Series Review: Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

I first read the first Mistborn trilogy years ago at a time when I had forgotten how much I love fantasy. This series definitely re-awakened that love in me and got me reading fantasy again and for that, I will always love it. After this series, Sanderson wrote another trilogy in the same world with the same magic system, but hundreds of years after the events of the first trilogy. He's apparently now working on a third trilogy in the same world with the same system. While these books are all considered part of the Mistborn series, I'm breaking them up by trilogy - and today, we're starting with the first trilogy. Here is the description from the first book (taken from Goodreads):

In a world where ash falls from the sky, and mist dominates the night, an evil cloaks the land and stifles all life. The future of the empire rests on the shoulders of a troublemaker and his young apprentice. Together, can they fill the world with color once more?

In Brandon Sanderson's intriguing tale of love, loss, despair and hope, a new kind of magic enters the stage — Allomancy, a magic of the metals.


PROS

• UNIQUE MAGIC SYSTEM - This magic system blew my mind. Some people are born with the ability to ingest certain kinds of metals (just little flakes of them - not eating a block of titanium for breakfast) to use in various ways (i.e. pushing or pulling metals, influencing feelings, etc). A small group of these folks are able to ingest all the metals to use all the powers - and these people are called mistborns. It's an incredibly specific magic system that is a lot to understand when told outside the story, but Sanderson does an excellent job of making it easy to understand within the tale.
• MEMORABLE CHARACTERS - Our main character, Vin, is tragic and tough and such an excellent heroine, especially as she develops and gets more in touch with her feelings. Kelsier, her mentor, is heroic and a bit reckless while still being a genius and revolutionary. Their band of misfits changes as the trilogy progresses, but each character is unique with memorable (and realistic) characteristics that make them grow dearer and dearer to the readers as time goes on. In addition, each character has an arc and has chances to grow and change throughout the books - for better or for worse. It's wonderfully refreshing to have characters as static as much as these characters are.
• PLOT TWISTS - Sanderson is well-known for his twists and that was one of the impressive parts of this series to me. The first book all deals with trying to overthrow a despot. The remaining books confront the consequences of the characters' actions. Perhaps all is not as it seems, especially as you compare the beginning of the first book to the end of the third. The plot twists blow your mind - and completely make sense within the story.
• TAKE PLACE IN A LARGER UNIVERSE - Sanderson is a unique writer in that he connects all his writings. Most of his work is connected by being in the same universe - or the Cosmere. As you read more of his work, there are small connections you can make. And it's rewarding to see characters or magic systems you loved being mentioned in other books.

CONS

• SO MANY DETAILS - Sanderson's fan base is dedicated and really really REALLY in-depth. If you don't believe me, spend five minutes on 17th Shard's forum (the official fansite) - these people tear apart every word in each book to try piecing together what will happen in the future and all the details of each magic system. And this is the kind of series where you can do that. Even after reading most of Sanderson's work, I'm still a bit fuzzy on a lot of the details of how things ended up and why certain events were significant. While this confusion never detracted from the main plotline, it certainly made it difficult to completely understand the magic system or what exactly is going on for each character. Now, for some readers, this would be a pro, not a con. But for me, I don't want to have to read a paragraph 20 times to understand some small detail that hints at another book's future. I want to enjoy the series and the story and the people. 
• BITTERSWEET - Each book ends on a twist, but some of those twists make you really really sad. Like the end of this series - some things work out perfectly and some people you really like die and it's so sad, but somehow not as sad as it could be and you're really glad they succeeded in some things, but it isn't as happy as you want it to be and there are too many emotions to handle.

Have you read this series? What are your thoughts on it? What pros and cons would you add? What makes you want to read an epic fantasy series?

On books for fans of "Warehouse 13"

Ohh Warehouse 13. This show is equal parts campy and hilarious and it's a brilliant twist on the typical crime drama. Instead of looking for murderers, Warehouse 13 agents spend their time retrieving artifacts - dangerous magical items that can wreck havoc to the people around them. Here are a few books if you're not sure what to do after the series finale.

• The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde - Another fun twist on the classical crime drama, The Eyre Affair is all about a world where books are top priority - with a full police force dedicated to protecting literature. This series has ridiculous psuedo-police problems and situations to laugh and marvel at and also name drops tons of famous people (and characters) - just like W13. 

• Asteroid Made of Dragons by G. Derek Adams - This book is a hilarious mix of science fiction and fantasy - and full of weird contraptions that straddle that line. Like W13, it is difficult to categorize perfectly and makes a delightful use of twisting typical SFF features and tropes.

• The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare - The steampunk flair of this book reminded me a bit of W13 - plus the melodrama and quirks and romance and ridiculousness of some of the characters from W13. 

