Fiction

Background

Published in 20212, “The Emperor’s Soul” by Brandon Sanderson is a standalone novella set in the Cosmere universe. Blending intricate magic with philosophical questions about identity and art, the story follows Shai, a forger and skilled thief, who is captured after attempting to steal a priceless artifact. Facing execution, Shai is given an impossible task: to recreate the soul of the Emperor Ashravan, who has been left brain-dead after an assassination attempt.

Using her mastery of Forgery (a magical art that alters an object’s history to transform its present) Shai must craft a new soul for the Emperor within 100 days, all while under the watchful eyes of her captors. As she delves into Ashravan’s life to understand and recreate him, Shai reflects on the nature of identity, creativity, and the value of true artistry.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book as short as it was (a mere 176 pages so barely a paragraph for Sanderson). His books always seem have some interesting rules for forces bringing the fantastic to the plot. However, once I become accustomed to how things work, I forget the ridiculous and fall into the story. This was certainly the case here. This type of investiture, to use the Cosmere term, was pretty imaginative. A “forger” could rewrite the history of an object to change the reality of that object. So, a broken item can be remade or a whole item can be broken… or a person could be modified or even rewritten.

Shai was very likable character and though she is criminal, she was easy to root for as she struggles for freedom and success. Sanderson didn’t have much time to go into too many characters in depth, but this story could easily spawn sequels and perhaps an entire series.

Recommendation

Great book. I enjoyed it.

Background

Published in 2007, “Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians”, is the first book in Brandon Sanderson’s Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians series. Readers are introduced to Alcatraz Smedry, an ordinary 13-year-old boy with a knack for breaking things—until he discovers that his “talent” is actually a powerful magical ability. On his birthday, Alcatraz receives a mysterious bag of sand and is plunged into a secret war against the Evil Librarians, a group that controls knowledge and history to maintain their grip on power.

My Thoughts

This was a fun book was an interesting premise. Much like Pixar films or the world of Harry Potter, this universe is portrayed as along side our own. Sanderson has done a great job of creating a whole new world complete with hidden continents, peoples, technologies, and all of it is being kept from “The Hushlanders” better know as us. The book uses a narration style commenting directly on the literary devices employed through the plot. The result is a fun and whimsical narrative that not only exposes readers to writing methods and terminology but also teaches these concepts directly through its self-aware use and first-person commentary.

Recommendation

I enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the series.

Background

Published in 2022, “The Lost Metal” is the fourth and final book in Brandon Sanderson’s Wax and Wayne series, set within the Mistborn universe. This novel concludes the saga of Waxillium “Wax” Ladrian, a lawman-turned-senator, as he confronts the enigmatic organization known as the Set. Alongside his companions—Wayne, Marasi, and Steris—Wax uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the stability of their world, Scadrial.

My Thoughts

This was a fitting end to the series and Sanderson did a good job of tying up enough loose ends to leave it alone while allowing enough unfinished to continue on the story if wanted. This book put together several of pieces of Sanderson’s Cosmere and answered several questions about how his literary worlds are connected.

This book continued the fast pace action and intrigue we see throughout the series. Wayne continued to be one of my favorite characters with his quips, talents, and his good heart. It was enjoyable to watch the characters through their developmental arcs and the plot left them in a good place.

Recommendation

I enjoyed the book and the series as a whole.

Background

Published in 2016, “The Bands of Mourning” is the third novel in Brandon Sanderson’s Wax and Wayne series, set in the Mistborn universe. The story follows lawman Waxillium “Wax” Ladrian as he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the mythical Bands of Mourning. Accompanied by his loyal companions Wayne, Marasi, and Steris, Wax’s journey leads him to the city of New Seran and beyond, where he confronts new technologies, uncovers hidden secrets, and faces the enigmatic organization known as the Set. The novel blends elements of fantasy, steampunk, and detective fiction, exploring themes of identity, power, and the evolution of society. Sanderson’s intricate world-building and dynamic character development offer readers a compelling continuation of the Mistborn saga.

My Thoughts

It’s interesting to see the progression of technology through this series as the population mirrors our own in many ways. Of course, we don’t have mistborn among us, but it is fun to see Sanderson’s view of how we would cope if we did.

I enjoyed the character arc of Steris through this novel. Though she was present in the previous books, her character was presented as unpleasant and shallow. The ending was unexpected and enjoyable. Everyone loves a good Hallmark ending, yet it presents problems with where to go from here. However, the surprise change in the villain should give fertile ground for new directions.

Recommendation

Not as good as the last, but still worth the read. I’m excited for the next installment in the series.

Background

Published in 2015., “Shadows of Self” is the second book in Brandon Sanderson’s Wax and Wayne series, set in the Mistborn universe. In this installment, Wax, along with his partners Wayne and Marasi, investigates a series of murders that threaten to destabilize the city. Their pursuit leads them to confront a rogue kandra named Paalm, who has gone mad and seeks to incite chaos. As they delve deeper, they uncover a conspiracy that challenges their understanding of law, justice, and the very nature of their society.

My Thoughts

This book expands into the uses of differing metals giving abilities to characters. Sanderson does a good job of thinking through what a society with these “metal-born” citizens may look like and how they would get along. I find myself wishing I had read this series some time ago before I read so many of his books.

The story itself was compelling and enjoyable. I found myself actually laughing a few times and I enjoyed the ending.

Recommendation

This is one where the 2nd was better than the first. I’m excited for the next book.