs. So happy to follow you on this journey!
Aww, thank you! I am looking forward to discussing this awesome series with you all!
just started Way of Kings myself last month and taking my time getting through book 1 (got to part 3 yesterday). such a good read and loving every moment of it. wish i found about Sanderson earlier and wish i had all the time in the world to read all of them before book 5 comes out next month. nonetheless, great to see your fresh prospective of the Stormlight Saga and i've subscribed to your channel to follow your cosmere journey alongside mine. happy reading!
Girl I'm reading this with you. Randomly found your cider researching the world while I read. So glad I found this channel 😁 Subbed and see you next video!!!
Was recommended your channels just for this Stormlight Archive! So excited to hear your view as you read these!! New Subscriber🎉
Oh this is going to be exciting to watch as you go through this. Welcome to the club. Love hearing "newbie" theories.
I did finish this book, and it had me in its grip from the moment I read the first page. The prologue was amazing. It really set things up for the rest of the chapters and story. Keep reading it, and you will be staying up late reading the ending.
So fun to find your channel as i chomp on the bits for Stormlight 5! I'm currently on my first reread and over halfway through Rhythm of War, and it's all just....🙌 And since i read each of them as they were released, reading them back to back had been SO rewarding. Excited for you to continue your journey!
Great review! This is the first video I’ve seen on your channel, but I’m here for the series. Stormlight is amazing. I love how invested you are in the story already! Brandon is very intentional in his storytelling and all I can say is buckle up.
Honestly, Brandon in my view is the level of storyteller that Oda is.
I have literally been wondering how many fans of the Stormlight Archive also enjoy One Piece! haha. I love that you commented this! Thank you for your kind words!
@ Haha yeah, big overlap! In terms of character-driven arcs with emotional highs and lows, worldbuilding, theme exploration, and long-term plotting, Oda and Brandon are quite similarly skilled as storytellers. Enjoy!
As a big fan of the series, this was so fun to watch. I just love seeing someone being excited about something that I also like. I think you like the book even more than I do. When I first read The Way of King, it was kind of hard to get through. The series starts with a Prelude, where we are introduced to these Heralds and after that we jump to a completely different character and the Heralds are scarcely mentioned. We have a prologue from Szeths PoV and even if we get a few chapters with him sprinkled throughout the book, he is far from the main focus of the book. And there will be more instances throughout the book, where Sanderson is introducing a character, a place or a part of Roshars history, that just doesn't become very relevant in this book.
Having read everything in the Stormlight Archive that has been released so far, I see how these things are important for future books, but I admit that that was pretty hard for me to work through. If I hadn't read some other Sanderson books before, I might have concluded that the series isn't for me. But it's really cool to see that you are already excited about parts of the book that I struggled with. Makes me wonder what you will think when you get to the part when I started loving the series.
Ohh this is so much fun to watch, you’re picking up on a lot of foreshadowing I missed my first time through!
I love the idea of taking each part individually! I've been in it so long, I forget how it was to not know it all. He does such a good job of dripping out secrets. I look forward to part 2!
There is *always* another secret.
-some dude with scars.
I also love it in GraphicAudio
High-key excited for these newbie chronicles!
I feel like Kaladin and Shallan are my favorite characters in such different ways. In the most vague terms I think Kaladin has some of my favorite individual scenes, but I'm overall completely invested in Shallan's story and where her character growth might be leading her (as of my current spot half way through Words of Radiance.) But I adore almost all of these characters, even the ones who I want to see earn their karmic payback.
Happy reading! I can't wait to see more of your reviews!!
Woooo! Thank you for your kind words! I loved reading your take on Shallan and Kaladin! I am SUCH a Kaladin fan already, lol, so this makes me more excited to see where Shallan's plot line goes!
The Prelude was the coolest opening to a book I ever read when I first picked it up. The way of kings isn't my favorite in the series, but it held my attention enough to give the 2nd book a shot. I'm half way through book 4 right now. Trying to catch up before book 5 comes out.
I'm looking forward to seeing your reactions and excitement about the discoveries you make while going through these books. They are amazing.
I just started it. Its a lot and a little complex but very good. I love the descriptions. They make the story more engaging.
Yesss! Glad you're enjoying it!
I plan on reading this after my Christmas reads!
How exciting!! It seems like it will be a great winter read!
I've never seen one of your videos before, but I'm so excited for the journey before you. Later in this book you'll met a Parchman to help give you a little insight on them and book 4 the flashback character is a Parshindi, so you'll get to see some of the scenes in this book from their point of view. Subscribed to watch your journey. This book ranks very highly in my all time favorite books, but the other three books that are out today are equally as good.
The next book you get Shallan flashbacks which will help your understanding of what shaped her character....though even in the preview chapters for book 5 we are learning about her past. Dalinar will be flashback character in book 4 and you get to see why he is so driven to be a standup guy.
Please read all five books and take us along for the ride. This is in my opinion one of the greatest stories ever told.
After hearing your review I think these are the long books for people who don't like long books. Like you my wife and I like books that get to the point. We both love this series. I'm excited to hear what you think of the later books.
The way you talk about this brought back the feeling I first felt on my first read. Once you do another read through, you still feel the same emotions and sometimes more since you pick up on more details each time. Wait until you get your first "Sanderlanch"
Great video! Looking forward to the next. If you're loving it this much already the rest of the book is going to be a treat!
Just finished up Rhythm of War. So fun to see someone starting this insane journey. I definitely gravitated toward Shallan more than Kaladin in book one. For me, this and book two have been the highest rated, both at a 5 star. Oathbringer and Rhythm of War were four stars for me just because they had sections that dragged in the middle. There is a concept called Sanderlanche, where Sanderson books tend to go crazy in the last pages and that formula becomes more and more apparent as the books go on. These books are marathons to get through, and while I personally feel there are times where they go too far into detail, there's no denying they are excellent books with truly phenomenal worldbuilding.
This is so fun to watch the series from a newcomers point of view I can’t wait to see your next reaction!
Thank you Scott!!
If you expect to be spoon fed every thing you need to know, I can see the books being intimidating or frustrating, but for me they just sparked that natural curiosity. I wanted to know, and he never once let me down. I would say building the trust in Sanderson not "wasting your time" is typically the hardest part. It allows you to care deeply and instantly!
Book 3 in this series is my favorite book of all time, and this is my favorite series of all time (and its not complete yet). Sanderson ALSO has "my favorite characters in fiction", but not for this series. Mistborn Era 2 holds that honor.
If you didn't know, this is a joint universe with multiple other series (and puts Marvel MCU up as an example of everything coming together). While you can read and enjoy The Stormligh Archive alone, the reset of the cosmere offers some amazing morsels and fantastic connections... I recommend thinking about sneaking some other material between books for that reason. Thankfully, its not written as an inside joke (Where you know you missed something, but you don't know why). There are entire characters to recognize from other books, but you will still love them even if you don't know that you might aught to recognize them.
Also... pay attention to the curses people use. It truly does feel like every single word is on purpose.
Either way, Journey before Destination, and enjoy the ride! I LOVE your insights and the careful way you have picked these apart.
i did the same thing, reading "book by book". I would complete one, then go read something else, then go back to the next "book".
I'm so glad you liked them. I think that Brandon's books don't have the flowery language that turns a lot of people off of fantasy.
happy reading!
That sounds like a great method for getting through these books! It's definitely helping me appreciate it a lot more!
I was nervous that I wouldn't like TWOK, because I couldn't connect to Mistborn and kept DNF'ing it. However, this book has blown me away and has exceeded my expectations!
I just found your channel and I'm so elated to see you so enthusiastic about the Storm light Archives. I'm about to start my own Cosmere Universe Journey. I will definitely be following as you go through this book as well as other Brandon Sanderson books you venture into. Thank you so much for your awesome introduction of this series.
Thank you for your kind words! I love this! Yes! Let's go on this journey together!!
I got your Tress video on my feed a few months ago and now this, no Mistborn or anything else, straight into the big thick and more complex one. This is going to be a hell of a ride haha.
I’m looking forward to seeing you go through these for the first time! For me I was hooked as soon as we got a kaladin POV.
Aww, thank you! And I completely get that! He is the best!
I read The Way of Kings in September and was instantly hooked. By the halfway mark I had already bought the other 3 books and had pre-ordered Wind and Truth. The series has pretty much consumed my last months of reading. I'm on about page 800 of Oathbringer right now. There is definitely some recency bias going on, but it my favorite series of all time thus far and that is saying a lot. You mention world building and character development...at 3000 pages in both continue....so good!!
No spoilers I promise- Oathbringer probably has the most bombastic ending I have ever read. Buckle up and enjoy the ride. Just got done with my 3rd re-read for Wind and Truth in just a few weeks.
Drink it in. Easily one of the best series I’ve read in a long time. The characters are incredibly complex and do jump off the page. The world is layered with a deep history and the magic systems are unique but limited. The story has loads of twists and turns with some real shocks along the way, I almost envy you being able to experience this story for the first time. At least book 5 (Wind & Truth) is coming out soon so I have that to enjoy for the first time 😁🙌
What a an awesome description for this series and what's to come! Thank you for sharing that! You have me extra excited to continue reading TWOK and.the rest of the books!
