ความคิดเห็น •

  • @JJJKKK445
    @JJJKKK445 3 ปีที่แล้ว +191

    One of my favorite moments in this book, that had me just going bananas was when Dalinar kicks the everloving crap out of Elhokar to show him that if he REALLY wanted to kill him he just would've... what I loved about it was that in a way it was the start to his journey of self-acceptance since he started to embrace the new and old him. Just amazing...

    • @McGregor43
      @McGregor43 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I remember reading that bit twice because I couldn't believe Dalinar was beating Elhokar the first time I read it.

    • @theslayer789
      @theslayer789 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      And BTW I've started courting your mother, better get used to that

    • @larkwyll7351
      @larkwyll7351 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It did feel out of character and random though. It needed a page of build up showing Dalinar's mental state and thought process before entering the room. Too much for effect and shock value for both his action and Elhokar's admission. It didn't feel right to me how it was written. Felt forced.

    • @KingNerd-1845
      @KingNerd-1845 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      You forget that part where he ends it by basically saying that he his sleeping with Navani

    • @groveri2
      @groveri2 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      oh yeah definitely on of the top dalinar moments in book one
      (just finished book 1 like today like)

  • @Lim_Jahey
    @Lim_Jahey 3 ปีที่แล้ว +45

    " in those brief moments of light when he dared look, he thought he saw Syl standing in front of him, her face to the wind, tiny hands forward. As if she were trying to hold back the storm and split the winds as a stone divided the waters of a swift stream." Listen fellas for me this paragraph was something that made me pause and hold back tears .... cause in the end when the world is raging against you and your mind is faltering, knowing someone is there giving every inch of themselves to shield you to the best of there abilities is something worth living for ...

  • @Arezoo298195
    @Arezoo298195 3 ปีที่แล้ว +150

    My absolute favourite moment from this book that you didn’t mention is Syl bringing the leaf to Kaladin in his lowest moment. It was so silly and cute but so heartfelt that I had a lump in my throat reading that moment. Absolutely the best part maybe even better than the ending.

    • @mikem1585
      @mikem1585 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I was really struck by this moment in my recent re-read. Totally agree!

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews 3 ปีที่แล้ว +37

      That was a great moment that I had forgotten about until just now. This is one of the reasons I wanted to open this up to spoiler talk. There’s too much for me to mention/remember everything.

    • @delphy2478
      @delphy2478 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      this is probably my favorite scene, it was so touching, i honestly think i had to put the book down until i was done crying. as much as i love kaladin and dalinar, i think syl is probably my favorite character

    • @Arezoo298195
      @Arezoo298195 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      John Kreinbring I have a soft spot for all the Spren. They are just so adorable!

    • @RidleyJones
      @RidleyJones ปีที่แล้ว +1

      A similar thing (thematically anyway) to me was when they used the Parshendi exoskeleton/armor to make their own armor. It reminded me of when he confronted Gaz by saying he was "already dead" so not to be trifled with--the group quite literally taking on the **mantle of death** to symbolize their struggle to overcome their VERY understandable despair. It reminded me of so many heroic stories in the real world, like people in the Gulag Archipelago. Sorrow and triumph so keenly intermingled.

  • @patsmythos
    @patsmythos 3 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    Just finished this book 10 minutes ago, IMMEDIATELY came to watch this video and finally get in on the discussion!

  • @JZETH_
    @JZETH_ 3 ปีที่แล้ว +95

    Kaladin is such a great leader. He found purpose in saving the lives of men sent to their deaths on a daily basis.
    Him saving Dalinar at the end of the book was absolutely insane. I had to read that scene twice.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      I got chills just talking about it. Incredible moment.

    • @nasteho6614
      @nasteho6614 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I loved how Dalinar was saved from trash Sadeas by Kal and Co and trashed Sadeas right back. Put Elhokar in his place and promoted Kal and Co to kings guard and got his girl. Kal is another level of wingman 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

    • @JZETH_
      @JZETH_ 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Nasteho also how Dalinar said, you know what bitch, take my sword. I have bigger fish to fry. I took it as “it’s about the man who wields the sword rather than the man who merely holds it”

  • @zapzya
    @zapzya 3 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    My favourite part was when Kaladin is going to save Dalinar and they bust out the side carry. Did not see it coming back, it was so fricken cool.

    • @absolutedesi5899
      @absolutedesi5899 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      As I got to that part I was constantly thinking that- do the side carry, do the side carry- and then they did.

  • @coleton7048
    @coleton7048 3 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    For me the greatest chapter in the book is the flashback of Kaladin killing the Shardbearer, winning the shards, and being betrayed by Amaram. And the haunting dying words of the character from the first chapter are so epic and chilling.

  • @danielvanrooyen9602
    @danielvanrooyen9602 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    “Strength does not make one capable of rule; it makes one capable of service.”

  • @mastelsa
    @mastelsa 3 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    There's a part of WOK that is seared into my mind as one of the worst/best realizations I've ever had while reading. We follow along with Bridge Four as Kaladin devises an inventive, strategic new way of carrying the bridge that could be a massive game changer for our favorite bridge crew. All the while, Sanderson does such a good job at getting us attached to these characters and wrapped up in their little success until Kaladin's strategy actually ruins things and he realizes that the overall strategy in this war requires them to be utterly expendable. Kaladin's realization hits the audience just as hard as it hits him because of the way that Sanderson set it all up. He knew exactly what he needed to do in order for the hopelessness and the injustice of that moment to hit his audience as deeply as possible, and realizing that I--just like Kaladin--had been strung along so thoroughly that I had neglected to even _think_ of the larger systems at work added a sense of awe at Sanderson's skill to the righteous anger and abject hopelessness of that moment.

    • @jarodandrews7425
      @jarodandrews7425 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I’m gonna have to politely disagree, because as a reader we knew all this in advance thanks to Dalinar and Sadeas’s conversations that bridge men were supposed to be expendable, something Dalinar was staunchly against. So we as a reader knew way before Kaladin, why they weren’t allowed shields or armor.
      For me this actually diminished my emotions when Kaladin discovered this, and is one of my only tiny complaints about the book!

    • @adoniscreed4031
      @adoniscreed4031 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I totally disagree with this take... It is crystal clear that the brigemen are nothing but fodder. We even hear Sadeas say so to Elohkar and Dalinar.
      That realisation is one of the very few parts of the book where I felt like Kaladin was acting way stupider than usual and it was unpleasant as a read. But I think that this realisation isnt something that he didnt know, it was just something that dawned on him again and it made him spiral back down into his depression. Which is much more understandable as that is totally something that happens when youre depressed, one minute you're up and then you think of something that makes you lose hope... but that wasnt how Sanderson explained that scene which feels like a mistake IMO

    • @meesironman
      @meesironman 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@jarodandrews7425 I agree, man! Kaladin goes right back into his depressive slump when he figures it out and all I could think is duh yall were being sent out as bait. I thought it was pretty obvious the whole time, even given only what Kaladin knew. Now I have to read him being mean to Syl and moping around again because he just figured out the obvious. Of course, he gets over it and the book is fantastic, but that small point was irksome to me.

  • @chadum96
    @chadum96 3 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    Books don't ever make me tear up, but both the scenes of Kaladin deciding to go back for Dalinar and Adolin and then later when Dalinar gave up his shardblade for Bridge Four made me tear up.
    This is Brandon's best payoff in any of his series so far imo. The buildup to these moments were so great. I like the following two books, but TWoK is my favorite so far

  • @lockedin6699
    @lockedin6699 3 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    I also like Shallan. I don't see why people dislike the way she is written.

    • @TheGummy22
      @TheGummy22 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I feel like a lot of the dislike in the first book for her comes from the fact that Way of Kings is almost a setup book for her bigger arc in book 2 that is just utterly fantastic.

    • @espadamt8839
      @espadamt8839 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      She's written very well but I didn't like her character or rather her POV

    • @dant5349
      @dant5349 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Personally I didn't like her "wittiness". I feel like we're meant to find it endearing but I just found it annoying and rude whenever she'd say some stupid quip where she'd pretend to take something literally.

    • @starmorpheus
      @starmorpheus 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Felt as though she was trying too hard to be "unique." Overtime I accepted that it was just her way to cope with her traumatic past and I don't dislike it as much. In Oatbringer it starts to get grating again though lol

    • @Jaasau
      @Jaasau ปีที่แล้ว

      I too thought she was a great character, and I enjoyed her story. That moment when Jasnah totally obliterates those muggers was amazing, and then Shallan’s moment of decision right after was really something.

  • @joem8887
    @joem8887 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    When Dalinar trades his Shardblade to free Kalidan and the bridgemen… it gave me almost the same feelings as when Aragorn tells the hobbits that they bow to no one. 😭

    • @holdenpop12
      @holdenpop12 หลายเดือนก่อน

      👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 this is a perfect comparison!

  • @SeekSanctity
    @SeekSanctity 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    A little late to the spoiler talk, but I really enjoyed the dialogue between Jasnah and Shallan when they discuss religion. Really good exchanges there. The most gut-wrenching thing for me was the flashback of how we learned Tien died. God that was devastating. I felt so horrible for Kaladin. That, combined with Amaram's betrayal? It's been a long time since an author made me feel for a character like that.

  • @jesna4768
    @jesna4768 3 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    It's THE Lopin. Sorry, couldn't help it. I love that guy's humor. I do agree, Bridge 4 going back for Dalinar is such a great moment.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Love those guys.

