Book Review: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

This book was recommended to me by my brother. After months? Maybe a year? - of him reminding me to read this book, I finally was able to dive in. He ranted and raved so my expectations were pretty high. The intro was a bit slow as all high fantasy novels tend to be as it requires a lot of world building, character introduction, and plot set up.

Sanderson has created a very intricate, well planned, and therefore meaty setting for this series. That being said, it wasn't one that dragged on, your head hurting as it tries to compute all the information being thrown at. Where other authors fail to explain their world without putting their audience to sleep, Sanderson does a phenomenal job at explaining the impossible. Every element was important and explained concisely and clear enough to make it all easy to digest. He balances his world building by creating intrigue constantly. Action is spaced perfectly so that we do not lose focus. He keeps you awake and on your toes.

I have yet to read a book as unique and interesting as this series. Allomancy in itself is a work of art. There was not a stone unturned when he created his magic system. We learn as we go, just along side of one of our MC's - Vin. The world has lost all its color, its hope, and its empathy. It has been ruled for centuries by the Lord Ruler, someone long ago prophesied to save the world. Dark, grey mists rule the night, creating fear and unease amongst the skaa- those born too low to do much but work themselves to death. High society is cruel and is gifted among a few with powers to keep the skaa in line and the world in order. But like all stories, the little guys reach their breaking point and talk of rebellion begin to surface.

We journey alongside a group of thieves and craftsma—skilled with a small bit of magic from mixed bloodlines—as they struggle to create a rebellion to set things right amongst their world again. Our main characters are Vin and Kelsier. Both of whom will forever hold a place in my heart and can't wait to continue to see what kind of legacy they may leave. The crew that is formed within these pages is a perfect representation of what kind of legends can be created when there is enough heart, persistence, and diligence...even from the most unlikely bunch. They are as rough as they come but each individual character blooms.

The connections made throughout the book steal the show. The character development was beautiful and romance enough for me. Though there is a budding romance that we get every so often that has its potential! However, this is a fantasy novel written by a male so keep in mind, the romance we get is subtle, buried, and the equivalent to a peck on the cheek. It's cute. It's innocent and its budding.

Overall, this book was a fantastic read. I think it fell short of five stars for me only because it is the first in its series which means the world building took over most of it. Again, nothing near a snooze fest. It was a wonderful 4.5 star throughout the majority! A solid five stars for the last 1/4 of the book with potential 5 stars throughout the rest of the series. If you are looking for a fantasy series that is going to challenge the status quo, this is your guy.