Watching this vlog felt like sitting in a reading room with a close friend sharing a very wonderful reading experience. This book is my personal favorite book of the series so far and listening to you share your thoughts and feelings was so wonderful. One day I would love to sit down and just talk about reading experiences with you. You have such a wonderful perspective and in contrast to mine you are able to see things in a way I normally don't. And that gives greater context to the experience of the story telling. Thank you again for being a light in the world and I can't wait to watch your next video.
Thanks again for your beautiful words. That's what is so nice in talking to other readers about books... everyone sees, notices, appreciates different elements in a book.
What a breath of fresh air this was. To see someone so genuinely invested, walking us THROUGH his experience instead of just giving the wrap-up, and talking through the mysteries. It made me nostalgic for my reading of this book. Thank you, you have a new viewer.
While I can't experience these books for the first time again... watching you talk about your experiences reminded me of the mystery, questions, and reveals that thrilled me on my first read. Keep going! You're going to absolutely love Words of Radiance. Subbed.
Fantastic vlog, I love how you talk about books - your excitement is contagious. I’m about 25% in right now myself, for the first time, and enjoying it immensely. As soon as I finish my other book today, I’m going to dedicate the rest of the month to finishing :) Trying to catch up by December like most people :)
I'm so excited, I've been waiting for this video! I love the Way of Kings, it's probably one of the best introductions to a new fantasy world I've read. You just get slowly spoon-fed new interesting details and you get to start putting pieces of the larger puzzle together. I know a lot of people share a similar opinion about Shallan, especially in this book. Yes the "witicism" is a bit forced, but as usual with Sanderson there is a reason for a lot of those character flaws. I can't wait for you to get to Words of Radiance, it's the highest rated of the books, and for good reason.
Something that I love about this book but wasn't really conscious of my first time through: One theme of the book is honor (as you mention). We see people with and without honor throughout. The magic system is tied to the idea of honor. There's even a personification of Honor that's a deity of sorts in the story. So it's fascinating that Szeth, the villain, is by some measures the most honorable person in the book. He absolutely will not break his commitment. It's such an effective way to bring questions of good and bad, right and wrong, etc. to the surface. Sanderson has firm ideas about good and bad, but his characters are more interesting than simple good guys and bad guys.
Watching your excitement over this book with your vlog was a delight!! I'm thrilled that you love it so much. I purchased my copy of the book after watching The Nerdy Narrative's review last year. She also loved it! In my reading life, I work very hard to separate the art from the artist. The easiest way for me to do that is to learn as little as possible about the writers. It's best for me to not learn anything about them or their lives. Unfortunately, I learned too much about BS before reading any of his work. That plus the fact that after 1200+ pages, only 1 storyline was resolved, does not encourage my reading of the book. I loved hearing your pickupability scores of this and the Kay book. Books that keep you up all night are definitely the most fun reads!! Thank you for including us in your Stormlight journey.
Thanks BJ. Funny, I have always been busy getting to know the author. Perhaps that is mainly because I read a lot of autobiographical literature. All the storylines in Way of Kings are captivating and not for one moment was I disappointed in 'merely' one of those being resolved. Even that one (Kaladin & Dalinar) is not finished. But the 1200+ pages can definitely be a hurdle.
I amazed by how you led this, i never saw a book analysis like this and i loved. Awesome work! I will follow you for more great contents like this, please don't stop.
When you read out some of the dialogues and described the events, it gave you goosebumps. Great book! And you know, many bloggers advise you to first read "Mistborn", "Elantris", "Warbreaker" and only then "Stormlight Archive" and probably it's logical to start with weaker, although good works, but for me it looks different, after reading the "Archive" I realized how much time I spent I can't say that it's empty, but it's close to it! Because I was reading and didn't understand why everyone was praising Sanderson so much, and I only realized when I read The Way of Kings. So if I advised Sanderson where to start, then immediately "Archive".
I am so glad you are having a good time with it! Something that appears often in Stormlight Archive are little chapter openings that will have a quote or some other piece of communication. They might seem cryptic at first, but keep an eye on these as you go through Words of Radiance and subsequent books... They give away more information than you might initially think ;)
The great thing about Words of Radiance is that since you are familiar everyone, you hit the ground running from the beginning and pretty much hold that pace all the way through. It will also answer a lot of questions while creating new ones. I'm sure you'll love it.
Hi Dutch ! First time comment. Love your content ! I am reliving my first read-through from your eyes and it's amazing! Keep going your going to fall completely in love with the details of this story :) Coffee and your book reviews are my happy place. Thank you !
I've been waiting for this video for a long time, I'm really excited to hear your thoughts and theories about the Stormlight archive, maybe you should make a video just about that, it would be fun to listen to. I'm glad you liked it and nice catch on Hoid early on haha. You'll love Words of Radiance if you liked this one. About the Way of Kings book in the world, the Nohadon one, I think Brandon took inspiration from Marcus Aurelius and Stoicism, and you can see this philosophy in Dalinar's ongoing evolution throughout this book
Thanks! On p.1065 Navani consults this book called 'Analectics' by Corvana. I couldn't help but think this may be reference to Confucius's The Analects. Nice, the Marcus Aurelius inspiration. Sounds plausible to me.
My man, I only had 20 minutes to hear you out while I was doing some chores, but you have won a subscriber. I would love to have your calmness and demeanor and hunger for more story.
I am reading them now as well. Really enjoyed watching your thoughts. My favorite characters are Delinar and Jasna😊 ... It is wonderful to discover these stories, isn't it?!😊
A very enjoyable Vlog. Regarding questions that need answers - this is a series that is built for the long run. Even reading the fourth book recently, ~4000 pages later, made me go back to the prologues of The Way of Kings (again!) and go "Ooooh!" as yet another piece clicked into place.
Todd here. Nice reading vlog! I have The Way of Kings on my bookshelf. I've read the first few chapters and enjoyed what I have read so far. You're right it's almost like Sanderson's take on an epic story like Jordan's Wheel of Time series.
I’m only 44% done but I hope to finish it this week. I started on August 10th. It’s kind of slow going because this is the third time reading this and I remember a bit too much to make it a great read. I read it the first time probably in 2011 before I started keeping track of my reads and again in 2020. I then read book 2 shortly after book 1 in Jan. 2021. In order to go on I felt I needed to read both again. I still think it is the right thing to reread 1 & 2. I’m glad you are doing this because it has given me a boot in the rear to get going on them again.
I think you should forgo the 100-point rating system and make it 120 points or decrease all your previous ratings by 10 to 20. Because it will be very difficult to rate the Words of Radiance after 97 for the Way of kings. Great video, as always!
Thanks. I think you're right. Rating is such a precarious job, because you keep comparing olders ratings and use them as some sort of benchmark. I'll find a way... I hope.
I might now give this series a go only because you said it was "much more mature" than Hero of Ages (Mistborn) books. I was a little put off reading the Mistborn series past the first book as it felt a little too much aimed at teenagers. Great ideas in the book I have to admit. Thanks for your thoughts. I enjoy your videos
My father is about to start his second attempt at reading this book. He tried a couple years ago and quit half-way through because it was apparently too slow of a build for him. I find that pretty funny since he read Wheel of Time in about 2 months. I'm trying to figure out what advice I can give him about delving into Stormlight Archive without getting scared away. I don't know how to put it but this video gave me some hope for him coming around to it, I love talking with him about fantasy series and shows and I really want to get him into one of my favorite series.
That is odd indeed, your father reading WoT in 2 months time and DNF-ing Way of Kings. Then again, it is impossible to force someone to like a book (but no doubt you know that already).
Really looking forward to picking these up, I've got the larger paperbacks. Being anti-spine-breakage I can't read chonkers like this in the mass market paperback size. 😊
@@gossamerabba Thanks, I normally love mass paperback, but these are simply too thick to not get hand cramps... Then again, I really want to have the Michael Whelan Cover (yet to be revealed).
@DutchGreyBeard The large paperbacks I have are the Michael Whelan artwork. Book #2 is 9" tall, 6" side to side and 2" thick. Floppie-ness factor is a 10 as the book will lay open if you put it down.
Interesting to hear you say The Way of Kings is more mature than The Hero of Ages. I think I agree with you on the whole (though I would say Sazed's storyline in THoA is very mature, and Shallan is pretty immature in TWoK compared to Kaladin and Dalinar), but it's hard to say when it comes to the Cosmere. Do you measure one series against another-Mistborn vs. Stormlight, for example-or do you take it all in as one, big series? I've read every Cosmere story there is to read thus far and I don't have a good answer for you. My favorites are my favorites (for now), but how to compare, really? Maybe I'm just too deeply Invested to see clearly... Either way, I'm glad you enjoyed TWoK so thorougly. I'll never forget my first time reading it in 2016, being absolutely swept away by the characters and scope of the world. If you think you're ready for Words of Radiance, though... think again! It's a whole new ballgame, one you'll appreciate in a whole new way.
