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Mistborn: The Final Empire (Mistborn, #1)

Brandon Sanderson

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Aug 10, 2015 Thomas rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: dark, fantasy, 2015

I'm annoyed that the title on the cover is Mistborn, when the title page clearly states that the title is Mistborn: The Final Empire. Maybe I'm being too particular, but if the book is titled "Mistborn", I would expect the entire series to be in that book. Otherwise, why not put The Final Empire on the cover, as appropriate?

The novel is interesting in that it's a typical fantasy novel with a Medieval setting, magic, monsters, and a vague but evil nemesis, but it also wasn't a typical fantasy nov I'm annoyed that the title on the cover is Mistborn, when the title page clearly states that the title is Mistborn: The Final Empire. Maybe I'm being too particular, but if the book is titled "Mistborn", I would expect the entire series to be in that book. Otherwise, why not put The Final Empire on the cover, as appropriate?

The novel is interesting in that it's a typical fantasy novel with a Medieval setting, magic, monsters, and a vague but evil nemesis, but it also wasn't a typical fantasy novel at all. There are two main characters here: Kelsier, a lowborn skaa with Allomantic powers and a desire to free the other skaa from the tyranny of the nobility; and Vin, a thief who lives on the streets. Neither one is a king or princess hidden as child, and neither of them are part of a larger, foreseen destiny. The story as it develops is just one of people, without the usual fantasy tropes to define or hinder them. In addition, the usual arc of a fantasy novel is absent here, with a different ebb and flow of the plot. I hate to mention specifics, since it was a nice surprise to see how it shifted around, but it was definitely refreshing to see the story defy my expectations.

I've heard a lot of good about the Mistborn series, so my expectations might have been a little high, but this wasn't the level of story I was expecting based on its hype. It was a good read, and had engaging, interesting characters (as well as a concluding scene that was difficult to put down), but I'm at the point where all the Medieval fantasy novels I read will have to compare to Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, and it just doesn't hold up against it. It's a different type of fantasy story, yes, and I know it's unfair to compare the two series, but I can't help it. Martin's saga is the epitome of good, engaging fantasy, and I want more of that.

In addition, I was bothered by Vin consistently being called "Child" or "Girl" through most of the story. She's not the most confident or self-assured character at the start of the story (which is critical to her character, mind you), but she's at least competent, and deserving of more than condescension. Very few other characters actually called her by her name. I wasn't sure if this was supposed to be an indication of who the other characters were, or a portrayal of the setting and time, but it grated on me.

I liked the novel well enough to see it through (the ending certainly sets the stage for a larger, more complicated arc across the next two books), but it didn't have that kind of OOMPH that sets the really good novels apart from the rest. Who knows, though? Maybe by the time I finish the entire trilogy, I'll understand what all the fuss is about. ...more

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Jan 10, 2021 Lasairfiona rated it really liked it

Well realized and detailed world, clear characters, and a very visual style of storytelling - the thing played as a movie in my head. Character growth is somewhat limited but forgivable. But why do you want to read this book? The fight scenes. Seriously. They are so so so good. New mechanism and AND it makes fight scenes fantastic? Hell yes I'm in. The rest of the writing is plenty good enough for me to keep going. I like Sanderson's style - simple but very very very good for what it's shooting ...more

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Jun 17, 2023 Jennie rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: sci-fi-fantasy, abandoned

I’m giving up on this after 175 pages of all table-setting, no progress. There was an 8-page fight scene(!) that was preceded by 4 pages of “and then he did this with magic and jumped here and then jumped there”, and at page 175 it’s looking like we’re dangerously close to an 80’s-style training montage. I feel like I’m watching a video game and I could even hear the generic music playing in my head during that 8-page, ridiculously over-detailed fight scene. I’m tapping out after staring at the ...more

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Feb 01, 2018 Adrienne rated it really liked it

Shelves: type-ebook, 2018-new

It took me a really long time to finish this book, wow. I liked it a lot! I think I also had to be in a Mood for it because it is a bit too much fantasy for me—but the world is cool, and I like the powers here. I also really like Vin. I think, though, that I am in need of Romance in most series now if the premise is a bit out of my comfort zone, and there wasn’t enough for me... but I will finish the trilogy!

(Clearing my 2017 currently reading list one book at a time.)

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