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The Stormlight Archive [Dramatized Adaptation] #1, Part 1 of 5
The Way of Kings (1 of 5) [Dramatized Adaptation]
Roshar is a world of stone and storms. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain so frequently that they have shaped ecology and civilization alike. Animals hide in shells, trees pull in branches, and grass retracts into the soilless ground. Cities are built only where the topography offers shelter.
It has been centuries since the fall of the 10 consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and suits of armor that transform ordinary men into near-invincible warriors. Wars were fought for them, and won by them. One such war rages on the Shattered Plains. There, Kaladin has been reduced to slavery. In a war that makes no sense, where 10 armies fight separately against a single foe, he struggles to save his men and to fathom the leaders who consider them expendable.
Brightlord Dalinar Kholin commands one of those other armies. Like his brother, the late king, he is fascinated by an ancient text called The Way of Kings. Troubled by visions of ancient times and the Knights Radiant, he has begun to doubt his own sanity.
Across the ocean, an untried young woman named Shallan seeks to train under an eminent scholar and notorious heretic, Dalinar's niece, Jasnah. Though she genuinely loves learning, Shallan's motives are less than pure. As she plans a daring theft, her research for Jasnah hints at secrets of the Knights Radiant and the true cause of the war.
Director Rose Supan says, “Brandon Sanderson is at the top of his game with THE STORMLIGHT ARCHIVES. It's an honor to direct this story. The actors as well as our production team are thrilled to be a part of the process as well. I can proudly proclaim that the listener is in for a truly immersive experience!”
It has been centuries since the fall of the 10 consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and suits of armor that transform ordinary men into near-invincible warriors. Wars were fought for them, and won by them. One such war rages on the Shattered Plains. There, Kaladin has been reduced to slavery. In a war that makes no sense, where 10 armies fight separately against a single foe, he struggles to save his men and to fathom the leaders who consider them expendable.
Brightlord Dalinar Kholin commands one of those other armies. Like his brother, the late king, he is fascinated by an ancient text called The Way of Kings. Troubled by visions of ancient times and the Knights Radiant, he has begun to doubt his own sanity.
Across the ocean, an untried young woman named Shallan seeks to train under an eminent scholar and notorious heretic, Dalinar's niece, Jasnah. Though she genuinely loves learning, Shallan's motives are less than pure. As she plans a daring theft, her research for Jasnah hints at secrets of the Knights Radiant and the true cause of the war.
Director Rose Supan says, “Brandon Sanderson is at the top of his game with THE STORMLIGHT ARCHIVES. It's an honor to direct this story. The actors as well as our production team are thrilled to be a part of the process as well. I can proudly proclaim that the listener is in for a truly immersive experience!”
7 pages, Audio CD
First published August 31, 2010
16 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Sanderson
396 books284k followersI’m Brandon Sanderson, and I write stories of the fantastic: fantasy, science fiction, and thrillers.
The release of Wind and Truth in December 2024—the fifth and final book in the first arc of the #1 New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive series—marks a significant milestone for me. This series is my love letter to the epic fantasy genre, and it’s the type of story I always dreamed epic fantasy could be. Now is a great time to get into the Stormlight Archive since the first arc, which begins with Way of Kings, is complete.
During our crowdfunding campaign for the leatherbound edition of Words of Radiance, I announced a fifth Secret Project called Isles of the Emberdark, which came out in the summer of 2025. Coming December 2025 is Tailored Realities, my non-Cosmere short story collection featuring the new novella Moment Zero.
Defiant, the fourth and final volume of the series that started with Skyward in 2018, came out in November 2023, capping an already book-filled year that saw the releases of all four Secret Projects: Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and The Sunlit Man. These four books were all initially offered to backers of the #1 Kickstarter campaign of all time.
November 2022 saw the release of The Lost Metal, the seventh volume in the Mistborn saga, and the final volume of the Mistborn Era Two featuring Wax & Wayne. Now that the first arc of the Stormlight Archive is wrapped up, I’ve started writing the third era of Mistborn in 2025.
Most readers have noticed that my adult fantasy novels are in a connected universe called the Cosmere. This includes The Stormlight Archive, both Mistborn series, Elantris, Warbreaker, four of the five Secret Projects, and various novellas, including The Emperor’s Soul, which won a Hugo Award in 2013. In November 2016 all of the existing Cosmere short fiction was released in one volume called Arcanum Unbounded. If you’ve read all of my adult fantasy novels and want to see some behind-the-scenes information, that collection is a must-read.
I also have three YA series: The Rithmatist (currently at one book), The Reckoners (a trilogy beginning with Steelheart), and Skyward. For young readers I also have my humorous series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, which had its final book, Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians, released in 2022. Many of my adult readers enjoy all of those books as well, and many of my YA readers enjoy my adult books, usually starting with Mistborn.
Additionally, I have a few other novellas that are more on the thriller/sci-fi side. These include the three stories in Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds, as well as Perfect State and Snapshot. These two novellas are also featured in 2025’s Tailored Realities. There’s a lot of material to go around!
Good starting places are Mistborn (a.k.a. The Final Empire), Skyward, Steelheart, The Emperor’s Soul, Tress of the Emerald Sea, and Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians. If you’re already a fan of big fat fantasies, you can jump right into The Way of Kings.
I was also honored to be able to complete the final three volumes of The Wheel of Time, beginning with The Gathering Storm, using Robert Jordan’s notes.
Sample chapters from all of my books are available at brandonsanderson.com—and check out the rest of my site for chapter-by-chapter annotations, deleted scenes, and more.
The release of Wind and Truth in December 2024—the fifth and final book in the first arc of the #1 New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive series—marks a significant milestone for me. This series is my love letter to the epic fantasy genre, and it’s the type of story I always dreamed epic fantasy could be. Now is a great time to get into the Stormlight Archive since the first arc, which begins with Way of Kings, is complete.
During our crowdfunding campaign for the leatherbound edition of Words of Radiance, I announced a fifth Secret Project called Isles of the Emberdark, which came out in the summer of 2025. Coming December 2025 is Tailored Realities, my non-Cosmere short story collection featuring the new novella Moment Zero.
Defiant, the fourth and final volume of the series that started with Skyward in 2018, came out in November 2023, capping an already book-filled year that saw the releases of all four Secret Projects: Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and The Sunlit Man. These four books were all initially offered to backers of the #1 Kickstarter campaign of all time.
November 2022 saw the release of The Lost Metal, the seventh volume in the Mistborn saga, and the final volume of the Mistborn Era Two featuring Wax & Wayne. Now that the first arc of the Stormlight Archive is wrapped up, I’ve started writing the third era of Mistborn in 2025.
Most readers have noticed that my adult fantasy novels are in a connected universe called the Cosmere. This includes The Stormlight Archive, both Mistborn series, Elantris, Warbreaker, four of the five Secret Projects, and various novellas, including The Emperor’s Soul, which won a Hugo Award in 2013. In November 2016 all of the existing Cosmere short fiction was released in one volume called Arcanum Unbounded. If you’ve read all of my adult fantasy novels and want to see some behind-the-scenes information, that collection is a must-read.
I also have three YA series: The Rithmatist (currently at one book), The Reckoners (a trilogy beginning with Steelheart), and Skyward. For young readers I also have my humorous series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, which had its final book, Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians, released in 2022. Many of my adult readers enjoy all of those books as well, and many of my YA readers enjoy my adult books, usually starting with Mistborn.
Additionally, I have a few other novellas that are more on the thriller/sci-fi side. These include the three stories in Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds, as well as Perfect State and Snapshot. These two novellas are also featured in 2025’s Tailored Realities. There’s a lot of material to go around!
Good starting places are Mistborn (a.k.a. The Final Empire), Skyward, Steelheart, The Emperor’s Soul, Tress of the Emerald Sea, and Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians. If you’re already a fan of big fat fantasies, you can jump right into The Way of Kings.
I was also honored to be able to complete the final three volumes of The Wheel of Time, beginning with The Gathering Storm, using Robert Jordan’s notes.
Sample chapters from all of my books are available at brandonsanderson.com—and check out the rest of my site for chapter-by-chapter annotations, deleted scenes, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 21, 2020
I am beyond excited for my Re-Re-Read of The Stormlight Archives with Graphic Audio. And it was just as good the second time through.
I will only be talking about the wonder that is the Graphic Audio of this book more than the content. If you would like to see a review of Way of Kings please click Here
WOW!!! I’m really amazed at how good this is. I’ve never spent this kind of money on an audiobook, I mean even on sale I think it was right around $55 for WoKs and then another $55 for WoR. But since this is my 3rd read of the series going into Oathbringer I splurged and got it for myself. TOTALLY WORTH EVERY PENNY.
I listened to one other Graphic Audio prior to this on a story that was just okay. But this is Way of Kings, the story is Epic and I wasn’t sure this format would be able to make my enjoyment of it even better. But it totally has, no offense to Michael Kramer and Kate Reading they did a fantastic job with the other audio version, but this is just WOW.
You know in the movie when the background music comes on and it pretty much tells you how to feel? How it makes that moment in the movie just that much more intense. Well imagine the scene where Kaladin decides not to throw it all away, to stand up and try again, to walk into the worst situation in his life and try to make it better.
I got chills, literally my arms where all goose pimpled and I almost teared up and this isn’t even one of the most emotional scenes in the book.
Then Dalinar’s battle with the Chasmfiend…
OMG it was so much more EPIC with the powerful music playing in the background. Amazing is all I have to say.
I know that I can’t buy all my favorite books in Graphic Audio it just isn’t financiallyfeasible responsible but for some of my favorites that I know I will be reading time and time again, well I will not hesitate in the future to get those.
Way of Kings (1 of 5) – Includes the Prelude, All of Book 1 The Way of Kings, the first 3 interludes up to the fight against the Chasmfiend which is about 210 pages.
I will only be talking about the wonder that is the Graphic Audio of this book more than the content. If you would like to see a review of Way of Kings please click Here
WOW!!! I’m really amazed at how good this is. I’ve never spent this kind of money on an audiobook, I mean even on sale I think it was right around $55 for WoKs and then another $55 for WoR. But since this is my 3rd read of the series going into Oathbringer I splurged and got it for myself. TOTALLY WORTH EVERY PENNY.
I listened to one other Graphic Audio prior to this on a story that was just okay. But this is Way of Kings, the story is Epic and I wasn’t sure this format would be able to make my enjoyment of it even better. But it totally has, no offense to Michael Kramer and Kate Reading they did a fantastic job with the other audio version, but this is just WOW.
You know in the movie when the background music comes on and it pretty much tells you how to feel? How it makes that moment in the movie just that much more intense. Well imagine the scene where Kaladin decides not to throw it all away, to stand up and try again, to walk into the worst situation in his life and try to make it better.
I got chills, literally my arms where all goose pimpled and I almost teared up and this isn’t even one of the most emotional scenes in the book.
Then Dalinar’s battle with the Chasmfiend…
OMG it was so much more EPIC with the powerful music playing in the background. Amazing is all I have to say.
I know that I can’t buy all my favorite books in Graphic Audio it just isn’t financially
Way of Kings (1 of 5) – Includes the Prelude, All of Book 1 The Way of Kings, the first 3 interludes up to the fight against the Chasmfiend which is about 210 pages.
August 8, 2017
Storming Fantastic!
It took a lot of willpower from me to resist starting on my reread of The Way of Kings on Graphic Audio much earlier. I did take occasional sneakpeeks which only served to make me itch even more.
Finally, the time was right to commence the third reread of my favourite book, in anticipation of Oathbringer, and I can safely say that the experience was truly epic. The immersion factor of listening to this amazing book on GA was off the charts!! And we haven't even reached the climax.
Before TWOK, I have listened to Elantris and Warbreaker on the same medium. Perhaps it could be due to my overwhelming love for this series, but I noticed that the quality of GA's production has improved. The soundtrack was close to perfection and the background sound effects seemed less obtrusive against the narration. The choice of voice casting is always tricky as most readers would have already formed in their mind how their favourite characters will sound like. As far as I am concerned, I am happy enough with the voice actors and actresses but the one that stood out the most was Syl - absolute perfection!
Part 1 ended with the chapter Ten Heartbeats and the rendition of that action scene was spine-tinglingly good!
My full review for the physical book can be found here and at Booknest
It took a lot of willpower from me to resist starting on my reread of The Way of Kings on Graphic Audio much earlier. I did take occasional sneakpeeks which only served to make me itch even more.
Finally, the time was right to commence the third reread of my favourite book, in anticipation of Oathbringer, and I can safely say that the experience was truly epic. The immersion factor of listening to this amazing book on GA was off the charts!! And we haven't even reached the climax.
Before TWOK, I have listened to Elantris and Warbreaker on the same medium. Perhaps it could be due to my overwhelming love for this series, but I noticed that the quality of GA's production has improved. The soundtrack was close to perfection and the background sound effects seemed less obtrusive against the narration. The choice of voice casting is always tricky as most readers would have already formed in their mind how their favourite characters will sound like. As far as I am concerned, I am happy enough with the voice actors and actresses but the one that stood out the most was Syl - absolute perfection!
Part 1 ended with the chapter Ten Heartbeats and the rendition of that action scene was spine-tinglingly good!
My full review for the physical book can be found here and at Booknest
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November 28, 2021
2nd reread listen via GraphicAudio - fourth reread of The Way of Kings: Yep. I still love, love, love this. It seems I can't go longer than a year without re-experiencing my all-time favorite book. I ❤️ Kaladin.
Original review (2020)
I love, love, love this! Another AMAZING dramatized adaptation! You simply cannot go wrong with GraphicAudio. The voice acting is superb, the music is beautifully chosen to enhance both action and emotions and the novel is adapted in a way that allows you to enjoy the brilliance of The Way of Kings in maybe 35 hours instead of 45. (Yes, I have read the book, listened to the perfection that is the audiobook and now have completed my third reread with this adaptation. I recommend doing all three.)
Ok, so now I've established that I absolutely treasure this adaptation, you know I say this with love, even if a bit exasperatedly: Why do you use the same voice actors for two different characters? (Lirin and Amaram; Baxil’s friend Av and Adolin etc.) Those voices are distinctive - to me at least. I realize there is a great cast of characters but, come on, find a way! And I gotta say, Navani‘s character has never been my favorite and this actress‘s voice makes her incredibly annoying. (Incidentally, it is same voice as Sarene's in Elantris which I already found terribly grating in that production.)
If you're interested in listening to the GraphicAudio, be warned, though, they are quite expensive and I recommend waiting for them to offer a discount, which they often do. (I bought them for 50% off, for example. By the way, you can find most of Sanderson's work as a GraphicAudio production, some of which can be purchased at audible at a l0wer price. So maybe check there first; they seem to add further titles periodically.
Original review (2020)
I love, love, love this! Another AMAZING dramatized adaptation! You simply cannot go wrong with GraphicAudio. The voice acting is superb, the music is beautifully chosen to enhance both action and emotions and the novel is adapted in a way that allows you to enjoy the brilliance of The Way of Kings in maybe 35 hours instead of 45. (Yes, I have read the book, listened to the perfection that is the audiobook and now have completed my third reread with this adaptation. I recommend doing all three.)
