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The prologue ofThe Way of Kingsmirrors the very first aspect of theMistbornsaga , butThe Stormlight Archiveaccomplishes more with its opening . Brandon Sanderson ’s bookshave a tendency to pull proofreader in with gripping beginnings , with all hisfantasy novel being majuscule from the very first scenery . The similarities betweenThe Final Empire ’s andThe Way of King ’s prologue go beyond that , establishing the intricate worlds of their respective series through incidents that mirror one another .
Of course , Sanderson ’s two serial unfold quite differently from then ahead , withThe Stormlight Archiveboasting larger - scale storytelling thanMistborn . Naturally , this leads to pacing differences , as well as a much larger cast of characters to follow inThe Stormlight Archive . Despite the departure between the two serial publication , they both dedicate a lot of attention to the political workings of their worlds and how they affect the individual character and grander conflict between gods . And bothadditions to the Cosmereintroduce their political stake through similar openings .
The Way Of Kings' Opening Scene Mirrors The First Moments Of The Mistborn Saga
Both Introduce The World’s Politics Through Assassinations
THE WAY OF KINGSby Michael Whelan
The prologue ofMistborn : The Final Empiresees Kelsier bolt down Lord Tresting , one of the noble who serves the Lord Ruler . The Stormlight Archiveopens with a more organized assassination , butit mirrorsThe Final Empire ’s prologue in the way things play out . Both novels begin with someone kill an opposer , introducing the political tensions of their worlds and plain off the major fight of their respective books .
Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive are pillars of Brandon Sanderson ’s body of work and the Cosmere universe . Here ’s how they pile up against each other .
Kelsier ’s prologue divulge the hierarchy ofMistborn ’s globe , lay the foundation for the skaa to rise against the noblemen later on . Meanwhile , Szeth ’s prologue inThe Way of Kingsintroduces the tense relations between the Parshendi and Alethi — sexual relation made worse after Szeth assassinates King Gavilar . There are differences between Szeth and Kelsier , as the former is a artillery wielded by others , while Kelsier is act as of his own volition . However , it ’s clearSanderson tilt into a similar scuttle mode in bothThe Final EmpireandThe Way of Kings .
The Way of Kings’prologue leaning further into the action of the moment , however , which is why it does a upright job with its opening chronological succession despiteMistborndoing it first .
Andit works to the generator ’s advantage in both cases , as jump his fancy series with in high spirits - stakes natural process moments successfully gets readers invested in his stories . The Way of Kings’prologue leans further into the action of the moment , however , which is why it does a well job with its opening chronological sequence despiteMistborndoing it first .
The Stormlight Archive’s Opening Sequence Accomplishes More Than Mistborn’s
The Greater Focus On Action Works In The Way Of Kings' Favor
There ’s no denying thatThe last Empire’sopening scene is iconic — it wouldwork well for aMistbornTV show or movie — but it does n’t go as far asThe Way of Kings’prologue . It ’s obvious that Sanderson ’s writing evolved between the two serial , leave the writer to fully capitalise onThe Stormlight Archive ’s alike beginning . It ’s just more effective at get out reader into the story , as it spends a lot more clock time on the action of Szeth ’s mission . By contrast , The Final Empiredoesn’t in reality show Kelsier using his power or fight anyone .
The fifthStormlight Archivebook , Wind and Truth , will debut on December 6 , 2024 .
That makesThe Stormlight Archive ’s opening more thrilling , but that ’s not the only benefit of show up Szeth in following of the king . The Way of Kingsalso manages to establish the serial ' magic system amid everything else happening , supply its prologue imposingly efficient . The firstMistbornbookunravels its complex magic organization later on , butThe Stormlight Archiveoutlines the world , political stakes , and magic during its scuttle — and it still manages to make a potent mental picture on top of all that .
The Stormlight Archive is an epical fantasy serial by Brandon Sanderson , set on the storm - scourge earth of Roshar . The serial follows multiple characters , each with their unique storyline , as they pilot political intrigue , ancient prophecies , and powerful legerdemain . Central to the story are the Knights Radiant , legendary warriors with magical ability who must take back to save up their cosmos from impendent destruction . The serial publication explore themes of honor , leaders , and the burden of power .
TheMistbornseries , created by Brandon Sanderson , is a in high spirits - phantasy saga correct in the world of Scadrial , where trick is powered by metals through a scheme called Allomancy . The series focuses on political intrigue , heists , and the fight between good and evil . The first trilogy , Mistborn : The Final Empire , trace the struggle to overthrow a tyrannical rule , the Lord Ruler . Later books in the series , includingEra 2 , take situation hundreds of years after the events of the original trilogy , expatiate the story into raw options with raw role , all while maintaining connections to the original plot line . Books : Mistborn : The Final Empire ( 2006)Mistborn : The Well of Ascension ( 2007)Mistborn : The Hero of Ages ( 2008)Mistborn : The Alloy of Law ( 2011)Mistborn : Shadows of Self ( 2015)Mistborn : The Bands of Mourning ( 2016)Mistborn : The Lost Metal ( 2022 )
Custom Image by Ana Nieves | The Way of Kings and The Final Empire cover art by Sam Green
THE WAY OF KINGSby Michael Whelan
The Stormlight Archive is an epic fantasy series by Brandon Sanderson, set on the storm-ravaged world of Roshar. The series follows multiple characters, each with their unique storylines, as they navigate political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and powerful magic. Central to the story are the Knights Radiant, legendary warriors with magical abilities who must return to save their world from impending destruction. The series explores themes of honor, leadership, and the burden of power.
