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A review by lilifane
The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
5.0
2nd read: 26.08.2024 - 5 stars
Reread with book club. It is one of those books I wish I could read again for the first time.
During the reread, I saw a lot of hints and foreshadowing that I missed the first time around. But there were also part that were not as interesting as before. Although, I apparently had forgotten half of the plot.
What makes this book so exceptional is the ending. It is one of the most brilliant twists I have ever read in a book. It is perfection. Even though I knew what was coming and saw the hints along the way, I still had goosebumps for the reveal. The timing, the placement, the execution—it's just perfect. And after reading all the other Cosmere books in the meantime, there was even an extra layer to that final chapter. And I am still amazed at how an author can manage to plan and pull off such a feat.
1st read: 11.11.2022 - 5 stars
I LOVED IT SO SO MUCH IT'S EVEN BETTER THAN THE FIRST BOOK!
I want to scream because I have so many thoughts and feelings and I can't explain them because of spoilers.
I'm just impressed. This is probably the most perfect second book I've ever read? It is the logical continuation of book one. And yes, it prepares the characters for and leads the plot to the third book. But it has a very interesting and well crafted plot on its own, with a satisfying finale.
After finishing The Final Empire, you just don't know what to expect. But the themes explored in this book make you realize how much there still is to consider. Yeah, defeating a villain is hard, but maybe taking over and making life better is even harder? Love the detailed look at the aftermath of a revolution, the changes the characters went through but still have to go through more, the obstacles no one had considered. The character development is phenomenal. Is it fun/easy to read about the struggles and mistakes of the characters? No. But it's so believable and realistic. Wow.
It is also maybe one of my favorite takes on the chosen one trope. And I love love loooove how much books, reading and research are part of the plot. It's my third book by Sanderson and all three have this in common. Characters that love reading and are passionate about doing research. And you as a reader can do it alongside them and even get rewarded for it. It's one of my favorite things in the world.
I'm SO excited for book 3 now.
Reread with book club. It is one of those books I wish I could read again for the first time.
During the reread, I saw a lot of hints and foreshadowing that I missed the first time around. But there were also part that were not as interesting as before. Although, I apparently had forgotten half of the plot.
What makes this book so exceptional is the ending. It is one of the most brilliant twists I have ever read in a book. It is perfection. Even though I knew what was coming and saw the hints along the way, I still had goosebumps for the reveal. The timing, the placement, the execution—it's just perfect. And after reading all the other Cosmere books in the meantime, there was even an extra layer to that final chapter. And I am still amazed at how an author can manage to plan and pull off such a feat.
1st read: 11.11.2022 - 5 stars
I LOVED IT SO SO MUCH IT'S EVEN BETTER THAN THE FIRST BOOK!
I want to scream because I have so many thoughts and feelings and I can't explain them because of spoilers.
I'm just impressed. This is probably the most perfect second book I've ever read? It is the logical continuation of book one. And yes, it prepares the characters for and leads the plot to the third book. But it has a very interesting and well crafted plot on its own, with a satisfying finale.
After finishing The Final Empire, you just don't know what to expect. But the themes explored in this book make you realize how much there still is to consider. Yeah, defeating a villain is hard, but maybe taking over and making life better is even harder? Love the detailed look at the aftermath of a revolution, the changes the characters went through but still have to go through more, the obstacles no one had considered. The character development is phenomenal. Is it fun/easy to read about the struggles and mistakes of the characters? No. But it's so believable and realistic. Wow.
It is also maybe one of my favorite takes on the chosen one trope. And I love love loooove how much books, reading and research are part of the plot. It's my third book by Sanderson and all three have this in common. Characters that love reading and are passionate about doing research. And you as a reader can do it alongside them and even get rewarded for it. It's one of my favorite things in the world.
I'm SO excited for book 3 now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction