A review by liseyp
The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous emotional funny tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Vin is the lowest member of her thieving crew. The voice in her head reminds her of the warnings from the brother who abandoned her to trust no one. But, to survive on the streets she can’t be alone so she hopes that her ‘luck’ will keep her safe by keeping her useful. Then she meets Kelsier and is drawn into his plan to overturn the Final Empire.

 

I can be hit or miss with fantasy. I’m here for the world-building, but hate it when the reader is expected to understand complex rules and magics with little context. I like relationships (platonic or romantic) that build and draw you in, but struggle with the kind of fantasy where the fantasy elements are secondary to an enemies to lovers or similar trope.

 

So starting a new fantasy novel is a bit of a moment for me. But, having re-read Robin Hobb’s Realm of the Elderlings back to back I wanted something with a similar character focus and immersive storytelling vibe. All of the BookTok recommendations were shouting Brandon Sanderson, but I was still apprehensive.

 

It took all of three pages for me to be convinced.

 

This is exactly the kind of fantasy fiction I love. It doesn’t try too hard to be fantasy, it’s a fantastic story first and the fantastical elements are just part of that story. And, it remains immensely readable. Great characters, doesn’t feel exploitative. This is a series I’m excited to continue.