I'm going to give it a chance. I tried Mistborn and was just sooo bored getting through it. Hopefully I'll like it too.
I wasn’t too fond of Mistborn either. I picked up The Way of Kings instead and now currently on the 4th book and having such a fun time. I might try the Mistborn series again after I complete Rhythm of War!
I was in the exact same position! I tried reading Mistborn 3 times and I finally decided DNF'ed it. "The Way of Kings" has blown my mind with how much of a different experience it has been. I highly recommend it!
Awesome video! Subscribing and commenting to help keep a close eye for the next video in the series.
I've read the first 4 books twice, just finished the reread a couple weeks ago in advance of book 5 coming out next month. So I'm like all Stormlight all the time in terms of content right now lol. Your enthusiasm is infectious!!! You're spot on in a lot of your thoughts and theories, but only time will tell of course :) :)
Keep going and enjoy the rest of this incredible book!!
You've read all 4 books twice?! That's impressive! I would love to get to that point one day! I can already tell that there are a ton of things that I am going to want to go back to, to connect some dots, which will definitely require a re-read! Thank you for your kind words! I look forward to discussing this amazing series with you all!
Very excited to watch your journey here! :)
Your POV on Kaladin at the beginning made me tear up thinking of the climax…
Also Szeth is “zeth” and Jasnah is “yasnah”, soft J
I’ll be interested to see your reactions to the rest of the SA!
YESSSSS! I love this! My favorite series!
I see all the Manga behind you, and I'm not surprised that you're enjoying this.
Pronunciation:
Shallon - shuh-lahn
Jasna- Yasna
Szeth-Zeth
Adolin - long a
Shallon is 17. Kal is 19 or 20.
You all will never understand how much this pronunciations guide help!!😭😂 Thank you so much!
@@AmberAliseReads I'm going to add you on insta so I can send you some links to fun Stormlight stuff (as you make progress, no spoilers).
Amber on storm light archive let's goooo!
Yay!!!! 🎉😂 I love love LOVE the way of kings.
I’m currently reading the entire Cosmere for the first time and just finished reading rhythm of war and I can tell you it only gets better. By the time that I started the way of Kings I had already read Elantris and the final empire so I was well aware that I was going to love Brandon‘s writing. I was a little worried with the Heralds stuff in the beginning because that was a lot of names going by at once but the moment I turned the page to the prologue and read the words “Szeth-Son-Son Vellano, Truthless of Shinovar, wore white on the day he was to kill a king.” I was hooked. That singular sentence grappled me for the entire rest of the series.
I’m just starting it now and so far I’m really intrigued
When I first read the opening I was so confused but once it started to focus on specific characters it all came together for me. The honor chasm scene sold me on the series
I just started this series last month and I’m on chapter 12 of book 3 needless to say I’ve been enjoying them.
Fun to see someone else starting the journey.
How awesome!! I love that we're on the same journey!
Subbed because I’m a sloot for new Stormlight archive reader reactions
I definitely subscribed to you after this video! Journey before destination, my friend!
Welcome to the journey. Remember Journey Before Destination
I just started Way of Kings as well! It has been the easiest book that I've read as long as this one. I was intimidated by the 1000 pages and before I knew it I was 750 pages deep
JOURNEY BEFORE DESTINATION
When i first picked up the book, i was hooked from the beginning because of the immediate depth of scale and scope of the world. When Kalak was stumbling through the aftermath of a clearly VICIOUS fight, which he narrowly survived. I was so enraptured when you the book showed that this was an immortal, he was deathly tired and his sanity was cracking, and then the final implication of THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST FIGHT LIKE THIS HE HAD PARTICIPATED IN. It was the worst, but it was not the first made me feel so sad for all the heralds.
I started this series over 10 years ago, so i don't remember my initial reaction, but it remains one of my favorite books.
Aww! I love that!
Im so glad youre doing this, ive been wanting to read the stormlight archive for so longg but im a proper vorin man and I'd never live it down :(
Loved your thoughts and descriptions of the first part of way of kings! Subscribed!
Thank you Marc! I appreciate your kind words!
Currently doing a re-read of the series up to Stormlight 5's release, halfway into Stormlight 2 now. I still get hyped up for moments in the series even though I've read it before.
I really think this is our reading generation's titan series that will follow us as we get older. Like Wheel of Time did from 1997 to 2013, or Malazan from 1999 to 2011.
Oh wow! How exciting!
What an excellent point! I completely agree and I've only just started! There is something truly unique and powerful about this series!
