Holy smokes! That’s a hell of a way to cap off the end of the second era of Mistborn. There’s a literal ticking time bomb at the centre of this novel Holy smokes! That’s a hell of a way to cap off the end of the second era of Mistborn. There’s a literal ticking time bomb at the centre of this novel and it’s coupled with some of the best character work Sanderson has done yet. It’s a bittersweet tale knowing that Wax, Wayne, Marasi, Steris and the rest of the Wild West Era crew won’t be around for the next instalment, but each character gets their moment to shine and it was great to have a final shake with them all.
One note I have is that the interconnected Cosmere is starting to permeate all of the works at this point. This is one of the most heavily Invested novels in the über series to date and while I think that’s a win for most fans, prepare for a bit of head-scratching if you’ve never been off world from Scadrial.
Some of the epilogues read like a Marvel post-credit scene promising further Cosmere adventures. By contrast to the MCU, these feel like logical conflicts and concepts to set up coming out of this series rather than fabric woven of entirely new cloth. It’s hard to believe, but seven (!) books into Mistborn and I’m possibly more excited now than I was at the start. Never change Mr. Sanderson.
[4.5 Stars]
Also, this brings and end to SEQUEL SEASON. For all two of you following along, thanks! I'll be heading back to my shelves to wade through more sequels soon....more
This was a tremendous amount of fun! I absolutely wolfed down the 450 pages of this novel over four nights. There’s lots else to be done about the houThis was a tremendous amount of fun! I absolutely wolfed down the 450 pages of this novel over four nights. There’s lots else to be done about the house, but I’ll be damned of Nomad’s breakneck adventure through a new Cosmere world didn’t totally envelop me.
This one’s fast. It has the relentless pace of an action adventure because it’s exactly that. While Tress of the Emerald Sea is my favourite of this year’s secret projects, this one is a very close second. The other two were very “meh” in my esteem. Consider this a 400+ page Sanderlanche.
Great stuff, hope he does more like this soon!...more
There are times during this pleasant hobby of amateur book reviews when I wonder if I'm able to truly offer any meaningful insights and opinions. EvenThere are times during this pleasant hobby of amateur book reviews when I wonder if I'm able to truly offer any meaningful insights and opinions. Even if the insights are good, are they valid? This bit of navel gazing is, however, never on my mind when reading a Brandon Sanderson novel: I feel like I'm well qualified to let you know what's good, bad, and middle of the road. Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, to my taste is entirely neutral. Not too bad, not too good.
I won't waste too much of your time on the plot here, but Sanderson has whipped up a Freaky Friday crossed with a romance with heaping helpings of musing on art. Painter--yes, this is what he's called throughout--traps rogue nightmares that slip into the waking world. Yumi makes artistic rock stacks that draw spirits from the ground in appreciation of her...stacking ability? Honestly, for a series that so routinely relies on its magic systems and its attendant mysteries to drive the plot, I found myself only occasionally interested in Yumi and Painter's distinctive worlds.
But, hey, Sanderson can try news things! Try he does to mixed effect. I was occasionally rooting for both characters, but their romance feels very YA, and I was never drawn into them as an item. Instead, they're entangled in this body swap/ghost thing that feels more substantial than their romance ever did. As for the philosophy of art, well, your mileage may vary, but I wish Sanderson had chopped 100 pages of this book and been more direct. I don't love reading about the tedium of learning to stack rocks until you get into a flow state, there's gotta be a sharper way to get your point across.
As for the edition, it's just as beautiful as the last two. The embossed cover is really attractive and the manga-inspired art in these pages adds a little sprinkle of difference from the previous novels in the Year of Sanderson. Again, I love the playful messing around Dragonsteel has done with the chapter headers and multi-tone printing.
I've read better Brandon Sanderson novels. Storms, I've read ANOTHER better novel that Sanderson also published THIS YEAR (shouts out to Tress, current Year of Sanderson Champ)! There's still parts of this book I enjoyed, but I was ultimately lukewarm on the entire thing. If you loved this one, I'm glad it connected, but Words of Radiance this is not....more
I'm laid up with my first back injury in what I'm told is an introduction to life north of 30. These things happen and can take you out of commission I'm laid up with my first back injury in what I'm told is an introduction to life north of 30. These things happen and can take you out of commission for an astonishing amount of time. With naught but an uncomfortable bit of transfer between sitting and laying down, I thought it the perfect time to finally crack open the first of Sanderson's "surprise" novels .
Before I dive into the story itself, I first have to gush about the special edition done by Dragonsteel. The cover is a pseudo-leather bound embossed with beautiful artwork and stunning gold and green foil. The paper stock is a little heavier than you're used to and adds to the physical quality of the book as an art piece in and of itself. Howard Lyon's illustrations are terrific fantasy paintings that elevate key moments from the novel. More subtly, chapter headers are done in attractive two tone print with some changes throughout the novel that are by no means necessary, but add a nice flourish to an already impressive package.
What I've come to love about Sanderson: propulsive plotting, densely imagined worlds, and breathtaking scenes are all present in Tress of the Emerald Sea. In fact, this new Cosmere world is immediately as visually stunning as the ash-cloaked world of Scadrial or the Shattered Plains of Roshar. What's new to this novel is a distinctive, whimsical, and humorous narration that adds much appreciated voice to Sanderson's already intensely fun writing.
