The Way of Kings Review

[@johanliebert5269]

when Dalinar said: “So today, you and your men sacrificed to buy me twenty-six thousand priceless lives. And all I had to repay you with was one priceless sword. I call that a bargain.” I felt that

[@nathanhickman1723]

The other lines around it are fantastic too. _Sadeas: "This will be remembered as the most ridiculous decision ever made by an Alethi highprince!"_ Which, books later, is absolutely true. Just not in the way he meant it. SPOILERS: On top of the moral argument, Sadeas only got a single blade for dozens of Radiants (including Kal, who saves the Blackthorn, like, 5 times) and hundreds of Squires.

[@fillerarc]

When you say, "I felt that", do you mean it has happened to you as well xD

[@bradhansen8506]

Yea it hit me in the feels. I wasn’t really completely on board with Dalinar’s character until then, but when he did that and how he treated bridge 4 afterwards i was like, ok this dude is pretty darn cool

[@monishkanna1219]

I cried bruh 😂

[@hoid9937]

Twenty six hundred lives

[@jeffreydosdall4481]

You didn't even talk about Dalinar offering his Shardblade in exchange for the bridge crews. Best part in the whole storming book.

[@roshnichoudhary6314]

I threw the books away at that part.....I hit me hard

[@Kopa_Malphas]

@@roshnichoudhary6314 Full on shook, though I had seen it coming...I just didn't think it would be a shard blade that would be the offer.

[@roshnichoudhary6314]

@@Kopa_Malphas exactly yes..... I also didn't think that it would b the shard blade..... And that shameless sadeas even took it !!!!!!!!

[@bradhansen8506]

F*** SADIAS!!!

[@池本一輝-m4u]

was literally yelling out "YOOOOO!!!!!" when that happened😂

[@nathanbaca5131]

I love the way Brandon used the quotes from the dying at the start of each chapter, then later either Jasnah or Navani cant remember which one mentions that people have been speaking strange things in the seconds before death, then at the end when Szeth meets Taravangian and we learn what he's doing and how its connected to those quotes. Incredible writing device there. Brandon is truly a master of his craft.

[@mako88sb]

Couldn’t agree more. I thought this was simply brilliant. After finishing the book, I went back and read all those chapter beginnings shaking my head in amazement at how he came up with this.

[@blandface9957]

I started punching the air when Kaladin came back for Dalinar. I had an awkward time trying to explain that to my mom who was in the kitchen with me when I was reading it 😂

[@meghand8682]

Ok but ever since Kaladin went back for Dalinor, I have never been the same

[@Hadrian1616]

Oof

[@misbahulimam2512]

Epic..

[@laurentiu.f8804]

You should try the full cast audiobooks, they have brought so many moments to life with the voice actors and music, just remembering it gives me chills

[@giants8585]

@@laurentiu.f8804 Is there one for these books? I couldn't find it on Audible.

[@begejekan1244]

@@giants8585 i think they are referencing the graphic audio version

[@Ninniane6]

Merphy at 17:17 - All of us when Bridge 4 decided to go back for Dalinar. Definitely one of the most exciting things I have ever read!

[@actionms8566]

Still get goosebumps today. It's like I was there with them becuase my memory of it is so vivid.

[@Ninniane6]

@@actionms8566 I know! It's definitely time for a reread

[@animalobsessed1]

We were all loudly breathing with her when she read that

[@cuchanu]

The ending to that book was amazing

[@matthewevans5486]

I think I was on my way to the train station when I got to that bit (Audible) and I legit stopped dead for that entire section thinking "do it, do it, do it you wonderful broken man!"

[@sarahreffstrupjrgensen7772]

I totally teared up when you talked about Kaladin. I love him so much ❤️ These books are so amazing! 😭❤️

[@Shade1453]

I named my kitty Kaladin!

[@janhavi1977]

Kaladin has such depth of emotion. He feels things really deeply and I loved how he clawed his way out of depression and suicidal thoughts, and inspired all the other men out of their depression too! Like it’s hard enough to keep yourself strong, but even harder to inspire others to be strong. I think his arc is also about falling of idols and learning to recognize people as individuals and not just by their group identity. He always looked up to lighteyes and believed they were perfect and noble. And once that illusion was shattered he started seeing all light eyes as corrupt and evil. I like that Sanderson showed him to be flawed, despite being a very good person overall. He’s one of the most complex characters I’ve ever read.

[@silverfang3072]

I loved Kaladin's arc in this book so much.

[@ritterbrown5474]

Rereading TWoK currently. Kaladin's story is the reason I found books again. Not since reading Harry Potter as a kid have I stayed up all night reading. His story is really powerful to me. His fight with depression, his drive to make the lives of the people around him better, and his choice to walk away from that suicidal part of himself. It all is just enrapturing and, while I love Shallan's humor and Dalinar's struggles with redemption and doing what is right for his kingdom, I come back for rereads and quotes specifically for Kaladin. Oh, and Syl is fantastic.

