The Final Empire
by Brandon Sanderson
I talk a little bit about myself in the (ahem) About Me section, one of the things I mentioned was how much I adore Robert Jordan’s epic 14-book saga WOT (Wheel of Time), which took me more than 15 years to finish.
As book 11 comes to an end, I find out about Robert Jordan’s passing. While this is obviously tragic for him and his family, it also affects millions of followers who will never be able to finish the story that Jordan began all those years ago.
This is where Brandon Sanderson steps in, and boy does he step in. The expectation and reluctance from the fandom were, for want of a better word, crazy immense. However, and much to the delight of the majority of fans, Sanderson completely knocked it out of the park with his contributions, for which we will always be grateful to him. Completing book 14 was the precise moment when I became an avid fan of his works. Soon after WOT (there is a whole mourning process there, which I won’t go into), I devoured anything written by Sanderson – the first book being The Final Empire. I was not disappointed.
Brandon Sanderson’s “The Final Empire” is an absolute corker. Imagine a world where magic is as real as the air we breathe, and rebellion simmers beneath the surface. This epic fantasy novel, the first in the Mistborn trilogy (there’s an Era 2 quadrilogy – is that a word? I don’t know, and Era 3 in the works), plunges us into the gritty realm of Scadrial, where the immortal Lord Ruler holds dominion.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD:
In terms of main characters – meet Vin, a street-smart skaa orphan. She’s got that mix of vulnerability and grit that draws you in. However, our Vin is no ordinary girl. Hidden within her is a dormant magic, waiting to be unleashed.
Enter Kelsier, the rebel with a charisma overload. He’s leading a ragtag crew against the Lord Ruler’s iron-fisted regime. But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill rebellion. Nope, it’s fueled by Allomancy – a mind-bending magic system where ingesting and “burning” metals grant extraordinary abilities – I will read all things fantasy, but this magic and the way it is explained are unique and very accessible (looking at you Malazan). Kelsier’s plan? Nothing short of audacious: take down the seemingly invincible Lord Ruler – the bad guy!! It’s completely high-stakes, with plot twists galore. Unexpected alliances form, sacrifices are made, and suspense on every page. Sanderson’s writing keeps you teetering on the edge, desperate to know what happens next – he really does have a knack for finishing the story with a bang!!!
Anyways – character arcs. Vin’s journey is brilliant. From a wary street urchin to a Mistborn—a wielder of Allomantic might—her growth feels real. And then there’s Elend Venture, the brooding noble with a heart of gold. Their slow-burning romance adds sweetness to the darkness that envelops them – I will have to add that fantasy, for me anyway, doesn’t do romance right, but here I think the romance was just right and not too in your face as it were.
One of the standout elements of The Final Empire is the revelation about the Lord Ruler and the true nature of his immortality. Sanderson subverts expectations by providing a nuanced portrayal of the seemingly tyrannical ruler, leading to questions about the morality of the rebellion they’ve been cheering for.
As I said earlier, Brandon Sanderson is a master of bringing all the seemingly unconnected threads of a story to a climax is nothing short of breathtaking. Kelsier’s big moment and Vin’s confrontation with the Lord Ruler showcase everything about Brandon Sanderson’s mastery, and you’ll hold your breath and tug your braid as the pieces fall into place, leaving you both heartbroken and exhilarated.
This is book one of three of Era 1 and it sets the perfect stage for the subsequent stories – can’t wait for you to know Wax and Wayne. As soon as I finished The Final Empire, I wanted to know more and explore the consequences of the rebellion and the fate of the world. What sacrifices will be made? What secrets lie hidden in the mists? I’m a big fan; “The Final Empire” in my view is an amazing fantasy story. Brandon Sanderson’s world-building prowess, well-crafted characters, and innovative magic system make this book a must-read for fans of epic fantasy. The unexpected twists and turns, coupled with a satisfying conclusion, ensure that readers will eagerly dive into the next installment of the Mistborn trilogy pretty much immediately.
So, grab a cup of tea (or a vial of mist, if you’re feeling adventurous), smooth your skirts, and dive into “The Final Empire.” There will be a lot of braid tugging, but you won’t regret it.
Mistborn 2: The Well of Ascension
Mistborn 3: The Hero of Ages