The Way of Kings: A Christian Perspective
The Way of Kings: Book One of the Stormlight Archive
by Brandon Sanderson
I am struggling to put this book down to write this article. The Way of Kings is the first in the series of 5 extremely long novels—over 1000 pages—and an audible listening time of over 45 hours each. This book has thoroughly absorbed me into its orbit along with two of my adult sons, and tons of other people. After hearing so much talk of this book, I finally asked to borrow my son’s paperback. I had to see what the hype was about.
What the book is about
Classified as fantasy military action and adventure. This book follows a few main characters including a high prince who commands and army, a slave who once hoped to be a surgeon, and a young noble woman with a talent for drawing. Read more about the description by clicking here.
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Why I like it
Since it is a fantasy world, I don’t have an expectation of how Christianity will be treated, or ignored. That being said, there are several Christian themes woven throughout this book that resonate strongly with me.
Currently, I am at a part where one of the main characters is struggling with having an unpopular opinion based on morals that seem to differ with society. He is wondering if he should quit his leadership role in order to keep the peace. As a Christian, I see myself in this character as I quite often disagree with the popular opinion. Every leadership position I have ever been in, whether it is Christian or not, has seen its share of struggle to be right. The question we face is are we motivated by winning the argument and getting our way or by doing what is best? When we see a path that others do not see, it can be hard to know when to keep trying to convince others or to give up and walk away. Often times, walking away is the easiest, but not the best.
What’s the Point?
Another main character is struggling to see the point in struggling. He is a slave and thinks, “why bother, no one cares and life will never improve?” He hurt by a leader he trusted, he thinks all leaders are the same. Many of us can identify with having people we respect disappoint us. Or maybe we do not feel as loved as we ought. He gives us a good example as he faces each of these struggles, resists giving in and then is given grace to move forward.
Life before death.
from the way of kings by Brandon Sanderson
Strength before weakness.
Journey before Destination.
Fight the Good Fight
Finally, this book asks the question of why we do what we do. Is it society’s fault? Our family’s? Does the law force us? Or can we make our own choices based on what we know to be moral and true? What are we attached to in our lives? Does the “Devil made me do it” argument excuse our bad choices? And is this a legitimate reason for doing wrong? This is important for us all, especially as Christians to always look to Christ. We must decide how important “things” are in our lives versus what are we willing to give them up for. To fight the good fight.
This first book came out in 2010, so I am a little late to get started. On the other hand, I do not have to keep waiting for the next book to come out.
Are like me and hate when a good book ends? Buckle up and join me in this new world…We have more than 225 hours left to enjoy!
If you want to see some of my other Fiction book reviews from a Christian perspective, go visit My Bookshelf.
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