The Final Empire (Mistborn, Book 1) Reviews

• Very good read

  
  By A2M74TPY2T0YI9 on 2007-02-08
  I picked up Mistborn on a lark- based in large point by the written praise of Robin Hobb (an author whose work I greatly enjoy. I have not yet read Elantris, the author's first work. So, with an open mind, I picked up Mistborn...
  
  And was greatly impressed! I consider myself a fan of Jordan, Hobb, Martin, Erickson, Williams and have recently enjoyed the works of R. Scott Bakker. I can now add Brandon Sanderson to the list.
  
  The product description, and some of the other reviews, give pretty accurate assessments of the story and plotline.
  
  So, with that in mind, it's worth highlighting a few of the strengths and weaknesses of his story- with an eye toward hoping the weaknesses are resolved come book 2...
  
  Strengths:
  * Nice world-building
  * Good story arch/plotline
  * Original "magic" system
  
  Weakness:
  * Prose/dialogue/elocution: Several passages of inter-character discussions were ... just.. too explanatory. I (personally) try to gauge when reading items whether people in an actual conversation would speak the way an author portrays. And, unfortunately, especially after "major" plot points, I felt some of the conversations between characters were just... too long- near soliloquy's vs. being dialogue. Again, this is a style point and a personal tick of mine.
  * "Generic" characterizations: Much has been made of Vin's ability to swiftly learn allomancy; however, both she and Kelsier were the most fully-drawn characters. Other characters- Marsh, Breeze, etc- were more shallowly drawn. Again, I'm not talking about the need for Jordanian descriptions, but, within the context of a 3rd person-limited perspective, I'd like to gain a bit more insight into how the current person (aka Vin) feels/knows/sees of these other important secondary characters.
  
  So, take that as you will, but, no matter what: buy and enjoy the book. For an author's second work, it's fantastic. I look forward to reading Elantris, and, also, book 2 of this series.
  
  

• Great unique fantasy in an unusual world

  
  By A2CB0DNKYCIQE8 on 2007-05-08
  I really wish that amazon would introduce a more intricate rating system than five stars, as this would get about 4.5 stars from me. After many failed attempts at starting up various fantasy series, Brandon Sanderson has delivered something refreshing and vastly entertaining. This is very nearly a five star novel, though there are a few simple discrepencies that keep Mistborn from being legendary.
  
  Pros:
  - I was immideately pulled in by the bizarre world environment here. The idea of a land completely covered in ash at all times is strange and interesting.
  - The "magic" system, if it can be called that, is unique and a breath of fresh air. For me, a lot of fantasy is ruined by overuse of magic and lack of explanation about how magic works. His use of metals and Allomancy is genius and it's apparent that Sanderson invested a lot of time into this system. It's fun and believable.
  - Sanderson displays great world-building talents in Mistborn. Not only to we have a strange backdrop in the environment, but good history to fill it with. The mists and the Mistwraiths are weird and different.
  - There is no lack of action here. While I might have liked a little more description on the larger battle scenes, the Allomancy battles were just plain fun to read. With the characters using their abilities to push themselves through the air and hurl large metal objects, it was almost as if they were battling superheroes, and strangely enough this really works. He paid great attention to the rules and science of the Allomancy he created and applied them to these battle scenes well.
  
  Cons:
  - As others have noticed, characterization could use a little work. While Vin, Kelsier, Elend and Sazed were descriptive characters, a lot of the others on the crew (Dockson, Clubs, Breeze, Yeden) felt a little too cookie cutter and I found it hard to remember exactly what those characters did and what their individual roles were.
  - Some of the dialogue is a little too typical as with many other fantasy books. This is one aspect that I rarely find to my liking in fantasy -as few authors seem to do it very well- and it isn't so bad here, but a lot of the conversations seemed a little unbelieveable. There were a lot sappy moments between the characters, some of which I find hard to swallow. (Perhaps I've become spoiled by Martin and Hobb, where distrust and hate between a lot of the characters make dialogue and character drama more believable.)
  
  The flaws with Mistborn were hardly enough to keep me from thourougly enjoying it. Every great fantasy author has their strengths, and Sanderson's are apparent. This book is unique with a lot of great ideas. The only thing that's very typical is the tyrannical Lord Ruler and his thousand-year reign, but the author handles it very well and shows that cliche isn't always a bad thing. And the conclusion to Mistorn was fantastic. All of the plot threads were handled well and in clever ways, the action and final confrontations were great.
  
  I will look forward to reading whatever else Sanderson has to offer. Read it, enjoy it and tell others. Good fantasy in a sea of mediocre deserves praise.
  
  

• Exciting and fun magical adventure

  
  By A1YN10J4CQM6XI on 2006-07-25
  Mistborn: The Final Empire is a fast-paced adventure with some fun characters, combining political intrigue with magical battles. The characters are interesting and the plot takes some unexpected turns.
  
  The magic system is, perhaps, the element (pun intended, as you'll soon understand) that stands out most in the novel. Too often, the magic used in fantasy novels tends to either follow some rather stereotypical rules (casting verbal [often rhyming or using an ancient language] spells, potions, etc.) or to lack much in the way of discernable rules at all.
  
  In the world of Mistborn, the magic system is based on swallowing certain metals that are then "burned" to provide the particular power granted by that metal. It means that in the strictest sense, the number of things that can be done with magic is limited by the less than a dozen known allomantic metals. (For example, pushing metal away is one power, and pulling metal toward you is another.) But by ingenious use of the various metals, Mistborn allomancers can do a lot of different things.
  
  This is the first book of a trilogy, but fortunately it works well as a standalone novel as well. I've come to dislike being left hanging off a cliff at the end of a book.
  
  
  

• great start to a series

  
  By AFN32PGTZ31MV on 2006-08-23
  I was a fan of Sanderson's first novel, Elantris, though the novel had some pretty clear flaws. I'm an even bigger fan of his follow-up, Mistborn, a book that has all the plusses of Elantris without the problems.
  Mistborn takes places in an ashen, devastated world where the "Skaa" are a brutally downtrodden majority who do all the work for the aristocratic minority of the Great Houses, who themselves are ruthlessly dominated (in differing ways) by the Lord Ruler, a religious godhead. Supposedly immortal--he's ruled for centuries via his magic power and his two competing bureaucracies--the "obligators" and the Inquisitors--a fearsome secret police who have steel rods impaling their eyes and who are near impossible to kill. There are also ominous hints that the Lord Ruler also has been protecting the people of Mistborn from some great evil known as the Darkness.
  The Skaa have seemingly lost any hope of rebellion over centuries of failed attempts but this all changes with the appearance of Kelsior--a Skaa/noble halfbreed who is a "Mistborn Allomancer", one who can "burn" swallowed metals that fuel magical/superhuman abilities, such as greater strength and endurance, greater use of the five senses, etc. This magical system, a rare stroke of originality in a genre that too often lazes along with the same old tropes (oral spells, wizard's runes, etc), is one of the true pleasures of the novel. It's also nice to see a system with some strong limitations to it--there are only ten metals that have the effect, one is limited by how much of the metal one has, and most allomancers have the ability to burn only one metal. Kelsior, though, and his young female apprentice Vin, are true Mistborn, able to burn all ten. The reader learns about the system sometimes through Kelsior's usage and sometimes through his tutelage of Vin, thus avoiding the clumsy early exposition of many fantasy novels as well as teasing out the explanation, adding a sense of suspense and mystery.
  The basic plot involves Kelsior's gathering of a group of Skaa thieves to do the unthinkable--overthrow the Great Houses and the Lord Ruler. The secondary (though equally important) plot is Vin's coming-of-age as she is tries to move from being an orphaned street thief Skaa who trusts nobody to a full-fledged mistborn who can also play the role of an aristocratic lady.
  As mentioned, there is a lot to like in Mistborn. The magical system. The focus on politics and economics as a means of rebellion (as opposed to "Dark lord bad. Do bad things with swords. We use swords and kill dark lord".) The character development of Vin throughout the novel. The character development of Kelsior. The suspense over the impending rebellion. The likeability of the side characters, who while not as fully developed as Vin or Kelsior, have their own distinctive and enjoyable personalities. The humor that shows up now and then. The quick pace of the action. The twists and turns of plot. Good action scenes. A few surprises at the end. A sense of completion nicely balanced with an ominous sense that worse is to come. The novel's structure, which has each chapter beginning with some paragraphs from the Lord Ruler's diary/journal during the days leading up to whatever event made him the Lord Ruler. This facet works quite well on several levels, though to go into more detail would be perhaps to spoil the ending so I won't risk it. Suffice to say it was a nice touch of craft.
  What's not to like? The reader could have a greater sense of the world as a whole. Sometimes one wishes for a bit more struggle by the characters, especially Vin who seems to move a bit too easily at times, too naturally into both foreign worlds--the magical one and the aristocratic one. The ending seems somewhat rushed, though this is more a desire to linger over it rather than a complaint about what actually happens. But these few flaws are certainly relatively minor and are completely overwhelmed by the book's positives. Sanderson has done something rare here--written a sharply original fantasy that stands on its own as a single book while teasing the reader into a sense of impatience for the sequel. Strongly recommended.
  
  
  

• Another strong novel

  
  By A32HBWJ72NN4J8 on 2006-07-30
  It's always hard reading the follow up to an amazingly good book--particularly when it's the author's debut. Mistborn is a completely different book from Elantris, but Sanderson continues to demonstrate that he is one of the finest world builders writing today. While Elantris was more introspective and subtle, Mistborn is more of a traditional adventure story. If Elantris was Blade Runner, Mistborn is Raiders of the Lost Ark.
  
  To be honest, about 60% of the way in I started to wonder if some further editing should have been done. But the beauty of this book is it really does keep you guessing throughout--where is the story going? How will it end? Most book flaps toss out these teasers without meaning, but Mistborn is the first book I've read in a while that steps up to the plate.
  
