Now this was a big surprise to many of Sanderson's fans. Especially for those who's closely following the Cosmere universe. I have not venture "The Stormlight Archive" series since the current print has only 2 books out of 10, my take would be, taking my time with that series since they are humongous-ly intimidating.
Note: Brandon's suggested to read this ONLY after reading "The Bands of Mourning". (I would highly agree with this suggestion due to certain happenings in that book itself)
Do I consider this as a novella? I would say that it's a companion of what's the real behind-the-scene of the Final Empire trilogy. There were many "AHA!" moments which made readers go, "This makes much more sense rather than being left unexplained throughout the course of the Mistborn series." (Mind you, the original Mistborn series is very well thought off but there were some being left unexplained). It will definitely cross-over to the Wax & Wayne story whereby the development of how it all happens even though it has been 300 years later.
I don't think I am able to further breakdown this review without spoiling anything. This book itself is bringing us closer to "The Cosmere" universe and we definitely still want more. Should I be reading "Elantris" next? I don't know but it seems to have a certain connection to it.
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads Review Link
So, it's the continuation of the Wax and Wayne story from where we left off in "The Shadow of Self". There was a closure in that book and that would make readers like me by anticipating this book even more. Cut the crap and let's go into the good stuff.
Let me get it off my chest, I am in love with Steris in this book so much more than the first 2 books. Her character development has improved vastly and she makes the whole series even more interesting than I thought. The chemistry between Steris and Wax are to die for through out the book. The adventures here did not fail readers as there were more magic systems are being used and taken advantage of here.
Plot was a mystery at the beginning til the middle part of it. Remember, this is the second last book before the Finale of the Wax and Wayne trilogy. Many new things pop up right in front of my eyes that made me gawked. I wasn't expecting something to be so advanced when things happens.
Moreover, the new race, new mystery and new crap just happened in this book that make me puzzled whether I'm reading the same book as before. Many things where left hanging from the original trilogy. Many has not been said and told in the days of the Final Empire. What is it that causes the Bands of Mourning stood out is the advantage of knowing that there were new race, new languages and new technology.
You said that this was a steampunk-like book, I guess we will be heading something so ahead of our time and would made it into a real Sci-Fi Epic/High Fantasy genre that readers are going to get their mind so fucked up blown. Excuse my language, but I wouldn't know how to express any better than that anymore.
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads Review Link
And... we're back into the world of Wax and Wayne. I'm just gonna dive into this without delay. So many characters building was laid out with care in this book. Took me quite awhile to finish this but then again this is what Brandon does best, a generous well-thought character and world building in an Epic Fantasy genre per se.
I was skeptical that the second installment of the Mistborn series would be as good as the first. Boy, I was wrong. Some of the honorable characters from the first trilogy came back as a living proof to the current skeptical minds of these generation of Steam Punked-ness Allomancy, Feruchemy and Hermalurgist! Some of these great characters during the time of the Final Empire pops up with great shocking moments.
What's even worse was how much Wax has to unveil the ugliest truth in this series, and it is so strong of him for not being able to crack (emotionally) when he is dealing something so supernatural that he might not be able to comprehend the magnitude of the real truth of what this "God" has in planned for them in this particular world.
Honestly, I'm restricted in so many ways to review this book because I'm trying so hard not to spoil anything from the original series and this one as well. So much has happened, and so much to love. And I can't wait for the upcoming release, "The Bands Of Mourning".
Ratings: 4 out of 5 Stars
Goodreads Review Link
In such a short read, Brandon is able to pull off a Mistborn fight scene with Allomancy? How awesome is that? We are being brought back with how Kelsier was out from the Pits of Hathsin and is getting himself trained to be a Mistborn by his mentor, Gremmel. Although, it's a short read, the pacing was good enough to capture your attention of how Kelsier was a stubborn asshole nobility. Haha!!! All in all, it's a fun read, not great but fun.
And... the title it's called The Eleventh Metal. Guys, just read the Mistborn trilogy, it has so much to give while you're so bog down just by reading this mere 14 pages of the Mistborn saga. Moreover, the second part of the Mistborn trilogy is already on it's way... just give this a chance. It's that good!
Weblink: The Eleventh Metal
Ratings: 3 out of 5 stars
Goodreads Review Link
Wow, Brandon has done it again! This is one of Brandon's Young Adult fantasy genre and it is still delivers! I've started reading this book just by knowing that Rithmatist are people with power to bring life into chalk drawings. I know nothing on plot wise, and it still it didn't fail to make me want to know who the ultimate villain is.
Just before I continue with the rest of my review, here's one quote that makes me really puzzled.
His mother's hand froze, chopsticks in her spaghetti, motionless.
What?!
This is weird?! Is this not weird? Tell me it's weird.
Honestly, this is like the weirdest way of eating spaghetti. I did not disagree but I just find it weird that's all. Now, don't get me started with folks using fork to eat rice. I'm an Asian and I can't stand seeing people using fork picking up their rice! Use the spoon, goon! Pet peeves 101!
Back to the book! We are being introduced with Joel and Melody. They both play a wonderful partner in this and it was fun with Joel's longing to be a Rithmatist and Melody's weird sense of humour and character.
Sudden attack! Mysteries on different types of lines were being identified. Suspicious new people lurking around the campus. What can be more exciting when magic is in place? None other than Brandon who creates such an atmosphere within the United of Isles (aka United States of America that breaks into the form of island).
It got me irritated that this book is not a standalone! I need the 2nd one now! Many characters has been well-developed and he just can't leave us hanging like this! It's not fair!
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads Review Link
A great continuation of the Mistborn Trilogy. We are being introduced with New World! New Characters! New Magic System! I just can't get enough...
Plot wise, I would say it's a good premise to start off with tons of loop holes in this and by anticipating the next trilogy by Dec 2015 and Jan 2016. Gosh... I am still in love with the new magic system that co-inside with steam punk element which made it even more interesting than before.
The chemistry between Wax and Wayne. So funny & witty all at the same time. Seriously, you just want to go on reading about 2 of them insulting each other with never ending funny sarcasms. There is no keeping them apart when they know they needed each other.
Epilogue has brought forth a new suspicious character which I suspect it might be the legendary "Spook". I might be wrong. I can't wait til December now.
Ratings: 4.8 stars out of 5 stars
Goodreads Review Link
Now, this is totally a different take on the Cosmere world. After reading, it left me gasp with adoration how in just 50 pages, Brandon is able to deliver such darkness in this story.
Many thoughts and many emotions left me thinking that this book has a certain background to it's origins on the Cosmere world. Shades, shadow are what you call both the protagonist and antagonist in this book.
Silver is being used here. Remember Silver is useless with Allomancy in the world of Mistborn. (Reference) However, silver is used as a form of a new magic system here. The used of silver is pretty legit in this world. When I mean world, I mean the Forest.
Silence Malone is of great character. She's strong, she has a mind of her own, she wants to change how her grandmother has made her the woman she is. So much emotions in just 50 pages. It's good!
Ratings: 4.75 out of 5 stars
Goodreads Review Link
What!??? I did not expect that!!! How could Brandon write all those stuff in just 90+ pages? It was really good! The world building was really comprehensive. I was like... "No way"
There were no chapter breaks and it goes on and on and it sucked you into this world/island called Patji immediately. Moments of adrenaline, fear, and a little disgusted (in a good way) by some of the description while you were being brought into the minds of Dusk where his special breed birds gave him this special ability to see a glimpse of his death/corpse before every step he makes.
There were really good moments of actions and fighting scenes too. How in the world?...
Masterful of it's own and I can't wait to read some of his other novellas in the same world. Short read but great! I have reasons for my rating. This is because I wanted to know more of what might happen after! (If there would be any, which I highly doubt so)
Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads Review Link
As many fans of Brandon's would know that this book is also set in the same universe as the Mistborn trilogy which I thoroughly loved so much. This universe thingy is also called the Cosmere world.
It was said that this book would be a standalone but according to Brandon's latest blog, we have a SEQUEL ya'll!!! However, it's not going to be soon. It sucks, due to my overly hype stupidity anticipation. Ergh!
There are 2 kingdoms when 1 of it was more subtle than the one that you're in. Character development was spot on! I love the story between Siri and the God King. It's hilarious!!! And by hilarious, this is by far the funniest book from Brandon. It's just so good!
I wanted more of them but it didn't happen. I was a little disappointed but then again, it was done right.
The political system was well crafted.
The magic system. Wow! Just wow! It has hierarchies of how the whole magic system works. And if this book still remains a standalone. Hands down, this would the best Fantasy book ever written!
Read it! That epic-ness in this book just caught me off guard. Like he always does, IT'S BLOODY UNFAIR!!!
There I was, reading it with much anticipation to know what the end of the book has to give, and I realized that it's about 70 plus pages left and there's still nothing, yet! I was getting a little impatient when the first mind blowing news happens I was like left dumbstruck with this face!
And at the very end, it blew me off guard again and I WASN'T ready! (You hear me, Brandon! I WAS NOT READY!!!) It's like, how many more are you gonna give to really get my brain all fried up! And I curse like how all the character does in this book! COLORS!!!
I've set my mind with no expectations and this book was amazingly written and the plot was fantastically thought off! Pick it up and read it. This is all I can say!
Merry Christmas everyone!!!
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads Review Link
Trilogy US box set here
Trilogy UK box set here
I have to admit, I do not know how to write this review. It's all about the feels... I mean... just feels. Seriously, do you guys even feel me yet? I thought I would start with "That Ending... THAT Ending... etc" and it turns out I do not know how to continue with that statement at all. And, above all the series that I've read, this itself is one of the most exhilarating series of all times.
