[Book Review] The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson (#1 Mistborn Trilogy)

There are very few books that leave me speechless and The Final Empire has carved it's way there. I read this book in a week and finished it last night. The reaction it got from me was something even I didn't expect. There is so much I have heard about this series, but none of them did justice to the brilliant work of art this is. Last night, when I finished reading, I stared at the book for five whole minutes before I went to bed. In that moment, I knew whatever I write or however I review this book, would never be enough. Nevertheless, I plan to try. If you want to read the blurb, scroll down to the end of the post.

My plan for this review is to prepare a listicle of the 7 reasons why everyone should read The Final Empire. This is followed by just one contingent drawback.

7 Reasons Why The Final Empire Should Be On Your TBR

#1 Sanderson has some crazy world-building skills

The only other time when I have appreciated world-building at this level was when JK Rowling came up with the Harry Potter series. As an aspiring author, I cannot imagine the work that Brandon Sanderson has put into creating the Final Empire. It is believable, real and if I did get a chance I would want to visit (Yes, despite the oppression and caste differences). This is no amateur's work, Sanderson has explored not only superpowers, but also their deficiencies. He has created creatures of the dark that will seem creepy at moments. There is just so much more to this world than I can ever type. So please do me a favour and pick up this gorgeous book?

#2 Real Characters That You Will Feel and Love

This book has tons of characters and you will love all of them. I have never seen a book with more diversity than this one. Sanderson has given each of them stakes higher than anything. Not just that, but what I love most about the book is how the characters grow as people. It is lovely to read over the course of the book about how Vin realizes that friendship is a lot more important than saving your skin or how not everyone betrays you after all. Kelseir, the other male protagonist, also grows in so many ways and by the end of the book I can't help but smile to myself and feel really proud. I wish I knew them all and I wish I was a part of the most amazing crew of all times.

#3 An Emotional Roller Coaster

By the time this book ended, I was in tears. There is death. This book is full of death, death that will make you weep at night. It was hard to believe that I was so attached to these characters. I held my breath when they faced the Lord Ruler or the inquisitors and I cried when one of them died. My heart lurched every single time I thought they were going to fail. This is rule number 1 in writing - make your readers care about your story and your characters. This book nailed it.

#4 A Big Book (YAAY)

While I love big book once in a while, I always tend to find boring bits in each of them. Pacing that is too slow, stuff that doesn't make sense or parts that could have been totally avoided. The Final Empire has 600+ pages and each of them is as interesting as the other. In short, get the book and you will devour it.

#5 A Fight Against Real Problems (Oppression, Caste Differences, Betrayal, Rebellion)

There are so many important issues that contribute to this book's amazing story arch. A few of them are rebelling against oppression, tyranny, exploiting women's rights and caste differences. It brings a sense of unity by the end of the book when you see the oppressed fight back. I love that moment of realization.

#6 Messages Of Friendship and Loyalty

Vin has been told ever since she was a child that everyone will betray her. She does not understand friendship and loyalty. But when she meets and unlikely crew and watches them trust each other, she thinks of them as fools. But as the book progresses, she realizes that friendship is important and maybe she can learn to trust people by taking a risk after all.

#7 A Gut-Wrentching End That Will Mesmerize You

JUST.READ.THE BOOK.

If you are still curious, I assure you that you will love it. I loved it. I am still not over it.

Well, here we go. 7 absolutely amazing reasons for you to pick this book up. There was only one tiny contingent drawback in this book that I felt. I would have liked to know more of the antagonist but since that may be explained in the sequel, I hold my horses.

If you read this book based on my recommendation, please let me know @writingyouthereviewsyouneed on Instagram or leave a comment below.

Here's the blurb for you lovelies:

Where ash falls from the sky, and mist dominates the night, evil cloaks the land and stifles all life. Criminal mastermind Kelsier teaches Allomancy, the magic of metals, to another Mistborn, urchin Vin 16. The unlikely heroine is distracted by rich Venture heir Elend. Can Kelsier's thieving crew take on the tyrant Lord Ruler and bring back colour to their world?