The Final Empire

I shouldn't like this book as much as I did, because every character began life right out of the big book o' fantasy cliches, parts of it sound as if they're trying to document a tabletop RPG campaign, and the plot arc isn't exactly highly original. But I did, because somehow Sanderson managed to breathe life into each character, elevating Vin and Kel in particular far above their stereotypes, and the world that's built and a bit too exhaustively described really does break a few molds and leads to some interesting, exciting action sequences. It is a rather raw, brutal book, but it doesn't dwell on sadistic gore or sexual imagery, thankfully.

Sanderson is far more deft than most at great, funny dialogue unique to each character, and despite the extensive world building, he's content to let it evolve throughout the novel instead of grinding to a halt to exhaustively detail some aspect every dozen pages. Vin's training was the only time I wished it would hurry up. He might not have the poetic imagery of some, but he keeps everything moving at a good clip. There is an obligatory twist ending and sequel hook, but the novel easily stands on its own and doesn't just end hanging. It feels quite satisfying when done.

I was especially pleased with the way that Vin continually reflects on who she is and what her place is, without delving into the endless irritating angst that so many teen fiction heroes have, nor does she become a superman that single-handedly wins without support. She comes to understand that she is neither her former life nor her current one, they're just a series of roles that she plays, and allows herself to drop the mantle of guilt that could have become so irritating. She's never really given the chance to discover just who she is, but there are sequels, so we'll see.

The others of the gang are both loyal and fractious, doubtful and hopeful, and prone to dumb mistakes nearly as often as successes, giving the story a more nuanced nature than the usual formulaic fantasy. Some are more bloodthirsty, others more hesitant, and while each has excuses for their actions it's up to the reader to judge for themselves. Vin may be a great Hero, but the supporting cast from Lord Ruler down to the one-off skaa breathe life into the world. The real villains left a real pit of dread in the belly, much more so than the clownish nobles. The weakest might be Elend, who never gets enough screen time to become less two-dimensional, so his role as a love interest doesn't quite work, especially for someone as jumpy as Vin.

One interesting aspect is that most themes are revisited multiple times in different ways. Thieving gangs, noble sex with skaa, messiahs, plans and plan Bs, torture, and of course the mist and ash. Each of them ends up playing important roles for all of the characters.

Definitely give this a chance if you're at all interested in the genre. It might not be the greatest fantasy book, but it is one which pushes the genre, as well as being a rocking good story.