when Dalinar said: “So today, you and your men sacrificed to buy me twenty-six thousand priceless lives. And all I had to repay you with was one priceless sword. I call that a bargain.” I felt that

You didn't even talk about Dalinar offering his Shardblade in exchange for the bridge crews. Best part in the whole storming book.

Ok but ever since Kaladin went back for Dalinor, I have never been the same

I love the way Brandon used the quotes from the dying at the start of each chapter, then later either Jasnah or Navani cant remember which one mentions that people have been speaking strange things in the seconds before death, then at the end when Szeth meets Taravangian and we learn what he's doing and how its connected to those quotes. Incredible writing device there. Brandon is truly a master of his craft.

I started punching the air when Kaladin came back for Dalinar. I had an awkward time trying to explain that to my mom who was in the kitchen with me when I was reading it 😂

Merphy at 17:17 - All of us when Bridge 4 decided to go back for Dalinar. Definitely one of the most exciting things I have ever read!

"Book two is Shallan." Um, *EXCUSE* you. You've completely overlooked the most important character of the entire Cosmere. Maybe a quote will refresh your memory: "I am a STICK."

Rereading TWoK currently. Kaladin's story is the reason I found books again. Not since reading Harry Potter as a kid have I stayed up all night reading. His story is really powerful to me. His fight with depression, his drive to make the lives of the people around him better, and his choice to walk away from that suicidal part of himself. It all is just enrapturing and, while I love Shallan's humor and Dalinar's struggles with redemption and doing what is right for his kingdom, I come back for rereads and quotes specifically for Kaladin. Oh, and Syl is fantastic.

I totally teared up when you talked about Kaladin. I love him so much ❤️ These books are so amazing! 😭❤️

I feel Dalanar and Iroh have a lot in common. Both formidable men with a dark past and seeking to be better.

Szeth's book is the 5th one, book 4, Rhytmn of War, is focused on Eshonai and Venli.

Have I read this book three times already? Yes! Will I still watch the video because I enjoy watching people gush about how amazing these books are? Yes!

I feel that Shallan has the same brand of humour as Chandler. They have trained their minds to look for the jokes in every moment, just so that they can avoid thinking about their tragic past.

the scene where the creatures chase Shallan genuinely had me panicking but in part one I was always annoyed when a chapter was about her instead of Kaladin

I think Kaladin and Dalinar are my favorites so the part when Kaladin goes back for Dalinar made me teary eyed

Reads Stormlight : omg Reads Stormlight again : OMG Reads Stormlight AGAIN : OMFG

Shallan's humor is on purpose, she's supposed to be someone who tries too hard. Having a sense of humour that not everyone likes.

"Honor is dead, but I'll see what I can do" goosebumps

One of my favorite Bridge 4 moments is when kaladin finally broke through Tefts barriers and got him to open up. and the dynamics between rock, teft and kal in the last half is amazing

To me Shallan’s “wit” with her comedy seemed like a common way people who have undergone trauma deal with most situations. Some make jokes, more often dark or dry humor, and some like Shallan flex their wit in a way she could never do so back at home

I just finished the book yesterday (took me exactly 4 months😂), now that I collected my thoughts, here they are: *SPOILER WARNING FOR tWoK* I love Shallan. I didn't connect fully with Jasnah but I can see why people may love her later. I love Navani, I actually enjoyed her forwardness, even though it wasn't right for Dalinar. I appreciated how Sanderson portrayed their interaction in a way that both showed how taboo and wrong it was all the while showing both of their affection for one another. I loved Kabsal and Shallan. I shipped them a lot and it broke my heart. Shallan's inner turnmoil was so compelling and I recognized myself a lot in her and when she betrayed Jasnah and then later came clean, affected me a lot. BRIDGE FOUR. BRIDGE FOUR. BRIDGE FOUR. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH I really enjoy Teft. I love Rock so much. I didn't really connect a lot with Lopen. I don't really see why you say that people connect so much with him in this book, as I felt that he was more of a comic relief character. SYL. I loved her so much, her journey was so good! I really enjoyed the flashbacks of Tien and Laral? (or what Kaladin's friend's name was) and it broke my heart in every flashback when I got to read about Tien and how happy he was, all the time knowing he would die. Laral's betrayal cut deep. The worldbuilding was a lot. I understand that this is a very ground-laying book, but it became too much sometimes. There was so much words thrown around that I had no sense of what they meant, e.g. fabrial, Knights Radiant, Heralds, all the history epochs etc. but when I later got to learn about them it clicked a bit and I started to appreciate the worldbuilding more, and now look forward to rereading the book again and noticing all the details. SADEAS. I don't need to say anything more. I HATE HIM SO MUCH. The Taravangian thing shocked me. Did not expect that. Nor did i expect the reveal of Jasnah's abilities. (i think i forgot about a reveal here) I did however suspect that Shallan had killed her father. Szeth was amazing. I really enjoyed his chapters a lot, but I would've appreciated some non-combat chapters from him. The whole scenes in the last battle where Dalinar came to peace with himself and when Kaladin was so good. I started Words of Radiance yesterday and I look forward to reading the rest of the books. Sorry that this comment was all over the place. This book was so big I already forgot a lot and probably missed some big things I enjoyed.

Rock is the emotional rock of Bridge 4

There are roots of Shallan's issues in Oathbringer that popped out at me in a recent reread of Words of Radiance. The first time I read Oathbringer I thought her descent was abrupt, but starting early in book 2 there are hints of where she's going, even beyond the obvious one. She deals with stress and trauma by repressing it and when she faces trauma early in that book she uses the magic to repress her feelings. It gets her out of the life and death situation she's in, but it lays the seeds for her losing control in Oathbringer.

Just finished the book today..and I gotta say..WHAT AN AMAZING REVIEW!!!! All the amazing world building aside, just the emotional attachment to Kaladin as a character, makes me love this book soo soo much. His transformation from a depressed, suicidal person to an amazing beacon of hope...really really makes me sorta look up to him. MAN WHAT A NOVEL!

Sanderson has an ability to plot and plan his books to a degree that is hard to find and it's why this series is so strong... Kaladin's Honor arc in this book is by far the most amazing writing. I have read and listened to this book multiple times and Kaladin's choice to say "the words" during the Tower brings tears every time, no matter how many times read!!

The moment that Syl goes away, and Kaladan , says “don’t go” wow , 😢 so amazing... and yes! Bridge 4!

I re-read this at the beginning of the year. I couldn't believe how well Sanderson did in writing a totally satisfying story within the book at the same time he's setting up a 10 book series. I think the completeness of Kaladins arc through the flashbacks had a lot to do with this. You get a real sense of beginning middle and end - most authors would only be able to give you beginning in a project like this.

I love love loved the first book! It was amazing majorly because of Kaladin’s backstory! Kaladin is undoubtedly my fav character. His growth as a character is so powerful and inspiring!

Book 4 is Eshonai. Book 5 will be Szeth. "I guess I just don't think she's as clever as she does." PREACH. It took me a LONG TIME to like Shallan like 90% because of that. Also, definitely teared up when you read the parts about Bridge 4 going back for Dalinar.

Sanderson has this strange crazy power, of ripping out my heart, smash it to pieces, Stich it back together with painful, yet wonderfully soft Stiches, then rams it back in your chest and leave a wound that feels like it can never heal.

After many years of not reading I decided I wanted to start again and somehow I randomly chose WoK based on review and cover I guess and I don't regret it. I still love WoK the most because Kaladin's arc is so interesting.

I like Shallan. She gives a quirkiness factor, a literal personification of multi-personality, and a detective element to the story. She's a nice change of pace from big action or depression.

This book, and the entire Stormlight Archive has been my tether to sanity during the whole pandemic. Just hearing you read some of the pages hits me in the feels. I love Kaladin, and will never stop rooting for him.

