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A review by lilys_library22
The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
5.0
Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
“Belief isn't simply a thing for fair times and bright days...What is belief - what is faith - if you don't continue in it after failure?”
★★★★★
After being intimidated for long enough by the vast catalog of Brandon Sanderson’s work (how does he have so many books?? Does he ever do anything else????) I finally decided to begin with the Mistborn trilogy and start on his series. Immediately, I understood why his books have as much popularity as they do. It’s not exactly a groundbreaking plot for a fantasy book, but there are enough unique elements and unexpected twists to defy expectations. (Plus, there’s a reason why so many popular fantasy books have a similar plot structure- because it works, it’s exciting to read, and it’s versatile enough to adapt into a different story every time.) This magic system is one of the most interesting and different I’ve read in a long time- Allomancy and the use of metals was so fun to read about. I love a good magic system- great worldbuilding is one of my favorite things in books, and Mistborn had both of those things)
But I think what really drew me into this book was the characters. Each one was perfectly developed with their own unique traits and ambitions. Their relationships and dynamics with each other were perfect- Vin’s wariness and skepticism with Kelsier’s trusting nature and optimistic disposition, Hammond’s philosophical musings with Breeze’s sarcastic laid-back personality, Sazed, Dockson, Spook, Clubs, Marsh- each character had different attributes that complimented the rest of the people on the crew, and the scenes where they were all scheming together were one of the most enjoyable parts of the book. (Found family will always be my favorite trope, and the crew delivered that perfectly.) Kelsier was also an incredibly interesting main character- I loved how the book dove into whether he would have developed more of a dark side at the end of the rebellion, with how ambitious he was and the way he went about his work. Also, the author has stated in another book he might have been a villain, which is fascinating to think about. It reminds me of Vicious, and the question of whether the difference between hero and villain is as contrasting as we think it is. Overall, a super fun book with lovable characters and unique worldbuilding and magic systems.
Spoiler thoughts: (Massive spoilers, do NOT click unless you have read it) (I got this spoiled and I was so upset!!! Big warning!!)
“Belief isn't simply a thing for fair times and bright days...What is belief - what is faith - if you don't continue in it after failure?”
★★★★★
After being intimidated for long enough by the vast catalog of Brandon Sanderson’s work (how does he have so many books?? Does he ever do anything else????) I finally decided to begin with the Mistborn trilogy and start on his series. Immediately, I understood why his books have as much popularity as they do. It’s not exactly a groundbreaking plot for a fantasy book, but there are enough unique elements and unexpected twists to defy expectations. (Plus, there’s a reason why so many popular fantasy books have a similar plot structure- because it works, it’s exciting to read, and it’s versatile enough to adapt into a different story every time.) This magic system is one of the most interesting and different I’ve read in a long time- Allomancy and the use of metals was so fun to read about. I love a good magic system- great worldbuilding is one of my favorite things in books, and Mistborn had both of those things)
But I think what really drew me into this book was the characters. Each one was perfectly developed with their own unique traits and ambitions. Their relationships and dynamics with each other were perfect- Vin’s wariness and skepticism with Kelsier’s trusting nature and optimistic disposition, Hammond’s philosophical musings with Breeze’s sarcastic laid-back personality, Sazed, Dockson, Spook, Clubs, Marsh- each character had different attributes that complimented the rest of the people on the crew, and the scenes where they were all scheming together were one of the most enjoyable parts of the book. (Found family will always be my favorite trope, and the crew delivered that perfectly.) Kelsier was also an incredibly interesting main character- I loved how the book dove into whether he would have developed more of a dark side at the end of the rebellion, with how ambitious he was and the way he went about his work. Also, the author has stated in another book he might have been a villain, which is fascinating to think about. It reminds me of Vicious, and the question of whether the difference between hero and villain is as contrasting as we think it is. Overall, a super fun book with lovable characters and unique worldbuilding and magic systems.
Spoiler thoughts: (Massive spoilers, do NOT click unless you have read it) (I got this spoiled and I was so upset!!! Big warning!!)