  It's not perfect--I would have liked Sanderson to spend more time describing the world, and many of the concepts are repeated unnecessarily--but it's just so much better than most of what's out there that these are minor complaints.
  
  There are very few authors whose next works I eagerly await (Neal Gaiman being one of them), and Sanderson is definitely in that group. There's a lot to this world, and I look forward to the other two planned books.
  
  
• Mediocore Beggining, but a Satisfying Conclusion
  By A2CGRKZN5AK128 on 2007-07-08
  For a thousand years, the Final Empire has been ruled by an immortal tyrant, but amidst the cities plagued by ashfalls, and a society torn by brutal class divisions, Kelsier, a charismatic underground leader, has devised the ultimate con game--a plan to overthrow the Lord Ruler himself.
  
  The novel's lackluster premise is chock-full of genre stereotypes--the Hero, the Dark Lord on his Dark Throne, the oppressive empire. Eliza of the Pygmalion manifests yet again, as a young street girl puts on a gown and infiltrates the nobility--who have nothing better to do that backstab each other during endless balls. The Good Guys are immediately recognizable from the villains, and grey characters are an extreme rarity.
  
  But as the story begins in earnest, the second half makes the book worth reading; once I read past the first 100 pages, I was reluctant to put MISTBORN down--I didn't, in fact, until I had finished the book. The author develops a magic system that is actually original and interesting, the characters' personalities deepen, and the plot takes unprecedented turns. Kelsier is no Locke Lamora[The Lies of Locke Lamora], but his bid for a military coup is far better thought out than he originally lets on. The ending is well done, with several clever plot twists, and I actually liked how the story behind the Lord Ruler played out.
  
  All in all, MISTBORN is by no means a _great_ book, but it is definitely an _entertaining_ one, and I look forward to reading more novels by Brandon Sanderson in the future.
  
  
  
• Disappointed but hopeful
  By A1ACYVITCCCWBR on 2008-03-03
  Like many others, I came to this this book because the author has been selected to complete the Wheel of Time series following the death of Robert Jordan. Based on all the 5-star reviews I read here at Amazon, I expected a lot more. In fact, I had to stretch to reach 3 stars for my rating. The ending saved the book for me. Up until then it was not one I could recommend.
  
  The real questions, as always, are whether I will recommend this to friends (yes, with caveats) and whether I'll follow up by reading the second book in the series (haven't decided yet).
  
  PROS:
  - a creative new world of magic
  - a satisfying ending with unexpected plot twists
  
  CONS:
  - Vin and Sazed are the only two characters who are even remotely interesting, and it takes 200 pages or so for them to start being developed.
  - the plot is amateurish for the first 450 or so pages.
  - the dialogue and the character interactions don't pass the reality test, a fault which he shares with most other authors.
  
  Of course, I can't help comparing Mr. Sanderson to Robert Jordan, and that's unfair to a young man writing only his 2nd book. Hopefully his experience in trying to get into the mind and mold of Jordan will enhance his own writing skills.
  
  
• terrific coming of age epic fantasy
  By AFVQZQ8PW0L on 2006-07-28
  The immortal Lord Ruler has brutally dominated the Great Houses for over a millennium. The ash that is everywhere symbolizes his Final Empire rule; the lack of flowers anywhere represents the lack of hope. No one, purebred Skaa, hybrids, or otherwise, dares even think of rebellion in this vile wasteland if they want to survive another day out side the evil dungeons.
  
  That is none until a half-breed common thief Kelsier survives the ordeal of Lord Ruler's imprisonment by losing his mind. He begins to "develop" super skills that enable him to do the impossible. The thief plans to end the evil regime by overthrowing initially the sycophantic cowardly nobles and culminating with the death of the Lord Ruler. His charisma obtains followers, but his big break occurs when Kelsier meets Skaa street waif Vin, who has the same Mistborn powers that Kelsier learned to use in the torture chambers. Kelsier arranges for Vin to go undercover within the nobles' Great Houses. However, the rebel leader fails to comprehend emotions as his female mole falls in love with Prince Elend Venture.
  
  MISTBORN, the first book of the Final Empire series, is a terrific coming of age epic fantasy that uses a what if premise in which the Dark Lord killed the good guy hero (the Hobbit or Beowulf loses to the evil adversary), which leads to a fabulous world in which evil rules absolutely evilly. Vin holds much of the plot together, but Kelsier is the more fascinating character as a Hans Solo type in fantasy land. The Lord Ruler is out of Tolkien 101, but that is to be expected as the regime the malevolent one built pays homage to the foul sides of The Lord of the Rings.
  
  Harriet Klausner
  
  
  
  
• If You Liked 'V For Vendetta..."
  By A3U29LBT749HJ0 on 2006-08-05
  ...then you're going to love this!
  
