The Way of Kings
The Stormlight Archive, Book 1
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Buy for $21.78
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Michael Kramer
-
Kate Reading
About this listen
The groundbreaking first book of an epic series that has changed the face of fantasy. The Way of Kings begins The Stormlight Archive.
Speak again the ancient oaths:
Life before death.
Strength before weakness.
Journey before Destination.
Return to men the Shards they once bore.
The Knights Radiant must stand again.
Roshar is a world of stone and storms. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain so frequently that they have shaped ecology and civilization alike. Animals hide in shells, trees pull in branches, and grass retracts into the soilless ground. Cities are built only where the topography offers shelter.
It has been centuries since the fall of the ten consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and suits of armor that transform ordinary men into near-invincible warriors. Men trade kingdoms for Shardblades. Wars were fought for them, and won by them.
One such war rages on a ruined landscape called the Shattered Plains. There, Kaladin, who traded his medical apprenticeship for a spear to protect his little brother, has been reduced to slavery. In a war that makes no sense, where ten armies fight separately against a single foe, he struggles to save his men and to fathom the leaders who consider them expendable.
Brightlord Dalinar Kholin commands one of those other armies. Like his brother, the late king, he is fascinated by an ancient text called The Way of Kings. Troubled by over-powering visions of ancient times and the Knights Radiant, he has begun to doubt his own sanity.
Across the ocean, an untried young woman named Shallan seeks to train under an eminent scholar and notorious heretic, Dalinar's niece, Jasnah. Though she genuinely loves learning, Shallan's motives are less than pure. As she plans a daring theft, her research for Jasnah hints at secrets of the Knights Radiant and the true cause of the war.
Other books by Brandon Sanderson
The Cosmere
The Stormlight Archive
The Way of Kings
Words of Radiance
Edgedancer (Novella)
Oathbringer
Rhythm of War
Wind and Truth
The Mistborn Saga
Mistborn
The Well of Ascension
The Hero of Ages
The Alloy of Law
Shadows of Self
The Bands of Mourning
The Lost Metal
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Elantris (3 of 3) [Dramatized Adaptation]
- Elantris, Book 3
- By: Brandon Sanderson
- Narrated by: full cast, James Konicek, Danny Gavigan, and others
- Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The city of the gods. Elantris once stood as the symbol of all that is beautiful. A sprawling metropolis of unrivaled grandeur, it was a symbol of power and strength, built to be as imposing as it was magnificent. The only thing more glorious than the city itself was its inhabitants, Godlike beings, with silvery skin and hair of the purest flowing white. Able to create powerful magics with a mere wave of their hands, the Elantrians were able to heal mortal wounds and create any object they desired. But Elantris fell...10 years ago.
-
-
They mispronounce Hoid
- By Jeff on 04-02-21
-
The Name of the Wind
- Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 1
- By: Patrick Rothfuss
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 27 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man's search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.
-
-
Not sure why the reviews are so polar opposite.
- By Aaron Altman on 06-28-09
By: Patrick Rothfuss
-
Sylver Seeker, Books 1-4: A LitRPG Adventure
- By: Kennit Kenway
- Narrated by: Garrett Michael Brown
- Length: 86 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After fulfilling the duty all Arch Necromancers are tasked with, the last thing Sylver Sezari expected was to be reborn. He was usually the one reanimating dead things, after all. How ironic. But reborn he was. And after crawling his way back into the land of the living, he finds himself in a strange land, a strange time, and with a strange floating screen in front of his new face. Either through plan or chance, he’s alive again, and planning to enjoy himself to his heart's content.
-
-
Great story and narration!
