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A review by jiobiee
The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
OVERALL: 9/10, or 4.5/5, rounded to 5 stars.
This is everything a fantasy adventure epic should be. The plot is gripping, the characters are likable, their development meaningful, and though it is dense it is by no means slow or meandering. And the magic system... oh, the magic system! Learning about the ways allomancy and feruchemy work in tandem with the world around it is an absolute delight. I'd read a book on the study of Scadrian magic <i>alone</i>.
I found myself quickly endeared to this group of characters who, on a first glance, seem like nothing special as far as fantasy character tropes go. And to be fair to a few critics- these characters are not spectacular because they reinvent the wheel. These characters are as likable as they are because the way they grow and develop over the course of the novel is handled incredibly well. Vin is, by all means, poised to become the cliche whiny-YA-chosen-one heroine that we've all come to dread in our fiction, but Vin's insecurities, anxieties, and weaknesses are handled tactfully. Her instincts- her natural wit and ability- are what propel her forward, and it is refreshing to see a main heroine who stumbles realistically in the pursuit of her goals. Kelsier develops a brotherly/fatherly relationship with her after taking her under his wing and it really does tug at your heartstrings, especially when shit starts to get insane in the last 20% of the book . Sazed is my favorite of the characters introduced so far; I'm fascinated by the Terrismen Keepers and his collection and suggestion of faith is very endearing to me.
Sanderson's biggest strength here is the magic system, which is so meticulously designed and defined by its limitations- discovering these limitations alongside our protagonist is a joy. Choosing to primarily follow a character that is simultaneously learning how to use magic alongside the audience is a great way to place us both on an even playing field, and I was theorizing and playing with ideas in my own head on how certain allomantic actions may play out. I'd gleefully write books about the study of allomancy if I could. This magic system blends flawlessly with his action sequences, too, which are delightfully cinematic and had me at the edge of my seat.
Where the book suffers, though, is its dialogue. The characters may be endearing, but they are endearing in spite of Sanderson’s clunky, unnatural dialogue, not because of it. Actions speak louder than words here. I can see why people may be put off of this first book for that reason. I also think thatVin’s romance with Elend lacked a proper build, because while there is chemistry, it had an unsatisfying rising action that led to this book’s conclusion .
I had a blast reading this and I felt deeply for the crew and their antics. I cannot wait to continue the series. Consider me hooked!
”Men rarely see their own actions as unjustified.”
This is everything a fantasy adventure epic should be. The plot is gripping, the characters are likable, their development meaningful, and though it is dense it is by no means slow or meandering. And the magic system... oh, the magic system! Learning about the ways allomancy and feruchemy work in tandem with the world around it is an absolute delight. I'd read a book on the study of Scadrian magic <i>alone</i>.
I found myself quickly endeared to this group of characters who, on a first glance, seem like nothing special as far as fantasy character tropes go. And to be fair to a few critics- these characters are not spectacular because they reinvent the wheel. These characters are as likable as they are because the way they grow and develop over the course of the novel is handled incredibly well. Vin is, by all means, poised to become the cliche whiny-YA-chosen-one heroine that we've all come to dread in our fiction, but Vin's insecurities, anxieties, and weaknesses are handled tactfully. Her instincts- her natural wit and ability- are what propel her forward, and it is refreshing to see a main heroine who stumbles realistically in the pursuit of her goals. Kelsier develops a brotherly/fatherly relationship with her after taking her under his wing and it really does tug at your heartstrings
Sanderson's biggest strength here is the magic system, which is so meticulously designed and defined by its limitations- discovering these limitations alongside our protagonist is a joy. Choosing to primarily follow a character that is simultaneously learning how to use magic alongside the audience is a great way to place us both on an even playing field, and I was theorizing and playing with ideas in my own head on how certain allomantic actions may play out. I'd gleefully write books about the study of allomancy if I could. This magic system blends flawlessly with his action sequences, too, which are delightfully cinematic and had me at the edge of my seat.
Where the book suffers, though, is its dialogue. The characters may be endearing, but they are endearing in spite of Sanderson’s clunky, unnatural dialogue, not because of it. Actions speak louder than words here. I can see why people may be put off of this first book for that reason. I also think that
I had a blast reading this and I felt deeply for the crew and their antics. I cannot wait to continue the series. Consider me hooked!
”Men rarely see their own actions as unjustified.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Death, Genocide, Gore, Physical abuse, Slavery, Torture, and Violence
Minor: Body horror, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Blood