  The world this story takes place in is governed by a small martial force with a dictator in control. The oppressed people, here called 'skaa' instead of slaves, are treated poorly, and it falls to the efforts of a charismatic leader, Kelsier, (who is much like V in Vendetta) to right the wrongs that are being done. Kelsier takes on a female protege, Vin, who is able to master the same scientific/magical forces he can, and trains her in the ways of fighting and spreading dissension. There are some great action scenes throughout the book, as well as some marvelous Game of Throne moments.
  
  This book was a terrific read, and I had a hard time putting it down, staying up much later than I wanted to on successive nights so that I could find out what happened next.
  
  I highly recommend it!
  
  
• Finally, an original fantasy novel!
  By A2GF4AQV7P19Z6 on 2006-08-16
  Mistborn was a really good book--interesting, satisfying, and engaging.
  
  Sanderson's first book had a great story, but his characters were a little wooden, and the writing kind of raw. Even so, I couldn't put it down, and when I did, I thought, dang, I liked this book!
  
  Sanderson's second book shows that he is maturing as a writer, highlighting again his impressive skills in creating a unique and original world and plot, with an interesting and unlikely system of magic. The characters are a lot more realistic in this one, and the writing is more polished. And, once again I found myself staying up late and spending too much time reading one of Sanderson's novels.
  
  Sanderson is definitely an exciting new talent in the genre. I have to say that I'm pretty tired of elves and sorcerers, and am glad to have some interesting new worlds and ideas to delve into.
  
  Overall, an engaging and enjoyable novel. I am definitely looking forward to the next one coming out!
  
  
• No Sophmoric Slump Here
  By A1P9G50XD49VCA on 2007-02-13
  My dear Mr. Sanderson, but you do continue to amaze! I was one of the foremost to come out and say the hype of "Elantris" was a bit much and lets not call you the next Tolkien yet (or ever hopefully, the poor man needs his rest what with being reincarnated every time a good fantasy novel comes out) but you do continue to impressed. Nothing more so than the fact that you improved with your second novel (a surprisingly hard feat) and any doubts about your ability were washed away in the face of this wonderful work.
  
  "Mistborn: Final Empire" does away with every problem I had with "Elantris". Your theme was just as plentiful without being obvious, instead using the characters and the plot to get the point across. Your characters are far from "perfect" this time, failing, succeeding, thinking the wrong thing, being fooled, and all of the POVs are equally interesting without a weak point among them, leaving that horrible "let me look and see how many pages till I get back to that person" feeling from appearing.
  
  And to this novel itself, what a great story with a truly original magic system that really added to the world and made the Final Empire seem like a living breathing place, with its own rules to be broken and remade.
  
  Usually I'd ramble for another four hundred words or so, but I don't feel the need, the other reviews have talked specifics, I just wanted to add my small voice to theirs. Best of luck on the next volume, Mr. Sanderson.
  
  Final Thought: Buy it. Especially if it happens to be in paperback by the time you've read this. Martin, Jordan, and Goodkind (sadly) might hold the heights of fantasy at the moment but five years from now Brandon Sanderson is going to be one of the guys everyone is talking about.
  
  
• Lets go for a ride...
  By A3H9UR4SMTK71U on 2007-08-15
  Okay I do not normally buy into this is a GREAT read you should buy kind of stuff from publishers and critics; but unfortunately I could not find one single review for this book. I would much rather trust my fellow readers than someone who gets paid to read (that is the sound of me being jealous of those who do get paid to read by the way) and I even broke one my own major rules.
  
  I bought Mistborn and Elantris new, never having picked up the author before and I started reading and reading and reading and reading. I loved this book; I hated putting the thing down to do such mundane things as eat and sleep and not walk into walls. Sanderson has brought characters to life, true life not just the oh what a nice description of someone doing something kind of thing... He has me folks, I'm purchasing The Well of Ascension on my next paycheck, I hate the fact that I've devoured this man's work in such a short amount of time, but Mr. Sanderson's work can be revisited and more nuances found in the slower reading than in the quick estatic jump that I made of my first reading.
  
  Kelsier is a wonderful character, the group of criminals (in the law's eyes anyway) that he surrounds himself with are just as vibrant and intriguing as he is. Life under the Lord Ruler is harsh, possibly short and always dangerous for those who decide to live rather than simply exist; but these men and women do it and do it with style. The type of magic that Mr. Sanderson has come up with is believable and it works, your brain just nods along and agrees with the things that the characters can do.
  
  Vin and Elend will have their stories fleshed out in the Well of Ascension and I can not wait to jump into that pool, but this was a great introduction for me to a great story teller. Again guys, I'm not trying to spoil the book for you I'm trying to get you itching enough to go and buy it. Trust me you will not regret it and you will be helping a wonderful storyteller get his story's out.
  