[@madsjcon1836]

Have I read this book three times already? Yes! Will I still watch the video because I enjoy watching people gush about how amazing these books are? Yes!

[@nathanaelpoole1369]

I feel Dalanar and Iroh have a lot in common. Both formidable men with a dark past and seeking to be better.

[@yehudatheodoros6547]

the scene where the creatures chase Shallan genuinely had me panicking but in part one I was always annoyed when a chapter was about her instead of Kaladin

[@alinastarkov]

whaaat I had the opposite reaction, every time the pov shifted from shallan to kaladin (especially the flashbacks with his dad) i went like “noooo”

[@jojosoni]

Same. I found chapters with her so boring

[@sethcordle15]

That’s how I felt about Dalinar/Adolin, but I loved Kaladin & Shallan!

[@toohappy5305]

I was frustrated with every perspective change. Let me keep reading Shallan's story! Noo Let me keep reading Kaladin's story! STOP SWITCHING AT THE GOOD PARTS!!!! 😂

[@Liesmith424]

"Book two is Shallan." Um, *EXCUSE* you. You've completely overlooked the most important character of the entire Cosmere. Maybe a quote will refresh your memory: "I am a STICK."

[@CaramelFae]

Ah, Adonalsium's most famous appearance

[@John-lo2wn]

No mating!

[@itsRepe]

Finally someone gets it!

[@leonhartdragomir8948]

My memory needs more refreshing. Who says that?

[@CopyCatMonster]

@@leonhartdragomir8948 A stick... the stick ain't lying!

[@AslamYusof]

"Honor is dead, but I'll see what I can do" goosebumps

[@zacharylewis1944]

Just got to that part ahhhhhhhh

[@emiloberg2110]

I just finished the book yesterday (took me exactly 4 months😂), now that I collected my thoughts, here they are: *SPOILER WARNING FOR tWoK* I love Shallan. I didn't connect fully with Jasnah but I can see why people may love her later. I love Navani, I actually enjoyed her forwardness, even though it wasn't right for Dalinar. I appreciated how Sanderson portrayed their interaction in a way that both showed how taboo and wrong it was all the while showing both of their affection for one another. I loved Kabsal and Shallan. I shipped them a lot and it broke my heart. Shallan's inner turnmoil was so compelling and I recognized myself a lot in her and when she betrayed Jasnah and then later came clean, affected me a lot. BRIDGE FOUR. BRIDGE FOUR. BRIDGE FOUR. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH I really enjoy Teft. I love Rock so much. I didn't really connect a lot with Lopen. I don't really see why you say that people connect so much with him in this book, as I felt that he was more of a comic relief character. SYL. I loved her so much, her journey was so good! I really enjoyed the flashbacks of Tien and Laral? (or what Kaladin's friend's name was) and it broke my heart in every flashback when I got to read about Tien and how happy he was, all the time knowing he would die. Laral's betrayal cut deep. The worldbuilding was a lot. I understand that this is a very ground-laying book, but it became too much sometimes. There was so much words thrown around that I had no sense of what they meant, e.g. fabrial, Knights Radiant, Heralds, all the history epochs etc. but when I later got to learn about them it clicked a bit and I started to appreciate the worldbuilding more, and now look forward to rereading the book again and noticing all the details. SADEAS. I don't need to say anything more. I HATE HIM SO MUCH. The Taravangian thing shocked me. Did not expect that. Nor did i expect the reveal of Jasnah's abilities. (i think i forgot about a reveal here) I did however suspect that Shallan had killed her father. Szeth was amazing. I really enjoyed his chapters a lot, but I would've appreciated some non-combat chapters from him. The whole scenes in the last battle where Dalinar came to peace with himself and when Kaladin was so good. I started Words of Radiance yesterday and I look forward to reading the rest of the books. Sorry that this comment was all over the place. This book was so big I already forgot a lot and probably missed some big things I enjoyed.

[@animalobsessed1]

I feel the same about the whole Kabsal incident. Even when it was revealed, I kept trying to find loopholes for it it might turn out to not be true. But Sanderson doesn't do loopholes... :( About Sadeas... for the longest time, I kept thinking he was going to be a redeemable anti-hero, or the "bad one one the good team" but I was so wrong...! I'm reading Words of Radiance now, and it's just making all my feelings for all the characters so much stronger. Dalinar was my least favorite in WoK but I think he's becoming my favorite character now. (Well, Szeth might still be my favorite, but it's hard to tell when we get so little of him. I get so riled up every time he so much as gets MENTIONED, but rationally I know he's so much less fleshed out than the other characters at this point. I'm sure he'll get more depth in the future.)

[@emiloberg2110]

@@animalobsessed1 omg! I am currently reading the fourth book, RoW! It only gets better!

[@yuriquadros1805]

Szeth's book is the 5th one, book 4, Rhytmn of War, is focused on Eshonai and Venli.

[@Liesmith424]

Book 4 is focused on Pattern's abstinence-only education plan.

