The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

Roshar is a world shaken by violent highstorms and led by men who wield shardblades - the ancient weapons of the mysterious and long-disappeared Knights Radiant. On the ruined landscape of the shattered plains, Dalinar Kholin tries to unite the squabbling high princes of Roshar against a puzzling foe while being troubled by ancient visions. In the same war, Kaladin struggles to save his fellow slaves in a conflict where they are considered expendable. Lastly, a young scholar, Shallan, is apprenticed to Dalinar's heretic sister - and plans a daring theft.

The Way of Kings is a big, sprawling fantasy novel with lots of twisting plot lines, hundreds of characters and a story that shifts back and forth in time. It was confusing at first as I was launched straight into the action with no explanation of what was going on and bombarded with lots of words that I didn't know the meaning of - brightlord, oathpact, stormlight etc - but within a few chapters I was hooked. The world-building is staggering - Roshar is a world with a rich history, unique landscapes and challenging weather - and for a book that exceeds 1,000 pages, the pace barely lags. However, my favourite aspect of the book was the characters. They are so complex and real and human and they all have to face difficult decisions and the consequences. Dalinar is doubting his own sanity and trying to be an honourable man. Kaladin is struggling with the responsibilities of leadership. Shallan is torn between a genuine love of learning and family duty. The choices that each makes are what propels this book forward to a satisfying conclusion - and springboard to the next book.

I think Brandon Sanderson may be my new favourite author. I loved this book, and it fully deserves its glittering rating on Goodreads. Seriously, if you love fantasy, check out this book.

Read On: I've already ordered the next book in what is planned to be a ten-book series (eek!), Words of Radiance. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin is another fantasy series with hundreds of plot lines and thousands of characters.