Book/Author Review

Brandon Sanderson

Mistborn, The Well of Ascension, and Hero of Ages

This month I took a suggestion from Tim and read the Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson. I'd heard good things about Mr. Sanderson and had purchased the books for Tim, who really liked them and has since read most of Brandon Sanderson's books. He was super excited to share them with me, and even though I am not much of a fantasy genre reader, I was not at all disappointed. Brandon Sanderson has not only very intriguing ideas for his books, but his style of writing was just about perfect. His books are very character-based, and even as the plot moved forward and grand events took place, the story stayed personal and real with relatable characters and feelings. One thing I really appreciated about this fantasy book is that the "magical" elements were actually very scientific - there were set laws, rules, and physics governing them. There were actual skills that had to be practiced and perfected, as opposed to just vast unlimited power. Plus, there was always a logical reason behind anything that seemed out of the ordinary and putting together the pieces of those mysteries was one of the reasons to keep reading. Tim had told me enough about the books when he read them that I knew what happened at the end, but even knowing that, I couldn't put these books down. And speaking of the end, I don't think I've ever been quite so satisfied with the end of a series. It brought together elements that had been building for all three books in a way that gave every death and twist deeper meaning. I highly recommend these books, even to those who don't usually read fantasy. Four stars, absolutely!

The Alloy of Law: A Mistborn Novel

Over our anniversary weekend in Torrey, Tim and I listened to the audio book recording of one of Brandon Sanderson's recent novels and we "couldn't put it down," as it were. This novel takes place 300 years after the Mistborn Trilogy ends and it was just as enjoyable as the others, though a little less epic - no gods, governments, or forces of nature overthrown in this one! Plus, there were lots of delightful little hints and links connecting it to the previous books. It was definitely more than just a long epilogue to the trilogy, and though it was less emotionally satisfying (because it was less of an emotional journey), it was still excellently written. The ending was left wide open for a sequel and we fervently hope there will be one. These books are just too darn good! At least three and a half stars.