    • @snowman9631
      @snowman9631 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Im not emotional and since ive been older than lile 12 or somethimg i havent cried outside a funeral. Even at things others cry over but the final bridge run got my heart racing and while i didnt shed a tear i was feeling so many things and the feeling Persist everytime i re read it

  • @richieeskew4145
    @richieeskew4145 3 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    Kaladin is one of my favorite literary characters for me. He is up there close with Aragorn.

  • @wheelchazeal8089
    @wheelchazeal8089 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Dalinar is the man. When he summoned Oathbringer in from of Sadeas I was certain he was going Blackthorn on his a**. Most pleasant surprise I may have experienced in a book. I’m a few hundred pages into a Words of Radiance. I can’t wait for you to do videos about that. The beginning of Shallan’s journey in this book threw me out the window...

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I wish I could experience WoR again for the first time.

    • @ignaciogarcia8602
      @ignaciogarcia8602 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      words of radiance is insane man, just finished it yesterday and it's THE best book i've ever read

  • @oi643
    @oi643 3 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    Can't remember a Prologue that grabbed my interest as much as this one did

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      It was lit.

    • @mikem1585
      @mikem1585 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      “Szeth-son-son-Vallano, Truthless of Shinovar, wore white on the day he was to kill a King.” Such a great opening line! I was hooked pretty much from that opening.

    • @wheelchazeal8089
      @wheelchazeal8089 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Absolutely man. I’ve never been hooked that hard. I read the book in 14 days. It’s all I did with every scrap of free time I could muster.

    • @BaldBookTuber
      @BaldBookTuber 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Right up there with Eye of the World in terms of a prologue that immediately captured my imagination and made me want to read the entire series.

    • @oi643
      @oi643 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Scot Glasgow That’s good to hear! 2021 is going to be my Wheel of Time year after finishing Rhythm of War

  • @Wade8419
    @Wade8419 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I've also really liked Adolin from the go and don't really understand why some people have such a negative reaction to him.

  • @ravenbellebooks5665
    @ravenbellebooks5665 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    So, a year and 8 months later... I am finally here! I cannot decide between Kaladin and Dalinar as for who is my favorite. I relate to Kaladin since I, too, have clinical depression that I still struggle with... but Dalinar is just absolutely top-notch (the sacrifice of his blade just proved that I would not be so honorable, haha). I cannot wait to read Words of Radiance here soon!

  • @kaytlinhowardmangelson7300
    @kaytlinhowardmangelson7300 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Favorite scene from WoK for me has to be that first Bridge run after he decides to save them. Here they are all discounting him, laughing at him, and he's frantically trying to save them. Its so powerful!

  • @oussamabsn5016
    @oussamabsn5016 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great analysis… I found myself loudly agreeing with the point you made about Kaladin’s depression. It started way before he was a slave, we can see it in the flashbacks during the weeping days, when only Tien could make him smile ( that scene under the rain with his mother and Tien made me cry ! ).
    I know everyone is complaining about the interludes, but I found myself enjoying them alot ( The ones I managed to comprehend of course ).

  • @plan_r4005
    @plan_r4005 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I always wished there was video of Brandon explaining the Stormlight Archive to his publisher. They’ve got a new author with a few books out which have sold decently, he’s got name recognition for finishing WOT and he pitches a 10 book 100000+ page monstrosity, with multiple pov’s, interludes, in depth illustrations by multiple artists, with ties into a larger universe which is connected to his other books. That poor guy most have been ready to cry.

  • @PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy
    @PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Excellent insights on the characters! The POV characters in The Stormlight Archive are complex, conflicted, and richly sketched with all of the flashbacks that gradually fill in their backstories. By far Sanderson’s best characters, in my opinion. Great to hear your thoughts!

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Incredible how much the main 3 grow in just one story. And the Bridge crew! The man is just a magician with character work.

  • @IndigoStat
    @IndigoStat 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Great! Spoiler talks are the best. Looking forward to the spoiler talks of the next two books!

  • @lukehornbach9316
    @lukehornbach9316 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    "i didnt think he was that bad" speaking of my fav character of modern fantasy

  • @michaelsisco8002
    @michaelsisco8002 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    First of your videos I've watched, discovered from Twitter. I absolutely love Stormlight Archive, and I love hearing your insights on the characters! I found myself just nodding in agreement the whole video!

  • @ando336699
    @ando336699 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    The prelude to the book is what had me asking the most questions...
    But can i just say man your no spoiler review was really good most reviews is like 3 min then jump straight into spoilers
    I like your style of reviews 👍

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I appreciate that. It's hard for me to keep them under 20 minutes ha ha

  • @thamel863
    @thamel863 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Loved the approach of 1 non spoiler and 1 spoiler video! Mike as you said there is already a lot of other videos about this book but none is done the way you do it. Unfortunately I will have to wait for next year to read the books and then watch the other reviews.