The world building itself is even more detailed than the first two. And if you think the those two books has detailed or deep characters introduction/background, you're wrong! He has a bibliography of all the characters and it's history. Talk about really really Epic!
I'm keeping this review short to avoid myself from giving it away too much. Just read this guys... I mean seriously, it went from mist/ash to something THAT epic. Mr Sanderson, YOU ARE my new found EPIC FANTASY hero!
Alright, "The Alloy of Law" is next! Good gracious, should I even start with "The Stormlight Archive" already?
I think this artwork by Marc Simonetti is absolutely brilliant!!
Oh yes please... I need some of that right now!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (I would give it a 10 if it's even possible)
Goodreads Review Link
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
Hello there, this is my very first Book-Review-Blogging entry with my very first Epic Fantasy genre book review on this blog. In reference to that, I have started out by choosing Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series as my first review on this blog.
As bizarre as this might sound, I can honestly say that I have never come across this name, Brandon Sanderson, before as an author until I was in Goodreads searching for some new genre to explore. Moreover, the moment I bump into his page, most of the books that was written by him are beyond 4 stars! Well, I'm not going to bore you with statistics in regards with number of readers, but with that generous rating, NOW THAT is bloody fantastic!
Enough with my ramblings. Let's move on with the good stuff.
Ash... Mist... Falling from the sky. (Say what?) I just don't care, and I just continue to read.
Alright, just a simple question, in which part of the world has ash falling from the sky? My very first thought would be places with active volcanic geographical landscape. I am from the South East Asian region with tons of active volcanoes around me. Ashes falling from the sky are signs that YOU SHOULD EVACUATE from that place like RIGHT NOW. But as you read on, Mist are hovering the whole place during the night. Now that is mysterious!
Keep on reading... Keep on reading... Keep on reading...
[While humming Finding's Nemo Dory's "Just keep swimming" tune]
Whilst characters are being introduced, metal magic too are being announced into this world. Okay, let me be straight up honest with you... Metal magic? What? I thought Metal magic is some sort of manipulating metals around you to maneuver how you attack your opponent.
I WAS WRONG!!!
Before the magic comes into picture... I love the characters that were being introduced. So many of them and still so good!
Vin, Kelsier, Sazed, Breeze, Ham, Marsh, Spook... etc
The chemistry among them... ahhhh... They reminded me so much like the family from Ocean's 11. I know I know many did make Ocean's 11 as a reference and comparison to this book. But heck no! The plot is way more cooler, exciting, witty, direct... and different. The humours during dialogues are SPOT ON funny! Now, I have to admit that you can't get anything better than that!!! <-- (There is a lot of big talk here folks... bare with me. I'm excited... What can you do? Sue me!)
I'm back with magic... the magic... magical magic!!! Metal magic!!! Trust me, you will never hear the end of the Push & Pull effect, the Internal & External metals, the Soothing effect, Manipulation... etc. You'll definitely want more... More... MORE!!! There is a word for it which is called "Allomancy".
Allow me to be a little bit of a show-off here on how the structure of this book works. I've studied an elective paper during my Uni days with the subject called "International Business" and I've learnt a new term called P.E.S.T.L.E. :
This book covers PESTLE!!! What does PESTLE represents?
P - Politics (OH YES, there isn't a world with no political issues... )
E - Economy (Reminds me of the CAST and CLASS system that runs a country like INDIA!)
S - Social (There are many social injustice here... DON'T GET ME STARTED!)
T - Technology (It Sucks! But with the magic in place... Then it's amazing!)
L - Legal (There isn't any!!! Reminds me so much of an Absolute Monarchy system!!!)
E - Environment (If you're from a 3rd world country like I do, you can really relate to this!)
I was very optimistic that the plan from these lovelies will go well. I was really taken by surprised that something happened tragically! Well, I'm not going to spoil it for ya because I know you're gonna read it!! *hint hint* READ IT... Come on!
Oh wait... Master Elend Venture! How could I missed him out? Ahhh... It is a confusing world out there with such complicated love story in such a disastrous world. Yet with such injustice in place, the preaching of love has never failed to lose out from all living things in the world. I'm loving how subtle the love story develops. It's refreshing!!! Believe you me, some of those overly-done-cheesy-love-stories does not work on me! Heck, I'm just a dude who needed his "privacy space" when authors over-writing stuff like that!!!
CONCLUSION
It's a given 5 out of 5 stars in Goodreads. Pick this up (or purchase an ebook), and READ IT. It's really mind-blowing.
I can never finish praising how good Mr. Sanderson has brought me into a world with such an intriguing plot and how much connected you are with the characters he has introduced.
Goodreads Review Link
