Published: July 2006
Pages: 541
Series: The Mistborn Saga #1
Summary
For a thousand years the ash fell and no flowers bloomed. For a thousand years the Skaa slaved in misery and lived in fear. For a thousand years the Lord Ruler, the “Sliver of Infinity,” reigned with absolute power and ultimate terror, divinely invincible. Then, when hope was so long lost that not even its memory remained, a terribly scarred, heart-broken half-Skaa rediscovered it in the depths of the Lord Ruler’s most hellish prison. Kelsier “snapped” and found in himself the powers of a Mistborn. A brilliant thief and natural leader, he turned his talents to the ultimate caper, with the Lord Ruler himself as the mark.
My thoughts
How many times have you seen people rave about Mistborn and popped it in your TBR because you’ll get to it later.. I’ve had this series on my shelf for years (don’t judge me) and I finally thought to pick it up and see what all the fuss was about.
I loved this book.
This is a wonderfully crafted world with a clever magic system and an utterly compelling story that grabbed me at the start and did not let me go. I finished this small monster of a book in two days, I just couldn’t put it down.. Why did I wait so long??
“But you can’t kill me, Lord Tyrant. I represent that one thing you’ve never been able to kill, no matter how hard you try. I am hope.”
Sanderson’s world-building is brilliant in this book. The only other works of his that I’ve read has been Yumi and Tress. They had really good worldbuilding but nothing on Mistborn’s level. I do hope the rest of the series lives up to this first one but I’ve been assured the books just keep on getting better. This is not just a book with magic, this is a story of oppression and rebellion. Of rising and fulfilling potential. Of taking risks and chances and finding friendship in the cracks of such a grim world. It’s a bleak, yet alive, and the setting of this book feels incredibly real and lived-in.
Beyond that, and most importantly, this is a book of hope.
“Belief isn’t simply a thing for fair times and bright days…What is belief – what is faith – if you don’t continue in it after failure?
The characters are incredibly captivating and they were what kept me so invested. I could feel and ache and yearn for every single character, even the ones I hated. Kelsier, there is not much I can say without giving pieces away but I will say that he has been written so well. His character is multifaceted, he is dealing with immense grief and conflict and drive. We get to see into his mind and feel greater understanding over the decisions that he makes. There is so much in Kelsier that can be reflected in us all. It is because of him and his great determination, even in the face of great danger, that unites the others and fights to keep the hope alive.
Vin, my other honourable mention within this group, the timid street urchin goes through incredible growth. Vin at the start of this book is not the same Vin by the end. She develops at a steady, logical pace, she pushes herself, challenges herself, her fierceness is refreshing and very admirable. At times she frustrated me but she is young and has gone through such hardship, I would not have the same level of appreciation for her by the end if I didn’t see the struggles she battled with throughout.
“There is beauty in compassion, but one must learn wisdom too.”
Alongside the rest of the supporting cast this is a very heavy story, my emotions took a beating. Painful, raw, real.
Plots behind plots, plans behind plans. There was always another secret.
The complexities and details behind this story is meticulous planned, filled with twists, turns and suspense. The pacing suited me just fine, it could be considered slow but this is a book where you don’t quite realise the significance of what you’re reading until more of the pieces fall together. I really enjoyed it. I remember finishing this story and immediately ordering book two.
“If men should read these words, let them know that power is a heavy burden. Seek not to be bound by its chains.”
The magic system felt very unique and rooted in the world. This is no magic where you can do whatever you like, there are clearly defined rules, risks and limitations. Using metals to gain certain powers this magic is incredibly well-integrated into the plot, leading to exhilarating fight scenes and strategic depth that will keep you guessing. At least it did for me!
Would I recommend?
This was a great book and a fantastic experience. World-building, revolution, action, suspense and scheming. This is a story about the cost of freedom and unbalanced power. I cannot wait to keep up with this series!