  
  
• Beautifully Imagined
  By A2GFNKUMQTX3KA on 2007-12-20
  After being highly disappointed by Sanderson's first novel, "Elantris", I almost didn't pick this one up. That would have been a mistake. This novel is brilliant. Filled with fresh and highly innovative concepts and well drawn out characters, this is one book you won't want to miss. The magic system is different than anything you've seen, with characters burning metals internally to give them different powers. The world is dark and believable, and beautifully imagined. If you, like me, were put off by "Elantris",give "Mistborn" a try; it will change your mind about Brandon Sanderson.
  
  
• Kept me hooked from the beginning
  By AC7J2CCGFQXY9 on 2008-02-28
  I had heard of Brandon Sanderson before, but I dismissed him as just another new fantasy author. However, when I first heard he was selected to write Robert Jordan's last book in the Wheel of Time series, I wondered if this new author could handle such a monumental task.
  
  So, after reading the synopsis for the first book in his trilogy, Mistborn, it piqued my interest and I decided to give it a shot and see. I was very pleasantly surprised. The world is very realistic and believable, populated with characters you get to know and empathize with their struggles, and with a magic system (ingesting metals and "burning" them, with the people able to perform this feat called Allomancers) that was very unique and different so that it was refreshing. The author also decided to go a different route than your usual standard in fantasy, where the hero of prophecy didn't save the world, and instead we are introduced to a gloomy and bleak world, the Final Empire, that has been under the oppressive yoke of the Lord Ruler for a thousand years.
  
  The ordinary people and workers, called skaa, are looked upon as slaves. As objects and tools to be cast aside once they are no longer needed by the nobility, that "rent" skaa from the Lord Ruler, who owns everything in the Final Empire. In this depressing world, there is no hope and no one ever thinks of defying the Lord Ruler as all the skaa rebellions in the past has always been crushed.
  
  Into this picture we are introduced to a thief crewleader named Kelsier who burns with anger, frustration, and revenge against the Lord Ruler for past grievances. Years before, he was caught breaking into the Lord Ruler's palace and sent to the Pits where no one survives, but Kelsier managed to escape and since that time he has been planning to cause chaos and overthrow the Lord Ruler. Kelsier is not your ordinary skaa thief, he has Allomantic powers, and not your regular Allomancer but a Mistborn, one who can burn all the Allomantic metals. Kelsier rounds up his fellow thieves and rebels to undertake this ambitious and life-threatening plan, which includes a young girl with Mistborn powers named Vin.
  
  While Sanderson does not have as richly textured and detailed world as other well-known fantasy authors (the late Robert Jordan or George R.R. Martin for example), he does have a certain *something* that hooks and then reels you into the fictional world he has created. Not many authors can keep me riveted to the pages and wanting more, but Sanderson did it. I can now see why this relatively unknown author was selected to complete Jordan's last book! Sanderson is good. Really good.
  
  The characters of Vin and Kelsier were well-developed, especially the progression of Vin from a timid and wary skaa street urchin to a more confident and trusting young woman. I thought these two characters had incredible depth and emotion, and they pulled me in deeper into the story. I also felt the plot was engaging, with enough action scenes throughout the book to keep me turning the pages to read what happens next.
  
  Although this is the first book in a trilogy, it didn't end on a cliffhanger and could be read as a standalone. There were a few plot lines left dangling that will most likely be tied up in the later books, but I felt the conclusion was just right. I highly recommend reading this book.
  
  
• One of the best books in a long time...
  By A37P2E0AQ2DX0I on 2006-08-07
  Brandon Sanderson has done it again. I couldn't put the book down. Now, realize that this book is not something that has the scenery descriptions of a Tolkein or Robert Jordan. However, the story has the catching power of a Harry Potter for me. I did not want to put this book down. Whereas I did read this book from the library, it is probably the first book I shall ever read at the library and then go out and actually buy. Please, buy the book or at least read it. You, too, shall realize that this author has quite a lot to offer!
  
  
• Dark & Brilliant
  By AMFGGR8IRHM1Z on 2006-09-29
  Sanderson's writing is a fresh approach to fantasy. There are the familiar elements of thieves' guilds, magic, and medieval flavor, but the careful attention to detail creates a unique new world. As other reviewers have pointed out, Mistborn's magical system of allomancy has well defined rules and a tough learning curve, making it much more interesting than the traditional vague spell-casting magic.
  
  The dark setting of mist and falling ash contribute to the atmosphere of oppression and hopelessness. This darkness works as a great backdrop for the lead characters to shine against. Unlike Sanderson's "Elantris", which also had a very dark atmosphere, the hero is not a near-perfect saint-like being, but more complexly human. The material is powerful, and the various viewpoints achieve a moral "grayness" that doesn't come off as preachy.
  
  I enjoyed the charismatic characters, and the plot twists that kept twisting until the end. Highly recommended reading for all fantasy fans.
  
  
• More original than most stuff on the shelf! Honestly!
  By AHX85QQK5NDAR on 2007-05-14
  Wow,...I have to be honest and say that I picked up this book because I loved the sound of the title and the artwork on the cover. Needless to say I gave it 5 stars because I loved it. Truly refreshing is what comes to mind when I think about it. I enjoyed Elantris but not nearly as much as this book. I found the characters interesting and human. I actually cared about them. Not like other books where I am screaming for someone to die because I am so bored. I am talking about most of the books on the shelf today that lack originality and quality of writing. For a new author I must say that this book really impressed me.
  
