Way of Kings: Review pt 2

*Some minor spoiling may occur while reading the following, but is unlikely*

The unique nature of the world (or rather, continent)of Roshar, as you would have read of in the previous post, is inextricably linked to every fantastical property Sanderson has developed for the story. Indeed, the magic system that we know of so far from the first book, all seems to involve the use of something called Stormlight. (There are mentions of something called the Old Magic, but no one really knows what that's all about.) Stormlight, for all intents and purposes (as far as we know),is a form of energy that accumulates in gemstones that are left out during the planet's really big Easterly storms. And man can they do some seriously cool shit with it! Sanderson has always thought out clever, original magic systems that seem to have some connection to the principals and discoveries of physics. This always pleases me. I always get an imaginative surge when a writer can bend the rules of our own physical universe and allow characters to perform some seriously amazing feats. I won't go into the various ways that these powers manifest, because that's something I like to learn for myself when I read. But mixed with Sanderson's action packed style, and Nic Gillard-esque (Swordmaster and stunt coordinator for Star Wars) ability to choreograph fight scenes these abilities make for flowing, action scenes that are some of the best heroic fantasy has to offer.

No fantasy epic is ever set in the hay-day of magic and technology. The Wheel of Time is not set in its Age of Legends, the Sword of Truth lives in a world where magic is dying, so it is to be expected that WoK is also set in this sort of scenario. However, Sanderson has created a world that is advancing scientifically and socially. The wonders of Roshar, after its many previous wars and disasters, are once again building. Sanderson gives us a world that feels almost like it is on the verge of its own Enlightenment. (I refer to the 17-18th century period of scientific and philosophical growth.) Religion too plays a major role, mysticism containing kernels of truth and fields of out right lies and misconceptions. State control of religion is also a prevalent theme, something that indeed hearkens back to Dune.

It is hard to find a single book that goes in to this much social detail. The Wheel of Time took several volumes before this much about its many societies was revealed. Of course, I do not detract from epics that hold themselves back in regards to this sort of detail, I'm merely saying that I find this amount of world building by the author impressive and unique.

Another point I must make is that despite all of the philosophical themes and ideas brought up in the story, Sanderson has held himself aloof from answering the questions within the book. "Authors ask questions, but do not answer them directly." This is something you're likely to hear in any higher level creative writing class, and it is true. Few authors of Fantasy ever engage in preaching, probably because it is nearly impossible to do well and even more impossible to do without alienating a few readers. Sanderson has let his story ask his questions for him in a wise, but emotional manner; a trying combination that is perhaps a defining criteria of great Epic and Heroic Fantasy.

Ends with part 3