Title: Shadows of Self
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Series: Mistborn #5, Wax & Wayne #2
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 383
Published: 2015, Tor Books
My Grade: 5 out of 5
Review Summary: Shadow of Self mixes Era 1 nostalgia with Era 2 freshness in a twist-filled story with a heartbreaking ending.
Title: The Alloy of Law
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Series: Mistborn #4, Wax & Wayne #1
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 332
Published: 2011, Tor Books
My Grade: 3.5 out of 5
GOODREADS’ DESCRIPTION
Three hundred years after the events of the Mistborn trilogy, Scadrial is now on the verge of modernity, with railroads to supplement the canals, electric lighting in the streets and the homes of the wealthy, and the first steel-framed skyscrapers racing for the clouds.
Kelsier, Vin, Elend, Sazed, Spook, and the rest are now part of history—or religion. Yet even as science and technology are reaching new heights, the old magics of Allomancy and Feruchemy continue to play a role in this reborn world. Out in the frontier lands known as the Roughs, they are crucial tools for the brave men and women attempting to establish order and justice.
One such is Waxillium Ladrian, a rare Twinborn who can Push on metals with his Allomancy and use Feruchemy to become lighter or heavier at will.
After twenty years in the Roughs, Wax has been forced by family tragedy to return to the metropolis of Elendel. Now he must reluctantly put away his guns and assume the duties and dignity incumbent upon the head of a noble house. Or so he thinks, until he learns the hard way that the mansions and elegant tree-lined streets of the city can be even more dangerous than the dusty plains of the Roughs.
MY REVIEW
As far as Sanderson goes, I have to admit that this was not up there with Elantris and Mistborn Era 1. But I would say that has more to do with the setting than anything else. The old West is not really what I am into and I would say that that is the main reason why this one didn’t get a 5, which I almost counted on.
I knew that the story took place 300 years after Era 1 which of course made me interested since the ending of Era 1 was so unexpected and drastic and world-changing. But I honestly think it would have been cooler to know what happened straight after. 300 years later, and there are lots of things that developed, they are referencing to the old days and titles of people back then, but you as a reader don’t really know who they are referring to yet. Which is both a captivating thing, because you want to continue to read to be able to understand what they mean, but also a little bit frustrating that you don’t already know. Even if “you were there” when it happened in Era 1.
The familiarity with Sanderson’s work is definitely there though and that is a comfort. The story is progressing a little bit slower than I would like. The full book only covers a short amount of time, even though it doesn’t feel like it due to so many events keep coming.
I also found the character Wayne to be too much. At least in the beginning, but he definitely grew on me.
All in all, a great read! But I wasn’t as excited to pick it up to continue the story as I was with Era 1. And I would say that is because of the setting. It is fantasy, the allomancy is there, but still wasn’t as magical as The Final Empire. I will continue to read, if I know anything about Sanderson at this point, is that it will most definitely pick up. 3.5 out of 5.
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.
Title: The Hero of Ages
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Series: Mistborn #3
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 556
Published: 2008, Tor Books
My Grade: 5 out of 5
GOODREADS’ DESCRIPTION
“Description contains spoilers for previous book in the series”
Who is the Hero of Ages?
To end the Final Empire and restore freedom, Vin killed the Lord Ruler. But as a result, the Deepness—the lethal form of the ubiquitous mists—is back, along with increasingly heavy ashfalls and ever more powerful earthquakes. Humanity appears to be doomed.
Having escaped death at the climax of The Well of Ascension only by becoming a Mistborn himself, Emperor Elend Venture hopes to find clues left behind by the Lord Ruler that will allow him to save the world. Vin is consumed with guilt at having been tricked into releasing the mystic force known as Ruin from the Well. Ruin wants to end the world, and its near omniscience and ability to warp reality make stopping it seem impossible. Vin can’t even discuss it with Elend lest Ruin learn their plans!
MY REVIEW
It’s impressive that Brandon Sanderson manages to write a trilogy where all the books are so completely different, yet still hang together and continues the story flawlessly. Where the first one introduces this world of the Final Empire in a very captivating way, the second offers a story that takes a 180 turn when it comes to content and the third is just miserable and hopeless all the way through. Like how will Vin and Elend fix this?? I was prepared for a sad ending. And it kinda was. But I also felt satisfied with it. And it was a happy ending. I don’t think I was very excited to start the next trilogy that takes place 300 years later, but now I am. I want to know what will happen in the future.
I can’t really write anything without spoiling and I’m trying to keep all my reviews spoiling. At the end of book one, you think there shouldn’t be any more books. At the end of book two, you rethink the whole series so far. And at the end of book three you understand the whole picture and want to know what happens next.
I did find it a bit confusing with two very similar story arcs going parallel. But that was about it.
Sanderson is great at revealing things after a while without you having any clue about what will come. You get surprised all the time, because information comes from nowhere but it totally makes sense once you get it. It’s really a delight! 5 out of 5, highly recommend! 😊
Title: The Well of Ascension
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Series: Mistborn #2
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 578
Published: 2007, Tor Books
My Grade: 5 out of 5
GOODREADS’ DESCRIPTION
“Description contains spoilers for previous book in the series”
The impossible has been accomplished. The Lord Ruler—the man who claimed to be god incarnate and brutally ruled the world for a thousand years—has been vanquished. But Kelsier, the hero who masterminded that triumph, is dead too, and now the awesome task of building a new world has been left to his young protégé, Vin, the former street urchin who is now the most powerful Mistborn in the land, and to the idealistic young nobleman she loves.
As Kelsier’s protégé and slayer of the Lord Ruler she is now venerated by a budding new religion, a distinction that makes her intensely uncomfortable. Even more worrying, the mists have begun behaving strangely since the Lord Ruler died, and seem to harbor a strange vaporous entity that haunts her.
Stopping assassins may keep Vin’s Mistborn skills sharp, but it’s the least of her problems. Luthadel, the largest city of the former empire, doesn’t run itself, and Vin and the other members of Kelsier’s crew, who lead the revolution, must learn a whole new set of practical and political skills to help. It certainly won’t get easier with three armies – one of them composed of ferocious giants – now vying to conquer the city, and no sign of the Lord Ruler’s hidden cache of atium, the rarest and most powerful allomantic metal.
As the siege of Luthadel tightens, an ancient legend seems to offer a glimmer of hope. But even if it really exists, no one knows where to find the Well of Ascension or what manner of power it bestows.
MY REVIEW
The Well of Ascension was different in so many ways from The Final Empire. Well, not in writing really, it is the amazing same, not when it comes to world building either. But content-wise, focus of the story and pace differ a lot.
After finishing The Final Empire and that incredible ending, I just had to know what happened next. Yes, you learned what happened next, them trying to figure out how to rule a kingdom while being under siege from not one, not two, but three armies. What disappointed me a little bit honestly, was that we didn’t get to learn anything of the lord ruler. The first 90% of the book was all about politics, not much action. Things still happened, the story went on, it was easy to follow (not like some other fantasy that focuses on politics, George RR Martin for example). It was captivating and on a good enough level of complicated. One thing Sanderson managed to keep interesting was situations where you as a reader could be certain of the outcome, but somehow he managed to make the opposite and super u likely outcome seem logical. It’s like he’s manipulating us with his writing. It’s amazing!
Sure, war is something happening, but as soon as that 90% part of the story was over, it was like a new book. Those last pages and how it all ended. It was even worse than the ending of The Final Empire. The ending made you rethink the whole first book. That’s a feat!
I cannot say anything else than that Sanderson is my new favorite author. This was the second book of a trilogy, the pace is supposed to be naturally slower. But it builds up suspense, you never know which direction the story is going which the ending clearly show. For a “journey” mid book, it’s good. It’s really good! Easy 5 out of 5. Please read this series if you haven’t already! It kind of feels like I’m the last one to find out about this amazing author, haha!
Title: The Final Empire
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Series: Mistborn #1
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 537
Published: 2006, Tor Books
My Grade: 5 out of 5
GOODREADS’ DESCRIPTION
For a thousand years the ash fell and no flowers bloomed. For a thousand years the Skaa slaved in misery and lived in fear. For a thousand years the Lord Ruler, the “Sliver of Infinity,” reigned with absolute power and ultimate terror, divinely invincible. Then, when hope was so long lost that not even its memory remained, a terribly scarred, heart-broken half-Skaa rediscovered it in the depths of the Lord Ruler’s most hellish prison. Kelsier “snapped” and found in himself the powers of a Mistborn. A brilliant thief and natural leader, he turned his talents to the ultimate caper, with the Lord Ruler himself as the mark.