  For me, the positives were:
  1. Unique world building.
  2. Original story.
  3. Character depth.
  4. Original magic system.
  5. Not too many characters.(no offense, but some authors make me mad when they introduce too many characters because it's too hard to focus on anyone in particular, e.g.Martin)
  
  I can't say that I found anything negative about this book except that I wish it had more poetry in it.
  
  My favourite series by far is Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen. However, this book gets a whopping 5 stars from me because I am a very hard fantasy reader to please. Even Erikson does irritate me because I think he introduces way too many characters but this book had just the right number for me. I get bored extremely easily when I read but this book kept my attention. Excellent job, Mr. Sanderson, I am aching to read the next one. And for those of you out there who want something not copied from Dragonlance or LOTR, please pick this up.
  
  
  
  
  
• The Best of 2006
  By A1GK0OJIRIEMQ4 on 2007-08-16
  I've read a lot of great fantasy this summer -- Durham's "Acacia", Rothfuss' "The Name of the Wind" and Lynch's "The Lies of Locke Lomora" -- all of which I highly recommend -- but Sanderson's "Mistborn" is unbelievably exciting, insightful, and well written. I love George R. R. Martin, and though Sanderson is a different writer -- less graphic and gratuitious with his sex and violence -- Sanderson is as compelling and worthwhile. THIS IS A NEW, EXCITING, AND TALENTED WRITER. (I also highly recommend his first novel, "Elantris".)
  
  
• Very Good Fantasy!
  By A1ESA6TYHG8QFF on 2007-11-07
  My first Sanderson book was Elantris, and while I wasn't greatly impressed with the story (I frequently wanted to skip his religious zealot character), it seemed to me that the author had definite narrative talent and deserved a second chance.
  
  With Mistborn, he wildly exceeded my expectations in delivering a novel that was not only completely unique, but that had a compelling magic system, great world building, and excellent characters.
  
  One of the things that stunned me early on was how bleak an environment the reader is dropped into. Slavery is the norm for much of the empire, and slaves that cannot work are completely disposable. The ruling class sometimes bed their chattel, but are obligated to clean up after themselves by subsequently killing their conquests. Sanderson relates glimpses like these to the reader in a matter of fact way without dwelling on the iniquity of the situation, which I found all the more chilling.
  
  Into this situation we are introduced to Kelsier, who wants to shake things up and unshackle the masses. His plan is to destroy the Lord Ruler (think Sauron) who has created this disparity over the millenia of his rule. Kelsier and the band of people that follow him are all experts in Allomancy to differing degrees, and will have to coordinate their skills if they are to overthrow the Lord Ruler.
  
  Allomancy is the clever form of magic used in the world Sanderson has built. Characters consume (swallow) alloys and 'burn' them. Different alloys have different effects. Most allomancers only develop skills with one alloy, but allomancers who have the ability to master all alloys are known as Mistborn.
  
  Kelsier however is not the main protagonist in the novel. That character is Vin, a latent Mistborn who has spent all of her short life surviving on the streets and being abused by people only interested in profiting off her allomantic skills of persuasion. Early in the book Kelsier discovers her and recruits her into his band, saving her from what would no doubt have been a very short life.
  
  Vin, as a product of the streets, is extremely distrustful and leery of anyone who would treat her with even an ounce of respect. She is an unnaturally talented Mistborn and a fast study, but her fundamentally skiddish nature is the type of character flaw that keeps her believable.
  
  On this point, Sanderson could have blown the book for me. Vin's part in Kelsier's crew is to pose as nobility in order to gain information about where the ruling class might be weak. Had Sanderson made Vin suddenly transform into a court sophisticate he would have undermined what she was all about. As it is, Vin is never able to feel comfortable around the nobility, and while she projects genteel qualities and mannerisms that she has been taught for her role, she isn't really seen as anything special by the ruling class.
  
  This is only the tip of the iceburg in a book that managed to throw in court intrigue, romance, betrayal, bitter fighting and executions, compelling magic, and characters that you could genuinely care about. While I knew the general outline of the plot, Mistborn never failed to surprise me, and this made the book extremely hard to put down.
  
  All in all, this is one of the best fantasy novels that I have ever had the pleasure to read. Thank you Mr. Sanderson - you can be sure that whatever you write in the future, I will definitely be getting a copy of!
  
  
• Don't even hesitate!
  By A3AM1T7ER9BQ78 on 2007-11-08
  If you like fantasy, or if you are just starting into the genre, Brandon Sanderson is the place! I loved his writing from the first book, Elantris. And continue to buy them. He takes Fantasy off the beaten path. His writing is refreshing and exciting.
  