The story itself is Stardust meets The Princess Bride with investiture and Hoid. For those new to the Cosmere, this may just be the perfect entry point into Sanderson's expansive universe. For those who are returning, this novel will be an easter-egg littered smorgasbord of Cosmere goodness. While the plot in and of itself is not ground-breaking in structure or style, it's dependably and unimpeachably fun.
Even though I was frequently physically uncomfortable, Sanderson took my mind on a trip across the Emerald (and several other) seas. I had more fun than I'd imagined I would and am delighted that I've got *checks notes* THREE more of these beautiful editions waiting to be released over the coming year. The story is a draw enough, but if you've got the cash and interest, it's well worth seeking out one of these terrific Dragonsteel editions....more
Spoilers, obviously, follow for all Stormlight books.
1. This is my favourite Cosmere work to date Though by a sTen RADIANT takeaways from Rhythm of War
Spoilers, obviously, follow for all Stormlight books.
1. This is my favourite Cosmere work to date Though by a small margin, the edges out the highs previously reached by Words of Radiance.
2. It's not just battles in the sky anymore: meet your Rosharian scientists! More than any other book in the series, RoW's world-building becomes incredibly detailed as two science-y characters try and pull back the mysteries of their world's physics. It may sound a bit dull, but it rules!
3. Navani emerges as perhaps the best POV of the novel? Though my favourites were all here, Navani's elevation to POV character in this book SLAPS. She's a welcome addition to the core cast and leads the aforementioned science-based plot line of the book.
4. The villains kick-ass! In particular, Raboniel emerges as my favourite antagonist to date. Sanderson does great work with an opposition that is not entirely bent on destruction and is instead quite sympathetic.
5. Mental health matters. Leaf through my previous reviews of The Stormlight Archive novels and you'll see me bemoaning Kaladin's endless moping. In this book his depression is more explicit and his journey was entirely more compelling for that reason. There's lots of other cool inclusions here (DID, ASD) that I think Sanderson handles well.
6. This is the most Cosmere book to date. You'll see people openly talking about other planets, one of the epigraphs features a prominent Mistborn character, and there's oodles of other stuff that even I'm not getting. Which leads me to...
7. I've got to read ALL of the rest of the Cosmere content. I've put it off for too long and it's becoming increasingly obvious that Sanderson has every intent of doubling down on the connections between series, especially in Stormlight. Elantris and Warbreaker have officially moved up the TBR and I'll get to them this year.
8. The twists are hard and heavy. The main action sequence in the book's middle game read as such a pulse-pounding series of revelations that set up a shocking status quo for the book's second half. However, with just 100 pages to go Sanderson delivers some heavy-duty curve balls, one of which had me audibly gasp.
9. Sanderson's writing improves with every book. Moving from Mistborn to Stormlight and taking in the non-Cosmere work of Sanderson I can say that he only improves in his characterization and style. His books hone in on my personal reward centres and make the reading experience borderline addictive. RoW is his most complete and effective novel to date.
10. It's a long wait to 2023. It's hard to believe that when I had 600 pages left I was in agony knowing it would be a few years before I'd get back to Roshar. What's more, the wait for this next book is extra agonizing as it represents the end of Sanderson's "initial" story for Stormlight. The second five books will feature some of the same characters, but mostly new folk. It's hard to imagine coming to the end of this initial sequence, but I can't wait. As you know, journey before destination!...more
After that cliffhanger ending in The Bands of Mourning, Sanderson has dropped off a novella that expands on how the twist was made possible. Thus, it After that cliffhanger ending in The Bands of Mourning, Sanderson has dropped off a novella that expands on how the twist was made possible. Thus, it goes without saying that this book is nigh impossible to review without revealing the POV character's identity, and thereby spoiling The Bands of Mourning. Nonetheless, I'll keep it brief and the details sparse.
Though this book is quite a bit of fun (and the most Cosmere-aware novel of Sanderson's that I've read), it does seem like it would have been better suited as an opening to the next Mistborn novel. It is interesting to see this character brush up against some of the greater Cosmere mysteries, but it does end without having quite gotten up to the end of The Bands of Mourning. What's more, this novella is a re-playing of the original trilogy's events. Since I'd read those books within the year it felt more like treading old ground for me, even though it is from an entirely different perspective.
It's likely that The Bands of Mourning's ending will drive you to pay-up for this novella, but I don't believe it is absolutely necessary to your enjoyment of the Mistborn series at present. It seems that this is only half of the story, and I feel a bit robbed knowing that I'll probably have to invest in another novella down the road to get the full story. Also, if you are only reading the Mistborn output of Sanderson's Cosmere, then you might be missing out on some of the story's nods. For instance, I've yet to read Elantris or Warbreaker and I am fairly confident they play in somehow to the events in this book. Check it out if you can't possibly wait for more Sanderson, otherwise I'd suggest waiting it out until the next instalment in this novella series. ...more
Brandon Sanderson writes fantasy novels for the video game generation. The man has tapped into some sort of fantasy writing that plays perfectly on thBrandon Sanderson writes fantasy novels for the video game generation. The man has tapped into some sort of fantasy writing that plays perfectly on the effort-reward curve, making for compulsive and rewarding writing. When you're a writer who drops 1000 page books on your audience every two years, you've got to have something to keep the fans reading!
