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Review: The Stormlight Archive – Book One The Way of Kings – Prologue: To Kill

Introduction

Brandon Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archive: The Way of Kings opens with a striking and unforgettable prologue, To Kill, which sets the stage for the grand epic that follows. This intense and action-packed introduction throws readers directly into the heart of a pivotal moment in Roshar’s history, establishing key themes of betrayal, duty, and the devastating power of warfare. More than just an exhilarating opening, To Kill provides crucial context for the larger conflict that will unfold throughout the series. Sanderson’s signature world-building, intricate character work, and masterful use of foreshadowing make this prologue an essential piece of The Way of Kings and a compelling start to one of modern fantasy’s most ambitious sagas.

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The Fall of King Gavilar

The prologue is told from the perspective of Szeth, an assassin from the Shin people, who has been bound by an unbreakable oath to obey his masters. Under their orders, he carries out an assassination that will alter the course of history: the murder of King Gavilar Kholin. From the moment Szeth enters the palace, Sanderson immerses the reader in a scene of chaos and destruction, showcasing the terrifying capabilities of both Shardblades and Shardplate in combat.

Szeth’s unique abilities immediately set him apart from ordinary warriors. He wields Stormlight, an energy source that fuels his Surgebinding powers, allowing him to perform supernatural feats such as walking on walls and surviving otherwise fatal wounds. As he moves through the palace, effortlessly cutting down seasoned warriors, the reader gets a firsthand look at the immense power that Surgebinding grants. This not only demonstrates the lethal potential of Stormlight but also foreshadows the significance of such abilities in the greater conflict to come.

The assassination itself is executed with clinical precision, but Sanderson does not merely focus on the action—he delves into the psychological torment that Szeth endures. Declared "Truthless" by his people, Szeth follows his orders with unwavering obedience, yet he despairs over the horrors he is forced to commit. His internal conflict—his certainty that Surgebinding has returned to the world despite his people's insistence that it has not—adds a tragic dimension to his character, making him one of the most compelling figures in the novel.

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Foreshadowing and Political Intrigue

While the assassination is the prologue’s focal point, Sanderson masterfully embeds subtle hints about the deeper mysteries of Roshar. Before his death, King Gavilar speaks cryptically to Szeth, handing him a strange black sphere and instructing him to "tell them that the Desolation has come." This moment is loaded with foreshadowing, hinting at the return of an ancient catastrophe long thought to be a myth. The mystery of the black sphere remains a lingering question throughout the novel, subtly reminding readers that there are forces at work far beyond what is immediately apparent.

Additionally, the political ramifications of Gavilar’s murder ripple throughout the rest of the book. His death destabilizes the kingdom of Alethkar, leading to a brutal war between the Alethi and the Parshendi—who, shockingly, claim responsibility for the assassination despite hiring Szeth to carry it out. This paradox sets up one of the novel’s core conflicts and hints at the deeper, hidden truths surrounding Roshar’s various factions. Sanderson’s ability to weave layers of intrigue into what initially appears to be a straightforward assassination highlights his skill in crafting a complex and immersive world.

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Szeth’s Character and Themes of Duty and Identity

One of the most fascinating aspects of To Kill is its exploration of Szeth’s character. He is not a mindless killer; rather, he is a man trapped by an unjust fate, compelled to follow orders he knows to be wrong. The concept of being Truthless raises profound ethical and philosophical questions—how much agency does Szeth truly have? Is he responsible for the murder he commits, or is the blame solely on those who control him?

This theme of duty versus personal morality is central not only to Szeth’s arc but to many other characters in The Way of Kings. Kaladin, Dalinar, and even Shallan grapple with similar struggles, forced to navigate the tension between their obligations and their own sense of right and wrong. Sanderson uses Szeth’s internal conflict as a microcosm of the broader moral dilemmas that permeate the entire series.

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World-Building and Magic System

As an introduction to Roshar, To Kill serves as a masterclass in immersive world-building. In just a few pages, Sanderson introduces the reader to:

The Shards: Szeth wields no Shardblade or Shardplate, yet he easily defeats warriors who do, emphasizing both his skill and the sheer power of Stormlight-infused Surgebinding.

Surgebinding: The first glimpse of this magic system demonstrates its fluidity and creativity, distinguishing it from traditional fantasy magic. The way Szeth manipulates gravity is both visually stunning and strategically fascinating.

The Everstorm and Desolations: Hints about a coming disaster—the "Desolation"—imply that Gavilar’s assassination is only the beginning of something far more catastrophic.

Unlike many fantasy series that spend time on exposition dumps, Sanderson drops readers directly into the action while allowing them to piece together the rules of the world naturally. His ability to balance action with deep lore ensures that every moment in the prologue feels both urgent and meaningful.

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Conclusion

To Kill, the prologue of The Way of Kings, is a stunning and multifaceted introduction to The Stormlight Archive. It seamlessly blends exhilarating action, deep characterization, and intricate world-building, setting the stage for the epic narrative to come. Szeth’s tragic role as the assassin, the foreshadowing of ancient threats, and the political chaos that ensues make this opening chapter an unforgettable reading experience.

For both new readers and longtime fantasy enthusiasts, To Kill serves as a perfect entry point into Sanderson’s richly crafted world, promising a story filled with mystery, conflict, and breathtaking magic. It is an electrifying beginning to one of the most ambitious fantasy series in modern literature.

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