[@elon4417]

I believe Brandon hinted at it only focusing on Venli, that it became a bit odd to include Eshonai? I may be wrong, and/or he might have changed his mind though.

[@Hadrian1616]

You stole the comment right out of my head. Well done.

[@toastybreadbowl]

You just made my day by kindering my flicker of hope for Szeth still being alive for book 5

[@yuriquadros1805]

There will be flashbacks for Eshonai as for Venli. And book 5 being Szeth flashbacks does not mean he is alive by the end of book 4, can look for the WoB about it.

[@shashanksrivastava5772]

I feel that Shallan has the same brand of humour as Chandler. They have trained their minds to look for the jokes in every moment, just so that they can avoid thinking about their tragic past.

[@janhavi1977]

Yup, and also Harry Potter. He also makes jokes during dark or intense moments which really annoys Hermione, lol. I can see how people find Shallan annoying because of her humor, but I personally love her!

[@violetalar5387]

Yes! My thoughts exactly. I don't think she's specially proud of her wits. I thinks it's more of a self defense system to protect herself from her traumas.

[@stevemarethyu3003]

That's a great comparison!

[@LoganE]

Lucky same. She might be my favorite character in the series

[@Haxerous]

Now I can't get that mental image put of my head. 😂

[@teganj9512]

I think Kaladin and Dalinar are my favorites so the part when Kaladin goes back for Dalinar made me teary eyed

[@Afronautsays]

Reads Stormlight : omg Reads Stormlight again : OMG Reads Stormlight AGAIN : OMFG

[@TManNick17]

I'm on my 3rd re-read and listening to it with my partner, who is listening to it for the first time. SO MUCH is laid out from the beginning. SO MUCH.

[@joeybagadonuts5763]

This. I'm on my second reread right now its so godam good.

[@OrbitalCookie]

And its funny to remember how it all went way over my head the first time. The big whooosh.

[@Stoneward1]

Shallan's humor is on purpose, she's supposed to be someone who tries too hard. Having a sense of humour that not everyone likes.

[@secret.dog.powers]

Comedians are typically the saddest people

[@meris8486]

Yeah in the first book she's still coming into her own with wit, the later books she's much less awkward

[@thebkg]

It's called a defensive mechanism.

[@kinghailz786]

Yeah! Totally... and I'm curious... Would you agree with these top 5 characters? I think you'll dig it kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ27kniFf7eFhbs

[@pasqualelibertino6141]

As well as it literally being a plot/character point with Jasnah that Shallan is witty, yes, but more importantly, her tongue is too quick for her brain. Jasnah specifically mentions to Shallan that this is a point she needs to work on better IN ORDER to have a truer sense of wit. It’s not just that Shallan is witty. She’s not quite there. She needs to learn when to hold her tongue and to focus less on the low blows.

[@jnorristube]

The moment that Syl goes away, and Kaladan , says “don’t go” wow , 😢 so amazing... and yes! Bridge 4!

[@cstoryusmc]

One of my favorite Bridge 4 moments is when kaladin finally broke through Tefts barriers and got him to open up. and the dynamics between rock, teft and kal in the last half is amazing

[@stevemarethyu3003]

There are roots of Shallan's issues in Oathbringer that popped out at me in a recent reread of Words of Radiance. The first time I read Oathbringer I thought her descent was abrupt, but starting early in book 2 there are hints of where she's going, even beyond the obvious one. She deals with stress and trauma by repressing it and when she faces trauma early in that book she uses the magic to repress her feelings. It gets her out of the life and death situation she's in, but it lays the seeds for her losing control in Oathbringer.

[@akuma6135]

There are sticks*

[@gauravdeore4299]

Just finished the book today..and I gotta say..WHAT AN AMAZING REVIEW!!!! All the amazing world building aside, just the emotional attachment to Kaladin as a character, makes me love this book soo soo much. His transformation from a depressed, suicidal person to an amazing beacon of hope...really really makes me sorta look up to him. MAN WHAT A NOVEL!

[@ThanatoselNyx]

Nice, hope this review didn't spoil too much. Have fun with the rest of the books!

[@manaalsidd]

I love love loved the first book! It was amazing majorly because of Kaladin’s backstory! Kaladin is undoubtedly my fav character. His growth as a character is so powerful and inspiring!

[@TheOnlyWay2Go.]

To me Shallan’s “wit” with her comedy seemed like a common way people who have undergone trauma deal with most situations. Some make jokes, more often dark or dry humor, and some like Shallan flex their wit in a way she could never do so back at home

[@OrbitalCookie]

Yeah, this becomes much more clear in the next books.

[@AlysN]

Rock is the emotional rock of Bridge 4

[@katiedickson3917]

I re-read this at the beginning of the year. I couldn't believe how well Sanderson did in writing a totally satisfying story within the book at the same time he's setting up a 10 book series. I think the completeness of Kaladins arc through the flashbacks had a lot to do with this. You get a real sense of beginning middle and end - most authors would only be able to give you beginning in a project like this.