Ok, so now I've established that I absolutely treasure this adaptation, you know I say this with love, even if a bit exasperatedly: Why do you use the same voice actors for two different characters? (Lirin and Amaram; Baxil’s friend Av and Adolin etc.) Those voices are distinctive - to me at least. I realize there is a great cast of characters but, come on, find a way! And I gotta say, Navani‘s character has never been my favorite and this actress‘s voice makes her incredibly annoying. (Incidentally, it is same voice as Sarene's in Elantris which I already found terribly grating in that production.)
If you're interested in listening to the GraphicAudio, be warned, though, they are quite expensive and I recommend waiting for them to offer a discount, which they often do. (I bought them for 50% off, for example. By the way, you can find most of Sanderson's work as a GraphicAudio production, some of which can be purchased at audible at a l0wer price. So maybe check there first; they seem to add further titles periodically.
August 26, 2024
2024 reread:
The graphic audio was great and a really fun way to do a reread!
___________
2020 Review:
It will literally never get old. Love it just as much as the first time.
2019 Review:
Still amazing.
2013 Review:
Brandon Sanderson can practically do no wrong in my book, and this is no different. This book is massive, and it's only the beginning of an epic series, yet I didn't want it to end. I listened to the audiobook, and 45 hours went by way too quickly. I can't wait for Words of Radiance.
The graphic audio was great and a really fun way to do a reread!
___________
2020 Review:
It will literally never get old. Love it just as much as the first time.
2019 Review:
Still amazing.
2013 Review:
Brandon Sanderson can practically do no wrong in my book, and this is no different. This book is massive, and it's only the beginning of an epic series, yet I didn't want it to end. I listened to the audiobook, and 45 hours went by way too quickly. I can't wait for Words of Radiance.
December 14, 2024
nothing short of perfect!
i love the sound effects, the narrators, the story. everything is like a masterpiece.
going to part 2 now <3 <3 <3
i love the sound effects, the narrators, the story. everything is like a masterpiece.
going to part 2 now <3 <3 <3
July 2, 2022
Big big fantasy world.
February 1, 2023
Este libro es absolutamente magistral. Enseña a la perfección lo que es el liderazgo, y muestra de manera realista en un libro de fantasía un tema como es la depresión. Su worldbuilding es una salvajada y eso que solo está empezando la saga. Es un prólogo de 1258 páginas en las que pasas gran parte del tiempo sin tener ni idea de qué va realmente el libro, PERO DA IGUAL, porque ejemplifica su lema de viaje antes que destino. Se cuece a fuego lento para explotar al final con una avalancha de momentos épicos y plot twists y da un viaje ejemplar en el que te desarrolla muchísimos personajes interesantísimos con los que puedes empatizar muchísimo. Además, con ese final abre la puerta a la verdadera historia, una historia mucho más grande y con mucho espacio para desarrollar aún más a los personajes ya introducidos, e introducir a nuevos personajes igual de interesantes. La relectura solo eleva el libro, al encontrar tantos detalles que presagian futuras revelaciones, y conexiones con todo el Cosmere.
Este libro es mi Biblia. Es perfecto, y me llegó directo al corazón. A seguir con la relectura de los siguientes, que no bajan el nivel.
Vida antes que muerte,
Fuerza antes que debilidad,
Viaje antes que destino.
Este libro es mi Biblia. Es perfecto, y me llegó directo al corazón. A seguir con la relectura de los siguientes, que no bajan el nivel.
Vida antes que muerte,
Fuerza antes que debilidad,
Viaje antes que destino.
September 12, 2020
This reread made me love this book even more. The characters have become some of my all time favorites and I'm really grateful for this story because honestly, it makes my life better.
Sanderson is a master of his craft and the Cosmere is full of wonder. I feel so much joy discovering new clues and the foreshadowing in this reread and I'm in awe at how much thought Brandon has put in this series.
Sanderson is a master of his craft and the Cosmere is full of wonder. I feel so much joy discovering new clues and the foreshadowing in this reread and I'm in awe at how much thought Brandon has put in this series.
May 6, 2022
The fact that I spent 45 hours 32 minutes and 59 seconds of my life on this..... I am thoroughly impressed by myself *pats self on the back*
3.5⭐
Interesting but not exciting
I think that's the best way that I could describe my feelings and general experience on this one
3.5⭐
Interesting but not exciting
I think that's the best way that I could describe my feelings and general experience on this one
June 8, 2022
By far the most emotional highs and lows I've felt by a story ever! Irrespective of all the mediums of entertainment! And this was my 3rd time reading it. Absolutely EPICEST THING EVER
September 6, 2019
I finally got around to reading Way of Kings, which has been on my radar for a while now. As a bit of a fantasy junkie you’d think I’d have read everything by Brandon Sanderson by now, but the couple I’ve started just haven’t really grabbed me. I decided to persevere longer with WoK and give it a chance to take hold, and I’m glad I did.
