CONTAINS SPOILERS
The third book in the mistborn trilogy is the clear winner. It answers all of the questions you were left with after books one and two. The excerpts from what the reader can guess to be Sazed in the future are what drive this book forward. In each excerpt Sanderson reveals a truth from this world. It’s very intoxicating being able to find out a tidbit at the end of each chapter.
This book was similar to the first two in that I didn’t care for either Elend or Vin’s storyline as much as the supporting characters. Spook’s storyline in Urteau is the most intriguing. I actually prefer all of the other storylines to Vin’s.
I find this book difficult to stay with at times. The pace is super slow. Details of the world are extremely detailed and intricate. Sanderson does a great job of over explaining when it is necessary. It is warranted for the majority of this novel because the story is so complex. At some points during the book there are four or more plotlines simultaneously unfolding. Along with that Sanderson is also unraveling the inner workings of the world. It’s very bold, and of course he is pulling it off in superb fashion.
The major problem I’m having with this book is that I’m not invested in the main story arc. I’m not sure if that is because its just not my thing. But that doesn’t make sense because I like the other character arcs. I know that it can’t be because of the writing. Sanderson’s writing is quite beautiful. It’s easy to tell that he is a master of his craft. I just don’t really care about Vin and Elend. I don’t feel invested in them at all.
It’s strange because I find the brief explanations at the end of each chapter fascinating. the magic system is awesome and the fact that you continue to learn more as you go is amazing. The dynamic between preservation and ruin is intriguing as well. I’m eager to find out more about the gods and how they coexist. I’m just missing something with Vin and Elend. I’m not sure exactly what is putting me off but it’s definitely holding me back from wanting to complete this book.
It might just be that I want to read different books at the same time at the moment. I’m not going straight through books like I normally would. I’m moving slowly through a couple of books. I’m enjoying listening to The Hero of Ages everyday. I just don’t seem to want to go full speed ahead. Maybe its just how I’m feeling toward reading at the moment? Interesting…
I’m currently listening to the audio book at work. Again, I’m much more interested in spooks storyline than the others. I’m around page 400. It feels like there is so much more mystery and intrigue to that plotline. Also, Tensoon hasn’t been mentioned for a while. Hopefully that part of the story can pick back up soon.
I find Elend and Vin downright dumb sometimes. They try to do the the most outrageous tactics all of the time or at least what they believe is bold. Meanwhile as the reader your thinking “how could they be more obvious.” I don’t want to spoil anything so I won’t mention exactly what they do but trust me, it’s stupid. I’m sure something interesting will come of it but I just can’t get past how dumb their decision was.
You have to be kidding… as soon as I write this down some big reveal has to happen. I feel pretty dumb.
The preservation versus ruin ‘war’ has been great. Sanderson keeps giving little nuggets through Sazed and I’m loving it. This entire novel has a feeling as if the answers to all your questions are right outside your grasp. That feeling is what keeps drawing me back in. Even though the pace is very monotonous I can’t help but be humbled by the world Sanderson has built. The amount of different storylines as well as the overarching cold war is so bold. I’m about three quarters of the way through and the pace is finally starting to pick up. I can’t help but think that the ending is going to blow me away. Just a hunch.
The momentum in this book is palpable. Slowly as the reader learns information, so do the characters. Once you get three quarters in the speed picks up tremendously. The clues that Sanderson leaves are just enough to make the audience feel as if there is something more to this story. Meanwhile Sanderson is harboring secrets. I’m so close to being finished! So much has been revealed and I still feel like there is more to learn. I really don’t know where this is headed. I can’t seem to piece together how this book will conclude. The second half of this book is paced so much better then the first. It seems as if Sanderson is writing with a sense of urgency now. I’m very excited to find out how this story ends.
The secondary stories are fantastic. They’re so good that it makes up for my dislike of Vin. I find myself clambering for the other characters involvement when the story is focused on Vin. I don’t care as much about her fight against ruin. I’m not sure if it is written to make the reader feel that way. Spook, Tensoon, Sazed, and Marsh all have amazing storylines. The world is so interesting. The secret about what each event means is so well done. If this trilogy had a different main character it would be spectacular.
I take back everything that I said. This ending is insane. One of the best fight sequences I’ve ever read. Vin is certified cool now. I like her character, I always did. Wow, I’m not even finished and this is still crazy.
I’ve only found one flaw with the plot. If ruin can see everything then how did he not see Sazed go to the Kandra homeland? He was also discussing the Terris religion and where the atium is stored with the first generation. It doesn’t make sense. I understand that Ruin can’t see metal but the were literally talking about the system the lord ruler used to hide the atium. Sazed opened the spot where Ruin’s body was hidden. How did he not see that? Did Vin really bamboozle him that badly? It’s confusing and doesn’t make much sense to me. Maybe I’m missing something.
It makes sense why Ruin couldn’t find the atium. Not only was he blind to it but it was also buried deep below the surface. But does that mean he couldn’t sense the Kandra homeland this entire time? Did he not see Sazed or Tensoon enter? I’m still very confused.
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