I just finished the third instalment of Brandon Sanderson's The Stormlight Archive after living the book hermit lifestyle and I have for you SOME THOUGHTS. It's tough to summarize 1200+ pages of a book in the middle of an epic fantasy series, but what I offer instead are some things I thought were great, a few that could use improvement for subsequent volumes, and some general stuff about why I like Sanderson's series.
As far as spoilers go, I wouldn't read much further if you haven't read Words of Radiance. I'll discuss some key revelations from book 2 without encasing them in the spoiler boxes. I think it is safe to say that you're unlikely to read this review if you aren't already a Stormlight fan. You'll be safe from Oathbringer spoilers though!
Sanderson: The Master of the Modern Doorstopper Fantasy There's a particular itch that Sanderson's novels scratch for me, but The Stormlight Archive novels are my favourite thing he writes. It's always a capital-E event when one of these books drop. I begin to look for time that I can spare to sit and digest the book in 100-page sittings, I fawn over the beautiful design of the hardcovers, and I wonder at the Cosmere at large. The world feels epic, the action scenes are jaw-dropping, and the characters are (mostly) enjoyable. I love the binding with the embossed glyph of one of the orders of Knights Radiant, the gorgeous, volume-specific endpapers, and the art that appears regularly throughout the read.
Hop Aboard Angst Airways I feel like not enough people are critical of Sanderson's character work, which grated on me during some of my reading of Oathbringer. Kaladin, Shallan, and Dalinar spend a good portion of this book agonizing over wrongs committed, considering personal flaws, and pondering on who they really are. For the most part, this doesn't bother me, but Oathbringer felt like it could have been tighter with 100-200 pages of the book diced out. Specifically, let's not try and make Kaladin brood for 300 pages in each instalment.
Dalinar Will Be Serving As Your Flashback Host! It was great to finally get some backstory on the legendary Blackthorn in Oathbringer, and Sanderson does not disappoint! Contrasting Dalinar's acts and anger in the past with his newfound attempt at zen made for a solid narrative running throughout the book. More than any of the other books, Dalinar's journey leads to a colossal twist during Oathbringer's climax that had me bingeing my way through the last 200 pages.
Oh, So You Haven't Heard of the Cosmere? Because Oathbringer is possibly the book whose ties to Sanderson's meta-universe are most prominent. Unfortunately, because I've not read all of the Cosmere books (notably Elantris and Warbreaker) I didn't appreciate the full scope of every scene. With that said, some of the Cosmere ties slipped by with hardly a bump in the narrative. I was discussing the book's ties to other series with a fellow Sanderson fan who isn't a big reader. He's pretty daunted by the sheer volume of reading required, but these books can still be enjoyed on their own within a series. The connections are out there if you are looking for them, but they are not essential to your enjoyment. Still, I wish I'd read Warbreaker!
The Most Bloated Entry Yet As I mentioned above, this book does feel much longer than it needs to be. The world-building and lore expansion is absolute gravy: I'll have second servings and still be hungry for more. By contrast, the character work feels like it retreads old ground in Oathbringer when it seems to have much more compelling arcs to investigate. I mean, Jasnah Kholin is the character who seems most different from our current consistent leads (Shallan, Kaladin, Dalinar, Adolin), but she is criminally underused in this book. I know, I know, she'll get her time in the spotlight eventually. But I wouldn't be hurt if we spent less time with those folks and shifted focus to some of the other Knights Radiant in book 4.
The Building Block Sanderson plans to do The Stormlight Archive in two, five-book arcs that have a gap in between (best explained in this interesting interview). This makes Oathbringer the fulcrum upon which the first arc swings. As such, this book reveals a lot of secrets while building up the mystery and conflict for the final two chapters in the opening half. There's less action here than in Words of Radiance, but this one feels most like the stepping stone for what comes next.
Conclusion & The Two Year Wait
If you are a fantasy fan, you've more than likely read something Sanderson has written. You probably also have a feel for whether or not this is your scene. Sanderson isn't writing the most poetic fantasy in the game, but he's arguably doing the most insane world-building. I think an argument can be made that he does some of the most cinematic combat too. If you haven't taken the plunge into the Stormlight books yet, then now is the time! After all, once more of the books are out it becomes an even more daunting consideration to tackle the series.
Even though I had some problems with this book, I still had an astoundingly good time reading it. I spent the last 200 pages bent over a gargantuan tome, eyes wide, and palms sweaty. Sanderson does a great job of providing these huge moments that feel like the end of the story, but the spends the last bit of the book reminding you that you are only 30% done with this series. I'm so invested in The Stormlight Archive that I both crave the fourth book and am happy it is a few years out.
Indeed, these books are a ton of fun, but this one has left me feeling like I've had nothing but chips and goodies for the past few weeks. It leaves me revitalized as a reader and excited to go out into an entirely different genre with my next read. I'm sad to be saying goodbye to the Rosharians for now, but I'll be excited to catch up with them when next Sanderson decides to steer them my way.