  • @KakashiHatake-ou7mp
    @KakashiHatake-ou7mp 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The introduction of Ryshadium was a neat touch to explain moving around with that heavy Shardplate. Little things like these really help build his world more convincingly

    • @AikenFrost
      @AikenFrost 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      If I'm not mistaken, the Shardplate is basically "Magical Power Armor", so it doesn't feel heavy at all to the user, unless it's deactivated. Isn't it?

    • @GraceDionneReads
      @GraceDionneReads 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@AikenFrost It doesn't feel heavy to the user, but the overall effect of a person wearing the armor is very heavy to someone/something external, which is why regular horses aren't strong enough to carry a man in Shardplate but the Ryshadium are

    • @AikenFrost
      @AikenFrost 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@GraceDionneReads Ah! Ok, I understand what you mean now! You are absolutely correct, I also think that the Ryshadium are awesome, but what I wanted to see was shard bearers on *chariots*! That would be super badass!

    • @KakashiHatake-ou7mp
      @KakashiHatake-ou7mp 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@GraceDionneReads Correct.

    • @animalobsessed1
      @animalobsessed1 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@GraceDionneReads In one of the flashbacks in Oathbringer, Dalinar rides a regular horse while wearing Shardplate, and ends up breaking its back

  • @wetpenguin
    @wetpenguin ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks for the video. Just wanted to say that I liked Sadeas, because I thought he's a good guy, since one of the visions said to Dalinar "Yes, trust Sadeas". I smiled when he asked for Dalinar to send him Way of Kings book. But yeah, then that happened... Did you see that coming when they were going to the tower battle?

  • @benconlin3557
    @benconlin3557 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Literally finished this book yesterday so the timing is perfect on this! Absolutely loved it, looking forward to the next one sometime soon

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hope you enjoy it!

    • @benconlin3557
      @benconlin3557 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Mike's Book Reviews I’m sure I will once I finish the first Dresden book which I’m burning through!

  • @testtoirni9510
    @testtoirni9510 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just finnished The Way of kings and I loved it. Now I can finaly watch this video. I realy enjoy first watching the Why you should read/review videos of yours and then after reading the book watching the Spoiler talk. Keep it up. I've picked up multiple books after watching your videos.

  • @jericosha2842
    @jericosha2842 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Best spoiler thoughts on this book. Enjoyed it thoroughly!

  • @richieeskew4145
    @richieeskew4145 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Good stuff. I am surprised you didn't talk about the spren any and Sil specifically. The concept of the spren is so brilliant to me. I think Kaladin and Sil's relationship was some of my favorite stuff in Way of Kings. Whats great is you don't fully understand who or what she is until later so there was still a lot mystery. Also shard blades and shard plate are just awesome concepts.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yeah, it's a fun relationship you want to know more about. Whole point of these spoiler talk vids is just to be an outlet for others to talk spoilers because I know I won't cover everything.

  • @joem8887
    @joem8887 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I JUST finished reading this, and oh my god… I thought I loved the Mistborn trilogy. This book blew my mind! I’m going to read a couple shorter books before starting Words of Radiance, but I cannot wait to see how the story expands from this one.

  • @emilythesincere
    @emilythesincere 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love the point you made about Kaladin having depression. That really resonated with me as well, and it’s such a validating thing to see characters struggle with similar things that you yourself struggle with.

  • @dastandesanta7565
    @dastandesanta7565 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    And the moment when he swears the second ideal of the windrunners it was soo epic..the whole sequence of syl being horrified by sadeases betrayal and kal savin dalinar was sooo epic..

  • @nickb1680
    @nickb1680 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Awesome vid Mike! Shallan is consistently my favourite character until Oathbringer, but they are all just sooooo good

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's actually a tough conversation for me as to who is my favorite after Dhalinar.

    • @Marcus-id5ur
      @Marcus-id5ur 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I liked her in the 2nd book, not so much in the other two. Found her boring in the 1st and her personality issues became annoying in Oathbringer. Or at least how Sanderson wrote it was annoying.

    • @dig8634
      @dig8634 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Marcus-id5ur I just think it's a build up to some great development. Ya can't have all your knights swearing all the oaths in the first books after all!

  • @8Epitaph8
    @8Epitaph8 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hey Mike, I would definitely be interested to hear your experience and journey with depression and how nutrition aided your mental state. Anyway, love your channel and your presentation and enjoy you as a person. Thanks for your content.

