In all due respect, I think I should be doing a review on how I feel about the book instead of thoroughly reviewing it without giving away any spoilers. Initially, I was left dumbstruck on how Brandon ended with "The Final Empire" but noooo... 2nd book has brought me to a whole new level of shocked!!!
Like that:
It came off 2 years after the event that took place in the first book. It's the continuation of the exact post-excitement that the author has left me with great anticipation on what's going to happen next. Subconsciously, I'm also expecting what sick epic plot that is gonna caught me off guard while I'm being brought back into the world of Luthadel.
Don't get me wrong, stories about Vin and Elend is what keeps me going but you can't just go on with just only the 2 of them in an epic fantasy saga... Moreover, this book gives me the feel that I'm in love all over again when all these favorable characters are popping up on a gradual basis. (Yes... there is a fellowship gathering which made me sqwueeeek like a girl.)
The antagonist were being introduced, and what were their intentions weren't mentioned (until... you know). So, assumptions are being made by our favourite guys and actions are gonna take place soon. See, what I liked about Sanderson's plot is that, he always makes you think that these guys made the perfect assumptions on saving the day/world/people. However, that's not how Brandon get his way with his readers. (Frustrated as always but also pleasurable in some epic ways)
Finally, I just can't comprehend how this books ends. There were many prophecies, foretold stories & legacies, many misconceptions about the past (especially Kwaan, Alendi & Rashek). It is always perfection on how the author ends his book by causing his readers to go "WHAT!!???" and yearns to continue with another level of expectations and anticipations.
Just read it guys, I'm telling you in all honesty, this is just too good. Suck it up on how intimidating and giant-Ly these books are and think about what this series has to give. It is just so good!!!
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads Review Link
I can't believe my eyes... I mean seriously! The author of all 3 books (The Preservationist, Fallen, and Samson) followed me via twitter. So happens, I was searching for 3 of David Maine's books but I didn't expect a follow from him. Seriously, so so humbled.
He has a Goodreads page too, I heard nothing but great things about his books. So excited.
Alright, we have our very own Bookfest here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for 2014. Just got the catalogue (psst... I have to buy it, don't get me started). And here how it looks like... weeeeee!!!
Actually, I had my eyes on the "A Song of Ice and Fire" box set by this publishing company called Spectra Books which doesn't include the map like how Harper Voyager is. Hmm... Weighing my options now... but it's a really good deal for 5 solid books.
What I do not like is the "HBO" tattoo on the book... Hello, OCD!!!
I'm not a big fan of self-help books maybe it's due to my family influence brought up. Trying very hard not to sound too religious or holier-than-thou, we somehow are able to inter-relate most of the self-helped books via The Scriptures (aka The Bible).
In many ways, this book has taught and introduced really great concepts in order to allow one to move on with it's formula. I like how the story imparted it's formula on a gradual basis which allows one to be reminded again and again on the concept theory.
Once you get the hang of the formula, it kinda goes on a repeating spree... but on a different scenarios. Which kinda serve it's purpose to prove that this formula is not confine to a specific problem. It serves great optimism towards a general audience that is really facing a day-to-day circumstance. Great teachings but not convincing enough for me.
Ratings: 3 out of 5 stars
Goodreads Review Link
Wow, this is something, this book is worth reading! Despite my ethnicity and my brought up, this book has brought me through a whole new paranormal world which I have never thought I would even come across.
What this book has done was that it builds up a common nostalgic yet eerie feeling within me during the course of reading. I am able to relate to this world so well it is because during my tender years of 5 to 10, I've heard so much of these superstitions that made me cringe and weird out and never wanting to listen to it anymore.
For years, I've been listening to all these myths and legends about the afterlife (in the South-East-Asian-Chinese context) and never once I am able to enjoy this as much as any other author who has ever attempted this part of the world. Bravo!
I love how the author described the paranormal world so well that you are immediately sucked into the world without fear but with a hint of wanting to solve the mystery based on the afterlife's knowledge. Clever! I felt so homey when the author includes some slang such as Aiya! or some Malayan/Malaysian delicacies which made me salivate even just by reading it.
The romance part, let me repeat, THE ROMANCE PART, never was I expecting such a love twist to be conveyed in a historical-cultural-paranormal book. I mean, are you kidding me? (in a good way). Recognizable "Star-Wars" plot twist found too which made me go... Ooooooo, this is wild!!
Many compliments on how this book describes the beauty of Malacca before the Japanese Occupation invades during the World War II. The history and political system of Malacca back then was very precised on how marriages back then between China and Malaya meant a certain degree of relationship between inter-countries.
In all honesty, I love how this book ends. Leaving you wanting more. Lastly, thank you Ms Choo for the wonderful ride.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads Review Link
