Jessica’s Insights

Book Insights: The Mistborn Trilogy

This week, I will be reviewing a book. The book I have chosen to give my insights on is actually three books. It’s my all-time favorite trilogy.

The books are called Mistborn.

From the blurb on Amazon:

“For a thousand years the ash fell and no flowers bloomed. For a thousand years the Skaa slaved in misery and lived in fear. For a thousand years the Lord Ruler, the “Sliver of Infinity,” reigned with absolute power and ultimate terror, divinely invincible. Then, when hope was so long lost that not even its memory remained, a terribly scarred, heart-broken half-Skaa rediscovered it in the depths of the Lord Ruler’s most hellish prison. Kelsier “snapped” and found in himself the powers of a Mistborn. A brilliant thief and natural leader, he turned his talents to the ultimate caper, with the Lord Ruler himself as the mark.”

“Kelsier recruited the underworld’s elite, the smartest and most trustworthy allomancers, each of whom shares one of his many powers, and all of whom relish a high-stakes challenge. Only then does he reveal his ultimate dream, not just the greatest heist in history, but the downfall of the divine despot.“

“But even with the best criminal crew ever assembled, Kel’s plan looks more like the ultimate long shot, until luck brings a ragged girl named Vin into his life. Like him, she’s a half-Skaa orphan, but she’s lived a much harsher life. Vin has learned to expect betrayal from everyone she meets, and gotten it. She will have to learn to trust, if Kel is to help her master powers of which she never dreamed.”

“This saga dares to ask a simple question: What if the hero of prophecy fails?”

 Okay, so first of all, Sanderson is a genius. He crafts stories and worlds that are mesmerizing. Complex. Beautiful.

If you are a writer and you want to learn world building, read the Mistborn Trilogy. The world Sanderson has created is astounding. It contains complex political systems and a unique culture.

The characters have compelling voices and stories. They feel real. Quirky, unique. It seems like every time I reread the series, I find a new character that I adore.

There is a large cast of characters and Sanderson handles it beautifully. Even with multiple points of view, the book maintains its quick pace and exciting plot.

The best advice I can give if you want to pick up this series: you can read book one and then wait a bit to read book two. But when you get close to the end of book 2, just have book 3 on hand and ready to go. You’ll want to put down book 2 and immediately pick up book 3. Trust me.

When I first read the series, book 3 was on hold at the library. I had to wait. It was rough.

I’ve read through the entire series at least five times. With every read through, I find more carefully laid details. The foreshadowing is genius. It is a masterpiece.

Five out of five stars.

What is your favorite book or series?