- By Matt on 01-27-25
By: Kennit Kenway
-
The Lies of Locke Lamora
- Gentleman Bastard, Book 1
- By: Scott Lynch
- Narrated by: Michael Page
- Length: 22 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An orphan’s life is harsh - and often short - in the mysterious island city of Camorr. But young Locke Lamora dodges death and slavery, becoming a thief under the tutelage of a gifted con artist. As leader of the band of light-fingered brothers known as the Gentleman Bastards, Locke is soon infamous, fooling even the underworld’s most feared ruler. But in the shadows lurks someone still more ambitious and deadly. Faced with a bloody coup that threatens to destroy everyone and everything that holds meaning in his mercenary life, Locke vows to beat the enemy at his own brutal game.
-
-
Narrator is a bit too much
- By Brandon Yapel on 03-02-20
By: Scott Lynch
-
Eragon
- Inheritance, Book 1
- By: Christopher Paolini
- Narrated by: Gerard Doyle
- Length: 16 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes he is merely a poor farm boy - until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now, his choices could save - or destroy - the empire.
-
-
Utterly Awesome!
- By Sandra on 11-07-03
-
The Silmarillion
- By: J. R. R. Tolkien
- Narrated by: Martin Shaw
- Length: 14 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The complete unabridged audiobook of J.R.R Tolkien's The Silmarillion. The Silmarillion is an account of the Elder Days, of the First Age of Tolkien’s world. It is the ancient drama to which the characters in The Lord of the Rings look back, and in whose events some of them such as Elrond and Galadriel took part.
-
-
Finally!
- By Brian on 11-22-18
By: J. R. R. Tolkien
-
Elantris (3 of 3) [Dramatized Adaptation]
- Elantris, Book 3
- By: Brandon Sanderson
- Narrated by: full cast, James Konicek, Danny Gavigan, and others
- Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The city of the gods. Elantris once stood as the symbol of all that is beautiful. A sprawling metropolis of unrivaled grandeur, it was a symbol of power and strength, built to be as imposing as it was magnificent. The only thing more glorious than the city itself was its inhabitants, Godlike beings, with silvery skin and hair of the purest flowing white. Able to create powerful magics with a mere wave of their hands, the Elantrians were able to heal mortal wounds and create any object they desired. But Elantris fell...10 years ago.
-
-
They mispronounce Hoid
- By Jeff on 04-02-21
-
The Name of the Wind
- Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 1
- By: Patrick Rothfuss
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 27 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man's search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.
-
-
Not sure why the reviews are so polar opposite.
- By Aaron Altman on 06-28-09
By: Patrick Rothfuss
-
Sylver Seeker, Books 1-4: A LitRPG Adventure
- By: Kennit Kenway
- Narrated by: Garrett Michael Brown
- Length: 86 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After fulfilling the duty all Arch Necromancers are tasked with, the last thing Sylver Sezari expected was to be reborn. He was usually the one reanimating dead things, after all. How ironic. But reborn he was. And after crawling his way back into the land of the living, he finds himself in a strange land, a strange time, and with a strange floating screen in front of his new face. Either through plan or chance, he’s alive again, and planning to enjoy himself to his heart's content.
-
-
Great story and narration!
- By Matt on 01-27-25
By: Kennit Kenway
-
The Lies of Locke Lamora
- Gentleman Bastard, Book 1
- By: Scott Lynch
- Narrated by: Michael Page
- Length: 22 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An orphan’s life is harsh - and often short - in the mysterious island city of Camorr. But young Locke Lamora dodges death and slavery, becoming a thief under the tutelage of a gifted con artist. As leader of the band of light-fingered brothers known as the Gentleman Bastards, Locke is soon infamous, fooling even the underworld’s most feared ruler. But in the shadows lurks someone still more ambitious and deadly. Faced with a bloody coup that threatens to destroy everyone and everything that holds meaning in his mercenary life, Locke vows to beat the enemy at his own brutal game.
-
-
Narrator is a bit too much
- By Brandon Yapel on 03-02-20
By: Scott Lynch
-
Eragon
- Inheritance, Book 1
- By: Christopher Paolini
- Narrated by: Gerard Doyle
- Length: 16 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes he is merely a poor farm boy - until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now, his choices could save - or destroy - the empire.
