rachaelsfantasyland's reviews
247 reviews

emotional funny mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A cute and mysterious fantasy romance. This is my first introduction to T. Kingfisher and I’m eager to continue in this series. I found Grace and Stephen to be lovable, if a bit frustrating at times. The non-romantic plots were interesting and I honestly wish there was more of them. I will never think of scents the same after delving into Grace’s mind!

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

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adventurous dark inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was the first Brandon Sanderson book I ever read (bold choice, I know), and returning to it half a decade later for a re-read now that the series is completed was my best decision of 2025 so far. This is a masterpiece of epic fantasy. Sanderson is the GOAT when it comes to world-building! Between the ecological and cultural descriptions (so! many! crustaceans!), I feel like I truly understand the world of Roshar. The characters are loveable and understandable even when they make mistakes that make me cringe (I’m looking at you, Shallan). I love Kaladin so much and my heart breaks for him constantly. Overall, this is a wonderful story of war, violence, and despair, but also hope, curiosity, and brotherhood. Oh, and there’s magic!

Oh, also, I'm so here for Navani clawing her way out of the 'sister'-zone. It's so funny to me that when Dalinar calls her the honorific for older sister, she retaliates by getting him alone and kissing him just a few chapters later. She is not letting the dead-brother's-widow part get in her way.

Also I'm so gay for Jasnah. Sanderson is a coward if he doesn't make her a girl-kisser.

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