  • @krystololsen2318
    @krystololsen2318 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Man if you love Dalinar already wait till book 3 cuz he's the pov character and it took him to the next level

  • @RegisteredNerds
    @RegisteredNerds 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    great video about a great book. I would love to hear more about you, your eating habits, and your life!

  • @calista3371
    @calista3371 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Mike: Great review. Thanks for putting this up. I just finished this. I never connected with Shallan in this story. She never felt whole to me and she hasn't won me over as of book 1. I absolutely loved Jasnah and I want POV her and I loved her. She was awesome. This book is so amazing. I mean, what a world and story. I can't wait to read the next book.

  • @emosongsandreadalongs
    @emosongsandreadalongs 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is my favorite book I've read so far. I'm currently re-reading the Stormlight Archive from the beginning before reading Rhythm of War

  • @absolutedesi5899
    @absolutedesi5899 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The interlude with rysn visiting the reshi isles was one of the best showcasing of world building I've seen in a book
    My bad that was in words of radiance 😂

  • @benconlin3557
    @benconlin3557 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    With Kaladin it does seem to be an internal thing that is worsened by his experiences. Like he has irrational guilt over his inability to save basically everyone he encounters. I was just waiting for him to meet Dalinar and find a genuine lighteyes for once

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I think that's why I imagined him as Stephen Amell in my head the first reading because he's like Oliver Queen (Green Arrow) in that he thinks ANYONE else who dies is his fault and he could have prevented it.

    • @benyager3355
      @benyager3355 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Isnt that called.survivors guilt?

  • @sjajsjsja4523
    @sjajsjsja4523 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Dude I would LOVE a book with a focus on Jasnah. She's great.
    I'm a fellow Adolin fan, too. He has a subtle arc in this book that's well done.

  • @curioussoundwave2275
    @curioussoundwave2275 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm working on my first re read of this book. I'm planning to re read all three before Rhythm of War. It's a testament to how much I like it because I rarely re read anything. I'm really enjoying it though. Doing it on my Kindle Paperwhite 😁

  • @elArqui22
    @elArqui22 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just finished this book last night... mind blowned! can`t wai to get out of work to star with WoR

  • @GOPerks-jo7mg
    @GOPerks-jo7mg 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    "Honor is dead. But I'll see what I can do."

  • @odiums_taint
    @odiums_taint 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    great vid, thanks mike!

  • @Devin_Davis
    @Devin_Davis 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    So pumped for this!!!

  • @thesmuli83
    @thesmuli83 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great. In fact, I like spoiler reviews a lot more. Spoiler talks are the best.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      For something this popular, it feels necessary.

  • @locolima279
    @locolima279 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Completely agree about Kaladin & depression. It was a big part of what I identified with. If you've never had it, ya probably just won't understand.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Indeed. It isn’t something you can just “walk off.”

  • @dastandesanta7565
    @dastandesanta7565 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    My absolute favorite characters are dalinar and syl..the back-story to dalinar broke my heart..and the love and affection of syl towards kaladin is so heartwarming..i can't wait for RoW..

  • @absolutedesi5899
    @absolutedesi5899 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I read the foreword of the book before the prologue and in that it says that a king is killed and his brother is picking the pieces of the kingdom and then when I got to the prologue I could see it coming

  • @Jabuel1225
    @Jabuel1225 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Just a quick note: Technically, Dalinar didn't read. He had the Way of Kings read to him from a scribe, usually the wives of his officers.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Well, it has been 3 years since I read it, so I'm surprised that's the only mistake I made.

    • @luketufts6827
      @luketufts6827 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @Mike's Book Reviews Obviously no true Alethi man knows how to read 🙄
      😂😂😂

  • @madisongoodyear5040
    @madisongoodyear5040 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Under 20 minutes - nailed it!!

  • @rachmusic9873
    @rachmusic9873 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I just finished this book tonight and it’s so funny that besides Kaladin, Shallan, and Daninar I pronounced every single other name differently than you did in my head

  • @matthewsenn2595
    @matthewsenn2595 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    When I read the climax about Sadeas’ betrayal, I was confused on why Dalinar was told to trust him. This got me thinking that in Dalinar was SUPPOSED to fail. One of the scariest thoughts I’ve ever had.

  • @alexfrederick3404
    @alexfrederick3404 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Favorite line: "Tradition is the blind witness they use to condemn us. It's the pretty box they use to wrap up their lies. It makes us serve them.: ~Kaladin
    Love your channel ...keep em coming!

    • @karlwilker579
      @karlwilker579 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      This from WoR, so I don't know if it counts, but "Honor is dead, but I'll see what I can do" is incredible.

    • @alexfrederick3404
      @alexfrederick3404 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@karlwilker579 That's a good one ... I remembered it immediately.

