The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I haven't read an epic fantasy since finishing the Wheel of Time. While I enjoyed this book, you have to be ready for the scale of a story this ambitious. The mystery, the clues, the complexity, and conflict are all matched to the 1000+ page count.

Pros- I love the philosophy and value systems of the main characters. Here are good people that are actually good. I'm not saying they will stay squeaky clan the whole time (Shalon is a bit of an exception so far), but good characters should have a strong positive value system in my book. The drama enters in when they make mistakes or question those values.

Cons- This is petty, but the monetary system is impractical. I get how the spheres play into the story, but couldn't they embed jewels into coins or discs just as easily? The issue is that glass spheres are just impractical to carry, transact with, etc. They are too bulky and too fragile. Throughout history money has had to be portable to be practical. The question is how to carry as much value as easily as possible, and I think this design is a huge miss. I do like the everyday uses of Stormlight, such as household lighting, but again, it doesn't make sense as a monetary system. If light bulbs are worth hundreds of dollars, I guarantee they would all walk away over time and we would all be sitting in candle light. But it would happen slowly because how could you carry more than a dozen light bulbs? Even small ones?

I'm excited to get on to the next book. Besides, I'm signed up for the book 3 release party, so the clock is ticking. ..