Things got a little out of hand for the 2019 Reading Challenge – that is to say, it ended up being a Reading Marathon.
A few months ago a friend recommended that I start to read the Mistborn Series by Brandon Sanderson, a fantasy trilogy from a very renowned author of the genre. It was about two months ago that in between my book reviews and the reading challenges, I somehow devoured this 650 page beast of a first book and found myself hungry for more. So for the July challenge of reading a book recommended by a friend, I took on the task of finishing the series – that is to say two more hefty books of over 750 pages each. And I don’t regret a moment (or penny) spent.
I was incredibly impressed with how such a massive set of books could capture my attention and hold my emotions hostage for the entire span of the trilogy. Sanderson built up the momentum from the start of Book 1 Mistborn: The Final Empire and never let it wane.
I had heard from others within my circle that this was their least favorite of Sanderon’s work – that the characters were shallow and most didn’t like the lead protagonist – Vin. I have to say, I strongly disagree. I am not sure if they were referring to the first of the series only (in which case could be slightly true as the first seems to be an extensive introduction to the characters), if they were comparing it to Sanderson’s other works (in which case I can not adequately compare – but soon will!), or if they meant overall. Vin, is a young star of the show and main lead, and I do think some of her rationalization and actions are immature, but to me, that is exactly how a young teen IS. Through the other two books, Vin matured and grew into an incredible character that overcame many internal and external struggles.
To me, the first book was very tight and served as an introduction to the entire world and system whereby the second book of the series split into different threads where we were able to start following characters and events separately. This is where I believe the depth was developed. I also felt that everything culminated into the last fourth of the third book, tying everything together and putting the final pieces into place of a puzzle that the reader was not even aware that they were trying to solve or had already solved.
The world-building is remarkable and the magic system is very clever but I think plotting is where Sanderson’s real strength lies.
High in action, an unlikely set of heroes and plot twists that continue to surprise you at every turn, this is a must-read series for any fantasy fan.