Yes, it has a reasonably steep learning curve, but I like that in a book; I’ll take slow and steady world building over info dumps any day. I found some of the battle scenes a little tedious but that’s just me, they were however very well done. Around half way in I began to become invested in the characters and started to really enjoy the book.
The Graphic Audio production is great and worked really well for this book, and I’m about to start Words of Radiance in the same format. Four and a half stars!
Yes, it has a reasonably steep learning curve, but I like that in a book; I’ll take slow and steady world building over info dumps any day. I found some of the battle scenes a little tedious but that’s just me, they were however very well done. Around half way in I began to become invested in the characters and started to really enjoy the book.
The Graphic Audio production is great and worked really well for this book, and I’m about to start Words of Radiance in the same format. Four and a half stars!
December 19, 2023
First time listening to an audiobook! Thoughts:
1. Kaladin is as painfully relatable as ever. I think his characterisation is one of Sanderson's best among everything he's written so far. He's fundamentally an emo kid who loves sassing people, it's just that he's also God's Favourite Soldier and that means he has crippling guilt and depression. I love him.
2. I found myself empathising with best boi Adolin a lot more than I did back in 2020. His love for Dalinar juxtaposed with the immense frustration he has wrt a lot of things Dalinar does and believes in....dare I say....Felt™. He's also the only character I think who does nice things because he's a nice guy, not for ideals like honour or whatever. He's a sweetheart.
3. Dalinar!!! I don't know who started the "haha Dalinar doesn't care for Renarin" memes, but they're so wrong. Every other Dalinar chapter is about how much he loves Renarin, in fact, one of his two regrets at the Tower was about not being able to fulfill his promise to get Renarin a set of Shards + leaving him alone to deal with the other highprinces. Ngl I slept during all his chapters while reading (and fell asleep while listening to his visions 😭) but this man is really going through so much oof. If I, a blunt and straightforward man, was fighting for my country's stability amidst schemers and liars (one of whom is my former best friend), dealing with the guilt of my brother's death, having arguments with my son every day, was being seduced by my sister-in-law, AND having visions from God, I'd be a pain in the ass too. Give this man a vacation.
4. I loved Shallan while reading WoK, she comes across as more naive while listening, or maybe I'm older. She's so stressed out all the time. I think it's a damn shame that she never got to pursue her scholarship fully, it's one of my favourite things about her. Also first woman on Roshar to be in a situationship. While having her bisexual awakening with Jasnah.
5. Jasnah reminds me of Olivier Mira Armstrong from FMAB. Never change, queen. I love her. What else to say. The Kholin family clearly has a streak for stubbornness, in which Dalinar and Jasnah are the most alike in how uncompromising they are.
6. I never trusted Navani in WoK, but her VA played her to perfection. MILFs deserve a second chance at love too.
7. Fuck Amaram, all my homies hate Amaram.
8. Moash is gay for Kaladin. That is all I'll say on this subject.
Speaking of which, Sadeas and Dalinar act like ex-lovers all through WoK, which would've been a really funny throwaway scene to have had in Oathbringer if Brando wasn't a coward about it.
1. Kaladin is as painfully relatable as ever. I think his characterisation is one of Sanderson's best among everything he's written so far. He's fundamentally an emo kid who loves sassing people, it's just that he's also God's Favourite Soldier and that means he has crippling guilt and depression. I love him.
2. I found myself empathising with best boi Adolin a lot more than I did back in 2020. His love for Dalinar juxtaposed with the immense frustration he has wrt a lot of things Dalinar does and believes in....dare I say....Felt™. He's also the only character I think who does nice things because he's a nice guy, not for ideals like honour or whatever. He's a sweetheart.
3. Dalinar!!! I don't know who started the "haha Dalinar doesn't care for Renarin" memes, but they're so wrong. Every other Dalinar chapter is about how much he loves Renarin, in fact, one of his two regrets at the Tower was about not being able to fulfill his promise to get Renarin a set of Shards + leaving him alone to deal with the other highprinces. Ngl I slept during all his chapters while reading (and fell asleep while listening to his visions 😭) but this man is really going through so much oof. If I, a blunt and straightforward man, was fighting for my country's stability amidst schemers and liars (one of whom is my former best friend), dealing with the guilt of my brother's death, having arguments with my son every day, was being seduced by my sister-in-law, AND having visions from God, I'd be a pain in the ass too. Give this man a vacation.
4. I loved Shallan while reading WoK, she comes across as more naive while listening, or maybe I'm older. She's so stressed out all the time. I think it's a damn shame that she never got to pursue her scholarship fully, it's one of my favourite things about her. Also first woman on Roshar to be in a situationship. While having her bisexual awakening with Jasnah.
5. Jasnah reminds me of Olivier Mira Armstrong from FMAB. Never change, queen. I love her. What else to say. The Kholin family clearly has a streak for stubbornness, in which Dalinar and Jasnah are the most alike in how uncompromising they are.
