So I am sure everyone has already read – The Final Empire #bookreview

Why did no one tell me about Brandon Sanderson?

Well?

I’m waiting?

Seriously, how am I only now discovering the wonderfully crafted fantasy masterpiece that is The Mistborn series? Goodreads tells me that The Final Empire was first published way, way back in 2006. 13 years ago. 13.

I will admit that I don’t read near enough fantasy, I go through little stints and then move on to my usual genres – crime, drama, women’s fiction (HATE that term). It’s like historical novels, non-fiction and sci-fi, I always wonder why I don’t read more…but well time. And life. And family. And a dog. And all the usual daily drudgery.

Book Blurb

A thousand years ago evil came to the land and has ruled with an iron hand ever since. The sun shines fitfully under clouds of ash that float down endlessly from the constant eruption of volcanoes. A dark lord rules through the aristocratic families and ordinary folk are condemned to lives in servitude, sold as goods, labouring in the ash fields.

But now a troublemaker has arrived and there is a rumour of revolt. A revolt that depends on criminal that no-one can trust and a young girl who must master Allomancy – the magic that lies in all metals.

It has been a while since a book grabbed my attention quite like The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson did. I was hooked. I realise the term – I was hooked – can and does get bandied about quite a bit, but in this case, it was true. I read the first page of The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson and didn’t stop until my eyes were dry and sore. I never finished it one sitting because, well with nearly 700 pages of small writing – who has the time? But I did race through it.

I kind of feel that 5* doesn’t seem like a high enough rating. 

I give The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson ALL the stars.

It has a brilliant story.

Fantastic characters.

Great world building.

And a superb cliff-hanger ending.

I’m just going to say it again. Because I can. The world building is great. Wonderful. Tremendous. I can’t really get the words out to adequately describe how much I enjoyed the complete feel of the world. Plus, the magic of Allomancy is so interesting.

I loved the female main character – Vin, who was strong, resourceful and independent. She is probably one of the best female characters that I’ve read in a high fantasy story. I enjoyed following her story as she developed and grew in cunning, wit and power. She was just a bit awesome and certainly no damsel in distress.

As with all my favourite – favourite – favourite reads I loved all the minor characters and even those with the smallest of parts to play still read well drawn out. The story, the world building, the characterisation all felt complete.  

I absolutely loved it! Loved every page. 

I feel like I could easily sum up this whole review in one word – EPIC.

And isn’t it a beautiful cover?

Now I am almost scared to ask… What else have I missed? Aside from book 2 which I will get too soon!

I purchased a copy of The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson.