Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #616158 in Books
• Published on: 2006-07-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 544 pages

Customer Reviews

Pleasantly surprised
I read this as i wanted to get a taste of what Brandon Sanderson is like as an author - have heard he is finishing the 'Wheel of Time' series, and i must say that i was pleasantly surprised.
First of all you have to get past the dreadful american artwork (the Uk artwork is much better, but that version hasn't been published yet - as an aside - do american fantasy publishers use the same artists as Jehovah's Witnesses do for their 'Watchtower' publication? There seems to be a striking similarity!)

Anyway, i thought the book was great. It felt a little bit old school at first, especially after a recent diet of Abercrombie; authors i was initially reminded of were Tad Williams, early Fiest, even Brooks, though with a definite contemporary feel.
The caper/heist twist was an excellent angle, feeling a little like Locke Lamora, though a much tamer, less adult version.

The main characters were all 3-d and likeable, very quickly getting that sense of caring what happens next; a few of the peripheral characters were flatter, but still likeable/hateable enough for ensemble players.

The world building is good, with a real sense of history quickly achieved, and the magic system is excellent - well thought out, logical and interesting.

There are enough twists to keep you guessing, with an excellent pace set through the book.

My only criticism was that the end felt a little rushed, with the big moment being over before it really got started.

Nevertheless, an enjoyable, engrossing fantasy read. Top stuff!

One of those books one cannot let go
I enjoyed Elantris a lot and waited eagerly for new Sanderson book. Somehow I nearly missed it and only now read it.
On the other hand, book was worth the wait, and I read it in one day, barely let it off my hands to eat.
It's written very well, the story flows and even when there is not much happening plotwise, there is no dull moments in the storytelling.
Characters are interesting and deep enough, even if main character Vin is not my favourite character ever. But everyone is detailed person with their own habits, nature, hopes and fears and they make fine teachers, friends, enemies and even love interest for her.
The ending has few surprises, but mostly it's guessable. That's not a bad thing, since the events are described colourfully and at least I wanted to turn pages faster to find out what really happens next.
I really love his writing style and the idea of using metals as 'mana' is interesting - I haven't seen it anywhere else. The political situation, everyday life and different people, everything is thought out and drawn well into a great story.

Wheel of Fan times rejoice!
Ok so you've already worked out my views on this book by my review title!

I only picked up this book (sadly not a standard item in mainstream UK High Street book sellers) because I wanted to get a view as to how good (or not) Brandon Sanderson is given he has taken up the mantle in terms of completing the Wheel of Time series following the sad death of Robert Jordan last year.

I have to admit I've not been impressed by many of the new authors I've recently picked up - far too many 2 dimensional worlds and characters out there - Trudi Canavan and Fiona MacIntosh being examples. So I was very pleasantly surprised by what I found in this book.

Ok, so I'll admit it's not got the gravitas or richness of the Wheel of Time or George R R Martin's Song of Ice and Fire (else it would have got 5 stars), but not only is each volume in those series much longer (hint hint Mr Sanderson!) but I'm looking back with the benefit of several volumes in each case.

Having just finished it this morning, I was left with a feeling of it being a bit rushed at the end, but there's certainly lots of loose ends to be picked up in the next 2 books.

I'm now off to hunt down other Brandon Sanderson material available in the UK...