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Fantasy· United States

The Way of Kings

by Brandon Sanderson
Aggregate Editorial Score47/100
Goodreads Choice Award
Published 20101008 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Few works of fantasy have earned the sustained critical attention that The Way of Kings (2010) by Brandon Sanderson continues to receive. Three characters with interconnected destinies move through the world of Roshar, battered by storms and shaped by ancient magic systems, in the opening of Sanderson's vast Stormlight Archive series. Sanderson's world-building is without equal in current fantasy. Themes of world-building, magic, war run through the work. The book has received recognition from Goodreads Choice Award 2010.

Book Details

AuthorBrandon Sanderson
Published2010
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Pages1008
Category🐉 Fantasy
ISBN9780765326355
Editorial Score47/100
About the Category

🐉 Fantasy

Stories set in imaginary worlds with magical or supernatural elements.

Explore all Fantasy books →
Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

First published in 2010, Brandon Sanderson's The Way of Kings is a work of fantasy that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with world-building, magic, war, destiny gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Way of Kings among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Goodreads Choice Award 2010. Our aggregate score of 47/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. What distinguishes The Way of Kings is how it handles its central concerns — world-building, magic, war, destiny — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. The Way of Kings reflects Brandon Sanderson's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with United States's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Goodreads Choice Award
notable · global
201018
✍️
About the Author
Brandon Sanderson
United States
View Author →

Brandon Sanderson is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of fantasy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Way of Kings about?

Three characters with interconnected destinies move through the world of Roshar, battered by storms and shaped by ancient magic systems, in the opening of Sanderson's vast Stormlight Archive series. Sanderson's world-building is without equal in current fantasy.

Who wrote The Way of Kings?

The Way of Kings was written by Brandon Sanderson, from United States. First published in 2010.

What awards has The Way of Kings won?

The Way of Kings has received the following awards and honours: Goodreads Choice Award 2010.

Is The Way of Kings worth reading?

The Way of Kings is a book that has earned critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 18/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in world-building, magic, war.

Where can I buy The Way of Kings?

You can buy The Way of Kings on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Way of Kings?

The Way of Kings is classified as Fantasy. Stories set in imaginary worlds with magical or supernatural elements.

What country is The Way of Kings from?

The Way of Kings originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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