The Way of Kings

On Roshar, a world battered by giant storms, Kaladin, a former surgeon's apprentice sold into slavery, lands in Bridge Four, the most expendable bridge crew in Highprince Sadeas's army. With help from Syl, a spren, he turns the men into a real team. Shallan Davar becomes Jasnah Kholin's ward to steal her Soulcaster and save her family; she's caught but forgiven. Dalinar Kholin, haunted by visions, is betrayed by Sadeas mid-battle. Kaladin, who has learned he can draw in Stormlight, leads Bridge Four back and saves Dalinar's army. Dalinar trades his Shardblade for the bridgemen's freedom. Jasnah and Shallan set out for the Shattered Plains.

1. Behind the scenesWritten twice

   Sanderson finished a first draft in 2003. Tor felt something wasn't quite right and passed. Years later he threw everything away and started again from page one. The old version, now called The Way of Kings Prime, went up on his website in 2020.

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2. Behind the scenesBridge Four started in college

   Bridge Four characters and scenes began in Dragonsteel, Sanderson's honors thesis at BYU, finished in 2000. It's the only undergrad thesis in BYU history that had to be rebound because it had been read so much.

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3. Behind the scenesAward right away

   The book debuted at No. 7 on the New York Times best seller list and won the 2011 David Gemmell Legend Award for Best Novel, voted on by fantasy readers.

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4. SetupWatch the epigraphs

   Some parts of the book open with strange lines spoken by dying people, each one dated and timed. They look like decoration, but someone is writing them down for a reason.

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5. ReferenceThe king's fool

   Wit, King Elhokar's jester, is Hoid, the traveler who turns up in disguise across the Cosmere, Sanderson's shared universe. Mistborn readers have met him before.

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