The Way of Kings (2010) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Widely acclaimed for his work completing Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time saga, Brandon Sanderson now begins a grand cycle of his own, one every bit as ambitious and immersive. Roshar is a world of stone and storms. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain so frequently that they have shaped ecology and civilization alike. Animals hide in shells, trees pull in branches, and grass retracts into the soilless ground. Cities are built only where the topography offers shelter. It has been centuries since the… Sign up for the full guide
Adult • 2010 • 1008 pages • Grade 9-12
The Way of Kings is a sprawling epic fantasy that earns its recommendation for older teens due to its depictions of large-scale warfare, systemic slavery, and graphic combat injuries. While the book avoids explicit sexual content and excessive profanity, it features intense scenes of medieval-style violence involving magical weapons that can cleave through human bodies and clinical descriptions of medical trauma. The story is best… Sign up for the full guide
Is The Way of Kings appropriate for kids?
The Way of Kings is a sprawling epic fantasy that earns its recommendation for older teens due to its depictions of large-scale warfare, systemic slavery, and graphic combat injuries. While the book avoids explicit sexual content and excessive profanity, it features intense… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Way of Kings
What happens in The Way of Kings, moment by moment
- p. 15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- p. 44 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- p. 72 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
Sex and nudity in The Way of Kings
The book is virtually non-existent in terms of physical acts or graphic intimacy. The Alethi culture follows a unique modesty standard where a woman's left hand, known as the 'safehand,' must be covered by a long sleeve or glove, and showing it is considered a significant social taboo. Characters like Shallan and Jasnah navigate these social expectations throughout their research in Kharbranth. There is no on-page sex or nudity, and romantic interests, such as those between Shallan and Kabsal, are limited to…
Read more — free accountViolence and gore in The Way of Kings
The book features a high frequency of combat and medical realism across its various storylines. It includes scenes of battlefield slaughter where Shardblades sever the souls of men, leaving their bodies intact but their eyes burned out to ash. There are clinical descriptions of surgeries and amputations performed by Kaladin and his father, Lirin, which detail bone, blood, and the visceral reality of trauma medicine. The bridge runs involve graphic descriptions of men being struck by hundreds of arrows or crushed…
Read more — free accountLanguage in The Way of Kings
Profanity is mild and frequently world-specific, keeping the dialogue grounded in the setting of Roshar. Brandon Sanderson uses 'Storms,' 'Stormfather,' and 'Kelek's breath' as coarse exclamations in place of traditional English swear words. Standard profanity like 'bastard' and 'damn' appears occasionally, usually during moments of high stress or combat. The language is generally appropriate for a young adult audience, avoiding the harsh four-letter words common in many adult grimdark fantasies. Even the insults…
Read more — free accountDrugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Way of Kings
Substance use is present but generally framed in a social or negative context. Characters frequently consume colored wines—ranging from weak yellow to potent clear varieties—based on their alcohol content during feasts and meetings. Dalinar Kholin is often seen at these social functions, though he usually maintains his composure. The narrative also introduces 'firemoss,' an addictive narcotic that is rubbed onto the skin; its use is shown to cause physical and mental degradation in minor characters like Teft’s…
Read more — free accountMature themes in The Way of Kings
Heavy focus on mental health, specifically depression and suicidal ideation (Kaladin's struggle). Explores the morality of war, the dehumanization of slaves, classism (Eyes-tier system), and religious heresy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Way of Kings appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Way of Kings is best for ages 14+. The Way of Kings is a sprawling epic fantasy that earns its recommendation for older teens due to its depictions of large-scale warfare, systemic slavery, and graphic combat injuries. While the book avoids explicit…
What age rating does The Way of Kings have?
Books don't carry official age ratings. The Way of Kings is shelved by its publisher as Adult, but that's a marketing category, not a content rating — Bontent's own review of what's actually on the page puts it at ages 14+.
What reading level is The Way of Kings?
The Way of Kings is 1008 pages and its reading level is Grade 9-12. Bontent recommends it for ages 14+.
What is The Way of Kings about?
The Way of Kings is a sprawling epic fantasy that earns its recommendation for older teens due to its depictions of large-scale warfare, systemic slavery, and graphic combat injuries. While the book avoids explicit sexual content and excessive profanity, it features intense scenes of medieval-style violence involving…
Is there sex or nudity in The Way of Kings?
The book is virtually non-existent in terms of physical acts or graphic intimacy. The Alethi culture follows a unique modesty standard where a woman's left hand, known as the 'safehand,' must be covered by a long sleeve or glove, and showing it is considered…
How violent is The Way of Kings?
The book features a high frequency of combat and medical realism across its various storylines. It includes scenes of battlefield slaughter where Shardblades sever the souls of men, leaving their bodies intact but their eyes burned out to ash. There are…
Is the language in The Way of Kings appropriate for kids?
Profanity is mild and frequently world-specific, keeping the dialogue grounded in the setting of Roshar. Brandon Sanderson uses 'Storms,' 'Stormfather,' and 'Kelek's breath' as coarse exclamations in place of traditional English swear words. Standard…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in The Way of Kings?
Substance use is present but generally framed in a social or negative context. Characters frequently consume colored wines—ranging from weak yellow to potent clear varieties—based on their alcohol content during feasts and meetings. Dalinar Kholin is often…
What mature themes appear in The Way of Kings?
Heavy focus on mental health, specifically depression and suicidal ideation (Kaladin's struggle). Explores the morality of war, the dehumanization of slaves, classism (Eyes-tier system), and religious heresy.
Where can I read the full The Way of Kings parent guide?
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