Reviews

The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

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kiki_tuomi's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

halthemonarch's review against another edition

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4.0

I’m fluctuating between a four and a five rating because, although this book checked all of my fantasy novel boxes, it wasn’t absolutely perfect. Still, star ratings are less how the reader likes a book and more how well a book delivers on the promise of its premise and ideology. This book was everything it promised it was; there was political intrigue, a goofy gang of found family, a thief infiltrating high society by pretending to be nobility, a captivating and engaging magic system— okay, so maybe I’ll stick with five after all.
I just wish that Sanderson had gone with a different twist. If the tyrant Lord Ruler had actually been the man from the pages of the codex Sazed was translating, or that Kelsier and the Lord Ruler were the same man— that perhaps the legends of Kelsier would meet the absolute power that is the Lord Ruler and do something more upsetting than fail. As I was reading I found myself hoping for something like that and when I read the end I was more than a little disappointed.
I understand he used feurochemy to do his thing, but in none of his attempted assassinations did someone try to dismember his body? why Wouldn’t beheading work on a combination feurochemist/allomancer, even one who was using a trick to pretend immortality? Granted it was probably only easy to sneak up on him because he was at his weakest. But I expected more than Vin just yeeting his life bangles out of a window.
Wow I can’t believe I haven’t even mentioned my girl Vin. My poor soft ebony raven child. I loved going with her to learn with each of the allomancy masters in Kelsier’s crew and I loved going with her to the balls. I love her initial meeting with Elund and I love how her brother is redeemed slightly in her heart by the end of the book, that maybe going forward she might have a growing view on love. I love how much she reminds me of my friend’s cat Lily; stalking in the corner and watching you with wide eyes until she’s got something to say.
The plot meanders?? I feel like I say that a lot but this book was pretty long and I’ve had a day to digest and I still can’t really hammer out the keyframes in the plot. I’m kind of a space case though and first books are usually reserves for exposition anyway. Sanderson really finds ways to make this fun and enjoyable. I don’t remember wanting to put it down once I picked it up.

brickbrick's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

justjerma's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

theravenkingx's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

If you're a fan of "Six of Crows" or are seeking a beginner-friendly adult fantasy, then this book is definitely for you.

Let's keep it simple. If, like me, you haven't yet embarked on Brandon Sanderson's journey, then consider this review a sign that you should start reading his work ASAP.

This book may be a giant, but I managed to devour this 600+ page behemoth in just three sittings. It boasts an engrossing plot, compelling characters, and a magic system unlike anything I've encountered in other fantasy novels. The writing is straightforward, and the author has done a remarkable job of constructing a complex world without overwhelming the reader with excessive exposition.

The magic system is uniquely based on ingesting certain metals to harness their powers. However, this system has its limitations and doesn't always provide an advantage, as enemies can wield the magic as well.

Each character in this book is intricately crafted with depth and relatability. The main characters, Kelsier and Vin, are complex individuals who sometimes make rash and unexpected decisions.

The character that stood out to me is Hammond. Although a side character, he is so well-developed and relatable. Ham is a brilliant combination of strength and intellect, a warrior-scholar who can discuss philosophy just as easily as he can wield a hammer in battle. What makes him relatable is his tendency to overthink and his unique perspective. He often serves as the voice of reason within the group. His unwavering moral compass and gentle nature compel the reader to see a different side of the story.

I could relate to him because I also tend to overthink matters from various perspectives.

One of the best aspects of Brandon Sanderson's books is their meticulous planning. Every backstory, piece of information, historical detail, and religious element serves a purpose. Everything comes together in the end, creating a cohesive and satisfying conclusion.

Oh and you can read this book as a standalone. The book ends without any cliffhanger.