Book Review: The Way of Shadows
The Way of Shadows
Brent Weeks
Book 1 of the Night Angel Trilogy
"For Durzo Blint, assassination is an art - and he is the city's most accomplished artist.
For Azoth, survival is precarious. Something you never take for granted. As a guild rat, he's grown up in the slums and learned to judge people quickly - and to take risks. Risks like apprenticing himself to Durzo Blint.
To be accepted, Azoth must turn his back on his old life and embrace a new identity and name. As Kylar Stern, he must learn to navigate the assassins' world of dangerous politics and strange magics - and cultivate a flair for death."
number of pages: 645
reading level: **** (of five)
The Story: The story revolves around a young boy, Azoth, who desperately wants to escape the downward spiral of his life. His solution: become the apprentice of the best assassin in the city. Sure, sure. Assassinations may seem like a cool choice for a lifestyle, but Azoth soon finds out about the truth. I don't want to spoil anymore of the book for those who plan on reading it.
The Good Stuff: The Way of Shadows is an amazing book. I had never heard of the author before, but the teaser on the back seemed quite interesting. If blood, sex, and violence are your cup of tea, I highly recommend this book. Weeks presents and interesting world of backhanded politics and magic or "Talent" as stated in the book. The book isn't merely filled to the brim with killing and other forms of mindless violence. There's enough drama and thrills to keep those who aren't really interested in the gore to love this book.
The Drawbacks: Beware, this might not be an easy read for the regular person. Firstly, the setting and scenery might be difficult to imagine for some. Weeks provides a map of the landscape of the book, but it really doesn't help. You need a mighty big imagination for this one. There are also points in the book that go unexplained. Magic has a few holes in it. The bases of magic or Talent are explained well, but the different people use their Talents is where the confusion starts. Mages, whytches (I can't remember how Weeks spelled it.), and others. It's hard to figure out how they all fit together, which one's better, or what each does. Finally, the story involves a lot of dirty politics, so when reading, it's a good idea to pay attention. The plot will make more sense.
The Way of Shadows is still an incredible, book. It has been a while since a book has caught my attention and kept it. If you plan to buy this, be sure to check with the bookstore if it is in stock. Many a time I went to the store to find that it had been sold out. Remember, the library is still a good place to get a book. Just be sure to return it.
Two more books are in the Night Angel Trilogy: Shadow's Edge, and Beyond the Shadows
Brent Weeks
Book 1 of the Night Angel Trilogy
"For Durzo Blint, assassination is an art - and he is the city's most accomplished artist.
For Azoth, survival is precarious. Something you never take for granted. As a guild rat, he's grown up in the slums and learned to judge people quickly - and to take risks. Risks like apprenticing himself to Durzo Blint.
To be accepted, Azoth must turn his back on his old life and embrace a new identity and name. As Kylar Stern, he must learn to navigate the assassins' world of dangerous politics and strange magics - and cultivate a flair for death."
number of pages: 645
reading level: **** (of five)
The Story: The story revolves around a young boy, Azoth, who desperately wants to escape the downward spiral of his life. His solution: become the apprentice of the best assassin in the city. Sure, sure. Assassinations may seem like a cool choice for a lifestyle, but Azoth soon finds out about the truth. I don't want to spoil anymore of the book for those who plan on reading it.
The Good Stuff: The Way of Shadows is an amazing book. I had never heard of the author before, but the teaser on the back seemed quite interesting. If blood, sex, and violence are your cup of tea, I highly recommend this book. Weeks presents and interesting world of backhanded politics and magic or "Talent" as stated in the book. The book isn't merely filled to the brim with killing and other forms of mindless violence. There's enough drama and thrills to keep those who aren't really interested in the gore to love this book.
The Drawbacks: Beware, this might not be an easy read for the regular person. Firstly, the setting and scenery might be difficult to imagine for some. Weeks provides a map of the landscape of the book, but it really doesn't help. You need a mighty big imagination for this one. There are also points in the book that go unexplained. Magic has a few holes in it. The bases of magic or Talent are explained well, but the different people use their Talents is where the confusion starts. Mages, whytches (I can't remember how Weeks spelled it.), and others. It's hard to figure out how they all fit together, which one's better, or what each does. Finally, the story involves a lot of dirty politics, so when reading, it's a good idea to pay attention. The plot will make more sense.
The Way of Shadows is still an incredible, book. It has been a while since a book has caught my attention and kept it. If you plan to buy this, be sure to check with the bookstore if it is in stock. Many a time I went to the store to find that it had been sold out. Remember, the library is still a good place to get a book. Just be sure to return it.
Two more books are in the Night Angel Trilogy: Shadow's Edge, and Beyond the Shadows
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