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4.37 AVERAGE
4.37 AVERAGE
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Mixed feelings on this one. Overall I enjoyed the story, and found it interesting, but on the other hand it just kinda took me a second to get into it. However if I could I’d give it 3.5 stars because my judgement may be a bit skewed. I listened to this as an audiobook while at work, and I’ve never been a fan of audiobooks in the past so perhaps it didn’t get the same effect. Ultimately tho, not bad by any means, a simple and interesting way to expand the Elantris world (even if it has almost 0 connections to Elantris).
adventurous
tense
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:
Complicated
I have always wanted to get into unique epic fantasy stories and that’s the main reason I started reading books and novels this year. At first I read some fiction a few thrillers and historical books and then I picked up The Hobbit which was little old school type but absolutely great i enjoyed that cause I have watched the movies so it was easy to get into.
Later... I asked some of my friends for recommendations, and many of them told me that Brandon Sanderson is the easiest and most exciting way to dive into big fantasy. And now after reading The Emperor’s Soul I’m pretty sure this Sanderson fella isn't going to disappoint me cause despite being only around 100 pages, this short novella was so well written. I completely fell in love with the characters. There aren’t many of them in the story mainly just Shai and Gaotona but both are written so well, with inner conflicts and great payoff. I was a bit concerned at first about the writing style, since many fantasy novels tend to be hard to understand, but that wasn’t the case here. It was actually really easy to follow and beautifully paced.
Also, I want to mention that I listened to the audiobook later on and that was the best experience I’ve had with any story so far. Both Shai and Gaotona's voice actors were perfect. Their voices were exactly how I imagined the characters. And is it just me or did anyone else imagine Gaotona like Director Krennic from Andor and Rogue One?? His voice was so similar it gave me chills everytime
Overall 9/10
Such an experience now I will read mistborn maybe...
Later... I asked some of my friends for recommendations, and many of them told me that Brandon Sanderson is the easiest and most exciting way to dive into big fantasy. And now after reading The Emperor’s Soul I’m pretty sure this Sanderson fella isn't going to disappoint me cause despite being only around 100 pages, this short novella was so well written. I completely fell in love with the characters. There aren’t many of them in the story mainly just Shai and Gaotona but both are written so well, with inner conflicts and great payoff. I was a bit concerned at first about the writing style, since many fantasy novels tend to be hard to understand, but that wasn’t the case here. It was actually really easy to follow and beautifully paced.
Also, I want to mention that I listened to the audiobook later on and that was the best experience I’ve had with any story so far. Both Shai and Gaotona's voice actors were perfect. Their voices were exactly how I imagined the characters. And is it just me or did anyone else imagine Gaotona like Director Krennic from Andor and Rogue One?? His voice was so similar it gave me chills everytime
Overall 9/10
Such an experience now I will read mistborn maybe...
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
This was a masterpiece. I was crying as I finished the epilouge, not because I was happy or sad, but out sheer awe at the breathtaking artistry. 5 stars.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Emperor’s Soul is a delightful read, which ends in a more-or-less predictable bang. Although I love that this is a close-ended tale, I wish I could spend more time with the characters. In a way, the work of art Shai creates reminds me of the intricately polished and endlessly thought-out universe that Sanderson is slowly unfolding
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.75/5.00
Never have I read a story so perfectly written. In just 127 pages, Brandon Sanderson has managed to create two (or three including the Emperor) of the most fascinating characters I have ever read in Fantasy. I don't know if I want more or not, but I got what was perfect. Brandon created a beautiful and concise magic system, that is so well explained and developed in such a short story! This is my favorite story from the Lord Ruler.
This is the first and only book I have thrown a perfect character score.
SPOILERS!!
Story/Plot -> This is a short story, and hence the story is rather simple, but perfectly chosen for the concept. A little reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes in a heist story, but with perfect character flaws.
Worldbuilding-> For a short story the worldbuilding is good, the magic system is very well done, better than Elantris by far, which begs the high score here. If it wasn't for the "skeleton" soldiers, I might have given a higher score.
Character Development -> Shai is wonderfully flawed, and this is story is totally competence porn for this character. I loved the relationship between the Gao and Shai, I actually teared up when she mentioned her "grandfather" idea. It highlighted her loneliness, and how much she connected with him.
Prose/Dialogue -> Great writing, super competent and perfect for this story.
Emotional Impact -> I enjoyed it very much, nearly teared up a point. Great Short story! Except for the skeleton warriors.
Never have I read a story so perfectly written. In just 127 pages, Brandon Sanderson has managed to create two (or three including the Emperor) of the most fascinating characters I have ever read in Fantasy. I don't know if I want more or not, but I got what was perfect. Brandon created a beautiful and concise magic system, that is so well explained and developed in such a short story! This is my favorite story from the Lord Ruler.
This is the first and only book I have thrown a perfect character score.
SPOILERS!!
Story/Plot -> This is a short story, and hence the story is rather simple, but perfectly chosen for the concept. A little reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes in a heist story, but with perfect character flaws.
Worldbuilding-> For a short story the worldbuilding is good, the magic system is very well done, better than Elantris by far, which begs the high score here. If it wasn't for the "skeleton" soldiers, I might have given a higher score.
Character Development -> Shai is wonderfully flawed, and this is story is totally competence porn for this character. I loved the relationship between the Gao and Shai, I actually teared up when she mentioned her "grandfather" idea. It highlighted her loneliness, and how much she connected with him.
Prose/Dialogue -> Great writing, super competent and perfect for this story.
Emotional Impact -> I enjoyed it very much, nearly teared up a point. Great Short story! Except for the skeleton warriors.