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4.37 AVERAGE
4.37 AVERAGE
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.
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-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
(Read from Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection)
What can I say about The Emperor’s Soul? It's a good novella with, of course, a fantastic magic system.
Shai tried to steal the Moon Scepter from the Imperial Palace. She was betrayed, however, and captured. Shai is a forger - someone who can re-write an object's history to change what it is in the present - which unfortunately means execution, for such sorcery is abhorred in the Rose Empire. She, however, gets a chance to save her life, if she can accomplish the unthinkable and forge the emperor’s soul
(Why? Read the novella and find out!)
This is the first novella that I've ever read, and I'm surprised at Brandon Sanderson's ability to tell such a good story within such a small page count. The most impressive thing for me was how so much worldbuilding was conveyed so smoothly in such a small page count, followed by the magic system (of course). Forgery was so fascinating to me because of its interesting mechanics and vast utility, and honestly because it was the first magic system I encountered wherein anyone with enough training and the right resources can practice it. I can elaborate further on the characters, the world etc, but I would refrain from doing so and encourage readers to experience the story themselves.
Some might wonder why I chose to give this four stars instead of five, when I've mentioned no shortcoming in my review. I did so because the fifth star for me is reserved for books that thrilled, shook, and amazed me, books that stood out and (at least) felt exceptional to me. The Emperor’s Soul is a fantastic story, no doubt, and upon finishing it I remarked, "Well, that was a good story." And not, "Woah." Hence the four stars. This, however, is purely subjective and should not stand against the book in any way: you might feel very differently about the book.
That said, a highly recommended novella that is quite literally an exploration of the human soul.
What can I say about The Emperor’s Soul? It's a good novella with, of course, a fantastic magic system.
Shai tried to steal the Moon Scepter from the Imperial Palace. She was betrayed, however, and captured. Shai is a forger - someone who can re-write an object's history to change what it is in the present - which unfortunately means execution, for such sorcery is abhorred in the Rose Empire. She, however, gets a chance to save her life, if she can accomplish the unthinkable and forge the emperor’s soul
(Why? Read the novella and find out!)
This is the first novella that I've ever read, and I'm surprised at Brandon Sanderson's ability to tell such a good story within such a small page count. The most impressive thing for me was how so much worldbuilding was conveyed so smoothly in such a small page count, followed by the magic system (of course). Forgery was so fascinating to me because of its interesting mechanics and vast utility, and honestly because it was the first magic system I encountered wherein anyone with enough training and the right resources can practice it. I can elaborate further on the characters, the world etc, but I would refrain from doing so and encourage readers to experience the story themselves.
Some might wonder why I chose to give this four stars instead of five, when I've mentioned no shortcoming in my review. I did so because the fifth star for me is reserved for books that thrilled, shook, and amazed me, books that stood out and (at least) felt exceptional to me. The Emperor’s Soul is a fantastic story, no doubt, and upon finishing it I remarked, "Well, that was a good story." And not, "Woah." Hence the four stars. This, however, is purely subjective and should not stand against the book in any way: you might feel very differently about the book.
That said, a highly recommended novella that is quite literally an exploration of the human soul.
The Emperor’s Soul is hands down my favorite novella by Brandon Sanderson so far.
The story is compact but emotionally rich, with one of the most unique and satisfying magic systems I’ve ever read—Forgery, which works by rewriting an object’s (or person’s) history to transform it. That concept alone is brilliant, but it’s Sanderson’s execution that makes it unforgettable.
I also absolutely loved the slow, genuine relationship that develops between Shai and Gaotona. Their bond, built on honesty, intellect, and mutual respect, gave the story unexpected emotional depth. This novella packs more heart, worldbuilding, and philosophical weight into a short page count than many full-length novels.
The story is compact but emotionally rich, with one of the most unique and satisfying magic systems I’ve ever read—Forgery, which works by rewriting an object’s (or person’s) history to transform it. That concept alone is brilliant, but it’s Sanderson’s execution that makes it unforgettable.
I also absolutely loved the slow, genuine relationship that develops between Shai and Gaotona. Their bond, built on honesty, intellect, and mutual respect, gave the story unexpected emotional depth. This novella packs more heart, worldbuilding, and philosophical weight into a short page count than many full-length novels.
adventurous
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes