Mistborn Trilogy

Seriously ... Brandon Sanderson is a freakin' literary genius. Compared to the wonderful YA drivel I usually read, the Mistborn Trilogy, published between 2006 and 2008, is like reading Shakespeare. 

I usually don't read real fantasy novels. I consider myself a different kind of nerd, but my brother convinced my sister to read it, and my sister convinced me. The books total just over 1000 pages, but it was an investment well worth my time.

I enjoyed reading The Final Empire so much, with its' barren, ash-covered landscapes, terrifying dictator, strange, metal-based abilities and freaky but fascinating creatures that I stopped myself from starting the next installment. I paused for about a week to reflect on what I had read, especially the cataclysmic event that occurs near the ending (I was so not expecting that! You are messed up, Mr. Sanderson.). I started The Well of Ascension when I felt prepared to once again leave reality and dive back into Sanderson's world.

Romance in a story is essential to me, and in this series the romance rates as just a "meh." But it didn't matter. There was some, and Vin, the female protagonist, got to kill his ex. Awesome. More importantly, down with the Lord Ruler and his dogs, the Steel Inquisitors. I hate a predictable story line more than anything, but the twists and turns in the plot of the Mistborn series will surprise you, just as it surprises the characters.

Its amazing to me that one of the criticisms of this trilogy is that everything is wrapped up too well. Every lose end, every side plot, all of it has explanation and closure, wonderful closure. Seriously, how did he do that? He had to have written all three books at once, and then nearly finalized each before publishing the first one. But even if that's true, how did he do that? The forethought, foreshadowing and execution is truly a literary feat. He must have a team of super editors complete with super editor powers and super editor tights working around the clock. That is the only plausible explanation.

Truly, this is one of the best series I have read, ever. It is not to be missed, people. Thanks to my sister for encouraging me to read this series. And thanks to my brother for encouraging her to read it. And your welcome.

Jess

"Belief?"
"Yes," Sazed said. "Tell me, Mistress. What is it that you believe?"
Vin frowned. "What kind of question is that?"
"The most important kind, I think.” 

― Brandon Sanderson, Mistborn: The Final Empire