The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson Rating: 5/5
βIf there are prophecies, if there is a Hero of Ages, then my mind whispers that there must be something directing my path. Something is watching; something cares. These peaceful whispers tell me a truth I wish very much to believe.
If I fail, another shall come to finish my work.β
The Final Empire is the first book in the Mistborn series, this has A LOT of hype surrounding it. Iβm happy to say that The Final Empire lived up to the hype, I loved it! I would definitely recommend going in blind with this series. Just known that the author has a great writing style, this is a high fantasy series and the books are quite large.
I would also recommend, if youβre worried about the book taking up too much of your time because of its size or youβre just freaking out because you donβt think youβll be able to keep up the plot to listen to the audiobook. Also if you can, have a copy of the book at your disposal while you listen to it because there is reference chart at the end of the book that will help you with the magic system.
βI never wanted to be feared.
If I regret one thing, it is the fear I have caused. Fear is the tool of tyrants. Unfortunately, when the fate of the world is in question, you use whatever tools are available.β
Plot
Mistborn is about a group of thieves who are employed to overrule the Lord Ruler who is a super bad guy. Adventure and hijinks ensues.
βIn the end, I worry that my arrogance shall destroy us all.β
The main two characters are Kelsier and Vin. These two have one of the best relationships Iβve ever read, if youβre looking for a book with A+ friendships youβve come to the right place. This can also be said about Vin and pretty much the rest of the crew. Right from the get go the band of thieves accept Vin for who she is they donβt use her or abuse her like all of the people from her past did.
Kelsier is Vinβs mentor on all things magic and throughout the book slowly becomes a sort of father figure to her. Kelsier is a fun, forever smiling and all around odd guy, we learn through the book that he wasnβt always the best guy and heβs been through some pretty tough shit. Heβs earned scar and lost people, but now heβs back and heβs ready to spill blood.
βThere was always another secret.β
I enjoyed these two the most but I honestly loved all of Kelsierβs crew. Especially Ham and Breeze, their banter gave me life and never failed to bring a smile to my face. Each character is unique and plays a different part in Kelsierβs scheme to get rid of the Lord Ruler which is a refreshing thing to see in any novel.
If you were worried about not being able to keep up with the world and its magic system then stop worrying. Thereβs a reference chart at the back of the book if you need help with the magic and Kelsier and Vin usually explain what theyβre doing with their magic anyway β Iβm trying really hard not to give anything away about the magic system, can you tell?
What I struggle with, as a reader is being able to picture what a world looks like. This is probably why high fantasy is one of my favourite genres β the author has to take the time to explain everything. Itβs like walking into a book store, Iβm in literary heaven. Sanderson does a really great job of describing and explaining everything about the world. Itβs especially interesting to see from the perspective of Vin, who has live her whole life one way and is used to her life and surroundings. Compared to Kelsier, who invites change and inspires it in others. He knows the world used to have many colours and that grass used to be green, not grey.
This book is brilliant and has been written by a literary god, ask anyone, heβs known as the king of fantasy. Amazing character development, awesome and unique world building and an astonishing plot. If you havenβt already, you should pick up The Final Empire.
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