Kelsier recruited the underworld’s elite, the smartest and most trustworthy allomancers, each of whom shares one of his many powers, and all of whom relish a high-stakes challenge. Then Kelsier reveals his ultimate dream, not just the greatest heist in history, but the downfall of the divine despot.
But even with the best criminal crew ever assembled, Kel’s plan looks more like the ultimate long shot, until luck brings a ragged girl named Vin into his life. Like him, she’s a half-Skaa orphan, but she’s lived a much harsher life. Vin has learned to expect betrayal from everyone she meets. She will have to learn trust if Kel is to help her master powers of which she never dreamed.
MY REVIEW
I think I said this in my review of Elantris, but Sanderson is definitely one of my favorite authors! The main reason being his ability to come up with amazing and captivating stories that you really become a part of.
The Final Empire has: a great story arc, a new imaginative magic system, and a world you really find yourself in. I at least see very clearly everything that is happening. Even the fighting scenes which I usually only see blurs.
I wouldn’t say that Sanderson is using an easier way of writing, but his writing is easier to follow. I don’t miss details like I can do in other author’s style of writing (I will leave a small comparison to Robert Jordan here for example).
This book doesn’t leave you as the reader to think for yourself, which I think is a good thing. When I am really engulfed in a story, I don’t want to end up having to put the book aside to think about what certain things mean or not. I want a flow where I can continue to read and still be surprised when plot twists arise for example. And that’s how The Final Empire is. You can just continue to read in that flow and be completely inside the story.
The story is amazing. Something is always happening. Something good in the right direction, some setbacks, some more setbacks until you are questioning if things really are going to work out, which makes you understand why there are two more books in this trilogy. But then comes the ending. And you understand why there are two more books, but for other reasons than you previously thought.
Brandon Sanderson does it so well! The last part was so intensive that I couldn’t put the book down! I started The Well of Ascension straight after. 5 out of 5!
Title: Elantris
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 638
Published: 2005, Tor Fantasy
My Grade: 5 out of 5
GOODREADS’ DESCRIPTION
Elantris was the capital of Arelon: gigantic, beautiful, literally radiant, filled with benevolent beings who used their powerful magical abilities for the benefit of all. Yet each of these demigods was once an ordinary person until touched by the mysterious transforming power of the Shaod. Ten years ago, without warning, the magic failed. Elantrians became wizened, leper-like, powerless creatures, and Elantris itself dark, filthy, and crumbling.
MY REVIEW
Why haven’t I read anything by Sanderson before this? I’ve heard so many great things about Sanderson in general. “Mistborn is supposed to be amazing”, “Stormlight Archive is the best ever”. Elantris I’ve been told has been incredible as well, but definitely his weakest novel. Which is understandable since it was his very first published book. I haven’t read anything by him until now. And all I can say is, if this is his weakest writing, I can’t wait to get into his other works!
At first, I had a hard time getting into the worldbuilding. So many new words were used like I was supposed to know them. If it is correctly written, you should know by context, but that wasn’t quite the case here. Of course, you got there eventually and forgot how much you didn’t understand at first.
Usually when there are multiple storylines and characters to follow, I pick favorites and there are some chapters I almost kind of want to skip, but of course don’t. But not with Elantris. I truly loved all three of the characters: Raoden, Sarene and Hrathen. I was as excited to read about Roaden’s experience inside Elantris, as of Sarene’s political plots outside in Kae as I was reading about Hrathen’s religious invasion and insecurities.
The absolute best part of Elantris was the worldbuilding though. Everytime I picked up the book, I was there. Every scene played up in my mind like it was right in front of me and that was so amazing! Many authors are great at that, but I think this was the best that I can remember ever reading.
Brandon Sanderson’s debut was fantastic and I’m sad I didn’t pick it up sooner. But I now know that I am in for a treat. This easily gets the highest grade, 5 out of 5!
Bemm 