Thanks for your thoughts. I believe I measure one series against another. So far, the cosmere has been absent as an overarching. As I mentioned, in WoK it is only worded thrice, without any connecting information. And, yes, the Sazed story line was definitely mature. I guess Mistborn had a slight YA-feel to it for me, which is probably why I experienced it as less mature. But it is a very subjective view. I also regard the writership of Sanderson as having matured with Way of Kings, because he is so careful and thorough in setting the stage. I will start WoR in about two weeks. Can't wait!
Watching this vlog felt like sitting in a reading room with a close friend sharing a very wonderful reading experience. This book is my personal favorite book of the series so far and listening to you share your thoughts and feelings was so wonderful. One day I would love to sit down and just talk about reading experiences with you. You have such a wonderful perspective and in contrast to mine you are able to see things in a way I normally don't. And that gives greater context to the experience of the story telling. Thank you again for being a light in the world and I can't wait to watch your next video.
Thanks again for your beautiful words. That's what is so nice in talking to other readers about books... everyone sees, notices, appreciates different elements in a book.
What a breath of fresh air this was. To see someone so genuinely invested, walking us THROUGH his experience instead of just giving the wrap-up, and talking through the mysteries. It made me nostalgic for my reading of this book. Thank you, you have a new viewer.
Thank you!
I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!!!! YAY!!!!!
While I can't experience these books for the first time again... watching you talk about your experiences reminded me of the mystery, questions, and reveals that thrilled me on my first read. Keep going! You're going to absolutely love Words of Radiance. Subbed.
Thanks!
Wind & Truth cover has been released!!!!!
Done by Michael Whalen and it's GORGEOUS.
I’ve seen it. Indeed: amazing!
Fantastic vlog, I love how you talk about books - your excitement is contagious. I’m about 25% in right now myself, for the first time, and enjoying it immensely.
As soon as I finish my other book today, I’m going to dedicate the rest of the month to finishing :)
Trying to catch up by December like most people :)
Have a great time!
I'm so excited, I've been waiting for this video! I love the Way of Kings, it's probably one of the best introductions to a new fantasy world I've read. You just get slowly spoon-fed new interesting details and you get to start putting pieces of the larger puzzle together. I know a lot of people share a similar opinion about Shallan, especially in this book. Yes the "witicism" is a bit forced, but as usual with Sanderson there is a reason for a lot of those character flaws. I can't wait for you to get to Words of Radiance, it's the highest rated of the books, and for good reason.
Such a joy to hear your journey into Roshar.
Something that I love about this book but wasn't really conscious of my first time through: One theme of the book is honor (as you mention). We see people with and without honor throughout. The magic system is tied to the idea of honor. There's even a personification of Honor that's a deity of sorts in the story. So it's fascinating that Szeth, the villain, is by some measures the most honorable person in the book. He absolutely will not break his commitment. It's such an effective way to bring questions of good and bad, right and wrong, etc. to the surface. Sanderson has firm ideas about good and bad, but his characters are more interesting than simple good guys and bad guys.
Great analysis. That is exactly what I that the lines between 'good' and 'bad' are blurred. Which I love btw
Absolutely amazing vlog! Thank you for your time and your thoughts 🎉🎉🎉
Thank you!
You are now my favorite UA-camr, I look forward to your vlog on Words of Radiance,I believe you would love it even more than Way of Kings
Wow, thanks!
Im so happy that u chose reading vlog format for this series😊
Looking forward to the WoR
Watching your excitement over this book with your vlog was a delight!! I'm thrilled that you love it so much. I purchased my copy of the book after watching The Nerdy Narrative's review last year. She also loved it! In my reading life, I work very hard to separate the art from the artist. The easiest way for me to do that is to learn as little as possible about the writers. It's best for me to not learn anything about them or their lives. Unfortunately, I learned too much about BS before reading any of his work. That plus the fact that after 1200+ pages, only 1 storyline was resolved, does not encourage my reading of the book. I loved hearing your pickupability scores of this and the Kay book. Books that keep you up all night are definitely the most fun reads!! Thank you for including us in your Stormlight journey.
Thanks BJ. Funny, I have always been busy getting to know the author. Perhaps that is mainly because I read a lot of autobiographical literature. All the storylines in Way of Kings are captivating and not for one moment was I disappointed in 'merely' one of those being resolved. Even that one (Kaladin & Dalinar) is not finished. But the 1200+ pages can definitely be a hurdle.
