BookPath
The Way Of Kings (3 Of 5)
Brandon Sanderson

The Way Of Kings (3 Of 5)

Quick Answer

Start with "The Way Of Kings (3 Of 5)" to begin the The Stormlight Archive. It is the essential series starter and provides the necessary foundation for the rest of the books.

Quick Verdict

✅ Safe to read now (Series Entry Point)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: This is the essential series starter that introduces the Brandon Sanderson's core world and character arcs. It is required reading for all new fans.

Is this helpful?
20141008 ppSeries StarterWikidataSource
GraphicAudio® A Movie in Your Mind® proudly releases THE WAY OF KINGS, the first of ten planned titles in New York Times Bestselling author, Brandon Sanderson’s epic fantasy series, THE STORMLIGHT ARCHIVE. 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 10 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. Wars were fought for them, and won by them. One such war rages on the Shattered Plains. There, Kaladin has been reduced to slavery. In a war that makes no sense, where 10 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 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. Director Rose Supan says, “Brandon Sanderson is at the top of his game with THE STORMLIGHT ARCHIVES. It's an honor to direct this story. The actors as well as our production team are thrilled to be a part of the process as well. I can proudly proclaim that the listener is in for a truly immersive experience!” © 2010 by Brandon Sanderson. Recorded with the permission of the Author and Dragonsteel Enterainment, LLC Production. All rights reserved. ℗ 2016 The Cutting Corporation. All rights reserved.
Next Recommended Book

Words Of Radiance

Book #2 of 4 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for The Stormlight Archive conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading The Way Of Kings (3 Of 5)?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read The Way Of Kings (3 Of 5) before other books in the series?

Yes, The Way Of Kings (3 Of 5) is the first book in the series and is the ideal starting point for new readers.

Is The Way Of Kings (3 Of 5) required reading for the The Stormlight Archive?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after The Way Of Kings (3 Of 5) in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The Way Of Kings (3 Of 5) is Words Of Radiance (Book #2).