Way Of Kings Read Along discussion

Yay! First discussion. I have so much I want to talk about but let's just have everyone answer a few of the same questions so if we have similar thoughts we can talk about them at once! First how are we liking the story? How was it pacing wise and world building? How did we like the few (well many) characters so far? Anything we really disliked or liked? And then any predictions or anything else you feel you NEED to talk about?

I am reading the part one UK edition of this book so my pages maybe different than everyone else's, but I'm currently on chapter 12 and on page 201 there are three little dots that I stopped at! (Why I'm saying this is so I can an idea on where everyone is so I don't spoil or get spoiled on anything. I'm at the part where we first meet the Elhokar, Dalinar, and his two sons. More specifically at the part where Elhokar and Dalinar just raced to the top of a rock!)

A few people I know said that they thought the beginning of this book was slow and a little hard to get into. I personally don't agree. There is a lot of world-building and setup (which, DUH, this is a 10-book series), but I don't think it was boring by any means, just really interesting learning about this new world and the first magic system.

Although not much heavy action or strong things to move the plot along happens in the beginning -- as someone who is reading this a second time -- this buildup is important! So if you're feeling a little bored, like nothing is happening, hang in there. The pacing absolutely EXPLODES towards the middle of the book and onward.

Was anyone confused by Szeth's abilities? I know I was at first, but understood it more as I kept on reading. I'm interested to know people's thoughts on Kaladin and Dalinar, who are without a doubt, my two FAVORITE characters of this series. Their character development is just incredible as the book moves forward.

I want to hear other people's thoughts before I say more, it's hard for me to remember what you guys haven't read since I'm on book two and I DON'T want to spoil anything for anyone.

So how is everyone enjoying it so far?

Whew I just have so much I want to talk about! I agree about the beginning, though it was tough for me to get into it, it wasn't boring by any means. I'm loving learning about all the characters and the world! I'm trying to read it slowly so I don't miss anything!

I really love both Kaladin and Shallan so far, I feel for Kaladin more and really want him to turn into a badass and I am probs going to have a big fat fictional crush on him but we shall see! We've only just met the (dead) king's brother and nephews so I'm not sure how I feel about them yet!

Also what the heck is up with Szeth?! His character kind of freaks me out (in a good way) and also intrigues me! I can't wait to see what we learn about him.

The world so far is really cool, I like how it isn't similar to another world I've read so far. I also really enjoy the spren for some reason. I don't know why, I just find them really cool! I don't have any clue where Sanderson is going to take this world (or story for that matter) but I can't wait to see how it develops!

Some things I've been WTH-ing, well first Szeth duh, but I already talked about him a little. Also I want to know what Kaladin did soooo baaad. I kind of have an idea already but I'm dying to know. Also with Shallan, I understand what she is trying to do (to a certain extent) but for some reason I really don't want her to steal anything. I mean yeah, she is helping her family but I just don't want her to turn on the king's sister. Again I'm not sure why but I just don't!

Hmm, what else? OH!! Syl! She reminds me of Tinkerbell so much and I just love her! I can't wait to see what is up with her because I know she isn't supposed to do what she is doing. Does that make sense?

Okay that is all I can think of (for now) can't wait to read more! The story is starting to take off and I'm just super curious at this point!

I just finished reading to the end of Elhokar and Dalinar's race as well (page 190 in my copy)!

World Building: I love how intricately Brandon Sanderson made this world! Not only do we have details about religion, he has created new plants, animals, cultural practices, skin and eyes colors, and so many other little details that is completely feels like you are in a different place when you're reading it. For example, I really like how being prejudice against "dark-eyed" people and preferring “bright-eyed” people has led to “Brightness” as a style of address for important, bright-eyed ladies. I feel like Brandon took on an enormous project with all of these details and executed it perfectly!

I think the pacing is fine so far and pretty consistant with Brandon's other books. The first few chapters I was really, REALLY confused because there was so many new terms and it took me about 40-50 pages to get used to them and just kind of shrug them off instead of trying to figure out what they mean when they aren't explained right then and there. After I got used to that, it was a very fast read for me. It also helps that there is SO MUCH BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK to break of the text. I seriously cannot get over how beautiful this book is. The art almost makes me feel like I am reading a fairytale or a storybook and it really makes the new animals feel realistic.

Shallan's Storyline: I really like Shallan so far. I think it's a great prospective to have in order to understand what is "feminine" v. "masculine" in this society and how the various rules of propriety work. I completely agree with you Sara that I don't want Shallan to steal from Princess Jasnah!! I think Jasnah is my favorite side character so far. I am really intrigued by what she is looking for in all of those books, and I also feel like she is a very interesting character. Already we've gotten to see different sides of her (soft v. tough love for example), and I think she will only get more intriguing. I hope that Shallan is able to confide in her eventually and maybe she will help her save her family? That's probably too simple, but I really don't want Shallan to betray her!

Kaladin's Storyline: SO SO SO EXCITED FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THIS!!! He's going to be such a badass when he leads Bridge Four to AWESOMENESS!!! I feel like we've really just skimmed the surface of Kaladin and I can't wait to learn more about his past and understand him better. I really want to know why Syl has been following him for YEARS when normally the spren don't do anything even remotely similar. Are there more spren like her? Is there something special about Kaladin? I WANT TO KNOW!!!!

HOID HOID HOID HOID: I seriously squealed like a little girl when we got our first Hoid reference in this book during the first interlude! I am so obsessed with The Cosmere already, and Hoid plays such a teeny tiny role in the Mistborn books and Elantris and I've heard that these books are the main ones he is involved in. AHHHH I WANT MORE HOID!!!

Speaking of interlude chapters, I think they're a really cool idea on Brandon's part. I like how we have some "main" perspectives and then we get bits and pieces of other people in other parts of the continent! I think it makes for really thorough and interesting storytelling.

Questions So Far/Things I Want to Know:
Is Szeth pronounced "Zeth"?
How does this magic system work?
Also what exactly is stormlight? It's important in so many aspects of the story.
More details on the religious aspects! Why were there all those quotes at the beginnings of people's last words?
Is Shallan's brother just a guy that tortures animals and what will he be like when he is more fleshed out?
Still trying to grasp how all of the royalty is connected and who is what in society!
How many shardblades are there?

So excited to keep reading and learn more about this world!