[@Shade1453]

I'm pretty sure he's been working on this series behind the scenes for the past 20 years or something like that. This series is supposed to be his magnum opus, his crowning achievement. And it certainly looks like it's headed that way!

[@Haxerous]

@@Shade1453 I am not sure. He scrapped the original Way of Kings Prime in I think 2003 and rewrote the whole thing. A lot of stuff is planned for decades including stuff from other books such as Dragon Steel true and lot of stuff is knew because he felt the original just didn't work properly.

[@kinghailz786]

So would you agree with these top 5 characters? kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ27kniFf7eFhbs

[@and-reass2719]

After many years of not reading I decided I wanted to start again and somehow I randomly chose WoK based on review and cover I guess and I don't regret it. I still love WoK the most because Kaladin's arc is so interesting.

[@teganj9512]

Wow what a book to pick up after not reading for a while, I'm so glad you liked it!

[@TheOnlyWay2Go.]

For not ready for a while WOK is a serious heavy hitter to pick up. Glad you could handle and benefit from the read 🙏🏾

[@kinghailz786]

And what did you guys think of the characters? Would you agree with these top 5 characters? kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ27kniFf7eFhbs

[@keplar7243]

That’s exactly what I did too lol. I haven’t read for the fun of it since I was around 12, I’m 16 now so it’s been a while. I’m so glad I made the choice. Way of Kings is my favourite fiction book all time now.

[@TheThunder005]

Sanderson has an ability to plot and plan his books to a degree that is hard to find and it's why this series is so strong... Kaladin's Honor arc in this book is by far the most amazing writing. I have read and listened to this book multiple times and Kaladin's choice to say "the words" during the Tower brings tears every time, no matter how many times read!!

[@strictlyfantasy]

Awesome review! Kaladin is a great character. I mean just look at how he goes from being at the lowest of the low, contemplating suicide at one point to leading his men. Kaladin is one of my all time favourite characters which is why I did a character study video on him!! I especially like how he's a surgeon as well as a fighter. Despite being exhausted after a bridge run, he gets up and struggles to save as many of his crew as he can. Truly inspiring stuff.

[@JesusIsLifeForAll]

Hey, it you! I just finished watching your videos. They are great dude. :D

[@kinghailz786]

For sure... but would you agree with these top 5 characters? kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ27kniFf7eFhbs

[@bradenhazle4378]

I like Shallan. She gives a quirkiness factor, a literal personification of multi-personality, and a detective element to the story. She's a nice change of pace from big action or depression.

[@JKWuco]

Book 4 is Eshonai. Book 5 will be Szeth. "I guess I just don't think she's as clever as she does." PREACH. It took me a LONG TIME to like Shallan like 90% because of that. Also, definitely teared up when you read the parts about Bridge 4 going back for Dalinar.

[@eldergaming1218]

I still dont like her 😂, her jokes kinda make me cringe. But she def has depth and significance and moments

[@watashinonamaewajiso]

It ended up being an Eshonai/Venli hybrid.

[@MeMySkirtandI]

This book, and the entire Stormlight Archive has been my tether to sanity during the whole pandemic. Just hearing you read some of the pages hits me in the feels. I love Kaladin, and will never stop rooting for him.

[@nanotyrannus5435]

Book 4 is going to be Venli/Eshonai, Eshonai will be the flashback character. Book 3 used ot be Szeths book in the original plan, but Dalinar fit the conclusion of that book better (And OH BOY, does he fit it). Book 5 will be Szeths book. Jasnah is Book 10s flashbacks. And nobody thinks Shallan is as witty as she thinks she is.

[@bani5755]

Jasnah is Book 10? But aren't the last 5 books going to be in a different timeline? But boy, I want Jasnah to have a book. She's my favourite character...

[@dominicshayler5323]

@@bani5755 all we know is that the "flashback" focus character doesn't have to be someone who's still around necessarily. Brandon has said that knowing the list doesn't guarantee anything about that character's safety!

[@julzbehr6696]

Sanderson has this strange crazy power, of ripping out my heart, smash it to pieces, Stich it back together with painful, yet wonderfully soft Stiches, then rams it back in your chest and leave a wound that feels like it can never heal.

[@darrindefouw4330]

Loved your review. So genuine. I've just begun reading this for the fourth time as I want to reread all three before Rhythm of War is released. Hands down, my favorite fantasy series and The Way of Kings may just be my favorite book of all time. Probably a three way tie between Dune, The Name of the Wind and The Way of Kings. I really enjoyed watching you tear up as you revisited some of the awesomeness of this book. My favorite part: Dalinar trading his Shardblade for Kal's crew. Damn. So heartwrenching. That's the moment when I knew Dalinar was a character I could love as much as Kaladin. Keep reading, Merphy! And keep the videos coming. I enjoy listening to you. 😊

[@blakejackson5340]

I’m so glad you finally read this!! My favorite book of all time!