I like your comment about feeling like you've already read a whole book in just Part 1. Sanderson says he writes each entry in this series like it is a trilogy on its own. It will feel like 3 books in one just in terms of content and pacing and character growth. This is maybe more noticeable beginning in Words of Radiance. Which book 2 is my favourite book in the series! The Way of Kings is the foundation however, which is nothing to scoff at when thinking about a 5k page journey.
Also, I think you ARE allowed to dislike any of the characters. It will make the whole journey more impactful as you watch them grow and change.
Have fun with the interludes! They are often just further peeks into life around the world.
I love that book 2 is your favorite! It's great to know that the best is yet to come!
Thank you for the advice and tips as well!
I was intimidated by Way of Kings and the Archive, too. But I'm so glad I did.
There are so many predictions and hopes you shared, and I just have to say RAFO: Read And Find Out
You are in for the best ride.
This fandom LIVES on new reader reactions, and yours are great! I am interested whether some things will hit differently for you then they did for my Middle Age White Man self.
eyyy subscribed and ready to go on this journey
Oh storms. Are you in for a wild ride. Fans call the end of a Sanderson book the Sanderlanche because of how that simmering you are just starting to feel keeps growing until after 1000+ pages the pressure is finally released and when I got to this one I was literally yelling out loud at the book because it was soo good.
And then you get to all of the Cosmere connections between all his other books and you'll be so Invested (wink) that you'll have to read all his other books to find the answers to all if your questions.
Ages are weird in Roshar because their year is 1.1 Earth years. But here are the rough ages in Earth years of the characters: Kaladin is 23, Shallan is 19, Jasnah is 39, Adolin is 26, Renarin is 22, Dalinar is 58, Elhokar is 29. And Kalak is 6,000+ (maybe 10,000+?) years old.
I really didn't care for Shallan on my first read through bc she is so removed from the main plot in Way of Kings that I never got attached to her. I only started liking her after rereading the series😅
😂 That's completely understandable! At first I was like, "Why am I reading about her when Kaladin's storyline exists?!" lol, but I eventually grew to like her (at least as of now)! haha
One thing I think you missed the one of the 10 who died was Taln. His dying was why the others were able to sacrifice him to the pact alone.
Ohhh, noted! Thank you for letting me know!
This is a book I wish I could read for the first time again. It’s probably my favorite reading experience I’ve ever had. Without giving anything away, the ending is just outstanding. I read the first 2/3rds of this book over the course of 2 months. I read the last 3rd in like 2 days 😂
Omg!! 😂 That is amazing! (and possibly makes me worried about the main characters 😭 😂 - I can't tell, haha - but I am definitely excited!)
I should , "Buddie read with you."💛💜👑
Welcome to the rollercoaster that is Sanderson. You will get drawled into his world.
Can't wait for the emotional wreck that will come at the end of the book
Before you liked this book, you were an airsick lowlander
i am about 6 chapters in, and i’m now feeling a better motivation to read until 11 so i can watch this. my reading comprehension might be cooked lmao
Welcome to the Cosmere !!! You've fallen down the rabbit hole aha
One note on pronunciation: most of the "J" names are pronounced with a "Y" sound. (i.e. Yassnah, Yezrien)
This is VERY helpful! Thank you!!
Read this book for the first time a few months ago. While reading i asked a friend "does everyone else think kaladin is the best" and yeah pretty much
This book was incredibly terrifying to me, but it was my next stop in the cosmere after all of mistborn and a couple novellas.
I finished it in 5 days, I destroyed it, it might just be my favorite book ever, currently in Words of Radiance about to finish probably this week. Remember to read Dawnshard and Edgedanger in their appropriate places, I would say read Warbreaker after The Way of Kings.
Enjoy, I know I am.
Yes! I found it extremely intimidating! I am glad we both gave it a chance - it's amazing!
Thank you for the tips! I didn't even know about Warbreaker! I'll have to keep that in the back of my mind!
Once you read part 5 there is no going back. Journey before Destination!
Oh girl wait until the last… 200 pages I just finished this book
Ahh, I’m nervous! 😂 I can’t tell if that’s a good thing or a bad thing! 😭😂
@@AmberAliseReads Brandon Sanderson is well known for his books building up to a massive crescendo and then being impossible to put down for the last 20% of the book because it all comes together. It's colloquially known as "The Sander-lanche" (like avalanche). You're in for a real treat. Journey before destination.
Name pronunciations:
The J in Jasnah's name has a Y sound (common in Nordic names) so said like Yasna. I made the same mistake when I read it.
Kaladin was spot on.
Syl like window sill.
Perfect! Thank you so much!
Welcome!!!!!!