The Way of Shadows

by Brent Weeks · 2008

The Way of Shadows (2008) is the opening novel of Brent Weeks' Night Angel trilogy. Set in the sprawling city of Cenaria, the story follows Azoth, a street‑wise orphan from the lawless Warrens, who becomes the apprentice of Durzo Blint, the city’s legendary wetboy—an assassin with supernatural abilities. Assuming the new name Kylar Stern, Azoth endures brutal training in combat and magic, especially the mysterious ka'kari artifact. As he hones his deadly skills, he is drawn into a tangled web of political conspiracies, the shadowy Sa'Kage crime council, and an impending foreign invasion. The novel blends gritty urban survival with high‑fantasy magic, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and the moral cost of power.