  • @madisongoodyear5040
    @madisongoodyear5040 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Gahhhh!!! What a great reminder of how great this book was

  • @kn1ghtus
    @kn1ghtus 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great review

  • @-Adam.Z
    @-Adam.Z 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Mike - can you do a video about these dietary changes you made that helped your chronic depression?

  • @rachmusic9873
    @rachmusic9873 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wandersail. and pretty much the entire last 70 pages were my favorite parts of the book

  • @kristen7623
    @kristen7623 ปีที่แล้ว

    One of my favorite moments is when Syl brings Kaladin a leaf to make him feel better ❤

  • @MrCaptainZach
    @MrCaptainZach 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Dalinar is my favourite character as well! Adolin is a close second.

  • @nilulal545
    @nilulal545 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    The moment this book Intrigued was when Gavilar tells Szeth to tell Dalinar to find the most important words a man can say!! Character building was excellent, Shallen what i liked about her she is respectful but she speaks her mind. Syl i loved her being around Kaladin.. side character i liked Rock, Cenn which reminded Kaladin of his little brother. Overall its quite interesting story line. Enjoyed the review you absolutely right so many scenario which felt so real under the circumstances...back to book 2.. long ways to go! Lol

  • @shashanksrivastava5772
    @shashanksrivastava5772 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    From what we know so far, Jasnah’s backstory will be in the last (10th) book of The Stormlight Archive

  • @DanielSClouser
    @DanielSClouser 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Jasnah is going to have a flashback book, but I don't think we know which one yet. Rhythm of War is Eshonai/Venli, and book 5 is going to be Szeth. After that, I don't think we know the order, but the flashback characters are Jasnah, Renarin, Lift, Shalash, and Taln.

  • @rickeydeyoung9096
    @rickeydeyoung9096 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Couldn't agree with your thoughts more. Great review.

  • @burge2695
    @burge2695 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I remember one of the parts that made me emotional in wok was during the tower battle chapter when syl asks for kaladin to say the words and he says "i will protect those who cannot protect themselves" and then he sucks in all the badies beard moneys 😀😀😀😀😊

  • @excalibur3164
    @excalibur3164 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Are we not gonna talk about Dalinar’s farewell words (in which i thought he was definitely gonna die at that point with Adolin), his words was just full of wisdom bro. WTH i cried

  • @nataliaweronikapetersson3425
    @nataliaweronikapetersson3425 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I do agree with your comments about the relevance of flashbacks! Lies of Locke Lamora did not do them well at all, Sanderson at least knows that lengthy flashbacks have to have a profound impact on the pivotal moments in the book and not just serve as a justification of a quick fix in the narrative! Hear, hear!

  • @chaycehudalla7840
    @chaycehudalla7840 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I was a big Dalinar fan from the beginning as well as Jasnah. I always love a good redemption arc, and I can’t wait to get to Oathbringer. Currently reading WoR, and a little disappointed at the lack of Dalinar.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      It'll be worth it.

    • @15nicinho
      @15nicinho 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Chayce Hudalla Oathbringer will be your favorite book if you’re a Dalinar fan

  • @vanhohenheim5206
    @vanhohenheim5206 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I finished the book like 2 or 3 weeks ago and was wondering if the Lord Ruler forgot about Galivar Shardblade and armor since Elhokar is wearing the one Dalinar got on the plain. You'd think in such world were the value of those would be like a nuke that the kingdom would be using it or actively searching for it. Maybe it's revealed further in the series.

    • @animalobsessed1
      @animalobsessed1 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Elhokar owns both sets, but a guy can only wear one shardplate at a time XD

  • @holdenpop12
    @holdenpop12 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Did anyone else just not care about Kaladin’s brother Tien? I figured his death would be way more brutal, and direct from a lighteyes given Kaladin’s hatred of them.
    I felt bad for Kaladin’s loss for sure, but I never really thought much or even cared about Tien and his portrayed “innocence”.

  • @DemonMage
    @DemonMage 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just started rereading the series for a refresher for November. Rereading Szeths opening I noticed how Kal survived being on the front of the bridge.
    edit: eff Moash.

  • @CrapSandviche
    @CrapSandviche 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So excited!!!! Let have a beer at The Bearded Fox!!

  • @Williamtolduso
    @Williamtolduso 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Can’t wait for rythm of war! Hey are you reading the sample chapters and will you do a video about them?

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Maybe before it gets here but I haven’t read them yet.

    • @Arezoo298195
      @Arezoo298195 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Mike's Book Reviews How do you resist! I refresh the page continuously every Tuesday until the chapter drops!

    • @dig8634
      @dig8634 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Arezoo298195 I just need the physical book in my hand. That's how I resist.

  • @RobbieLee90
    @RobbieLee90 ปีที่แล้ว

    Journey before destination 🤌

  • @mikem1585
    @mikem1585 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I didn’t like Shallan on my first read, but she really grew on me! I love the mystery surrounding her...you know there’s more going on with her that she isn’t even willing to acknowledge in her thoughts.
    Jasnah is my favorite non big-three (Kaladin, Shallan, Dalinar) character. Without getting into specifics about book 2, there is a small moment I love early in WoR that really humanizes her.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's funny looking at it now, because I did NOT like Jasnah for about the first 3/4 of WoK. But upon reflection I grew to love her slowly as Shallan did.

    • @mikem1585
      @mikem1585 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wow, I just realized I had an important typo in that second paragraph, haha. Jasnah *is* my favorite non big-three character. I completely agree that it took some time for me to appreciate her. I think it happened slowly as she starts to welcome and accept Shallan into her confidence. And eventually you learn that there are a lot more layers to her character.

    • @bisd836
      @bisd836 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      What small scene? i want to know if we thinking of the same one.

    • @mikem1585
      @mikem1585 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ok...so Words of Radiance Spoilers Ahead!!!!
      .
      .
      .
      It’s honestly not that huge of a spoiler, but it’s the scene when Shallan looks through Jasnah’s cabin door and sees her with her guard down. You see the burden of responsibility she carries and the fear she so carefully conceals. Then Shallan goes to her and Jasnah finally opens up about what she’s feeling, and you can sense her relief at finally being able to share the burden with someone else. It’s just very humanizing for someone who can seem so cold at times.
      “She could see Jasnah’s face, hand against her temple, staring at the pages spread before her. Jasnah’s eyes were haunted, her expression, haggard. This was not the Jasnah that Shallan was accustomed to seeing. The confidence had been overwhelmed by exhaustion, the poise replaced by worry. Jasnah started to write something, but stopped after just a few words. She set down the pen, closing her eyes and massaging her temples. A few dizzy-looking spren, like jets of dust rising into the air, appeared around Jasnah’s head. Exhaustionspren.”
      This and the whole seen when Shallan talks to Jasnah in the cabin is among my favorites.

    • @bisd836
      @bisd836 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@mikem1585 Ah, i remember that scene from my reread a month ago. thanks. I was thinking of the scene where she kind of gets dressed down by her father in the flashback.

  • @stevencase796
    @stevencase796 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    So no spoilers for other Cosmere books, but I just wanna compare this to Branderson’s other Cosmere stories.
    For reference my first experience with Branderson was actually because of the Infinity Blade game on smartphone. I thought the lore was interesting , and decided to pick up the novella since it was cheap, having never heard of and not caring who the author was. But I knew good writing when I saw it. Saw people recommending Mistborn, picked that up, and the rest is history.
    At this point in my Cosmere reading experience, the only book I haven’t actually finished yet that’s been released as of right now is Bands of Mourning, though the Alloy of Law stuff is a bit of a spinoff that I would consider a bit lighter than the full length affairs.
    Way of Kings is definitely the slow burn world builder of Sandy Brandy’s work, I’d even argue among the other books in the Stormlight Archive so far. Actually what I think sets this first book apart from a lot of the other Cosmere books is that the overall state of the world itself is actually very unchanged at the end of this book. I personally find it more common in the Cosmere stories for the world to be DRAMATICALLY changed from its state at page one to the end of the book, so I think it’s worth noting that at the end of this book the only changes that have occurred are the standing of characters and their relationships with others, and if anything new was discovered about the world, like surgebinding or Shadesmar, that’s not something that changed so much as something that was already there and has been found again. Largely Way of Kings is less about what is happening, and more about moving the pieces of the world and investing and familiarizing the reader with that world and characters, so that the TRUE craziness can begin happening from book 2 onward. I think because of that it’s probably the hardest to hang on to of all of the Cosmere stories that I’ve read, not for lack of quality, but because (as the old oaths suggest) this one’s about the journey. As someone who identifies as a fast reader I will fully acknowledge I did NOT read this one fast. There were a lot of breaks taken, and a lot of wondering if I’d stick around, but ultimately, it kept bringing me back. I would probably still reread this first before picking up Warbreaker or Elantris again, but for a more complete reading experience I would still probably recommend Mistborn instead.
    To draw an analogy, it’s like if the entire first book of Mistborn was about whatever mundane stuff that Kel’s crew were doing on their own, as well as Vin’s misadventures with her brother, before Kel brings them all together at the end of the book for an as of yet unknown job in the capital. And it’s also 250% longer. That wouldn’t necessarily make for a bad book, but it’s definitely a different experience. I certainly enjoy having a more complete experience, but there are pros to the other approach as well, namely the ability to world build, and feed details about the world to your reader. I know this works because I can remember Stormlight’s world is called Roshar without having to look it up online.
    I actually think I wouldn’t be able to wholeheartedly recommend this book, if there wasn’t at least one other book in the series out right now, but there’s two already out, and another coming in November. I think Words of Radiance and Oathbringer (which is my favorite so far, although maybe it’s because I finished it recently) go a long way toward providing that more complete experience I was talking about earlier. Since I know those details are there and that they are forthcoming, I think I can give The Way of Kings a full recommendation. Especially since I know Branderson is gonna help you get some good payoff with your new degree in Voren social dynamics.
    Nice set of videos, and will be looking forward to others~

  • @Phoboskomboa
    @Phoboskomboa 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    The Way of Kings is my absolute favorite book of all time. By far.

