Title: The Emperor’s Soul
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Collection: Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 136 of 831
Published: 2016, Tor Books (originally published 2012)
My Grade: 5 out of 5

GOODREADS’ DESCRIPTION

A heretic thief is the empire’s only hope in this fascinating tale that inhabits the same world as the popular novel, Elantris.

Shai is a Forger, a foreigner who can flawlessly copy and re-create any item by rewriting its history with skillful magic. Condemned to death after trying to steal the emperor’s scepter, she is given one opportunity to save herself. Though her skill as a Forger is considered an abomination by her captors, Shai will attempt to create a new soul for the emperor, who is almost dead.

Probing deeply into his life, she discovers Emperor Ashravan’s truest nature—and the opportunity to exploit it. Her only possible ally is one who is truly loyal to the emperor, but councilor Gaotona must overcome his prejudices to understand that Shai’s forgery is as much artistry as it is deception.

Brimming with magic and political intrigue, this deftly woven fantasy delves into the essence of a living spirit.

MY REVIEW

It doesn’t matter what I pick up from Sanderson, I know I will love it! I found a list online on reading order for the Cosmere books. This was not a book though, but a “short” 130-page novella set on the planet of Sel, the same as Elantris. I try to pay attention to details in books, but I’m not sure I will be able to catch everything Sanderson intended for his readers on the first read. But I went for this one before continuing with Mistbord era 2.

There were definitely things I recognized from Elantris, still my favorite of Sanderson’s books. But I don’t think there were any exceptional easter eggs yet. But like I said, I am new to the Cosmere in terms of re-reads.

The story is really captivating but a little complex. Well, not the story itself, but the magic system. I think I understood it at the end, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I was completely wrong as well. I wouldn’t have minded a deeper story about Shai.

Since it is taking place on the same world as Elantris, it did make me wonder how that was all connected? Time-wise? Magic-wise?

Easy read that was over too quick! Still well thought-through and complicated but written very well for that format. 5 out of 5.