Plus, I think it's high time I got around to Elantris and Warbreaker!...more
Wait, wait, wait! Don't just keep scrolling. Don't ignore this review just because it's the sixth book in a fantasy series you've never read.
Why sh Wait, wait, wait! Don't just keep scrolling. Don't ignore this review just because it's the sixth book in a fantasy series you've never read.
Why shouldn't you scroll? Kind Goodreaders, I've written this review to entice those of you who've never dipped their toes into the pool of Sanderson's epic fantasy, in particular The Mistborn Series. Herein I report several reasons to pick up Sanderson as way of review of his latest book, The Bands of Mourning
He's prolific
There are many famous fantasy authors with whom you are probably familiar. J. K. Rowling of Harry Potter fame and George R. R. Martin of the ubiquitous A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones spring immediately to mind. Though both of those series are quite good, the latter has a reputation for being delayed quite regularly. With Sanderson, you'll never have the issue of it having been too long between books. The previous Mistborn novel, Shadows of Self was released in October 2015, and The Bands of Mourning just came out in January 2016. That meant between a pretty solid cliffhanger in October to now, there was just enough lag time to catch me in that sweet spot most akin to the Netflix-bingeing urge (but, you know, with books).
Sanderson's consistent, but not needlessly repetitive
There are few books that I read that are such safe bets as Sanderson's brand of fantasy. As a reader I am guaranteed kinetic, fast-paced combat, intercut with revelations about the world, and character work that continues to improve with each instalment. With the latest in The Mistborn Series, Sanderson has jumped forward from the swords and sorcery of the original trilogy to a society with firearms and a burgeoning industrial revolution. Also, while Shadows of Self was more of a murder-mystery, The Bands of Mourning plays out more like an Indiana Jones movie-cum-Mistborn. These variations in story structure mean you get a bit of a different flavour in each of the most recent-era Mistborn novels.
There's Always Another Secret
Sanderson leaves an endnote in The Bands of Mourning one page after delivering one of the most shocking, and rewarding, twists in the series to date. The motto with the Mistborn series has always been that there is a secret just waiting around the corner to shock the reader; however, none of the revelations feel forced. Rather, they all seem like things you should have unraveled of your own accord with the information you had available. Sanderson has hand crafted a world without orcs, trolls, or elves, that is instead wholly his own. The magic system, reliant on metals, has always allowed for complex action scenes, but also academic investigation by some of the characters. This was the first book in the series that I've read for which I wish I had a diagram to accompany some of the more complex uses and combinations of Allomancy, Feruchemy, and Hemalurgy. Rather than it being a chore to figure out exactly how the magic and technology of the world of Scandrial are beginning to meld, it is awe inspiring in its originality and intricacy.
It hasn't won the Pulitzer, the Booker, etc. but that's a good thing
I know that I have a tendency to choose my books based on reviews, critical acclaim, and award winners. This keeps me reading a lot of literary fiction that can, on rare occasion, feel like homework. Having come fresh off of five CanLit books that I didn't love and jumping back into the comfort and ease of a Sanderson novel has rejuvenated my reading spirit. It can be too easy to read all of one genre, one type of book, one author, and forget that there is such a variety of reading waiting out there. Though you may not love or know the fantasy genre, Sanderson's Mistborn series is such a safe bet that I have no problem recommending them to any of my Goodreads friends. There are definite flaws to the books (some one-dimensional characters, some plot points seem forced in earlier novels), and the writing isn't always outrageously excellent, but they are guaranteed to be a lot of fun.
That's it for my review for the newbies, but I've included a brief bit for those returning to the Mistborn series for this novel.
For the Mistborn Veterans
You're unlikely to be dropping off the Mistborn train by this point, but The Bands of Mourning will give you no reason to exit the moving vehicle. This instalment brought to my attention how little we have seen of Scandrial as a planet and begins to peel back the first of many layers of a new, cultural mystery. I was most surprised by Steris, who undergoes some character work that left her much more sympathetic in my eyes by the novel's end.
Well, wait.