• The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson - This steampunk-y book about lawkeepers in a fantasy wild-west world doesn't feel much like W13, but certainly has so many similar elements. The characters here are just as quirky and funny as W13 characters - and the romance is just as wonderfully ridiculous and surprising.

• Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz - While the feeling and genre elements of this book certainly are unlike W13, the capacity to deal with difficult topics in an upbeat and uplifting way makes these two more similar than different. Also, they both have hilarious leads with some unique talents.

What books would you add to this list? What do you miss about Warehouse 13? What other reads remind you of TV shows?

Author Spotlight: Brandon Sanderson

Today, I’m trying out a new feature on the blog. I decided that I want to start discussing/interviewing authors that I think deserve a little more attention. To get this feature started, I’m going to first spotlight an author that I strongly believe everyone should read: Brandon Sanderson.

If you’re unfamiliar with his work (which will shock me if you’re a frequent reader of this
blog), then you should know that Sanderson is one of the more recognized and loved
names in modern fantasy. He writes for middle grade, YA, and adults - so everyone can
read some Sanderson.

The reason I’m featuring Sanderson is because I strongly believe EVERYONE
SHOULD READ HIS BOOKS. Every book might not be for you, but among so many
of his books, I can guarantee that you’ll find something worth your time (and if you
need help figuring out where to start, tell me a few books you like in the comments
and I’ll guide you in the right direction).

MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS:

YOUNG ADULT BOOKS

ADULT FANTASY - Newcomers should know that all the worlds in Sanderson’s adult
fantasy series are connected and will eventually be brought together as each series
progresses. In the meantime, each series is unique and fascinating alone and can be
enjoyed independent of the other series.

(Currently a standalone)

(First trilogy of the Mistborn Trilogies)

(Second trilogy of the Mistborn Trilogies - far more Wild West steampunk than the first)

(will eventually be twelve books)

(short stories to help bridge some of the gaps between the worlds and
answer questions that aren’t addressed in the series)

What Sanderson books have you already read? Which ones interest you? What about Sanderson
makes him stand out from other current fantasy authors? What’s keeping you from reading these
books if you haven't read them?

On books for those looking for a new fandom

Fandoms have become an increasingly important part of our world’s society. But if you’re already impatiently waiting as the biggest SuperWhoLock fan you know, a lingering Marshmellow, or starting to lose your interest in Pokemon, it might be time to find a new thing to obsess about and discuss at length with the fandom community. Here are my suggestions:

• Brandon Sanderson books - I couldn’t not put this, as Loverboy frequently chatters at me about his latest theories and does plenty of research on the 17th Shard forums. The Sanderson community is intriguing and very loyal and has all sorts of ideas about what’s going to happen next and how the cosmere all connects. Highly recommended for fantasy lovers.

• Borderlands - This is a fandom that I’ve been hearing more and more about as I get deeper into SFF reading, but that I haven’t yet delved into. I’m intrigued by it and excited to learn more about this contemporary fantasy world and see why so many people love these books.

• Shadowhunters/Infernal Devices/Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare - The two series are technically complete, but there are plenty of companion books still being released. There are many devoted fans of these series who will happily talk your ear off about why Magnus Bane is the greatest or how they feel about the new releases.

• Nightvale - The popular podcast has a few companion books that take place in the same strange world. Huffington Post also tells us that many people compare the Nightvale world to Louis Sachar’s Wayside School books - and that there are some creepy similarities.

• Beauty and the Beast - This fandom is large with a few very dedicated followers and plenty of less-dedicated ones. In this fandom, people read every version of the tale that they can get their hands on. A few to start with: Beauty by Robin McKinley, Beastly by Alex Flynn, Uprooted by Naomi Novik, or Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodges.

What bookish fandoms would you recommend to other readers? Which non-bookish fandoms are your favorites?

On just released books that I recommend

I haven’t been reading many ARCs or egalleys lately, but here are a couple books I’m really excited about (and highly recommend).

• The Age of Perpetual Light by Josh Weil (Sept 12) - This collection of short stories spans centuries and gives the reader something to think about. Recommended for readers of realistic fiction.

• Louise Thompson Patterson: A Life of Struggle for Justice by Keith Gilyard (Oct 5th) - An early civil rights activist, Louise Thompson Patterson led a fascinating life and began the civil rights movement in the 1940’s. This biography is well-written and lends more understanding to the woman and the period she was born into. Recommended for activist readers and historians.

• Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson (Nov 14th) - The third book in the Stormlight Archives continues the story of Shallan, Kaladin, Adolin, and Dalinar as they discover more about the radiants and come to terms with powers beyond their control. Recommended for fantasy readers.