Awesome review! Kaladin is a great character. I mean just look at how he goes from being at the lowest of the low, contemplating suicide at one point to leading his men. Kaladin is one of my all time favourite characters which is why I did a character study video on him!! I especially like how he's a surgeon as well as a fighter. Despite being exhausted after a bridge run, he gets up and struggles to save as many of his crew as he can. Truly inspiring stuff.

Just finished The Way of Kings. It’s the best book I’ve ever read. 😁

You said that you love rock: There will be a rock novella set between books 4 and 5 and Sanderson will write this summer a Rysn novella set between 3 and 4.

I was so confused when you started talking about Szeth (if that’s how you spell it) because the whole book I pronounced it as seth😂

I'm not sure you're supposed to be charmed by Shallan I'm not sure you're even supposed to find her that funny. I always saw her humour as a deflection as part of her anxiety. Honestly I love Shallan, I also found her difficult in book one but mainly because I just found her chapters less exciting that Kaladins and Dalinars but in books two and three I think she might be my favourite character. She's just so gritty and resilient and persistent and I love that in a character.

Loved your review. So genuine. I've just begun reading this for the fourth time as I want to reread all three before Rhythm of War is released. Hands down, my favorite fantasy series and The Way of Kings may just be my favorite book of all time. Probably a three way tie between Dune, The Name of the Wind and The Way of Kings. I really enjoyed watching you tear up as you revisited some of the awesomeness of this book. My favorite part: Dalinar trading his Shardblade for Kal's crew. Damn. So heartwrenching. That's the moment when I knew Dalinar was a character I could love as much as Kaladin. Keep reading, Merphy! And keep the videos coming. I enjoy listening to you. 😊

I’m so glad you finally read this!! My favorite book of all time!

I love when I finish a book and see that you have done a review. You are so attuned to how you are feeling in ways that I feel but couldn't articulate. And that's why I like your reviews. It helps me reflect on what I've read in a way that's like when a word is on the tip of your tongue, and you say the word I was trying to think of.

I wasn’t interested in this book when you first began it, but after listening to your description of it and entering into a few of the moments within this book with you, I just added it to my Merph list haha Hope you feel better soon! Love your videos, keep ‘em comin’!

Book 4 is going to be Venli/Eshonai, Eshonai will be the flashback character. Book 3 used ot be Szeths book in the original plan, but Dalinar fit the conclusion of that book better (And OH BOY, does he fit it). Book 5 will be Szeths book. Jasnah is Book 10s flashbacks. And nobody thinks Shallan is as witty as she thinks she is.

I just finished it! I loved Kaladin so much. I loved Rock's interactions. I think he's hilarious. And that ENDING! Dalinar giving it up for their lives. That got to me!

This book quite literally defined my goals and objectives as a leader and manager in my work life.

Yeah, I had mixed feelings at times about Shallan. I didn’t love her wittiness because it felt forced, which annoyed me but I felt that was on purpose because her humor was a coping mechanism not a honest representative of herself. Though from book 2 and especially the end of book 3 I loved her. I was crying at her big triumphant moment in Oathbringer. I was crying off and on during the last 200 pages to be honest.

Syl and kaladins relationship breaks my heart. Her love and devotion make me tear up just thinking about it

I just finished this book. I read the last 500 pages today. It was so good! I could barely put it down.

Thank you for your review! It baffles me how much you read and how many video you make!!!

I found your channel through some of you Harry Potter things, eventually coming onto your complete breakdown of everything that is Snape. The way you handled that video, and all 7 books concerning everything Snape was brilliant and nuanced in wonderful ways and I loved it. Now you’re doing reviews of my favorite books and talking about all the parts that hit me hardest. I think I’m in love. Seriously though, I think this one was exceedingly well done, and I can’t wait for the other 2 in this series. It’s almost more exciting than the wait for book 4.

Hope you didn't end up getting sick! I love Stormlight and the Cosmere in general, so I'm excited that you're doing this reread. There's nothing better than rereading Stormlight books. Even on my fifth full reread, I noticed new things/made new connections!

I finished this book for the second time last night, right in time for the reread with my friend starting today. I love this book! Thanks for the review!

You're making me want to do a reread! I loved this first book and Kaladin so much.

I'm planning on reading this book next month for the first time. Looking forward to coming back and watching this video when I finish!

Me during the whole book: *always keeps talking to the characters while pathetically wishing that me talking to them would make things happy and nice for all of them- mainly Kal*

Yesssss. This is exactly what I need to get out of my reading slump and to pick up Oathbringer.

Sadeas is Better than Amaram, all we know that, Sadeas at least says the things in your face, Amaram is a Coward who can't face the people he betrayed

Everytime I hear someone reviewing this book I feel like leaving everything else I'm reading at the moment and read this one again. I loved it so much.

That moment when Kaladin punched Moash. Yes, do that some more please.

Syl and Kaladin are relationship goals. I found Kaladin's chapters so painful. It literally hurt to read them. So many FEELS.

The Stormlight Archive is without a doubt my favorite series and I loved the review you did for the first book. Great job!!

Yassssssss Merphy! One of my favorite series! Also I hope you feel better 🥺

I love LOVE the stormlight archive!! My favourite series ever. Did my reread last month for the entire series, and planning another oathbringer reread right before RoW comes out :)

It's been years since I've read this book, but hearing you talk about Kaladin's arc has brought back so many feelings. I'm so excited to reread my god.

Man, did I feel you, Merphy! You had me getting teary! This is my 3rd favorite book series and I just finished rereading The Way of Kings as well. Fell even more deeply in love with it. Kaladin is my favorite character in this book, but yes to Dalinar in the 3rd book and for me, my favorite character in the whole series. As for Shallan, first read through I held her at a distance, seeing how she could go either way, down or up, and I didn't trust her. At the same time, I feel Sanderson nailed her naivete, her awkwardness, even her forced humor used to cover up her insecurities with witty jibes. And I love her growth through the rest of the series. I feel she has a long arc, so we kind of have to hold on for the long haul in her case. Anyway, thanks for the review! Love it!

Michael Knipp really does make amazing content and is such a wonderful booktuber in the community!! Also just love watching people discover and review a series I love ☺️

Thank you so much for your review. Seeing someone that feels a story like I do is so helpful to me because I usually don't know anyone else that reads the books I do. I've read the 6 mistborn novels and some of Sanderson's other books, but this is my first time with Stormlight. I'm excited to move on to book 2!

Poor Merphy is gonna have to wait until 2023 for Szeth's book. Next book is Eshonai/Venli/mystery character

I read Way of Kings based on your recommendation in another of your videos. I loved it so much.

Not going to finish watching this yet; just wanted to pop in and tell you that you have inspired me to read Brandon Sanderson. I went to the bookstore last Friday and picked up Mistborn and Skyward. I have considered reading Sanderson for years but it was your love of him that made me decide to buy the books and read them. We have very similar tastes, so I know I will end up loving Sanderson. Once I get to The Way of Kings, I’ll be back for this review!

Oh man I want to cry every time I read that scene where kal turns around for dalinar. Always love your reviews

I just had to stop myself from telling you what the quote you were trying to find was because I forgot this was a pre-recorded video. You have such a unique skill to be able to talk to a camera as if you were talking to a close friend that's sitting next to you. Its amazing :)

Merphy, I see you use small post its to mark sections of the book. Could you share with us someday how you take notes in order to remember the story? You are amazing stay awesome!

I'm reading the Stormlight for the first time right now partially because of you and Daniel Greene's recommendations! I enjoyed Way of Kings. I love Shallan and Kaladin. But I feel totally alone in thinking Dalanar was a little boring. I feel like all the reviews I see people love his perspective and I am really hoping I get on board in the next two books.

Just finished it and rushed here. Amazing book. Definitely can't wait to start reading the 2nd. I haven't seen others comment about it so; I think Kaladin's time being hung up is underrated. I've never came close to crying more than the time when little Syl, shaped like a little girl was trying to protect Kal in the middle of a storm with arms facing forward. A smal spren with a big heart

I adore Kaladin so much. I relate and see myself in him, but I also see a better side of myself through him and what I could be. He feels so real and I find myself thinking about him at random points of the day and wondering how he would approach and react to the things I am doing. He’s truly special

Finished this book 2 days ago, and totally loved it, but the way you read those specific scenes gave me chills again and that scene of Kaladin volunteering for Tien made me sob. Best The Way of Kings review 👌👌

Good timing on starting this series - the fourth book should be coming out this fall. One of my most anticipated books this year.