I suppose I was most surprised by that closing line. That line that promises the next instalment in the Mistborn series to be the most connected to the original trilogy to date. I can almost promise you that you won't see this one coming, and it will remind you that the there's always another secret line is as true as ever. Overall, I preferred Shadows of Self to The Bands of Mourning, but I think you mainstay fans will find a lot to love. ...more
Not only is this a great Brandon Sanderson story, it also features a badass middle-aged protagonist in a compelling new world in the Cosmere. This no Not only is this a great Brandon Sanderson story, it also features a badass middle-aged protagonist in a compelling new world in the Cosmere. This novella slowly unpacks the mythology of a world where the dead roam the forests. The deadly forest's safe haven is an Inn run by a woman with a secret she keeps from those that frequent her tavern. Though it may seem hyperbolic, this brief novella brought back to mind the world Patrick Rothfuss is building with his Kingkiller Chronicle. The world is exceptionally dangerous, and it requires a dangerous disposition in order to survive. For Cosmere fans, this novella is promised to play a part in the immense tapestry that is currently unfolding. Unlike "Sixth of the Dusk", which I just finished, "Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell" does not use the crutch of Cosmere connection so intensely, and is all the better for this decision. If you are looking to see if Sanderson's writing is for you, or if you are a Cosmere fan, be sure to check this one out. Fair warning: it is over quickly, and left me wanting much more from this particular world and character set. ...more
I have a stockpile of novellas that I've been working through, and nothing sells me on a 90 page read quite like "It's part of Sanderson's Cosmere." I have a stockpile of novellas that I've been working through, and nothing sells me on a 90 page read quite like "It's part of Sanderson's Cosmere." For the uninitiated, Sanderson is writing multiple fantasy series at the same time which are all part of a huge, multi-planet mythology. If the idea of crossovers between different fantasy planets doesn't do anything for you, there's a good chance Sanderson isn't for you. But man, his writing scratches an extreme nerd itch like no other. "Sixth of the Dusk" will come as a change of pace for long-time Sanderson fans, as this novella has more in common with a grounded survivalist tale than the fast paced fantasy action of "Mistborn" or "The Stormlight Archive." All the same, it is a fairly fun read that suggests implications for the Cosmere at large. It's just...that's about all I got out of it. Don't get me wrong, Sanderson's writing is good as always, and his characters have strong voices, but the story ends just as things are starting to pick up. Your mileage may vary on this one but, unless you are a Cosmere completionist, it is definitely not essential Sanderson (at least, not yet). For the $1 I paid for it, "Sixth of the Dusk" was pretty good, but I think I need more length in my Sanderson books....more
After two weeks spent in a Sandersonian fever dream on Roshar, I knew I needed a bit of a break before embarking on my quest to read all of the publisAfter two weeks spent in a Sandersonian fever dream on Roshar, I knew I needed a bit of a break before embarking on my quest to read all of the published Cosmere material released to date. I settled on Warbreaker to get to known Nightblood a bit better and see what else the world of Nalthis had to offer.
Set in the Hallandren city of T'Telir, Warbreaker follows the trials and tribulations of two royal sisters who become involved in the politics at the Court of the Gods. One sister is to be wed to the fearsome and mythic God King while the other endeavours to free her from her forced marriage. Other POV characters include a flippant God, the mysterious Vasher, and his sword that bleeds black smoke.
There's lots of classic Sanderson on display here. The magic system is interesting, but in my mind the least interesting of those I've encountered. The characters trade in "Breaths" which elevate various sensory abilities, but also serve as a life spirit of sorts. Colour is the main physical representation of the magic of the world and the characters with many Breaths bend light around them into resplendent shades.
What's more, we get a series of twists and turns as the royal sisters of Idris attempt to figure out the mysteries of the court of Gods. Though these twists did push the story into interesting territory, they come late in the game and the setup makes the front half of the book a little less gripping. Finally, I know this is a bit petty when talking about an author who drops 500 page books almost annually, but the ending leaves half the story untold. I know there's a sequel coming down the line, but I'd be a bit happier if I knew the rest of the story was coming sooner rather than later.
So, this is a 3.5 Star review but should be measured against the high bar set by my own personal Sanderson-o-meter. In fact, I happen to think that a three star review is still pretty decent! This was a pretty great book and one I may toss to friends who've never read any of his work before. If you're a Cosmere completist like me, then you know you'll have to give it a read!...more
Sanderson scored big with his initial "Mistborn" trilogy of fantasy novels that included a complex magic system and cliff-hangers that left me turnin Sanderson scored big with his initial "Mistborn" trilogy of fantasy novels that included a complex magic system and cliff-hangers that left me turning pages long into the night. Despite keying-up all major plot points in the final volume of the trilogy, Sanderson returns to the world of Mistborn with "The Alloy of Law." What's more: it is my favourite instalment in the series to date! The tale is set 300 years following the conclusion of the initial trilogy: the world of Scandrial is on the brink of modernity as lawmakers patrol the desert, skyscrapers begin their ascent towards the sky, and trains become the main mode of transport. Rather than keeping the world firmly rooted in fantasy, Sanderson soars with a book that is a Western first and fantasy novel second. Allomancy, the magic system from the original trilogy, returns in an era where guns have become the major weaponry. This changes the flow of combat drastically and makes the fight scenes even more tense. Contrasted with the over-powered leads of the original trilogy (Vin in particular), the new characters are more evenly matched and the playing field is levelled by the inclusion of firearms. The world also reflects the changes brought on by the huge jump in time: the characters with which we are familiar have fallen into legend and the world is chugging along technologically. Again, this new setting allows for Sanderson to flex some different writing skills to much acclaim. In particular, the leads (Wax & Wayne) are a hilarious duo that makes the book read like a buddy-cop movie and brings levity to the entire proceedings. The story itself, while standard heist fare, is pulled off with enough flare to make it immensely entertaining. Sanderson plans on taking Scandrial through this Western trilogy, dropping in for a trilogy set in a world much like our own, before finally sending off the Mistborn books with a sci-fi trilogy. Though I knew of this ambitious plan beforehand, "The Alloy of Law" is the first time I've firmly believed in Sanderson's ability to take these diverse time periods and give them an interesting spin. This instalment in the Mistborn universe does not deal with world-ending catastrophe, but is much stronger for that reason. The characters are more relatable, the storyline more grounded and the page count parsed down to make a much tighter reading experience. While it will be in no way as enjoyable for those that use this volume as a jumping-on point, "The Alloy of Law" is a fun and light adventure that is sure to entertain fans of the original trilogy in an entirely different fashion. ...more
4.5 Stars. Do you enjoy fantasy? Do you wish it did something different every once and a while? If you answered yes to either of those questions, the 4.5 Stars. Do you enjoy fantasy? Do you wish it did something different every once and a while? If you answered yes to either of those questions, then Sanderson's Mistborn series is for you! "Shadows of Self", the fifth instalment in Brandon Sanderson's genre-shaking Mistborn series, is an exciting ride that rewards the fans who have followed the series to date. It also happens to be my favourite Mistborn book so far! If you liked the previous instalment, "The Alloy of Law", as much as I did, then you'll find plenty to love in this novel. It brings the humour, detective work, and characters that made the fourth volume such a rewarding experience and then escalates all of those aspects to create a real zinger of a novel.