[@kinghailz786]

Really?... so would you agree with these top 5 characters? kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ27kniFf7eFhbs

[@aliciasorenson3807]

You're making me want to do a reread! I loved this first book and Kaladin so much.

[@kinghailz786]

Damn. You're smoking! Anyway... if you're a fan check out this top 5 character vid... kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ27kniFf7eFhbs

[@Crucio09]

Just finished The Way of Kings. It’s the best book I’ve ever read. 😁

[@josephinepuck8370]

Yeah, I had mixed feelings at times about Shallan. I didn’t love her wittiness because it felt forced, which annoyed me but I felt that was on purpose because her humor was a coping mechanism not a honest representative of herself. Though from book 2 and especially the end of book 3 I loved her. I was crying at her big triumphant moment in Oathbringer. I was crying off and on during the last 200 pages to be honest.

[@samanthatorres1584]

I just finished it! I loved Kaladin so much. I loved Rock's interactions. I think he's hilarious. And that ENDING! Dalinar giving it up for their lives. That got to me!

[@benparrish6157]

I was so confused when you started talking about Szeth (if that’s how you spell it) because the whole book I pronounced it as seth😂

[@lukexavier9770]

I pronounced like every name different to her - the only ones i did the same were Szeth, Kaladin, Dalinar and Syl (although if I'm talking about Szeth with a mate I'll just say Seth cos I cba with pronouncing that sheizer)

[@kinghailz786]

You'll dig this top 5 characters vid, wonder if you'll agree... kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ27kniFf7eFhbs

[@catrionainglis5483]

I'm not sure you're supposed to be charmed by Shallan I'm not sure you're even supposed to find her that funny. I always saw her humour as a deflection as part of her anxiety. Honestly I love Shallan, I also found her difficult in book one but mainly because I just found her chapters less exciting that Kaladins and Dalinars but in books two and three I think she might be my favourite character. She's just so gritty and resilient and persistent and I love that in a character.

[@JKWuco]

I think Shallan's humor not being that funny would be far more okay if both she and other people didn't gush about how clever she is. It's SO undeserved. She's a character who grew on me, and I've liked a bit more on rereads. I like the aspect of it being a mask for her, but I get tired of hearing about how clever she is (even in Jasnah's rebukes of how she uses wit as a shield, she admits Shallan's jokes are clever) when I really didn't think she was at all. I get why people like her and I think her character is realistic and has a decent arc, but that doesn't mean I need to be personally enjoy reading her. The hard thing is that, if everyone didn't keep talking about how clever she is, I'd probably find her less annoying.

[@begejekan1244]

@@JKWuco correct me if I'm wrong, but it is said that she is witty rather than clever and it shows because she always quick with her jokes even though a lot of them are lame.

[@TheOnlyWay2Go.]

JKWuco well she’s witty, and it clever. To me wittiness is a display of word play on a high level. While being clever is more of an intelligence based thing. You don’t have to be a genius to be witty, and reading Shallan’s word play, if not humorous or clever, is a display of wit.

[@JKWuco]

@@TheOnlyWay2Go. By that definition, I'd honestly say she's more clever than she is witty, then. She's plenty smart, but her wordplay is...usually really bad and forced.

[@catrionainglis5483]

@@JKWuco I completely get what you mean by that. The wit is totally forced at points. But I've always thought it's a response to her being uncomfortable. It's a way of distracting for the situation. So we aren't supposed to find her wit amusing we are supposed to be slightly uncomfortable with it because she is uncomfortable. The wit is a lie

[@megalexialpha]

Sadeas is Better than Amaram, all we know that, Sadeas at least says the things in your face, Amaram is a Coward who can't face the people he betrayed

[@dhruveshpatel1109]

I think because Amaram's got a conscience. He is doing all things because he is convinced that it needs to be done in the greater scheme of things.

[@lukexavier9770]

tbf Amaram does get the short end of the stick quite a lot - like yes he does some bad shit but he also does quite a lot of good stuff - I mean the image about him isn't just made up from nowhere and a lot of the stuff he get's confronted about is just him following the legacy of Gavilar and what Gavilar (his king and friend) wanted him to do - It's not like he took the shards from Kaladin (almost said kelsier there xD) originally he wanted the better soldier to have them and Kaladin refused (and imo his reasoning for it wasn't that gr8 when facing the prospect of how insanely powerful shards are at that time in the story) so he was forced to take drastic (although uncalled for) measures

[@Trelander84]

This book quite literally defined my goals and objectives as a leader and manager in my work life.

[@carissanorris5399]

Man, did I feel you, Merphy! You had me getting teary! This is my 3rd favorite book series and I just finished rereading The Way of Kings as well. Fell even more deeply in love with it. Kaladin is my favorite character in this book, but yes to Dalinar in the 3rd book and for me, my favorite character in the whole series. As for Shallan, first read through I held her at a distance, seeing how she could go either way, down or up, and I didn't trust her. At the same time, I feel Sanderson nailed her naivete, her awkwardness, even her forced humor used to cover up her insecurities with witty jibes. And I love her growth through the rest of the series. I feel she has a long arc, so we kind of have to hold on for the long haul in her case. Anyway, thanks for the review! Love it!

