Over the past 1000 pages I've come to know Kaladin and Dalinar, Shallan and Rock and Sadeas, and I feel a connection with them that I have rarely experienced in the past. The Way of Kings is character-driven, for sure. My jaw dropped at Szeth, the Truthless BA with godlike abilities and some serious moral dilemmas; I rooted for Dalinar, with his sense of honor that could result in prosperity or destruction; and I hung on every word about Kaladin, natural born leader made with the stuff of legends. Brandon breathes life into each of these characters and develops them significantly, as so many other authors forget to do.

Brandon builds a world that could not possibly be explained in a single volume, or even a trilogy. The plot is full of unexpected twists and takes the reader on a roller coaster of emotion, from periods of dark hopelessness to moments of excitement and glory. The themes ask the reader questions that linger. I finished this book and got halfway to my door on my way to the bookstore before I realized I had to wait for him to WRITE the next copy. Then I went to my computer so I could get into some WoK discussions and realized it was too soon.