Monday, 12 January 2015

The Final Empire (Mistborn 1) - Brandon Sanderson - Book Review

A thousand years ago evil came to the land and has ruled with an iron hand ever since. The sun shines fitfully under clouds of ash that float down endlessly from the constant eruption of volcanoes. A dark lord rules through the aristocratic families and ordinary folk are condemned to lives in servitude, sold as goods, labouring in the ash fields.

But now a troublemaker has arrived and there is rumour of revolt. A revolt that depends on criminal that no-one can trust and a young girl who must master Allomancy - the magic that lies in all metals.

This was the first time I read a Brandon Sanderson book, and it was amazing. Unlike a lot of fantasy I have read in the past, this book has a fast paced thrilling story. The magic system is logical and well thought out and the use of light and shade creates a world full of tension.

The main characters are Vin and Kelsier. Vin was a teenage girl living in a Skaa thieving gang. Kelsier was a man ready to cause trouble among the nobility. The skaa are basically peasants the working people who are subject to the wrath of the Lord Ruler. Vin ends up becoming a member of Kelsier's gang of thieves who happen to be allomancers, who are planning to do the hardest job yet, destroying the Final Empire.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about a strong willed heroine. Vin is a character who end up being torn between love and her duty to help Kelsier bring down the Final Empire.

The battle scenes  involving Vin and Kelsier using Allomancy are well described, it was as I was watching a fantasy action movie in my head.

A good quick and thrilling read. 9.4/10

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