[@Grungivaldi]

Syl and kaladins relationship breaks my heart. Her love and devotion make me tear up just thinking about it

[@txy9911]

You said that you love rock: There will be a rock novella set between books 4 and 5 and Sanderson will write this summer a Rysn novella set between 3 and 4.

[@daniel_arevalo_6490]

I wasn’t interested in this book when you first began it, but after listening to your description of it and entering into a few of the moments within this book with you, I just added it to my Merph list haha Hope you feel better soon! Love your videos, keep ‘em comin’!

[@samkathryn4825]

Not going to finish watching this yet; just wanted to pop in and tell you that you have inspired me to read Brandon Sanderson. I went to the bookstore last Friday and picked up Mistborn and Skyward. I have considered reading Sanderson for years but it was your love of him that made me decide to buy the books and read them. We have very similar tastes, so I know I will end up loving Sanderson. Once I get to The Way of Kings, I’ll be back for this review!

[@lukexavier9770]

if you don't enjoy Mistborne or get bored of it (typically happens in like the first 250 pages), read Way of Kings anyways I loved it soo much more and flew through the currently released books, genuinely its so good - after that i was able to come back to Mistborne (which I'd previously began reading and got bored of), this time I'm listening to the audio book and am enjoying it much more.

[@violetalar5387]

Everytime I hear someone reviewing this book I feel like leaving everything else I'm reading at the moment and read this one again. I loved it so much.

[@kinghailz786]

Loool... in that case, I'll slide in a cheeky plug :P haha... Would you agree with these top 5 characters? kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ27kniFf7eFhbs

[@alphamike5362]

I'm planning on reading this book next month for the first time. Looking forward to coming back and watching this video when I finish!

[@kinghailz786]

Lool... in that case sexy 4 eyes 😏... when you come back, check this out too. It's a top 5 character vid... kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ27kniFf7eFhbs

[@Diffyemo]

I love when I finish a book and see that you have done a review. You are so attuned to how you are feeling in ways that I feel but couldn't articulate. And that's why I like your reviews. It helps me reflect on what I've read in a way that's like when a word is on the tip of your tongue, and you say the word I was trying to think of.

[@mehmetcanyakut2418]

Just finished it and rushed here. Amazing book. Definitely can't wait to start reading the 2nd. I haven't seen others comment about it so; I think Kaladin's time being hung up is underrated. I've never came close to crying more than the time when little Syl, shaped like a little girl was trying to protect Kal in the middle of a storm with arms facing forward. A smal spren with a big heart

[@oneday142]

Literally, SAME. Such a great community and so happy to know many other ppl put life aside to finish the last leg of the book in one go 😂. EPIC.

[@sarafina1263]

Yesssss. This is exactly what I need to get out of my reading slump and to pick up Oathbringer.

[@RoseHat713]

I'm reading the Stormlight for the first time right now partially because of you and Daniel Greene's recommendations! I enjoyed Way of Kings. I love Shallan and Kaladin. But I feel totally alone in thinking Dalanar was a little boring. I feel like all the reviews I see people love his perspective and I am really hoping I get on board in the next two books.

[@idlecurator5365]

I feel totally alone for loving Dalinar’s perspective but not liking Kaladin or Shallans

[@robertkruger5744]

@@idlecurator5365 dalinar's arc is slowww at first. It'll pick up, don't worry

[@michael305m3]

@@idlecurator5365 Kaladin’s was my favorite but I agree with you about shallan. Her flashbacks in the 2nd book bored me to death and I didn’t care much for the ghost blood arc with her.

[@graciemullan2701]

I adore Kaladin so much. I relate and see myself in him, but I also see a better side of myself through him and what I could be. He feels so real and I find myself thinking about him at random points of the day and wondering how he would approach and react to the things I am doing. He’s truly special

[@Jesmarie7]

Omg and when Kaladin said the Second Ordeal and started fighting the Parshendi... O M G! 🙌🏻 that was just sweet epicness right there! I felt you too when you were talking about the scene were Kal is putting up the bridge to save Dalinar.. I wanted to jump and scream and all the feels!! SOOOO GOOD!!

[@KaNoMikoProductions]

"Second Ordeal" lmao

[@glomar9982]

Syl and Kaladin are relationship goals. I found Kaladin's chapters so painful. It literally hurt to read them. So many FEELS.

[@kinghailz786]

Lool. True dat! Would you agree with these top 5 characters? kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ27kniFf7eFhbs

[@caspianrobins7756]

I just finished this book. I read the last 500 pages today. It was so good! I could barely put it down.

[@crimsonraen]

Oooh my gosh, YES! SUCH an amazing book! I'm almost done book 2, and AHHHHH!