6. I never trusted Navani in WoK, but her VA played her to perfection. MILFs deserve a second chance at love too.
7. Fuck Amaram, all my homies hate Amaram.
8. Moash is gay for Kaladin. That is all I'll say on this subject.
Speaking of which, Sadeas and Dalinar act like ex-lovers all through WoK, which would've been a really funny throwaway scene to have had in Oathbringer if Brando wasn't a coward about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2019
3.75/5 Stars (.75 was added for the audiobook production)
My original review for 'The Way of Kings' was 3/5 Stars, and I was very harsh on the narrators for the Audible version of the tome. I wouldn't of considered myself a fan of audiobooks given the fact that I've only succeeded in listening to one from beginning to end once, and I had a miserable time as I did it. I always thought I could imagine the voices better if I were to read it myself. Well, the experience dampened my opinion of not only the first installment of the series, but the entire series (that has been published thus far). I simply couldn't forget how whiny they made certain characters sound whenever I came across them (I read the other two) in the books, and that was after an entire year of taking a break from Sanderson just to help my annoyance from overshadowing the entire Cosmere experience.
Well, fast forward some years when I came across Graphic Audio when I was looking for a particular part in TWoK. When I listened to it I was astounded at how well the production was even with only that one clip on Youtube. So I considered giving audiobooks and TWoK a second shot at impressing me and I found I quite enjoyed the experience much better when each major character had their own Voice Actor. I wasn't sure if the ambiance would be grating in the long run but for the most part its quite pleasant, and doesn't overpower the narrators. There are times when I think the ambiance may of done better if it was a touch lower in volume for example some action scenes get a bit 'loud'; which in turn makes me have to focus a bit more on the narrators to understand what they're saying, but its usually brief. After listening to the Graphic Audio for a few hours I ended up having my friends listen to a clip, and one of them isn't even a reader. My non-reader friend bought a Graphic Audio (I recommended he'd not start with TWoK given its length and the scope of the Cosmere so he started at Mistborn instead, and is steadily working his way through the Cosmere novels) that very day and started to listen to it, and ended up loving the experience.
I can safely say that Graphic Audio is worth a listen as its allowed me to enjoy a medium I've never liked before, and allowed me to enjoy a series I previously had a love/hate relationship with. If Graphic Audio may convert someone who doesn't traditionally enjoy audiobooks, and someone who isn't even a reader than I'd say its a winner.
My original review for 'The Way of Kings' was 3/5 Stars, and I was very harsh on the narrators for the Audible version of the tome. I wouldn't of considered myself a fan of audiobooks given the fact that I've only succeeded in listening to one from beginning to end once, and I had a miserable time as I did it. I always thought I could imagine the voices better if I were to read it myself. Well, the experience dampened my opinion of not only the first installment of the series, but the entire series (that has been published thus far). I simply couldn't forget how whiny they made certain characters sound whenever I came across them (I read the other two) in the books, and that was after an entire year of taking a break from Sanderson just to help my annoyance from overshadowing the entire Cosmere experience.
Well, fast forward some years when I came across Graphic Audio when I was looking for a particular part in TWoK. When I listened to it I was astounded at how well the production was even with only that one clip on Youtube. So I considered giving audiobooks and TWoK a second shot at impressing me and I found I quite enjoyed the experience much better when each major character had their own Voice Actor. I wasn't sure if the ambiance would be grating in the long run but for the most part its quite pleasant, and doesn't overpower the narrators. There are times when I think the ambiance may of done better if it was a touch lower in volume for example some action scenes get a bit 'loud'; which in turn makes me have to focus a bit more on the narrators to understand what they're saying, but its usually brief. After listening to the Graphic Audio for a few hours I ended up having my friends listen to a clip, and one of them isn't even a reader. My non-reader friend bought a Graphic Audio (I recommended he'd not start with TWoK given its length and the scope of the Cosmere so he started at Mistborn instead, and is steadily working his way through the Cosmere novels) that very day and started to listen to it, and ended up loving the experience.
I can safely say that Graphic Audio is worth a listen as its allowed me to enjoy a medium I've never liked before, and allowed me to enjoy a series I previously had a love/hate relationship with. If Graphic Audio may convert someone who doesn't traditionally enjoy audiobooks, and someone who isn't even a reader than I'd say its a winner.
July 27, 2024
No point in reviewing each Graphic Audio separately so this is a review for the entirety of Stormlight
They did it! They made a successful adaptation of The Stormlight Archive. This is as close as you can get to a movie without losing any of the source material. a "movie in your mind" as they like to say.
The acting, music, and sound design just put this above any audiobook you can listen to. You're actually listening to a movie, not just some guy reading a book. There are parts that give me goosebumps just thinking about it. THE VOICE ACTING IS GREAT! In the audiobook the narrator will read "Kaladin screamed" but in the graphic audio Kaladin LITERALLY screams! You feel his emotions!
Oh and the Lopen. Let me tell you a secret: he annoys me in the audiobook. He's just kind of an annoying little bastard. But in the graphic audio? I love 'im! He's fun and cheerful. His attempts at levity feel genuine rather than being an annoying prick. It pains me that I will have to wait a long time for the next book to get a graphic audio adaptation.
Ugh, the climax in Oathbringer... actual tears ran down my face. I don't know how the film adaptations can out do these guys!!!