  With little swearing and no sex. These books make my list of christmas must haves... well except I have them already. ;)
  
  So seriously, don't stop to think about it. Buy the book! But go for the Hardback cause you'll want to read it again.
  
  
• This is an author to pay attention to
  By A3MR4C5Y8SBJ89 on 2007-11-10
  First, let me say that when I became a big Robert Jordan fan, (could it be 20 years ago?) I had never read a more engaging book. Robert built worlds I could SEE. He introduced me to characters I grew to understand and love (and miss). His magic system was unique and compelling. He was seldom predictable. Even though his later books began to drag, I still felt I'd never find another author to pull me so deeply into his world. And, for many years, I was proven right. I read many other fantasy books, but never with the same satisfaction. (I'm going to miss Robert Jordan.)
  
  Until now.
  
  In the Mistborn books, Brandon Sanderson makes me feel like I did in Robert Jordan's WOT books. I'm amazed. I loved this book. Totally engaging -- engrossing. Believable. Just the right amount of descriptions -- and WONDERFUL descriptions at that. He doesn't just tell the story, he lets us into the heart and minds of his characters. And, they're so REAL.
  
  I'm also excited that:
  
  1) Brandon is still very young and HEALTHY, so I hope to have him around for many years to come.
  
  2) So far, he's putting out his quality books very quickly.
  
  3) He has a blog where he shares deeper insights into his writing and phylosophy, and he let's us know about his books in progress.
  
  It does appear, from his blog, that Mistborn is to be a Trilogy and not a long, drawnout series. (I've mixed feelings about that. I'll be happy to have an ending, but I'm going to be sad to see the Mistborn world go away.)
  
  Brandon now has in me a dedicated reader for life -- as long as he keeps up this kind of quality.
  
  
• Mistborn: Full of intrigue, adventure, and great characters.
  By A3YGORMVCQ61R on 2007-12-24
  It has been quite awhile for me since I last read a book that I did not want to put down, for fear of not knowing what was going to happen next. Sanderson's Mistborn book 1 was just that for me. An awesome fantasy tale with magic, action, great characters, a great storyline, and a great world. He creates the world vividly and as I read i kept asking myself more and more questions about this world. Some to be answered later, others, maybe I need to read the final two books to find out!
  
  If you are looking for a great winter read, or maybe you haven't ventured far into fantasy, I would definitely get this book. I'd sell you my copy but i'll probably read it again after I get the next two. Sanderson is great at creating a climax in action and also he is adept at pulling together a dull moment to tell part of the story and STILL making in interesting by focusing on the characters plights. I literally kept looking at things from everyone's point of view in this book. Great read, great author.
  
  
• One of my favorites- and I don't even read Fantasy novels
  By A2F31R9QK3EPVN on 2008-02-08
  My husband introduced me to this book and I went into it thinking "Well, I will put up with it for him" and I fell in love!!! This is one of my all time favorite novels, and I loved the second one as well! "Elantris"- Brandon's other book is completely wonderful as well! I am normally a romance novel reader, but this book has it all, action, romance, and a whole new fantastical world! I recommend this book to EVERYONE- try it and you will love it, I promise!
  
  
• Worthy of the Mantle
  By A2VZZIMM9T0AA7 on 2008-02-12
  I along with countless others was devastated when I learned the news that Robert Jordan had passed. I was sorry for him, for his wife and family, for his countless fans and yes even sorry for myself. Death in and of itself is a tradgedy but how sad not to be able to finish the crowning achievment of your life. Jordan himself called the WOT "The book that ate his life." And that was before he was ever sick. If TOR and Jordans wife had chosen to let the series go unfinished I would have respected that. I did find myself nervous about them trying to choose someone to fill Jordans legendary gigantic literary shoes. I consider myself farely well read in the fantasy genre and when the announcement was made about the new author I was a little shocked. I had not even heard of him. Who is this Sanderson guy. Well I like countless others made it my business to find out. So I read Mistborn the very book that Jordan's wife stated was the reason for choosing him. All I have to say is "Well done." I have a new favorite author and he is deserving of what ever accolades come his way.
  
  Read Misborn and his other novels and then just wait for the final WOT.
  
  I have an idea we will not be disapointed.
  
  
• A bargain at twice the price!
  By AWXSZMDDGWYX6 on 2008-03-20
  I discovered Brandon Sanderson thanks to his being selected to finish the final book of Robert Jordan's "Wheel of Time" Fantasy epic following the unfortunate death of Mr. Jordan. I am happy to report that Sanderson is a brilliant and talented writer. My apprehension about the fate of "A Memory of Light" has been erased completely.
  
  Mistborn: The Final Empire is an excellent read. I became so engrossed in the book that I finished it in less than three days. The sequel is just as good, and I cannot wait until I can get my hands on the third book of the trilogy. In fact, the story is so good that even though I finished these two books two days ago, I am already reading it again. Yes, it was THAT good. I have never before reread a book so soon after the first read.
  
  I can also recommend "Elantris", also by Brandon Sanderson.
  