[@JennMiller]

I found it hard to get into at first and it took me almost a year to make it 100 pages in. Finally, I got the audiobook and started listening during my commutes. It's difficult to figure out, but as you go the characters are done so well that you become committed to seeing them through their journey. I have a feeling that I'll grow to love the series more upon re-read. I especially loved how the characters were both honorable and flawed. They showed authentic complexity and their actions supported their motivations.

[@pedroalves7290]

English is my second language and man I just loved the way you pronounce their names

[@ericslingerland5472]

i am not always a fan of audio books, i listened to this one while working my last job, and I have to say on this particular series, the voice work adds a ton to this series. I strongly recommend a listen

[@knightradiant]

Did you just listen to the regular audiobook? Check out GraphicAudio's version mate. Full on radio play-type deal. Different voices for every character, battle noises in battle scenes, etc. Really, really, really good.

[@cuchanu]

I listened to the graphic audio sample and it was definitely NOT for me.

[@Epilus]

Good timing on starting this series - the fourth book should be coming out this fall. One of my most anticipated books this year.

[@PokeLSouma]

It's a reread for her for the book 4 release :)

[@ehellstrom7127]

It is my most anticipated book.

[@mommynico]

I cant wait for it! I preordered it already and I'm SO excited!!!

[@wwfix3224]

I bet hers is Thorn of Camorr

[@wwfix3224]

I mean thorn of emberlain

[@apolloverizon279]

Merphy, I see you use small post its to mark sections of the book. Could you share with us someday how you take notes in order to remember the story? You are amazing stay awesome!

[@analyzationm]

She has already made a video on how she annotates you can go and check it out if you want😀

[@Liatriss]

Woo Sanderson! His channel is amazing. Free master class essentially for anyone interested in writing.

[@justincroft2299]

I finished this book for the second time last night, right in time for the reread with my friend starting today. I love this book! Thanks for the review!

[@saumya2689]

Oh man I want to cry every time I read that scene where kal turns around for dalinar. Always love your reviews

[@DavidWilliams-rv8vj]

This is one of the best books I've ever read. I didn't love Mistborn but I'm so glad that I picked up Stormlight anyway. All three of the currently released books are masterpieces.

[@dvgains2740]

just finished it. I literally couldn’t put the book down from page 800 until 1000. That ending was so dang good, my heart was pounding the whole time. Starting the second book tomorrow :)

[@sil3nthunter1]

Amazing review. Sanderson really knows how to write emotionally, and you have mentioned all the scenes that I love too, and probably everyone who have read The Way of Kings. I don't understand how it is possible to hate that book.

[@Hadrian1616]

That moment when Kaladin punched Moash. Yes, do that some more please.

[@Colaman112]

Tien *gets conscripted* Kaladin: I volunteer as tribute. Roshone: This isn't the Hunger Games, boy! I'll take who I want.

[@godhathirumalaianandanpill3140]

Me during the whole book: *always keeps talking to the characters while pathetically wishing that me talking to them would make things happy and nice for all of them- mainly Kal*

[@gecko4878]

It's not pathetic, its human and it's called empathy

[@jackslowe5220]

Thank you for your review! It baffles me how much you read and how many video you make!!!

[@LiteratureScienceAlliance]

Michael Knipp really does make amazing content and is such a wonderful booktuber in the community!! Also just love watching people discover and review a series I love ☺️

[@codylambert4348]

I read Way of Kings based on your recommendation in another of your videos. I loved it so much.

[@elsecallermuu8552]

I love LOVE the stormlight archive!! My favourite series ever. Did my reread last month for the entire series, and planning another oathbringer reread right before RoW comes out :)

[@aaronm8143]

Stopped reading years ago when I was depressed. Recently go back into it, and this was the 2nd book I started. This is the best book I’ve ever read in my opinion. Started Mistborn before this, and loved it . Way of the kings though is even better. Really looking forward to diving into the worlds Brandon Sanderson has created. I hope there’s a massive cosmere crossover with the mistborn, and stormlight characters outside of Hoid.

[@Banzakai]

I found your channel through some of you Harry Potter things, eventually coming onto your complete breakdown of everything that is Snape. The way you handled that video, and all 7 books concerning everything Snape was brilliant and nuanced in wonderful ways and I loved it. Now you’re doing reviews of my favorite books and talking about all the parts that hit me hardest. I think I’m in love. Seriously though, I think this one was exceedingly well done, and I can’t wait for the other 2 in this series. It’s almost more exciting than the wait for book 4.

[@janhavi1977]

Kaladin's arc is so amazing! He's one of the most complex and in-depth characters ever written! I love him to death. Dalinar and Shallan are great too, and Moash deserves more credit! He's sort of assumed Kaladin's role in Oathbringer and I can't wait to see where his story goes! Unpopular opinion - Jasnah's overrated, don't care much for her.