Super recommend it, worth every penny of that... erm... 200usd on-sale price... Ok maybe read Stormlight to make sure you actually like the books before you spend so much money. But if you are a fan of Stormlight you absolutely have to save up money to buy this badboy!
They did it! They made a successful adaptation of The Stormlight Archive. This is as close as you can get to a movie without losing any of the source material. a "movie in your mind" as they like to say.
The acting, music, and sound design just put this above any audiobook you can listen to. You're actually listening to a movie, not just some guy reading a book. There are parts that give me goosebumps just thinking about it. THE VOICE ACTING IS GREAT! In the audiobook the narrator will read "Kaladin screamed" but in the graphic audio Kaladin LITERALLY screams! You feel his emotions!
Oh and the Lopen. Let me tell you a secret: he annoys me in the audiobook. He's just kind of an annoying little bastard. But in the graphic audio? I love 'im! He's fun and cheerful. His attempts at levity feel genuine rather than being an annoying prick. It pains me that I will have to wait a long time for the next book to get a graphic audio adaptation.
Ugh, the climax in Oathbringer... actual tears ran down my face. I don't know how the film adaptations can out do these guys!!!
Super recommend it, worth every penny of that... erm... 200usd on-sale price... Ok maybe read Stormlight to make sure you actually like the books before you spend so much money. But if you are a fan of Stormlight you absolutely have to save up money to buy this badboy!
July 26, 2021
This is a "Graphic Audio" version of the book, which seems to mean it's an abridged dramatization with lots of extra sound production, including a (synthetic) orchestral soundtrack, sounds of village crowds, and the zipping of sprites and mangled roars of one extra-large chasmfiend.
Which was fun, had momentum, and I finished it quickly. I think the product might actually be more attractive to previous readers of TWOK. Starting into this without going through the full text just had me wondering how much I was missing, either in literary style terms or perhaps even subplots. Probably not much, but still.
Also...it's cheesy fantasy fiction, now with cheesy fake trumpet sounds and rather silly acted out voices. I almost thought I couldn't get into it. Fortunately, there's enough of the teenage nerdy me still left that by the end, I just want to know more about what will happen to Kaladin and Shallan. Szeth and Dailnar didn't get a lot of development yet, but presumably that's no too different from the full text of volume one.
Which was fun, had momentum, and I finished it quickly. I think the product might actually be more attractive to previous readers of TWOK. Starting into this without going through the full text just had me wondering how much I was missing, either in literary style terms or perhaps even subplots. Probably not much, but still.
Also...it's cheesy fantasy fiction, now with cheesy fake trumpet sounds and rather silly acted out voices. I almost thought I couldn't get into it. Fortunately, there's enough of the teenage nerdy me still left that by the end, I just want to know more about what will happen to Kaladin and Shallan. Szeth and Dailnar didn't get a lot of development yet, but presumably that's no too different from the full text of volume one.
September 28, 2023
This is the first Graphic Audio audiobook I’ve listened to so far and it was pretty good. I think it helps that it’s one of my favorite books though. My really only complaint is some of the voice actors feel off. I loved the narrator, but some of the characters just felt off. Like the emotions in their voice didn’t match the words. And some odd accent choices. Some I liked a lot like Dalinar others like Kaladin I did not like so well. I think I’m gonna listen to at least the first two Stormlight books like this but we will see.
January 4, 2018
I love Graphic Audio books so much! Although I found it a little distracting that the actress playing Shallan was the same who played Vin in Mistborn. They are such different characters, it took some time for me to get used to her voice. I had the same issue with some of the other most notable voices.
Other than this the production is amazing, so immersive, captivating. Especially with such a great story.
Other than this the production is amazing, so immersive, captivating. Especially with such a great story.
December 10, 2017
5 STARS - IT WAS AMAZING
GRAPHIC AUDIO
Ok, seriously, this is Brandon Sanderson. Really there isn't anything else to say. Oh, except that listening to a Brandon Sanderson book in graphic audio only makes things even more amazing.
Love these narrators!
September 26, 2017
3.5 stars :D
April 4, 2024
Nice fantasy book. It takes a few dozen pages to get into it but afterwards I was pretty much hooked. Kaladins arc was really great in my opinion.
September 24, 2024
Best fantasy book I have ever read.. uh.. listened to
December 1, 2024
The battle is so loud it is hard to hear the actors
December 11, 2024
Very, very good. I love Sanderson's imagination.
May 15, 2025
5⭐
This book is so good.
This book is so good.
August 11, 2025
Diving into Roshar for the 3rd time. Now with Graphic Audio, it adds a whole new dimension to it. Getting ready to GM the RPG
August 21, 2025
THE BLACK THORN IS BACK BABYYYYY
also kaladin don’t kill urself pls <3
also kaladin don’t kill urself pls <3
February 9, 2026
starts super slow, then suddenly and inexplicably blow up in the best of ways
July 20, 2022
High end fantasy
January 2, 2021
2nd read in preparation for Rhythm of War
For my second time I decided to listen to the graphic audio of this novel instead,which I will say made the experience incredible and I highly recommend it.
Now to the review:
The Way Of Kings and The Stormlight Archive in general have to be one of my favourite fantasy works .
