544 pages
English language
Published Aug. 7, 2006 by Tor.
This is a fantasy heist novel, where a band of thieves attempt to overthrow an evil overlord. The magic system used is very unique and fun to read about. There's just enough suspense that you want to keep reading but also enough answers that it's a satisfying read.
The first quarter of the book is weak, boring, and I almost stopped reading. Is good that I didn't because the story, narration, and overall writing gets much better. What I like about the story is that it shows the flaws in the characters and the consequences making them more alive as opposed to too fictional because of obvious plot armor.
I can't say I wasn't entertained, but somehow I wasn't 100% sold. The characters were relatable, and I liked the general comradery of the main characters.
It was a good change from my usual fare, even though the magic system (which was cool) felt a bit too much like science fiction with it's many rules and identifiable patterns.
What a relief this book was. I read Brandon Sanderson's first book, Elantris, back in Alaska and I thought it was pretty amateurish. When I heard he was the author that would be finishing Robert Jordan's last Wheel of Time novel, I got worried. Luckily, with Mistborn: The Final Empire, he has laid my fears to rest.
Here is an example of his ability to write a complex world with an intricate magical system, more than a handful of characters working on several plot lines at once, and not drop the ball with a deus ex machina. I've already picked up book two and will most likely finish it soon.