As Mistborn fans will already know, this second cycle of Mistborn books follows the world of Scandrial 300 years following the conclusion of the original trilogy. Here is where Sanderson soars, as he is able to play with the established mythology in an (almost) new setting, while still maintaining the charm and action of the original trilogy. For those who felt that "The Alloy of Law" was too loosely connected to the previous trilogy, "Shadows of Self" should give you reason to rejoice . Indeed, while I won't be doling out any spoilers, some of the more long-lived characters from the original trilogy make appearances that had me breaking out into a grin as I read. Again, Sanderson has woven a beautiful tapestry where the original characters are now part of mythology, history, and religion.
Despite building upon what has come before, this cycle would not be entertaining without an excellent cast of characters and an engaging plot. Luckily, "Shadows of Self" boasts stellar character development and expands the roles of some of the characters from the previous book. Roughly, this is more of a murder mystery than the heist story of the last Wax & Wayne adventure, but still manages to set the stage for the subsequent books in the trilogy. My sole complaint would be that it takes a little while for the story to pick up momentum, but once it does, it steelpushes (see what I did there?) its way to an astonishing conclusion.
The end of this book comes filled to the brim with twists and revelations. Here is where I've seen real evolution in Sanderson's writing (I read all of the Mistborn books during 2015), as the twist at the end is highly character driven, and is easily the most emotional conclusion of his novels that I've read. If you have already read the Mistborn books, you know you want to read this. Skip the review and hit your local bookstore. For those who are new to the series, now is the perfect time to jump in. Where other authors lag in their writing speed, Sanderson pumps out novels in rapid succession, averaging a couple volumes every year. In fact, the next dose of Mistborn, "The Bands of Mourning", will be dropping in January. You excited? I'm excited. ...more
Paying off on the promises and mysteries of the first two novels, "The Hero of Ages" brings a resounding close to an superb trilogy. I won't be delvi Paying off on the promises and mysteries of the first two novels, "The Hero of Ages" brings a resounding close to an superb trilogy. I won't be delving into spoiler territory, but much of my frustrations with "The Final Empire" and "The Well of Ascension" pay off in spectacular fashion in this final instalment. The obscure and forcefully obtuse mysteries which made the first two novels drag are brought together with a flourish that feels like real pay-off and emphasizes that Sanderson did a great deal of planning to bring the reader to a thrilling conclusion. I recently read an interview with Sanderson where the interviewer commented that Sanderson writes great wide-screen, almost cinematic novels. Indeed, the climactic battles that are peppered throughout the novel do seem like they would be well at home on the silver screen, and Sanderson has a keen eye for the exact type of action the reader wants and freely subverts expectations. His ability to build towards an expected event and then pull the rug from under the reader provided me with more than a few "A-ha" and "I should have seen that coming" moments. One aspect of the books which I found quite frustrating were the characters' endless soul-searching and self-doubt. Barring Vin, most of the cast spend the front half of the book despairing and wondering how they can possibly change the fate of their world. While this is highly appropriate given the circumstances, it drags the book through the mud for a good portion of what would have otherwise been some really tense scenes. Again, Sanderson introduces a few new POV characters that gave the first half of the novel the extra boost it needed to keep me turning the pages at a quick clip. While Sanderson's writing isn't as technically attractive as some other writers, it does have the benefit of being highly readable and simple enough to encourage binge-reading. His cliffhangers kept me rapt for 100-page stints, and the variety of character viewpoints build parallel climaxes which all dovetail into a really outstanding 200-page run of all payoff. While not entirely fair to the work itself, I couldn't help but compare the trilogy to the "Stormlight Archive" books that Sanderson is currently writing. It is easy to see where Sanderson has improved as a writer from "Mistborn" to "Stormlight Archive" and, by and large, he has parsed down the long moments of self-doubt and melancholy. Despite this comparison, "Mistborn" stands on its own as an outstanding achievement for the fantasy genre with a unique world, a stellar set of characters, a bittersweet-but-fulfilling ending, and an innovative magic system. What's more, I am excited to see how the sequel series (set hundreds of years after "The Hero of Ages") plays with the mythology and allomancy in a more modern setting. This trilogy has been a ton of fun, and comes highly recommended for anyone looking to test the waters with a different type of fantasy novel. ...more