• The Nine by Tracy Townsend (Nov 14th) - This dark fantasy book has received fantastic reviews and the author interview at Fantasy Lit is one of the best I've read in a long time. With a mix of steampunk and religion (apparently including God's lab notes), this book sounds like it will be an excellent addition to the fantasy genre and I can't wait to get my hands on it.

What new books are you excited about? What new releases have you read recently?

On fantasy heist stories

If you love Ocean’s Eleven and epic fantasy, this is the list for you. Below are three books that bring the heist trope into a fantasy story with rewarding results for the reader:

• Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo - When Kaz Brekker and company are commissioned to break into the Ice Court to retrieve a hostage, they have no idea just how much can go wrong. This YA fantasy story is full of twists, unexpected connections, and fascinating characters. Add in an impossible heist and you’ve got a book that’s worth reading.

• The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson - Sanderson’s Mistborn series begins with a young urchin girl being enlisted to help pull off the “heist” of the century - deposing Lord Ruler. The rest of the series has the characters dealing with the aftermath of their actions - a fascinating way to handle a heist story. This is an excellent start to a fantasy series that everyone should read.

• The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch - Locke Lamora and his band of Gentleman Bastards are pros at pulling off heists - or so they think until someone starts getting the better of them. Full of hilarious hijinxs and some very serious consequences, this book maintains an excellent balance between the silly and the deadly serious - and shows the reader what it takes to become a world-class thief.

What heist stories have inspired your thievery? What would you add to this list?

Series Review: The Reckoners by Brandon Sanderson

Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary men and women extraordinary powers. The awed public started calling them Epics. But Epics are no friend of man. With incredible gifts came the desire to rule. And to rule man you must crush his will.
Nobody fights the Epics...nobody but the Reckoners. A shadowy group of ordinary humans, they spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them.
And David wants in. He wants Steelheart — the Epic who is said to be invincible. The Epic who killed David's father. For years, like the Reckoners, David's been studying, and planning — and he has something they need. Not an object, but an experience.
He's seen Steelheart bleed. And he wants revenge. (Steelheart description taken from Goodreads)

Brandon Sanderson’s The Reckoner’s trilogy about superheroes (and the terrible consequences of superpowers) is fun, fast-paced, and hilarious. I first read Steelheart when I was stuck in an airport for several hours and needed something to read. I managed to find an autographed copy in an airport bookstore (Thanks, Brandon) and read the entire thing before the plane showed up. It was a nice way to spend the day and immediately got me interested in finishing the series, which I did when a Sanderson-obsessed friend lent me the next two books. While this is not my favorite Sanderson series, I still thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it for YA readers.

And now, for some pros and cons:

PROS

• UNIQUE AND ENGAGING STORY - There aren’t a lot of superhero books that aren’t comics (at least, not that I’ve seen) and this series has an interesting take on superheroes - what makes someone with superpowers good or evil? How did they get their powers? What are the consequences of living in a society where a handful of people have superpowers? Sanderson addresses all these questions and gives a superhero-infested world a more realistic and dark mood. Especially interesting (to me, at least) is that the story follows a group of individuals who are not super, but who actively oppose the superheroes. This is something that we, as consumers of superhero franchises, have been conditioned not to expect. Stories are usually told from the superheroes’ points of view, right? Not in this case. And this unique perspective gives the reader a much-appreciated break from normal superhero lore and storytelling.
• HILARIOUSLY TERRIBLE METAPHORS - This is honestly one of my favorite parts of the series. David, the main character, is awful at metaphors.

But even a ninety-year-old blind priest would stop and stare at this woman. If he weren’t blind, that is. Dumb metaphor, I thought. I’ll have to work on that one. I have trouble with metaphors.

He certainly does. And that’s not even the best awful metaphor Sanderson gives us. Here are a few more to whet your appetite:

He was right. I was letting myself get distracted, like a rabbit doing math problems instead of looking for foxes.

They looked so dangerous, like alligators. Really fast alligators wearing black. Ninja alligators.

It would be like finding out that you'd drawn lots for dessert at the Factory and been only one number off, only it didn't matter because Pete already snuck in to steal the dessert, so nobody was going to get any anyway - not even Pete, because it turns out there had never been any dessert to begin with.

• CLASSIC SANDERSON TWIST ENDINGS - My favorite thing about reading a Sanderson book is that I can never be sure how it’s going to end. He’s a master at making you think one thing is going to happen and then going in a completely unexpected direction (that, in hindsight, actually makes a lot of sense and seems obvious upon a reread). This series was no exception. There are enough twists to keep things interesting and fun without giving the reader whiplash.

