The Way of Shadows
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2008 |
| Founder | Brent Weeks |
| Products | Fantasy novels, graphic novel |
| Website | www |
The Way of Shadows is a fantasy novel published in 2008 by Brent Weeks and serves as the inaugural book in the Night Angel saga.
Setting
The narrative unfolds in Cenaria City, which acts as the capital of the Kingdom of Cenaria on the continent of Midcyru. The story begins within the Warrens, a dangerous and lawless district, before extending into the East Side, an area inhabited by affluent and middle-class residents.
Although Cenaria is officially governed by a monarchy, true authority is wielded by the Sa'Kage (Lords of the Shadows), a secretive group composed of criminal masterminds.
Plot
The Way of Shadows centers on Azoth, a street orphan who becomes an apprentice to Durzo Blint, the preeminent wetboy—an assassin endowed with magical abilities—in Cenaria. Adopting the name Kylar Stern, Azoth undergoes rigorous training in both combat and sorcery, concentrating particularly on mastering a potent relic known as the ka'kari.
Kylar finds himself deeply involved in political schemes orchestrated by the Sa'Kage amid threats of an external invasion. As he strives to protect his childhood companion Elene and maneuvers through palace intrigues, he confronts pivotal decisions concerning authority, allegiance, and self-identity that ultimately influence his destiny and that of the realm.
Publication
The Night Angel trilogy was initially published as mass market paperbacks in October 2008. It has been translated into more than fourteen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. Additionally, The Way of Shadows was transformed into a graphic novel by Yen Press, with scripts authored by Andrew McDonald and Ivan Brandon. In November 2018, Orbit Books released a hardcover edition commemorating the 10th anniversary of the novel.
Awards and nominations
- 2009: Finalist for the David Gemmell Legend Award
External links
- Official website
- The Way of Shadows at Hachette Book Group