[@elanmorin3005]

Moash deserves more credit for being an ass

[@rishavraj3766]

I just finished last night, and loved the book so much. I found the pace of the resolutions a bit meh, there was this slow building of conflict throughout the book that I really treasured, and then the last 5% was climax and resolution. I would have appreciated more full climax and resolution.

[@SilvrSavior]

Moash is so fantastic at his roll that there is an entire subreddit to just hurl expletives at him.

[@MistbornTaylor]

Poor Merphy is gonna have to wait until 2023 for Szeth's book. Next book is Eshonai/Venli/mystery character

[@sjajsjsja4523]

I didn't connect with Shallan as a character either, but I LOVED all the worldbuilding we get during her chapters. I also found her plot interesting, so I'm hesitantly excited for her to be a big part of book 2.

[@Merlijn1994]

I've only read the way of kings so please no spoilers for future books! Sadeas is such an amazing antagonist, I feel like his character is the definition of 'love to hate him', he's great But also I love that Rocks arc can be summed up like: from calling Kaladin an airsick lowlander to calling Kaladin an airsick lowlander, lovingly

[@suneilgoel3144]

finished last night, it took 8 days I literally could not put it down. the last 200 pages oh my god

[@danielvanrooyen9602]

So many great moments in the Stormlight. I am with you, Stormlight number one, Gentleman Bastards number two.

[@couchpotatoe91]

Can I just mention how freaking good these glasses look on Merphy? I don't know exactly why, but they really compliment her face!

[@eulavmaballs246]

Got that sexy librarian looks

[@jakescott431]

I just had to stop myself from telling you what the quote you were trying to find was because I forgot this was a pre-recorded video. You have such a unique skill to be able to talk to a camera as if you were talking to a close friend that's sitting next to you. Its amazing :)

[@TiliaHaggstrom]

THE ENDING I love the scene you mentione when Dalinar sees the bridge, and when he is amazed to see them hold it aginst the Parshendi. But my favourit scene is when Dalinar gives Sadeas his blade, and the conversation after What is a man's life worth?

[@andscifi]

You talked a bit about Kaladin being at his lowest moment and my favorite part of that scene was the idea that since he had nothing he had nothing to lose so why not try. That was the moment that this book had me and while I loved the ending I think he could have stopped there and I would have been fine.

[@gerardbargallo4015]

Hey Merph!! I really enjoy your videos! I have only read WoK so I know nothing more that what happens in that book. Right now, it's possible that Szeth kills Dalinar. However, if the flashbacks of book 3 are from him as you said... No more stakes for that. It's okay, you didn't mean it as a spoiler, but for the next time be careful!

[@joronah8650]

OMG. Gentleman Bastards and Stormlight Archive are also my favorites right now! And I think I know why.. It's most likely because of both the authors' mastery of flashbacks.. Always a fan when a writer takes a chunk of pages just to flesh-out characters.

[@katethegreat4918]

I listened to this one on audiobook and I didn’t know there were pictures. I want to read it (like, y’know the normal way) even more now.

[@julie92hostrup]

I just finished it! It is amazing! When they turned back to help Dalinar I had to stand up and read, because I couldn't sit still! What a ride! Cannot wait to read book 2!

[@therealtromboneguy]

I feel like talking about how characters are in future books even vaguely is a minor spoiler - it lets us know that they don’t die

[@stevemarethyu3003]

Hope you didn't end up getting sick! I love Stormlight and the Cosmere in general, so I'm excited that you're doing this reread. There's nothing better than rereading Stormlight books. Even on my fifth full reread, I noticed new things/made new connections!

[@feliperodriguezmunoz8155]

Next book is Venli/Eshonai backstory and Jasnah's book is supposed to be the tenth.

[@noelnovels6511]

Where did you see the 10th will be Jasnah’s? I pretty much figured the 4th will be Venli/Eshonai because of the title. Lol.

[@darkness6635]

A Coppermindreader Coppermind’s page on The Stormlight Archive. They are still subject to change.

[@SS-rr7by]

Syl being Honorspren (the reveal, everything leading up to it as well) is one of my favorite book developments EVER

[@selantrian]

I totally agree on the Shallan and Navani thing, I don’t think they shine until WoR. I always liked who Shallan could be and while reading it I caught glimpses of just what she’s been through, but I think Sanderson writes the character he meant for her much better in the second book. And Navani was presented in a way that was kind of hard to tell if she’s trustworthy bc of the pressure she puts on Dalinar but I think when you see more of their relationship you get her more. I haven’t read OB yet but I’ve heard she gets better. Dalinar’s perspective has always been my fav What hurt me the most with kaladin’s backstory is that he never went home. He never let his parents love him and grieve with him and forgive him for his promise or tell him they never had to. Whatever happens, I hope we see that for kaladin in this series I love the syl love, she’s one of my favorites. Rock is also my favorite of Bridge Four, other than Kaladin, bc he’s just so interesting. His perspective is so different and unique. WoK is such a stellar beginning to my new favorite series, I just love it