Brandon Sanderson’s “The Way of Kings” opens the Stormlight Archive, an epic fantasy series renowned for its vast scope, intricate magic, and slow-burning character arcs. It’s a sprawling, immersive read that follows several characters across a war-torn world shaped by violent storms. If you’ve been waiting to start one of modern fantasy’s most ambitious series, this is where it begins.
Get the The Way of Kings Audiobook on AmazonListen on Audible · also in Kindle & printWhat The Way of Kings is about
“The Way of Kings” is the first volume in Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive, a planned epic fantasy series set on the storm-battered world of Roshar. The story unfolds through several point-of-view characters whose paths gradually intersect against a backdrop of war, politics, and ancient mysteries. Among them are a soldier whose life takes a brutal turn, a scholar pursuing knowledge that powerful people would rather keep buried, and a highborn leader wrestling with troubling visions and questions of duty.
As with much of Sanderson’s work, the book is built on a carefully constructed magic system and a richly detailed world with its own ecology, cultures, and history. It’s a long, layered opening that takes its time establishing characters and stakes before the larger arc comes into focus. Readers who enjoy expansive worldbuilding and patient, rewarding storytelling will find a great deal to dig into here.
| Author | Brandon Sanderson |
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Why The Way of Kings is great on audio
The Way of Kings audiobook is a natural fit for the long format, letting a dense, world-heavy story breathe over many hours of listening rather than feeling like homework. The shifting points of view and interior character moments come across well in audio, and the format makes it easy to stay immersed during commutes or longer stretches. It suits anyone who likes to settle into a big, absorbing series without rushing.
Who should listen
This is for listeners who love sprawling, slow-building epic fantasy with deep worldbuilding and a long-term payoff across multiple books. If you prefer fast-paced, standalone stories or get impatient with extensive setup and large casts, this opening volume may test your patience. Fans of intricate magic systems and character-driven epics are the ideal audience.
If you like The Way of Kings, listen to these next
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
- A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
- Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
How to listen to The Way of Kings
The Way of Kings is available on Audible and Amazon. If you’re new to Audible you can listen with a free trial, or buy the audiobook (also in Kindle and print) on Amazon.
Get the The Way of Kings Audiobook on AmazonListen on Audible · also in Kindle & printFrequently asked questions
How can I listen to or get The Way of Kings audiobook?
The audiobook is available on Audible and Amazon. New Audible members can start with a free trial, which is an easy way to begin listening, or you can simply purchase it on Amazon.
Is The Way of Kings the first book in the series?
Yes. It’s the opening volume of Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive, so it’s the right place to start if you want to begin the series from the beginning.
Do I need to read other Sanderson books first?
No. The Way of Kings works as an entry point and doesn’t require prior reading. That said, fans often note that Sanderson’s separate works connect in subtle ways, so there’s more to discover if you continue exploring his catalog.
Is this book good for newcomers to epic fantasy?
It can be, as long as you enjoy big, immersive worlds and don’t mind a slower, detailed opening. It rewards patience with rich worldbuilding and strong character arcs, but readers who want something short or fast-paced may want to start elsewhere.