CONS

• MEH CHARACTERS - I really didn’t connect with any of the characters in this series and I wasn’t that bothered by any character deaths, honestly. Prof was probably the most interesting character and even he was kind of dull and kind of a stereotype. I attribute this partly to this being a YA series (which aren’t exactly known for their insane character development).
• A LITTLE CONVOLUTED - I’m a fast reader, meaning that sometimes, I skim books and miss important details. For most books, this isn’t a problem. For this series, it was a huge issue. I had to read far more carefully or I’d miss important details or new characters or the reasons for things happening or excellently bad metaphors. By the end of the series, there was so much information and conflict to keep track of that I was ready for it to be done and far less invested in the final book that I had been in the early books. This can be a pro if you’re someone who enjoys complex plots and lots of characters and drama, but for me, it was a bit much.

Have you read this series? What did you think of it? Who would you recommend this series to?

On heroines I want to be when I grow up

As a little girl, reading strong, independent heroines was one of my favorite things to do. It was wonderful to have a heroine to look up to and to emulate as I figured myself out. I wanted to be so many different heroines when I’d grow up - and they’d all bleed into playing with my brother as I played increasingly strong characters in our games. Now that I’m a bit older, it’s interesting to look through some of the book I’ve read and pick out the women I’d want to be - and the qualities that make them such good heroines.

• Rae Spellman from The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz - Rae knows what she wants and she constantly dedicates herself wholeheartedly to it - whether that’s blackmailing her sister, waging war with her uncle, or joining the family business.
• Violet Baudelaire from “The Series of Unfortunate Events” by Lemony Snicket - Violet is both tender and tough, caring and courageous. She balances all this, is an excellent older sister, invents fantastic things, and somehow continues to hope for the best in the midst of everything the Baudelaires go through. As a little girl, Violet was my idol.
• Alanna from “The Song of the Lioness” by Tamora Pierce - Alanna wants desperately to be a warrior - so she disguises herself as her brother for several years to train, fooling everyone but her best friends. Alanna shows us that girls can be tough and independent and still have good relationships with men.
• Luxa from “The Underland Chronicles” by Suzanne Collins - Luxa lives through trauma, war, and lots of immaturity as she works to become the leader that her people need. She begins as a silly (and somewhat cruel) little girl and transforms into a thoughtful and caring leader. Luxa shows us that we can all change and become the people we need to be.
• Lift from Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson - Lift is an adorable character who doesn’t let tough situations get her down and she’s always happy to show off her quirks and abilities.
• Risa Ward from Unwind by Neal Shusterman - Risa is one of the most caring character I’ve ever read. She’s kind to everyone she meets and does everything she can to help everyone she cares about. But that doesn’t make her a pushover - she plays it smart and keeps working to get what she wants.
• Steris Harms from Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson - Steris is featured in earlier Mistborn books, but she was a difficult character until Bands of Mourning. At first, we see Steris as a stern and irritable (and very dull) woman. But as we get to know her better, we grow to see that she’s funny, very thoughtful and well-meaning (though not always effective), detail-oriented, and that she can plan like nobody’s business. Steris reminds us that there’s far more under the surface for most people and that the folks who are dullest on the surface often have fascinating (and wonderfully quirky) backgrounds and personalities.

What heroines would you want to grow up to be? What heroines from this list do you look up to?

On Mistborn fan art

I haven’t always loved fan art, but I’ve recently found myself pinning quite a bit of Sanderson fan art and I think I’m falling in love. Below are my favorite Mistborn pieces of fan art.

Vin by Ihazar

This shot of Vin is fantastic - I especially love the coins in her hand and the mistcloak - this depiction makes me want to be Vin and also makes her look so strong and tough, yet petite and tender. I love it.

Mistborn by Castaguer93

This fan art simply blows me away. Another take on Vin with mistcloak and coins, this scene is much darker and seems more action-packed, even while there is so little going on in the scene. The look on Vin’s face sums up my interpretation of her character - determined and a little darker than we always realize.

Mistborn: The Meeting by aimeezhou

I’ve seen this piece all over Pinterest and it warms my heart every time. The early scenes with Vin and Elend always made me laugh quite a bit and I look back on them fondly. This piece of artwork makes me relive that feeling every time I look at it - and I love that.

Mistborn by Amy Gerardy

Well, if it isn’t obvious, Vin is my favorite Mistborn character. This piece of artwork gives her a more swashbuckling feel, which is fun and lightens the mood a bit. Also, I love how the mistcloak almost looks like a bunch of fox tails - to me, that makes the cloak seem more alive. Vin’s hair is majestic in this artwork.

Mistborn by axt234

And here we have Vin and Elend again - in a much darker scene. I love how much older they seem in this scene and how they’re looking down at the city. It also makes me think of the cover for this book - which I loved. This artist did a fantastic job of making the scene feel dark, yet hopeful. And I really enjoy that.

What are your favorite pieces of fan art? Where do you go to find more fan art? Have you made any fan art of your own?