  
• HOLLY CRAP THIS WAS GOOD
  By AYDCXXAWD0MTE on 2006-08-11
  So just a few minutes ago i finished Mistborn: the Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson, and wow was it a good read!!! Let me just say that Sandersons second book far surpasses the first. it is much faster paced, not to mention that the character development is great. The new magic systems he created for this book is very compelling, each is based around metals and alloys. the dialog is great and the book has a plot twist or two that not even i, someone that can see most plot twists a mile away, expected. all in all it was a very good read, and i'd recommend it to anyone that enjoys the fantasy genera. seriously stop reading this review and buy this book now!!!
  
  
• Refreshing read in the fantasy genre.
  By A3H88EG54NVNK9 on 2006-08-24
  Much like Elantris, Mistborn provides a refreshing outlook and a new feel to the fantasy genre. I have long been a fan of fantasy however, I had become tired of the same themes and the same stories being re-written time and time again. Mistborn provides an incredibly interesting world, a fabulous magic system, and characters that demand the reader's interest. I find this book refreshing and hope to read more in the near future. For the first time since Elantris I find myself finishing a book I wish wasn't going to end.
  
  
• Best fantasy in years
  By A31ZCAY3GSTVMQ on 2006-10-10
  This is the best fantasy I have read in years. The world and magic system are extremely well-developed, and the story has some great plot twists. But even more importantly, Sanderson's character development is excellent. This is a must-read for fantasy fans, and sets high expectations for the sequels in this trilogy, as well as other future writing by Sanderson, who establishes himself with this book as one of the premier writers in the field.
  
  
• Cool Magic System, Great Characters, an Evil Empire--It's all Good!
  By ADYED6Z2R1R0Z on 2006-10-25
  Another great tale by Sanderson ( who also wrote Elantris), featuring an interesting magic system (Allomancy) using metals that give certain people--"Mistings"--one magical ability if consumed. Certain others find they are Mistborn, and able to do multiple abilities. This is set against a dark empire that has ruled harshly for countless years--led by immortal un-killable Lord Ruler and his gangs of Inquisitors--hunters and enforcers, using magic powers and marked by steel spikes through their eyes-- and obligators going about in society, watching everything with their Ministry-tattoos around their eyes. And a landscape of cites and lands darkened by volcanic ash-falls and brown plants. Against these powers are a former thief, turned rebel, a Mistborn half-breed (only the aristocracy should have such powers by genetics...the Skaa underclass, are killed if they have relations with the aristocracy and may produce a child). He is the Survivor of Hathsin -the only known person who has lived and escaped from the Mines. He now leads an extraordinary heist team aiming for the treasure of the Lord Ruler and the overthrow of the Final Empire along the way. Joining his team is the new-found half-Skaa Mistborn, Vin... a child of the streets who only gradually learns to trust her new associates and start to grow into her potential.
  
  Well-drawn characters and thorough world-building with a suspenseful plot--an unbeatable combination!
  
  
  
• Something out of the Ordinary?
  By ALMCVIHIFH2LL on 2006-11-23
  Brandon Sanderson strikes back with his latest novel, Mistborn: The Final Empire, and what a book! Elantris (his other book) was a fine debut but lacked some of the qualities of what makes writing great; Mistborn is wonderful because Sanderson's writing has grown to a new point of wonderful.
  
  In a world where the Lord Ruler supposedly saved the world from the "Deepness", a devastating something or other, a thousand years prior everything is dying. Everyday ash falls from the skies and only the rich have small gardens of yellowed plants (flowers being considered a myth from the past). Two distinct groups exist: the nobles (favored by the Lord Ruler and devided by House) and the "skaa" (a group of serfs who aren't even considered human). Noblemen are known for sometimes taking skaa lovers but law requires them to kill the woman when they are through with them for fear of creating a 'mistborn'.
  
  The Mistborn are a rare group of people can 'burn' ten different types of metals in order to tap into various powers, which is called Allomancy. They can do everything from SteelPushing (which allows them to push off of any metal) to burning Tin (which inhances their senses to the extreme).
  
  One of the Allomancers is a man by the name of Kelsier, the Survivor of Hathsin. Several years prior he had escaped the mines of Hathsin, a place so brutal that most died from the pure strain of the work and horrible conditions, and has been plotting since. Now he is back in Luthadel, the capital city, and planning to break into the castle of the Lord Ruler to steal his supply of Atium-an extremely rare metal that gives one who burns it an extremely powerful ability-in order to help the rebel Skaa.
  
  Along the way you get to meet a vast cast of unique characters who present important parts of the story without your ever knowing it. For the beginning of a trilogy it is fantasticly deep and a definite break from the oridinary. One particularly unique aspect of the story is that at the start of every chapter you get a blurb from the journal of the Lord Ruler himself.
  
  Remember, there's always another secret.
  
  

• The Well of Ascension (Mistborn, Book 2)
• Elantris
• The Well of Ascension: Book Two of Mistborn
• The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle, Day 1)
• The Lies of Locke Lamora