The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks (The Night Angel Trilogy: Book 1)

Kyle from Texas

I completely and utterly disagree with you on most of your points; granted there are numerous spelling and grammatical errors. The first of a trilogy (soon to be more, Brent is working on three more books in the same world) has to introduce a lot of story and character and world building. To me, Brent is already a master of his craft. He is ballsy and took a completely new approach to fantasy, which is highly admirable because he probably knew he would get people like you slamming him for it. But he did it. You must read all of the books in the series to fully understand why it was necessary for him to incorporate so many perspectives; it makes for a vast experience of a story. It is a massive achievement and I have read it through at least twice already. If you read all three and still hold that Mr. Weeks is a poor writer, I feel pity for you, my friend. Anyone reading this, get the books; you will not be disappointed.

Steve from Calgary

I can hardly find words to describe how much I disagree with this review. This book was absolutely thrilling from beginning to end. If you have a hunger for proper spelling and grammar as much as the reviewer I suggest picking up the latest installment in the Merriam-Webster dictionary series. I like my fantasy gritty, bloody and absolutely no "Warrior on a quest" type garbage; needless to say this book delivered. I was not too thrilled with some of the characters right off the bat (Logan Gyre comes to mind.) but by the end of the book I knew I was going to be buying the rest of the trilogy. Buy it, read it, love it.

Dan from England

Massivly disagree with the reveiw. OK, some of the writing is not brilliant but I found that with this book that I couldn't care less. The story line and range of incredible characters more than makes up for a few spelling and grammatical errors. Buy this book!

Jim from Chicago

I completely agree with your assessment. Finding a grammatical or spelling error in a (supposedly) proof-read novel is like listening to a (supposedly) competent speaker who says "um" or "uh" multiple times. I find myself counting the mistakes... I did, however, enjoy the book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good fantasy novel.

Jamie from Wichita, KS

I completely disagree with the review. I don't care much for trying to give an English lesson. I care about the story which was a great start to one of the most amazing series I've read. Book 2 is even better than the first, and Book 3 is even better than that. If you don't take the time and read "The Night Angel" trilogy, then that's your loss.

Bill from Birmingham, UK

Fully agree with the review, intriguing story and premise, massively let down by inflated writing that meanders and relies too much on clique and coincidence. Did finish it, finally after many times putting it down and skim reading many pages. I wanted it to be better so I could be excited about reading the next instalment. I haven’t decided yet if I have the patience to read the sequel.

Cory from Oklahoma

The concept of this story is outstanding. The people and their stories are very enjoyable. I don't know if it is Mr Weeks's writing or his editor but it feels as if whole sections of story are missing. Like you just catch up with the characters weeks or months later. But I would recomend this series to anyone...

Noor from Canada

WOW this is an amazing book. I can't find anything better then this. I'm actually trying to find a book with the same story line but I can't :(

Kyle from New Hampshire

I loved this book. Although I agree that it can be confusing at times, and jumpy at other times, there are just some pivotal points and areas of the book that grabbed my interest so deeply that it urged me to keep reading. I'm probably a little biased, I'm not judging this by grammar, spelling, or anything like that. I'm judging it by how much I enjoyed it as a whole.

Anonymous from Where?

Good writing can only be read by good readers, Literature if for writing, Fantasy is for enjoyment. Good book, I never really had a problem with reading it. I found I could never put it down :)

Jeff from Michigan

You sir must enjoy reading dictionaries. I found the book to bee thouroughly enjooable. Sorry for mi spelling and sentense structure.

Shawn from West Virginia

I found this book to be very good. It is true that there are some confusing moments. However, if you slow down a moment and read on through, the story will grab you and take off. It's a great story, definitely worth a read.

Leanne from East Anglia

I disagree with many of the points about the writing, I didn't find it confusing, in fact I found it well written because it suited the characters themselves. Personally I couldn't put it down and had to order the next in the trilogy as soon as possible!

Josh from Yorkshire

I don't think it's the writing, I think it's the love for the characters and the place and the culture that makes it a good book; one that builds up the history and surroundings so that it becomes a real world instead of just some people in a book. I was moved by The Way of Shadows because I wanted him to succeed and because I felt sorry for Azoth. I think that the passion for the characters is enough to beat good writing for this time.