  • @epiphoney
    @epiphoney 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    So the Parshendi at the end with the shardblade, that wasn't the guy talking to Dalinar in the visions? He seemed to know him. Check out the best of graphicaudio clips on youtube of The Way of Kings. The Sanderson avalance was good but it was work getting there. So who is that a picture of on the cover?

    • @matthewevans5486
      @matthewevans5486 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You've probably answered your own question by now but the person talking to Dalinar in his visions is basically a voicemail left by a dead god to help humanity prepare for a new Desolation. The Parshendi is just a Parshendi trained to use the blade and plate

  • @EdgeOfEntropy17
    @EdgeOfEntropy17 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What do you mean by changing your eating habits to cure chronic depression? Please let me know.

  • @danielvanrooyen9602
    @danielvanrooyen9602 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Shallan in Way of Kings - Meh
    Shallan in Words of Radiance - I love you

  • @chilliverse7326
    @chilliverse7326 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Bridge 4 - my favourite part of the book other than Syl, Kaladin and pattern.

  • @colin1818
    @colin1818 ปีที่แล้ว

    "You just like her because she's a redhead"
    Yep. Love me some redheads.

  • @Kwizii
    @Kwizii 27 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I just reas the book and Dalinar gave me Iroh vibes if Ozai was dead so Zuko grew up spoiled. A bit more confused on the spiritual side.

  • @animalobsessed1
    @animalobsessed1 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Okay, I only recently got into reading, and I mostly read $5 ebooks, and I'm just looking at the background and trying to estimate how much money you've sunk into that collection?

  • @codyt.346
    @codyt.346 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Before book 2 came out. I reread the book many times. And I finally picked up on, Shallan had a "Shardblade" the entire time. It was a fascinating mystery to think about between books.

  • @snowman9631
    @snowman9631 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Have u really heard ppl say they didnt like kaladin... After the first chapter with him i was all in for kaladin and ive re read the way of kings 2 twice just from his pov...

  • @jefferyheileson7188
    @jefferyheileson7188 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love the characters! Regarding Shallan, I really liked her until book 3. I will reread them, so I wonder if I'll have a different opinion. WoR is my favorite as well, looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

  • @alexvandepoel4845
    @alexvandepoel4845 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Get ready to wait till book 10 for Jasnah's backstory

    • @luketufts6827
      @luketufts6827 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I thought that was like book 6 or 7 🤔

    • @alexvandepoel4845
      @alexvandepoel4845 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Brandon just changed the ordering of the backstory books

    • @alexvandepoel4845
      @alexvandepoel4845 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      And her part got changed to part ten

    • @luketufts6827
      @luketufts6827 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      huh, ok. thanks

  • @whitneypanda
    @whitneypanda 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’m late to the party, just finished tonight. As a female I was just a little sad that I feel like Shallan had the least intriguing plot to me in this book. I think it was just because Kaladin and Dalinar/Adolins storylines were so action packed and interwoven. I am very excited to see how her story progresses though! I love seeing strong ladies in fantasy.

    • @matthewevans5486
      @matthewevans5486 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      The second book is Shallan's book (like this book was Kalladin's book) and it's the one that got her on my top 5 Stormlight characters list. Jasnah is also high on that list

  • @c0barsm
    @c0barsm 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    "I will protect those who can not protect themselves"

    • @matthewevans5486
      @matthewevans5486 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      "I accept there are people I will not be able to protect"

  • @elcee8
    @elcee8 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My favorite part is when we see a life sized Sylphrena who tells Kaladin finally what kind of spren she really is at the Tower. I didn't see that coming. It really showed what Kaladin truly is.

  • @quagmillious9627
    @quagmillious9627 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wait...its Sha-lan??? This whole time i've been mentally saying Shal-lan.

  • @untamedrose30
    @untamedrose30 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So Stormlight is basically Morally Gray Characters done light(ish) compared to Grimdark & ASOIAF lol.

  • @emosongsandreadalongs
    @emosongsandreadalongs 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    0:13 hey, I'm doing a full-on, beat-by-beat recap on my channel. I'm dedicating one minute to each chapter and it's still impossible to cover it all!