2022 saw me discover Brandon Sanderson via the standalone novel Elantris. I subsequently read that he is the only author to make the short list for the David Gemmell Legend Award six times in four years. And David Gemmell is my favourite all time fantasy writer! Now that's got to be good!
Elantris (2005)
This was his debut book and is certainly an original and imaginative story line that sets the stage for his subsequent books. I would rate it 4 stars but, for a first novel, that is fine. The characters are a bit pale but I can overlook that, given the wonderful story line. Definitely a great introduction to Sanderson as a first read.
Book synopsis:
Elantris was the capital of Arelon: gigantic, beautiful, literally radiant, filled with benevolent beings who used their powerful magical abilities for the benefit of all. Yet each of these demigods was once an ordinary person until touched by the mysterious transforming power of the Shaod. Ten years ago, without warning, the magic failed. Elantrians became wizened, leper-like, powerless creatures, and Elantris itself dark, filthy, and crumbling.
Arelon's new capital, Kae, crouches in the shadow of Elantris. Princess Sarene of Teod arrives for a marriage of state with Crown Prince Raoden, hoping—based on their correspondence—to also find love. She finds instead that Raoden has died and she is considered his widow. Both Teod and Arelon are under threat as the last remaining holdouts against the imperial ambitions of the ruthless religious fanatics of Fjordell. So Sarene decides to use her new status to counter the machinations of Hrathen, a Fjordell high priest who has come to Kae to convert Arelon and claim it for his emperor and his god.
But neither Sarene nor Hrathen suspect the truth about Prince Raoden. Stricken by the same curse that ruined Elantris, Raoden was secretly exiled by his father to the dark city. His struggle to help the wretches trapped there begins a series of events that will bring hope to Arelon, and perhaps reveal the secret of Elantris itself.
Warbreaker (2009)
Warbreaker was my next Sanderson read. It is the story of two sisters Vivienna and Siri, who are princesses. Theirs is a world where those who die in glory return as immortal gods; a world transformed by BioChromatic magic, a power based on an essence known as breath. By using breath and drawing upon the color in everyday objects, all manner of miracles and mischief can be performed.
Vivenna was contracted through a treaty written before she was born to marry the God King of rival nation Hallandren. However, King Dedelin sends his other daughter Siri to meet the treaty instead.
The story revolves around 4 main characters - Siri and the God King, Vivenna and Vasher, a mysterious man who can use his BioChromatic Breath to Awaken objects, an art at which he is incredibly skilled.
Like all Sanderson books, the world building and the magic system is what makes this book amazing. The story was a strong one and the end will take you by surprise. I think Lightsong is my favourite character and his end is unexpected yet immensely satisfying. Definitely 5 stars.
Mistborn Series
I then decided to read Mistborn, Sanderson's series of epic fantasy novels set in the same Cosmere universe as Elantris and Warbreaker. The first trilogy, published between 2006 and 2008, consists of The Final Empire, The Well of Ascension, and The Hero of Ages. The first Mistborn trilogy chronicles the efforts of a secret group of Allomancers who attempt to overthrow a dystopian empire and establish themselves in a world covered by ash.
I agree with Taryn's review:
Speaking of plot and world-building, Sanderson is an absolute master of both. Although I found the pacing tedious and slow at times, I have to admit that the world and story Sanderson has created here were so meticulously planned and plotted out. With every twist and turn throughout the trilogy, we gain a deeper understanding of the world Sanderson has crafted and every little piece of the puzzle fits together perfectly.
So 4 stars for me. Too long and too drawn out for 5 stars.
A second series was released between 2011 and 2022, and consists of The Alloy of Law, Shadows of Self, The Bands of Mourning and The Lost Metal. A third series will follow them, which is likely to be released yearly from 2025 to 2027. A fourth trilogy is also planned. Sanderson also released a novella in 2016, Mistborn: Secret History. I've read the book blurbs and don't find myself attracted to the ongoing story so don't think I will continue the read past the first 3 books.
The concluding books of the Wheel of Time Series
When author Robert Jordan died before completing his multi-volume epic The Wheel of Time, Sanderson was chosen by Harriet McDougal, Jordan's widow and editor, to finish the series according to the notes left behind by her husband. Sanderson's novels in the series are:
While Sanderson may be best known as the man responsible for finishing the Wheel of Time after Robert Jordan passed away, his original work is what he'll be remembered for.
