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4.37 AVERAGE
4.37 AVERAGE
*Disclaimer, this book is mainly for people who have read most if not all of Brandon's other works.
Wow, what a collection. Nearly all of the short stories captivated me, and all were excellently written too. Many of the stories added a level of depth and world building to Brandon's other works that filled a gap that I didn't even know needed to be filled. The fact that these are short stories set in worlds that Brandon has previously written on doesn't mean that they are 'deleted scenes', on the contrary, they're more like a spinoff. For anyone who's read Brandon's other books, these are definitely worth a read.
The standalone stories are what really shine in this book. While they're all set in the Cosmere (Brandon's literary universe), you don't need to have read his previous works to appreciate these. In fact, the very first story told in this collection is quite possibly my favorite short work I've read. The Emperor's Soul is comparatively short, but oh man is it a wonderful piece of writing.
Wow, what a collection. Nearly all of the short stories captivated me, and all were excellently written too. Many of the stories added a level of depth and world building to Brandon's other works that filled a gap that I didn't even know needed to be filled. The fact that these are short stories set in worlds that Brandon has previously written on doesn't mean that they are 'deleted scenes', on the contrary, they're more like a spinoff. For anyone who's read Brandon's other books, these are definitely worth a read.
The standalone stories are what really shine in this book. While they're all set in the Cosmere (Brandon's literary universe), you don't need to have read his previous works to appreciate these. In fact, the very first story told in this collection is quite possibly my favorite short work I've read. The Emperor's Soul is comparatively short, but oh man is it a wonderful piece of writing.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Interesting and fun to read, but I wish the stories felt more important in the worlds they inhabit.
*4.5 stars
This is a must-read for any Cosmere fan who wants to know as much as possible about the Cosmere, invaluable thanks to the introductions to each world/system, and some excellent short stories/novellas too. I've rated the book as a whole 4.5 stars (the average rating being 4.3), but here are my ratings for each individual story. NB I didn't bother reading the White Sand excerpts - I'll read it in full some day.
The Emperor's Soul (read July 2022) - 5 stars
Reviewed separately but here's what I said:
Finally got round to reading this much-hyped novella. It didn't disappoint, it is masterfully written and compelling. I had perhaps expected a bigger twist at the very end, but it was nevertheless very satisfying.
The Hope of Elantris (read April 2023) - 4.5 stars
Really sweet story, especially given the Postscript about what inspired him to write it. I liked it. Brandon thinks it's a bit too sentimental, but I don't think so!
The Eleventh Metal (read April 2023) - 3 stars
Does what it intended, a short story written to introduce those not in the know to the Mistborn world and magic system (for the roleplay game), while providing a snapshot of Kelsier's life pre Mistborn era 1. But for those who have already read Mistborn like me, it's a bit dull and doesn't add anything new. And I think for those who don't know Mistborn, it's nothing special either really.
Allomancer Jak and the Pits of Eltania (read April 2023) - 3 stars
Bit of an odd one this to be honest, but I guess I was entertained enough.
Mistborn: Secret History (Mistborn #3.5) (read Aug-Sept 2019, 2nd read Feb-June 2020) - 5 stars
See separate review here
Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell (read April 2023) - 4.5 stars
Creepy and gripping story that delivered on its promises, enjoyed it!
Sixth of the Dusk (read April 2023) - 4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this one! Loved the bird companions and the island is really mysterious and scary, and I really want to know more, basically.
Edgedancer (The Stormlight Archive #2.5) (Read Nov 2019) - 5 stars
Reviewed separately, but here's what I wrote:
LOVED it. I love Lift so much, and Wyndle. So many chuckles in this book, and a cool location we hadn't yet been to in the Stormlight Archive too. And finally we find out more about Darkness...
And now I seem to be starvin' for pancakes...
This is a must-read for any Cosmere fan who wants to know as much as possible about the Cosmere, invaluable thanks to the introductions to each world/system, and some excellent short stories/novellas too. I've rated the book as a whole 4.5 stars (the average rating being 4.3), but here are my ratings for each individual story. NB I didn't bother reading the White Sand excerpts - I'll read it in full some day.
The Emperor's Soul (read July 2022) - 5 stars
Reviewed separately but here's what I said:
Finally got round to reading this much-hyped novella. It didn't disappoint, it is masterfully written and compelling. I had perhaps expected a bigger twist at the very end, but it was nevertheless very satisfying.
The Hope of Elantris (read April 2023) - 4.5 stars
Really sweet story, especially given the Postscript about what inspired him to write it. I liked it. Brandon thinks it's a bit too sentimental, but I don't think so!
The Eleventh Metal (read April 2023) - 3 stars
Does what it intended, a short story written to introduce those not in the know to the Mistborn world and magic system (for the roleplay game), while providing a snapshot of Kelsier's life pre Mistborn era 1. But for those who have already read Mistborn like me, it's a bit dull and doesn't add anything new. And I think for those who don't know Mistborn, it's nothing special either really.
Allomancer Jak and the Pits of Eltania (read April 2023) - 3 stars
Bit of an odd one this to be honest, but I guess I was entertained enough.
Mistborn: Secret History (Mistborn #3.5) (read Aug-Sept 2019, 2nd read Feb-June 2020) - 5 stars
See separate review here
Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell (read April 2023) - 4.5 stars
Creepy and gripping story that delivered on its promises, enjoyed it!
Sixth of the Dusk (read April 2023) - 4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this one! Loved the bird companions and the island is really mysterious and scary, and I really want to know more, basically.
Edgedancer (The Stormlight Archive #2.5) (Read Nov 2019) - 5 stars
Reviewed separately, but here's what I wrote:
LOVED it. I love Lift so much, and Wyndle. So many chuckles in this book, and a cool location we hadn't yet been to in the Stormlight Archive too. And finally we find out more about Darkness...
And now I seem to be starvin' for pancakes...
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes