The Way of Shadows
The Way of Shadows is a 2008 fantasy novel written by Brent Weeks and the first novel in the Night Angel series.
Setting
The novel is set in Cenaria City, capital of the Kingdom of Cenaria on the continent of Midcyru. Beginning in the Warrens—a lawless slum district—the story expands into the East Side, where the wealthy and middle class reside.Though Cenaria operates under the guise of a monarchy, true power lies with the Sa'Kage, a council of criminal masterminds
Plot
The Way of Shadows follows Azoth, a street child who becomes apprenticed to Durzo Blint, the city's premier wetboy—an assassin with supernatural abilities. Assuming the new identity of Kylar Stern, he undergoes years of rigorous training in both combat and magic, particularly concerning a powerful artifact called the ka'kari.As Kylar masters his craft, he becomes embroiled in a complex political conspiracy involving the criminal Sa'kage organization and a looming foreign invasion. While protecting his childhood friend Elene and navigating court intrigue, he must reconcile his assassin's duties with his moral compass. The narrative culminates in Kylar confronting crucial decisions about power, loyalty, and identity that will affect both his life and the kingdom's fate.