Science 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.

Background

Published in 2011, “The Alloy of Law” by Brandon Sanderson is a fantasy adventure that takes place 300 years after the events of the original Mistborn trilogy. The story introduces Waxillium Ladrian, a noble-turned-lawman who returns to the metropolis of Elendel after years spent in the untamed Roughs. Wax, possessing Allomantic and Feruchemical powers, must navigate a new era of technology, blending magic with industrial-age innovations.

My Thoughts

Although, it’s hard to miss the pun of the names of the main characters and the fundamental concepts of metallurgy are still too far fetched, I really enjoyed the book. Wax is a fun character without being over the top and Wayne does a great job at the comic relief. Throw in a young woman infatuated with the protagonist and you have yourself a story. This story however, leaves the main character pining for his late wife and he is refraining from the woman throughout the book. It was an interesting counterpoint to the usual tension between a potential couple.

As usual, found Sanderson’s writing to be engaging and just plain fun to read.

Recommendation

Great book, I’m excited for the next one in the series.

Background

Published in 2020, “The Original”, co-written by Brandon Sanderson and Mary Robinette Kowal is a sci-fi thriller set in a future where clones are used for justice. The protagonist, Holly, wakes up to find herself as a replica tasked with hunting her original self, who is accused of murder. As she unravels the truth about her existence and the society she lives in, Holly only has a few days to find the killer and solve the problem.

My Thoughts

This was a pretty quick read and not the best concept. There were a few fundamental problems with the story that do not make sense. (Building clones seems to be a pretty wasteful and elaborate way to find someone and take them to justice. Add to that all the collateral damage the clone did and the story falls apart pretty fast.) However, if you are willing to ignore some of those issues, the book was fun and kept my attention.

Recommendation

While not his best work, I did enjoy it.

Background

Published in 2015, “Hell’s Foundations Quiver” is the eighth book of David Weber’s Safehold series. The conflict between the Charisian Empire and the Church of God Awaiting continues to escalate. Emperor Cayleb and Empress Sharleyan continue their struggle to liberate Safehold from the Church’s technological and ideological stranglehold. As new alliances are forged, the Empire advances in its technological innovations with Merlin Athrawes’ guidance, bringing the conflict to a critical turning point. Amidst political and military upheaval, Weber deepens the themes of faith, rebellion, and the cost of progress.

My Thoughts

This one wasn’t quite as much of a push as the last Safehold book. Technology has progressed past ironclads and now has WWI style swivel mount guns. Shotguns are introduced, along with lighters, and prop propelled ships.

There is some interesting interplay with personality between Merlin and Namoo. The book explores how people can change given their differing circumstances. It’s a interesting take on the nature and nurture dichotomy.

Recommendation

In for a penny, in for a pound… I’m going to finish it, but you certainly don’t have to.

Background

Published in 2014, “Like a Mighty Army” is the seventh book in David Weber’s Safehold series. The story continues the on going saga of the Empire of Charis as it battles the oppressive Church of God Awaiting on the planet Safehold. As Emperor Cayleb and Empress Sharleyan strive to unify the world and advance their society, they are aided by Merlin Athrawes, a cybernetic avatar with the memories of a long-dead woman. The novel explores the escalating conflict as both sides adopt new technologies and strategies, leading to pivotal battles that will shape the future of humanity. Themes of faith, freedom, and innovation are woven throughout, highlighting the struggle against tyranny and the quest for enlightenment.

My Thoughts

I can’t really put my finger on why, but I’m burning out on the series. I had to push a few times to continue the story. There were plenty of good narratives, side stories, drama and so on that I would expect to keep my attention. However, this one was a hard push.

Recommendation

It is still a good story. However, it is book seven so read the preceding books or you will find yourself very lost.

Background

Published in 2012, “Midst Toil and Tribulation,” the sixth book in David Weber’s Safehold series, continues the struggle between the Empire of Charis and the Church of God Awaiting. Following the civil war in the Republic of Siddarmark, Emperor Cayleb and Empress Sharleyan of Charis attempt to prepare to assist Siddarmark against the Church’s invasion. More technologies emerge including steam-power, ironclads, agricultural equipment, and more weaponry that continue to give Charis the edge.

My Thoughts

This book was focused more on the longer term impacts of developing technology and adapting to change. Such as the move from columned musket men to strategic rifle fire. Consistent with this series, has been the fun of seeing how the author blends together decades of technological advancement in less than a year and watching the characters deal with that disruption. That was more evident in this installment than the others.

Recommendation

I’m excited to see what comes next.