[Book Review] The Final Empire

The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

Rating: 5/5

“If 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.”

The Final Empire is the first book in the Mistborn series, this has A LOT of hype surrounding it. I’m 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 you’re worried about the book taking up too much of your time because of its size or you’re just freaking out because you don’t think you’ll 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.

“I 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.”

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.

“In the end, I worry that my arrogance shall destroy us all.”

The main two characters are Kelsier and Vin. These two have one of the best relationships I’ve ever read, if you’re looking for a book with A+ friendships you’ve 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 don’t use her or abuse her like all of the people from her past did.

Kelsier is Vin’s 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 wasn’t always the best guy and he’s been through some pretty tough shit. He’s earned scar and lost people, but now he’s back and he’s ready to spill blood.

“There was always another secret.”

I enjoyed these two the most but I honestly loved all of Kelsier’s 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 Kelsier’s 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. There’s a reference chart at the back of the book if you need help with the magic and Kelsier and Vin usually explain what they’re doing with their magic anyway – I’m 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 – the author has to take the time to explain everything. It’s like walking into a book store, I’m in literary heaven. Sanderson does a really great job of describing and explaining everything about the world. It’s 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, he’s known as the king of fantasy. Amazing character development, awesome and unique world building and an astonishing plot. If you haven’t already, you should pick up The Final Empire.