-
-
Utterly Awesome!
- By Sandra on 11-07-03
-
The Silmarillion
- By: J. R. R. Tolkien
- Narrated by: Martin Shaw
- Length: 14 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The complete unabridged audiobook of J.R.R Tolkien's The Silmarillion. The Silmarillion is an account of the Elder Days, of the First Age of Tolkien’s world. It is the ancient drama to which the characters in The Lord of the Rings look back, and in whose events some of them such as Elrond and Galadriel took part.
-
-
Finally!
- By Brian on 11-22-18
By: J. R. R. Tolkien
What listeners say about The Way of Kings
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
- Mr M Heys
- 07-18-11
Epic
I've been looking for a good epic fantasy world since I've finished Sword of Truth and got as far as you can with Wheel of Time, and if this book is anything to go buy The Stormlight Archive is going to be an amazing Epic fantasy series.
It might just be because this book has the same narrators as the Wheel of Time but the writing style is very similar to Robert Jordan, this might be why he was asked to finish off the WoT series after Jordan's death.
The writing is great, the narration is great and the action scenes flow nicely enabling me to really visualise the story in my mind.
Love it, five stars isn't enough.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Knut
- 05-24-19
Great book, but some issues with this copy.
Great book, great readers. some noice in the background and the book skips backwards sometimes like a broken CD.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- NimbleLeopard
- 01-24-21
Amazing!
Its a great book. Tightly written, and keeps you hanging on to every word. It builds a world you genuinely believe could be there and it keeps you in its grasp all the way to the end. Will literally start book two right after this review.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 08-18-20
Just wow
I’ve longed for a book like this. A unique universe that is hard to leave. All wrapped up in amazing storytelling.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Vintr Michal
- 01-08-18
Author's best series!
This is my second reading and I loved it even more than the first time. Michael and Kate are my favorite narrator couple and possibly my second most favorite narrators ever (RIP Roy Dotrice).
The story is amazing and all I wish for in a fantasy saga. As always in Sanderson's books magic system is perfectly thought out and interesting.
After reading Arcanum unbounded the subtle hints at cosmere are more noticeable and I enjoyed them a lot more.
Overall one of my favorite books...
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Marta Dahlig
- 07-13-19
Epic fantasy at its best
Such an epic, immersive story with intricate character design and great world building. Definitely recommend!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Yves Vandewoude
- 06-18-19
Great book, great readers
Arguably Sanderson's best book in my opinion and very well read! I highly recommend this book.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Yaron
- 02-05-19
Excellent story, hindered by narrator
The story is grand, detailed, and intriguing even if events sometimes unfold a bit slowly.
Michael Kramer is one of the best narrators I've come across, and he would get 6 stars if I could give them.
However, Kate Reading on the other hand is average at best, and her lackluster performance is contrasted bitterly by Kramer's brilliance. It seems they didn't even talk to each other regarding the characters, since they pronounce names differently sometimes.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kindle Customer
- 06-03-22
A slow burn
Brandon Sanderson is a master of his craft. That being said, this book takes the long road. The detail and character exploration builds a rich world but does so at expense of maintaining the listener's attention. I do think the book could have been shorter and more action packed. But if you are willing to commit it is worth it in the end.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 07-31-18
The Next Game of Thrones
Wow! I am amazed at the detail that went into this book! This is a work of art in word form! I’m am sad that it has ended, but excited for the next book! This is only the first out of 10 planned books!!! (Three of which are released already) This is going to be truly something to behold when it is completed! I recommend strongly.
The performances by the readers where really good actually. I enjoyed them. They were pretty consistent through out the book and appreciated the different gender voices for the different genders (depending on whose point of view it was written from), it did bug me a little that in one chapter the Lady pronounced the one character’s name different from the male voice. But all in all, really well done..
So in summer....
Get this book and start listening now!! But be prepared to set aside 2-3 weeks of your life as this will consume all your free time.
Happy listening
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!