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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
BAM! SWOOSH! KAPOW! THUD!
Sorry, I'm being a slontze. I just finished Brandon Sanderson's Steelheart, the first in what most certainly is going to be a series about an alternative universe with Epics, who are normal people who suddenly turn into evil beings with comic-book super powers, no explanation. Some can create fires, others are like Superman, some can walk through walls, and others can 'gift' powers to normal people. At first, it seems cool, but people discover that along with the super powers comes super egos and psychopathic personalities. Using the powers makes monster murderers and torturers, not heroes.
David is a child when he encounters one in a bank with his father. After several people are killed by the bank-robbing Epic, Steelheart enters the bank. Everyone sighs with relief because it was understood that Steelheart was a good Epic. He kills the bank robber. Then he began to kill everyone else in the bank. David survives, but it's the end of the world as we know it, as Epics take charge of each city and destroy all competitors.
Calamity! There are no good Epics...only collaborators, snitches and the resistance.
I think the book is well written and that many young adults will consider this a fast, furious and fun read. It is truly a graphic novel in prose, with David, a fierce 18-year old fighting back with everything he has to defeat the Epics. He plots to hook up with The Reckoners, who have become a famous resistance organization in Newcago. Their military-style tactics have resulted in the deaths of several minor Epics, who each have one or more secret weaknesses, which enables normal people an opportunity to kill them. David definitely wants a piece of their action. He has thought of nothing but revenge against Steelheart since that day in the bank.
The Reckoners decide David is worthy of a chance to prove himself. Sparks! However, David soon learns that things are more complicated than he knew. Plus, he meets a girl......
This wasn't for me. Too cartoon, with action writing designed for building excitement in lots of military engagements, mission after mission, but I think it should be popular especially with the angsty teen and the male video game fanatic. It has a veneer of deep themes - as the best graphic novels do - so more thoughtful readers may think about the nature of revenge and real super powers. Lots of loose ends, but the book ends with an acceptable number of them explained.
Sorry, I'm being a slontze. I just finished Brandon Sanderson's Steelheart, the first in what most certainly is going to be a series about an alternative universe with Epics, who are normal people who suddenly turn into evil beings with comic-book super powers, no explanation. Some can create fires, others are like Superman, some can walk through walls, and others can 'gift' powers to normal people. At first, it seems cool, but people discover that along with the super powers comes super egos and psychopathic personalities. Using the powers makes monster murderers and torturers, not heroes.
David is a child when he encounters one in a bank with his father. After several people are killed by the bank-robbing Epic, Steelheart enters the bank. Everyone sighs with relief because it was understood that Steelheart was a good Epic. He kills the bank robber. Then he began to kill everyone else in the bank. David survives, but it's the end of the world as we know it, as Epics take charge of each city and destroy all competitors.
Calamity! There are no good Epics...only collaborators, snitches and the resistance.
I think the book is well written and that many young adults will consider this a fast, furious and fun read. It is truly a graphic novel in prose, with David, a fierce 18-year old fighting back with everything he has to defeat the Epics. He plots to hook up with The Reckoners, who have become a famous resistance organization in Newcago. Their military-style tactics have resulted in the deaths of several minor Epics, who each have one or more secret weaknesses, which enables normal people an opportunity to kill them. David definitely wants a piece of their action. He has thought of nothing but revenge against Steelheart since that day in the bank.
The Reckoners decide David is worthy of a chance to prove himself. Sparks! However, David soon learns that things are more complicated than he knew. Plus, he meets a girl......
This wasn't for me. Too cartoon, with action writing designed for building excitement in lots of military engagements, mission after mission, but I think it should be popular especially with the angsty teen and the male video game fanatic. It has a veneer of deep themes - as the best graphic novels do - so more thoughtful readers may think about the nature of revenge and real super powers. Lots of loose ends, but the book ends with an acceptable number of them explained.
This book was based on an interesting idea but the twists were a little too predictable. It was an easy read and I enjoyed it while it lasted but I felt like the premise had a lot of potential that was not met.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
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
I really enjoy Sanderson's writing - while the ending was not unexpected in this story, it is just a fun, entertaining book to read. Look forward to more books from him.
Wow. Holy shit wow. Even reading with my hubby - fighting over the iPad to get ahead every chance I could - neither of us saw the end coming. Another reason why Sanderson is my favorite fantasy author. Awesome read.
2.5 stars
Good premise, serviceable story & characters.
Good premise, serviceable story & characters.
I found this book very hard to put down. There were some interesting twists that did not feel manipulative. I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