Great review, looking forward to seeing your new thoughts on Words Of Radiance and Oathbringer in particular, I have complicated thoughts on that book.

Amazing review. Sanderson really knows how to write emotionally, and you have mentioned all the scenes that I love too, and probably everyone who have read The Way of Kings. I don't understand how it is possible to hate that book.

I just finished this book today after starting it two weeks ago!! I absolutely loved it. I have no idea what happens in the next few and had no idea what this was even about but really loved that about it! I’m incredibly excited to carry on with the series and have preordered Rhythm of War!

Omg and when Kaladin said the Second Ordeal and started fighting the Parshendi... O M G! 🙌🏻 that was just sweet epicness right there! I felt you too when you were talking about the scene were Kal is putting up the bridge to save Dalinar.. I wanted to jump and scream and all the feels!! SOOOO GOOD!!

English is my second language and man I just loved the way you pronounce their names

I found it hard to get into at first and it took me almost a year to make it 100 pages in. Finally, I got the audiobook and started listening during my commutes. It's difficult to figure out, but as you go the characters are done so well that you become committed to seeing them through their journey. I have a feeling that I'll grow to love the series more upon re-read. I especially loved how the characters were both honorable and flawed. They showed authentic complexity and their actions supported their motivations.

It’s been 3 years since you did this and I finally started and finished this book this year. I’m so happy I can finally join your thoughts here 😂

Hi Merphy, Without hesitation whenever someone asks me what my favourite book series is, I tell them it's the Stormlight archive. So much of what you said in this video struck a cord with me as to why this is the case. Haven't read it in such a long time but your review reminded me what an amazing book this truly is. I like Kal for the conflicts, the why he gets knocked down and has to get up, time and time again. I also like the soldier and surgeon conflict.

THE ENDING I love the scene you mentione when Dalinar sees the bridge, and when he is amazed to see them hold it aginst the Parshendi. But my favourit scene is when Dalinar gives Sadeas his blade, and the conversation after What is a man's life worth?

Woo Sanderson! His channel is amazing. Free master class essentially for anyone interested in writing.

A coworker introduced me to the series early this year, I had never heard of it before (shockingly). I just started book 2 and finished book 1 a few days ago for the first time. I was enthralled by the story and the characters. Your enthusiasm was very much reminiscent of my own so this was fantastic to watch. :)

Syl being Honorspren (the reveal, everything leading up to it as well) is one of my favorite book developments EVER

I love the stormlight archive and I love how you love the stormlight archive :)

Szeth is my favorite! I just finished Oathbringer and you just made my day saying that the next book is his book!!

Can I just mention how freaking good these glasses look on Merphy? I don't know exactly why, but they really compliment her face!

Yes. This is my favorite book. I read pretty constantly - for work, leisure, and academically. The Way of Kings. For the reasons you mentioned - & many more - just - yes. Thank you for sharing.

I am so excited for Rythm of War in November!!!

This is one of the best books I've ever read. I didn't love Mistborn but I'm so glad that I picked up Stormlight anyway. All three of the currently released books are masterpieces.

I just finished reading the book for the first time this month and I loved it!! That scene where Kaladin goes back to save Dalinar (my favourite character!) made me tear up! I think it's the best part of the book, I just love it when two characters' perspective finally come together. I find it so satisfying!

I feel like talking about how characters are in future books even vaguely is a minor spoiler - it lets us know that they don’t die

Just became a Sanderson fan only a month ago when I started this book and now I’m hooked! Love that so many people are getting into it as well.

Michael's review really was great! I know he is doing a readalong too for the Stormlight archives. I plan on jumping in with Words of RAdiance since I just finished Way of Kings a few months ago.