Stormlight Archive, The Way of Kings

Patrick Rothfuss once said of a book, "I loved this book. What else is there to say?" This sentiment can be applied to the sweeping tale of humanity in a mythical past where they originally resided in the heavenly Tranquiline Halls. However, this paradise was lost when the Voidbringers attacked, seizing it for themselves and casting both God and humans aside. Humanity then settled on the storm-lashed world of Roshar, only to be pursued by their relentless foes. The Voidbringers waged war on mankind countless times, until the Almighty bestowed upon humans extraordinary armor and Shardblades, mystical weapons of great power. With the guidance of ten divine Heralds and the valor of ten orders of knights known as the Radiants, humanity prevailed—at least, that is what the legends claim.Now, the remnants of those legendary conflicts are the Shardblades, possession of which bestows near invincibility in battle. The planet remains embroiled in constant warfare, fractured ever since the Radiants betrayed mankind. Monarchs vie to acquire more Shardblades, each harboring the ambition to unite humanity under a single rule. Amidst a world ravaged by relentless hurricanes that strip the land to its bare rock, a young spearman finds himself conscripted into the army of a Shardbearer, marching off to fight an enemy he neither comprehends nor wishes to confront. What transpired in humanity's ancient history? Why did the Radiants turn against those they once protected, and what became of their magical prowess?