Great video and super excited to see your journey. Make sure to fit in Edgedancer and Dawnshard in between the next books.
Thanks. I will!
I amazed by how you led this, i never saw a book analysis like this and i loved. Awesome work! I will follow you for more great contents like this, please don't stop.
Lovely reading vlog. Can't wait to see Words of Radiance 😁 Have fun!
When you read out some of the dialogues and described the events, it gave you goosebumps. Great book! And you know, many bloggers advise you to first read "Mistborn", "Elantris", "Warbreaker" and only then "Stormlight Archive" and probably it's logical to start with weaker, although good works, but for me it looks different, after reading the "Archive" I realized how much time I spent I can't say that it's empty, but it's close to it! Because I was reading and didn't understand why everyone was praising Sanderson so much, and I only realized when I read The Way of Kings. So if I advised Sanderson where to start, then immediately "Archive".
I believe that for every type of reader a different reading order could be advised. Yours makes sense.
Been waiting for this from you!!
loved the video glad you got to finally enjoy Way of Kings! Can’t wait for you to get to the other ones
I am so glad you are having a good time with it! Something that appears often in Stormlight Archive are little chapter openings that will have a quote or some other piece of communication. They might seem cryptic at first, but keep an eye on these as you go through Words of Radiance and subsequent books... They give away more information than you might initially think ;)
I read all of them carefully, but most of the time they don't fall into place (yet)
The great thing about Words of Radiance is that since you are familiar everyone, you hit the ground running from the beginning and pretty much hold that pace all the way through. It will also answer a lot of questions while creating new ones. I'm sure you'll love it.
Great vlog, I'm glad you're enjoying your journey so far!
Hi Dutch ! First time comment. Love your content ! I am reliving my first read-through from your eyes and it's amazing! Keep going your going to fall completely in love with the details of this story :) Coffee and your book reviews are my happy place. Thank you !
Thanks so much!
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
I've been waiting for this video for a long time, I'm really excited to hear your thoughts and theories about the Stormlight archive, maybe you should make a video just about that, it would be fun to listen to.
I'm glad you liked it and nice catch on Hoid early on haha. You'll love Words of Radiance if you liked this one.
About the Way of Kings book in the world, the Nohadon one, I think Brandon took inspiration from Marcus Aurelius and Stoicism, and you can see this philosophy in Dalinar's ongoing evolution throughout this book
Thanks! On p.1065 Navani consults this book called 'Analectics' by Corvana. I couldn't help but think this may be reference to Confucius's The Analects. Nice, the Marcus Aurelius inspiration. Sounds plausible to me.
My man, I only had 20 minutes to hear you out while I was doing some chores, but you have won a subscriber. I would love to have your calmness and demeanor and hunger for more story.
Thank you!
A 46 minute vlog? Grabbing my snacks and settling in! Been excited for this one, interested to see what you thought!
I am reading them now as well. Really enjoyed watching your thoughts. My favorite characters are Delinar and Jasna😊 ... It is wonderful to discover these stories, isn't it?!😊
Absolutely wonderful. Funny how character favorites can differ. Mine were Kaladin and Shallan.
Remember the novellas Edgedancer between 2&3 and Dawnshard between 3&4 :) not absolutely essential, but I would not want to miss them if I were you
I have the novella's waiting for me...
@@DutchGreyBeard excellent
Sunlit man in between ROW and WAT, the other secret projects aren't necessary before WAT
@@b3n835 I don’t necessarily agree that it has to be read then, and until SA5 we don’t know.
A very enjoyable Vlog. Regarding questions that need answers - this is a series that is built for the long run. Even reading the fourth book recently, ~4000 pages later, made me go back to the prologues of The Way of Kings (again!) and go "Ooooh!" as yet another piece clicked into place.
Todd here. Nice reading vlog! I have The Way of Kings on my bookshelf. I've read the first few chapters and enjoyed what I have read so far. You're right it's almost like Sanderson's take on an epic story like Jordan's Wheel of Time series.
Btw, it is more Seth than chet. You can even think a prolonged s sound at the start --> sseth
I will practice this for my next video....
I’m only 44% done but I hope to finish it this week. I started on August 10th. It’s kind of slow going because this is the third time reading this and I remember a bit too much to make it a great read. I read it the first time probably in 2011 before I started keeping track of my reads and again in 2020. I then read book 2 shortly after book 1 in Jan. 2021. In order to go on I felt I needed to read both again. I still think it is the right thing to reread 1 & 2. I’m glad you are doing this because it has given me a boot in the rear to get going on them again.