That's more like it! The second instalment in Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn Trilogy keeps building on dangling plot threads from the first novel in su That's more like it! The second instalment in Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn Trilogy keeps building on dangling plot threads from the first novel in successful fashion. Though, the story does buckle under its own weight for the first half of the novel. Picking up roughly a year following the conclusion of the first book, "The Well of Ascension" sees a series of military and political complications which helps to develop newly-made POV characters Elend and Sazed. While it is interesting to examine the world through new character's eyes, the prolonged military stalemate leaves Vin (heroine from the first novel) with very little to do for a good quarter of the read. Despite this shift in perspective, by the time the book reaches the halfway mark the many stories converge towards a common goal that rockets the book towards its exciting conclusion. Much of my issues with the Mistborn books stem from a comparison with Sanderson's latest works, The Stormlight Archive. Whereas the later keeps the story alternating between climaxes of individual characters' stories, Mistborn leads to one large cohesive conclusion. I found myself frustrated with what seemed like needless repetition, and plot threads that failed to pay off in the first half of the novel. In particular, Sazed, one of my favourite characters from the first novel, spends most of the book reviewing ancient documents and engaging in scholarly debate. While these scenes are fun to read with perfectly snappy dialogue and well-rounded characters, it seems as if there is no forthcoming resolution. Despite these gripes, the ending of this novel confirmed that Mistborn is really doing a much darker story than that of The Stormlight Archive, and is firmly its own beast. Without spoiling too much, the end of the novel finally shows its hand with the trilogy's prophecy storyline that has been stewing in the background for both the first and second books. I was genuinely surprised at the revelation, which instantly makes the first half of the novel worthwhile set up for the reveal. Vin, Elend, and Sazed are all excellent POV characters and undergo interesting character development over the course of the book. In particular, Elend rises from being a witty foil to Vin to a much more impressive and developed character. These books, while not the most revolutionary of Sanderson's output, are a ton of fun. The action scenes are brisk and imaginative, and the magic system continues to be one of the most compelling draws of the series. If you are looking for a compelling and action-packed fantasy read, you'd do well to take this trilogy for a spin. ...more
Coming from the barren setting of fantasy-writer Brander Sanderson's excellent Stormlight Archive series, I expected more of the same in plot, world, Coming from the barren setting of fantasy-writer Brander Sanderson's excellent Stormlight Archive series, I expected more of the same in plot, world, and characters from his older series, Mistborn. Much to my surprise, and joy, the Mistborn series is entirely its own and presents a world that is thoroughly different than that of the Stormlight Archive. "The Final Empire" sees a group of thieves attempting to overthrow a seemingly immortal empire, and protagonist Vin lies at the story's core. A truly strong female protagonist, Vin is vaulted from a life on the streets to a world of high stakes subterfuge and magic. Vin's arc throughout this novel builds her up into a compelling and interesting hero for the reader to follow. She is flawed, she is realistic, and she is all kinds of badass. I found myself empathizing with her in spite of some questionable choices she makes throughout the novel. Each character in the supporting is unique enough that the reader shouldn't have too difficult a time in remembering who's who in the zoo. The magic system (Allomancy) is also quite intricate and brilliant, though it is presented in a formulaic approach that slightly detracts from the story. Vin rotates through various experts in the individual branches of Allomancy where she a) gets to know them through an extended personal conversation and b) is taught how to use the specific skill after she befriends this character. Though it is interesting to meet the characters and see their different types of magic, it was a tad repetitive by the third time it came around. With that said, once this portion of the novel is completed (and Allomancy fully established) the novel is able to do backflips with the system and rewards the reader with Sanderson's signature action sequences. Allomancy may seem overwhelming at first, but quickly became compelling as Vin and Kelsier started getting into interesting uses of the magic. Another minor gripe is the seemingly cliche plot of a group of rag-tag individuals gathering together to topple the "evil guy." However, Sanderson provides a really distinctive twist to the story that occurs throughout the final 100 pages that throws genre conventions to the wind. Looking over my review, I have really been nitpick-y for what is a really excellent novel! Its failings are minor and are mostly due to the trouble of setting up an entirely new world in a single novel. What it has done quite effectively is make me very excited for the second instalment in the series, which I'll get started on immediately. A highly original world, an interesting magic system, and strong characters make this a splendid fantasy reads. Check this one out!...more
Words of Radiance is a big book. In fact, "big" might not do it justice: at 1100 pages it is apparently the upper limit of binding capacity for most pWords of Radiance is a big book. In fact, "big" might not do it justice: at 1100 pages it is apparently the upper limit of binding capacity for most publishers. Thus it necessitates a big review to discuss why I loved all its disparate parts and why it is one of the most imaginative fantasy yarns in recent memory. For those of you looking for a quick review: buy this book (and the 1st instalment, "The Way of Kings") if you enjoy fantasy, adventure and action in any format. I will also provide a spoiler-free review for those interested in the structural/storytelling/worldbuilding aspect of the series, and a spoiler-filled one for those who have finished off this tome.
