The Hero of Ages vs The Way of Kings: Which Should You Read?

Both live on shelves: Epic Fantasy, Imaginary places, Magic, Fantasy, Fiction

Cover of The Hero of Ages

The Hero of Ages Brandon Sanderson · 2008 ★★★★★ 4.6 760 pages · ≈ 14 h 04 m · Light Find on Amazon

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Cover of The Way of Kings

The Way of Kings Brandon Sanderson · 2010 ★★★★★ 4.6 1204 pages · ≈ 22 h 18 m · Moderate Find on Amazon

The verdict

Ratings are close: 4.6 vs 4.6 — either is a safe pick by score.
The Hero of Ages is the quicker read — about 14 hours vs 22 for The Way of Kings.
The Hero of Ages is the easier read (Light), The Way of Kings more demanding (Moderate).

Side by side