Cannot wait for October. I think Oathbringer will make a big impression on you, and I look forward to seeing your reaction. I enjoy your takes!
I think you should forgo the 100-point rating system and make it 120 points or decrease all your previous ratings by 10 to 20. Because it will be very difficult to rate the Words of Radiance after 97 for the Way of kings.
Great video, as always!
Thanks. I think you're right. Rating is such a precarious job, because you keep comparing olders ratings and use them as some sort of benchmark. I'll find a way... I hope.
Really loved this reading vlog! You should do more of these long-form type videos
I'm not sure that #1 position will be held very long. Going to check back when you've completed Words of Radiance.
I suspect you’re right.
I might now give this series a go only because you said it was "much more mature" than Hero of Ages (Mistborn) books. I was a little put off reading the Mistborn series past the first book as it felt a little too much aimed at teenagers. Great ideas in the book I have to admit. Thanks for your thoughts. I enjoy your videos
More mature no doubt, definitely no YA-vibes at all.
My father is about to start his second attempt at reading this book. He tried a couple years ago and quit half-way through because it was apparently too slow of a build for him. I find that pretty funny since he read Wheel of Time in about 2 months. I'm trying to figure out what advice I can give him about delving into Stormlight Archive without getting scared away. I don't know how to put it but this video gave me some hope for him coming around to it, I love talking with him about fantasy series and shows and I really want to get him into one of my favorite series.
That is odd indeed, your father reading WoT in 2 months time and DNF-ing Way of Kings. Then again, it is impossible to force someone to like a book (but no doubt you know that already).
Great review, just look up how Sanderson pronounces Szeth, i thought you were talking about Chef from South Park for a while lol😅
Thanks! LOL🤣 I know, these names in Fantasy books are always fun to pronounce. I'll look BS up.
It took you 16 days to read it? My, how fortuitous!
It only would have been better if it was 10 days....
I shall have to come back and watch the rest of this later!
Aaaww! I thought you were well versed already in Stormlight. (By the way, I send you an e-mail on George McDonald.)
@@DutchGreyBeard I think I’m basically following the same reading order as you. Warbreaker is next for me. I’ll get back to you about Phantastes!
Really looking forward to picking these up, I've got the larger paperbacks. Being anti-spine-breakage I can't read chonkers like this in the mass market paperback size. 😊
Yes, I noticed how painful my hands were after holding this brick for an hour or so.
@DutchGreyBeard I strongly encourage the larger paperbacks if you have yet to get them.
Really enjoying your videos!
@@gossamerabba Thanks, I normally love mass paperback, but these are simply too thick to not get hand cramps... Then again, I really want to have the Michael Whelan Cover (yet to be revealed).
@DutchGreyBeard The large paperbacks I have are the Michael Whelan artwork.
Book #2 is 9" tall, 6" side to side and 2" thick. Floppie-ness factor is a 10 as the book will lay open if you put it down.
@@gossamerabba Sounds great! Thanks
Interesting to hear you say The Way of Kings is more mature than The Hero of Ages. I think I agree with you on the whole (though I would say Sazed's storyline in THoA is very mature, and Shallan is pretty immature in TWoK compared to Kaladin and Dalinar), but it's hard to say when it comes to the Cosmere. Do you measure one series against another-Mistborn vs. Stormlight, for example-or do you take it all in as one, big series? I've read every Cosmere story there is to read thus far and I don't have a good answer for you. My favorites are my favorites (for now), but how to compare, really?
Maybe I'm just too deeply Invested to see clearly...
Either way, I'm glad you enjoyed TWoK so thorougly. I'll never forget my first time reading it in 2016, being absolutely swept away by the characters and scope of the world. If you think you're ready for Words of Radiance, though... think again! It's a whole new ballgame, one you'll appreciate in a whole new way.
Thanks for your thoughts. I believe I measure one series against another. So far, the cosmere has been absent as an overarching. As I mentioned, in WoK it is only worded thrice, without any connecting information. And, yes, the Sazed story line was definitely mature. I guess Mistborn had a slight YA-feel to it for me, which is probably why I experienced it as less mature. But it is a very subjective view. I also regard the writership of Sanderson as having matured with Way of Kings, because he is so careful and thorough in setting the stage. I will start WoR in about two weeks. Can't wait!
helloooooo 😊