SPOILER FREE For the uninitiated, The Stormlight Archive is Brandon Sanderson's projected 10-volume fantasy epic that deals with the world of Roshar, Highstorms and a cast of characters that is struggling to survive in a world following the assassination of their King. The series is considered "second-generation" fantasy. in that it is a world entirely like any other you've read before. You won't find orcs, elves, dwarves, and dragons in any of the Stormlight Archive books, but you will find a fantastical world that is wholly its own, built upon different rules, races, and setting that is unlike anything I've ever read before. Occupying this world is a huge cast of characters, of whom we follow 4-5 relatively permanently as point-of-view (POV) characters. This rotation of characters with disparate, but interlacing, stories is reminiscent of the Game of Thrones-esque multiple viewpoints. What is really impressive is that each of the characters who have served as major POV-characters (Kaladin, Shallan, Dalinar, Adolin) build on their character while advancing their story over two huge books. I never found myself irritated to switch from one character to another other than the ones that are left on a cliffhanger until we next meet up with them. These books are peppered with chapters that leave you hanging, ripping through pages and pages wondering where the hours have gone. What's more, the characters are all likeable and have distinctive voices, despite some of their characteristics being unlikeable. Kaladin is strong-willed and obstinate, but he never makes decisions that don't jive with his pre-established character. In a genre where plot can push characters where they shouldn't be, Words of Radiance lets the characters guide the story.
All this and I haven't even discussed the world or the magic system! Roshar, the continent that serves as the setting for the novel, is a huge continent, but the bulk of the story takes place on the Shattered Plains. This location would be lucky to be a 5% of the total map presented at the back, implying that this story has far further to explore before it reaches its end (more on that in the spoiler section). In fact, at the conclusion of each "book" within the novel, there are three short stories which are set in areas that have not yet been revealed over the course of the story. They reinforce the fact that this is a world unlike we've ever seen before and that we have just scratched the surface of what it has to offer. The magic system, which employs the mysterious stormlight left behind in the wake of massive storms that wreak havoc across the continent, is ingenious in that it has severe limitations that prevent the old trope of "I have magic and will now win everything." Things are well-balanced and, while not as vicious as GRRM, Sanderson will kill characters leaving you on the edge of your seat during battles.
Before moving on to the spoiler-filled review, I have to comment on the fight scenes which are amongst the strongest I have ever read in the genre. The action is frenetic and fast-paced, and makes for engrossing reading. But, more on that below. Finally, there were a few scenes that felt like the culmination of everything that I had read before, everything clicked into place in a way that was logical and the concluding 100-pages are truly deserving of the word epic. The novel is truly cinematic in scope. If you are thinking about diving into this series, I'd highly recommend catching up on the first two instalments before the third one drops (supposedly in 2016). Sanderson is aiming for a book every second year, making the wait much more tolerable than some of the extended breaks some fantasy tales will take. Check this one out!
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(view spoiler)[There's a lot I could talk about here, but I mostly want to touch on the two uber-climactic fight scenes that occur midway and at the end of the novel, and also on the revelations at the conclusion of the book. Once again, SPOILERS. Midway through when Adolin faces off against four shardbearers in the arena, and all odds seem stacked against him, Kaladin jumps into the fray to even the odds. It leads into such an exciting and pulse-pounding fight that capitalizes on the characters from the first novel all being united in the same geographical area. The soles of my feet were slicked with sweat the entire time. My one complaint about The Way of Kings was that it seemed too much like a prelude to something greater, with a lot of moving parts and POV characters that didn't interact with one another. Words of Radiance does away with all that and moves everyone together over the course of the novel. Again, at the end of the novel we are treated to such payoff that it really feels like everything is coming together exactly as it should. From the fist-pumps I did when Kaladin finally gains his own shard-weapon in the form of Syl and becomes a Knight Radiant in full (or at least the most we've seen of one yet) to the epic battle with Szeth as Shallan finally puts all her research to use, this is one of the tightest endings to a second instalment I think I've ever read. It feels like Words of Radiance is a conclusion all on its own that still manages to lay the groundwork for future instalments in a way that leaves me waiting with bated breath for "Skybreaker." Finally, the revelation at the end that both Szeth and Jasnah are alive was a nice twist. With the third novel supposedly focusing on Szeth, I am truly excited to see his past as well as what the future holds for him. If I may digress a moment, I am also thoroughly intrigued by the other orders of the Knights Radiant we meet in the interludes and I hope we see more of them in the following instalments. It seems unlikely that these characters are throwaways, especially the young girl who is an edgedancer, and I can't wait to see how they play into the overall tapestry that is being built. I am also new to the Cosmere, this is my first voyage into its waters, but I understand that Wit is Hoid, who is some sort of interdimensional being who appears in all of the books, linking them somehow? That alone intrigues me, and I will probably dive into the Mistborn trilogy in a few months to get a better grip on what's going on. If you've read this, you've likely read Words of Radiance. What an absolute joy of a read. (hide spoiler)]...more
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