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4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
This was a great read. This book was exactly what I was looking for at the time. That is, something fantasy but devoid of the most overused tropes. As everyone has said again and again, the magic system is very unique and the world is incredibly interesting! I loved the fight scenes and the rebellion plot going on. I also found Vin's "pretty woman" transition from street urchin to proper lady to be quite entertaining. Great characters, although some of the minor characters didn't seem fully fleshed out. I wished there had been more politics involved at the balls. I also sometimes felt the dialogue/Vin's internal monologue to be a bit forced, repetitive or cheesy. But, all in all, I really, really enjoyed the read and will be jumping into the sequel soon.
Never thought I'll enjoy fantasy so much. This did not feel like a 700+ page book.
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:
Complicated
Really enjoyed the unique magic system and world. I felt some of the writing came off as “and then this happened”. It was nice to see a level headed FMC that was able to talk herself through things that initially angered her. I felt all the side characters were unique but I also still felt they were a little too surface level. Hoping to see more development in the rest of the books.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
slow-paced
adventurous
mysterious
slow-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
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
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:
Complicated
3.5/5 ★'s
I just didn’t really like the story
I feel so conflicted finishing this book. The story was both interesting and not at the same time? Magic system was cool, world setting was cool, main villains were eery, and this is your stereotypical main hero rise to power. I just was bored…..often. Reflecting more on the things the book laid out, I can’t help but feel like I’m missing something or wanted more than what the story gave.
”The right belief is like a good cloak, I think. If it fits you well, it keeps you warm and safe. The wrong fit however, can suffocate.”
The What(s)
The Magic system involving metals we find in the real world very relatable and made me feel more connected to the story. Each metal having an inverse relationship to its alloy made the Magic make sense. The setting being this dystopian, steam punky vibe also was super interesting. The main protagonist prose is something I have read a lot recently, being the whole “Hey low level protagonist that has a natural expertise to the magic system in the world! Ready to advance quickly and somehow overcome the challenge many other older characters have been working towards longer than you?” I won’t hold that against the book, I think Vin’s character development is not done poorly. And Kelsier’s charisma/character was a huge boost to the likeness to the book for me.
”Men rarely see their own actions as unjustified.”
The How
Plot development overall just lagged at the beginning in my opinion. And maybe that’s just because it’s book 1. Things felt very slow as I learned about the caste system, magic system, and world setting. It’s the first book, it’s to be expected. The plot twists that shifted, not necessarily changing, the plot was also unique and made me enjoy the story as I read.
”But you can't kill me, Lord Tyrant. I represent that one thing you've never been able to kill, no matter how hard you try. I am hope.”
The Why(s)
This is the biggest problem I have. I feel like there are still a lot of questions left to be answered. In typical Sanderlanche fashion, we learned a lot in the last couple of chapters. And it only answered 4 of the 20 questions that I had at the end of the book. And I get it, keep reading. But I wanted to feel a little more clarity at the end or maybe not all in the last chapters.
I think I need a Sanderson hiatus. Reading his books from Jan-May may mean I need to put them up for a while. Not to mention, I typically listen to these books on Audible and Michael Kramer narrates all of his books. He’s got a soothing voice, but I think it’s adding to the mundaneness I’m feeling now.
I just didn’t really like the story
I feel so conflicted finishing this book. The story was both interesting and not at the same time? Magic system was cool, world setting was cool, main villains were eery, and this is your stereotypical main hero rise to power. I just was bored…..often. Reflecting more on the things the book laid out, I can’t help but feel like I’m missing something or wanted more than what the story gave.
”The right belief is like a good cloak, I think. If it fits you well, it keeps you warm and safe. The wrong fit however, can suffocate.”
The What(s)
The Magic system involving metals we find in the real world very relatable and made me feel more connected to the story. Each metal having an inverse relationship to its alloy made the Magic make sense. The setting being this dystopian, steam punky vibe also was super interesting. The main protagonist prose is something I have read a lot recently, being the whole “Hey low level protagonist that has a natural expertise to the magic system in the world! Ready to advance quickly and somehow overcome the challenge many other older characters have been working towards longer than you?” I won’t hold that against the book, I think Vin’s character development is not done poorly. And Kelsier’s charisma/character was a huge boost to the likeness to the book for me.
”Men rarely see their own actions as unjustified.”
The How
Plot development overall just lagged at the beginning in my opinion. And maybe that’s just because it’s book 1. Things felt very slow as I learned about the caste system, magic system, and world setting. It’s the first book, it’s to be expected. The plot twists that shifted, not necessarily changing, the plot was also unique and made me enjoy the story as I read.
”But you can't kill me, Lord Tyrant. I represent that one thing you've never been able to kill, no matter how hard you try. I am hope.”
The Why(s)
This is the biggest problem I have. I feel like there are still a lot of questions left to be answered. In typical Sanderlanche fashion, we learned a lot in the last couple of chapters. And it only answered 4 of the 20 questions that I had at the end of the book. And I get it, keep reading. But I wanted to feel a little more clarity at the end or maybe not all in the last chapters.
I think I need a Sanderson hiatus. Reading his books from Jan-May may mean I need to put them up for a while. Not to mention, I typically listen to these books on Audible and Michael Kramer narrates all of his books. He’s got a soothing voice, but I think it’s adding to the mundaneness I’m feeling now.