Each character has a unique personality and perspective to the world that they are living and it just makes everything more interesting reading from different point of views.Instead of this making you feel tired, it pulls you in and gets you more invested. Anything from social status,gender issues, politics and philosophy is included and given a lot of time as a part of each character's background and ideas.
It might be a long book ,but I think each chapter serves an important purpose to the narrative ,either explaining a certain character's backstory or personality, continuing the story ,or just giving you something like a tour of Roshar.
The story is separated to three main point of views(and many minor ones):
-Dalinar Kholin,highprince and general fighting in a war in the Shattered Plains to avenge his dead brother and former king of Alethkar,Gavilar Kholin. In this point of view we also see from the view of his son , Adolin Kholin,prince and duelist(not much though).
-Kaladin Stormblessed, slave turning bridgeman joining the army of highprince Torol Sadeas
-Shallan Davar, daughter of a minor lord in Jah Keved coming to Khabranth (a kingdom in Roshar) in order to become a ward of Jasnah Kholin, sister of the current king of Alethkar,Elhokar Kholin.
I won't get into spoilers but each main point of view gives us an interesting perspective of the world. Dalinar, a man of power amidst a war dealing with politics, family issues,and personal struggles. Kaladin, a man of lower rank ,going through the worst life can offer to him, trying to find strength to move forward. Shallan ,the only woman and non Alethi of the main three learning new things and joining the world of scholars and research while trying to help her family.
As I said I will not delve into spoilers and story moments,but I will not stop recommending this to anyone. If you like fantasy and especially when fantasy gives morally grey characters, philosophy and analysis on the world while providing great world building,magic system, story and characters ,then I highly recommend this story :)
For my second time I decided to listen to the graphic audio of this novel instead,which I will say made the experience incredible and I highly recommend it.
Now to the review:
The Way Of Kings and The Stormlight Archive in general have to be one of my favourite fantasy works .
Each character has a unique personality and perspective to the world that they are living and it just makes everything more interesting reading from different point of views.Instead of this making you feel tired, it pulls you in and gets you more invested. Anything from social status,gender issues, politics and philosophy is included and given a lot of time as a part of each character's background and ideas.
It might be a long book ,but I think each chapter serves an important purpose to the narrative ,either explaining a certain character's backstory or personality, continuing the story ,or just giving you something like a tour of Roshar.
The story is separated to three main point of views(and many minor ones):
-Dalinar Kholin,highprince and general fighting in a war in the Shattered Plains to avenge his dead brother and former king of Alethkar,Gavilar Kholin. In this point of view we also see from the view of his son , Adolin Kholin,prince and duelist(not much though).
-Kaladin Stormblessed, slave turning bridgeman joining the army of highprince Torol Sadeas
-Shallan Davar, daughter of a minor lord in Jah Keved coming to Khabranth (a kingdom in Roshar) in order to become a ward of Jasnah Kholin, sister of the current king of Alethkar,Elhokar Kholin.
I won't get into spoilers but each main point of view gives us an interesting perspective of the world. Dalinar, a man of power amidst a war dealing with politics, family issues,and personal struggles. Kaladin, a man of lower rank ,going through the worst life can offer to him, trying to find strength to move forward. Shallan ,the only woman and non Alethi of the main three learning new things and joining the world of scholars and research while trying to help her family.
As I said I will not delve into spoilers and story moments,but I will not stop recommending this to anyone. If you like fantasy and especially when fantasy gives morally grey characters, philosophy and analysis on the world while providing great world building,magic system, story and characters ,then I highly recommend this story :)
October 3, 2024
I have read the book and listened to the Reading/Kramer audiobook. The Way of Kings is one of my favorite books.
The Graphic Audio production almost universally elevates the listening experience. The use of a full cast is absolutely the biggest advantage this production has over the standard audiobook. I love Reading/Kramer, but they can't be expected to match the range of a full cast. I also LOVE the narrator used in this production.
The emotional beats of the story hit a lot harder with music and the more dramatic delivery.
Standout performances for Kaladin, Shallan, Lopen, Rock, Syl, and Sadeas. The attention to detail is amazing. Syl appears human-sized in one scene, and her lines are pitched appropriately. When characters are walking away during conversations, the sounds fade away. Very immersive.
I have minor quibbles with the production. A couple lines are repeated immediately (should have been caught in editing). The effect used for high storm thunder sounds artificial. Some spren and shardblade sound effects are grating.
The Graphic Audio production almost universally elevates the listening experience. The use of a full cast is absolutely the biggest advantage this production has over the standard audiobook. I love Reading/Kramer, but they can't be expected to match the range of a full cast. I also LOVE the narrator used in this production.
The emotional beats of the story hit a lot harder with music and the more dramatic delivery.
Standout performances for Kaladin, Shallan, Lopen, Rock, Syl, and Sadeas. The attention to detail is amazing. Syl appears human-sized in one scene, and her lines are pitched appropriately. When characters are walking away during conversations, the sounds fade away. Very immersive.
I have minor quibbles with the production. A couple lines are repeated immediately (should have been caught in editing). The effect used for high storm thunder sounds artificial. Some spren and shardblade sound effects are grating.
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