The Hero of Ages by Brandon SandersonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
There's always another secret
That sums up the Mistborn trilogy, and it's a fitting motto. I had to give this book a five-star review because of how tightly it fits all the mysteries and half-truths we learned in the course of the trilogy.
As a fantasy-fan and fellow author, what Brandon Sanderson did here is stunning. Amazing. Watertight. His world-building is made even more amazing by the fact it all goes back to the first book, without incoherences or made-up stuff.
I found myself smiling through most of this last book, or laughing at how stupid I had been, since I hadn't figured it all out. But this series of books is so well-crafted, that what you overlook as a throwaway comment is actually a big part of the story.
There are some issues, though. Some plotlines plod along while others with more potential are barely shown. I think Sanderson's dialogue is ok, his prose is not the most stunning. But his worldbuilding, his plotting and his rhythm are perfect. And he has some truly satisfying lines, especially when he pulls a move that makes total sense and you barely saw coming.
But the sheer magnitude of the author's accomplishment dwarfs any weaknesses. I spent half the book wondering how he would make all the juxtaposed plotlines fit, thinking he wouldn't have the time or that it would be unsatisfying. I should have had more faith. I should have trusted him more.
And that's the message of this trilogy, and it's a good one. It doesn't feel like a cliche. I was smiling at the end, though I was sad for some of the characters. But the twists and turns in this story are deeply satisfying. I was betting on a different outcome, though. I thought Elend would end up being the Hero of Ages. I was wrong, but I was never happier to find out I was.
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