JWParker

I had a very similar reaction. I was interested in Vasher right off the bat. As a reader I’m very character driven, and I couldn’t find a character to latch onto that got me to dive in until Vasher started to get some development. The Vasher/Nightblood relationship is so complex and so good!

The first try I only lasted a few chapters. I jumped right into it after finishing another series and it was difficult shaking the other world from my mind while trying to acclimate to Roshar. But getting accustomed to the Cosmere before going back to Way of Kings was incredibly helpful.

This is a bit tangential to the topic but related to what you just said: I love that none of the characters are safe in Sanderson’s stories. No one is without the potential of blemish or danger and it makes the characters that much more interesting. So many other franchises (not to be named) can take note of this type of storytelling, that putting your characters at risk of failure or even their lives isn’t inherently a bad thing. It just makes the story that much more believable and gripping!

Someone already mentioned this but just to second: I think you’ll love a reread after going through Mistborn, Elantris, and Warbreaker in the future. There are so many Cosmere parallels, points of connection, and Easter eggs between Way of Kings and the other stories. A while ago I tried to read Way of Kings as my intro to the Cosmere, quickly felt disoriented and decided to start with the shorter works first. Then I picked up Way of Kings a couple weeks ago and it was like taking a matrix pill where all the zeros and ones become sounds and colors haha! Just finished reading it all the way through and it’s already my favorite book in the Cosmere!

Can’t wait! I’m reading Alloy of Law now and then jumping back into Stormlight. This just got me excited to read more!

In a genre full of bad dads, Dalinar is a special character that hits all the fatherhood notes. I just finished Way of Kings after reading Mistborn Era 1, Warbreaker, and Elantris. And Dalinar is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters in the Cosmere. When Adolin asks him why he would risk his life to save Sadeas and Dalinar responds “the knowledge that you could handle the army if I fell” is exactly what every son wants to hear from their dad: you have what it takes! From start to finish, I loved his devotion to his ideals and convictions, teaching his sons and other characters like Kaladin how to become men of honor and character. As a dad, it was inspiring to read.