(Note: Some Spoilers for both Mistborn and Well of Ascension included)
Background: The third and final book of Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn Trilogy explores the aftermath of the protagonist’s unintentional freeing of the being of pure destruction, Ruin. The world they now live in seems headedtowards the apocalypse. The heroes are virtually unable to fight against Ruin as every word they say aloud or write on paper is vulnerable to manipulation is subject to being heard or tampered with. Sanderson’s finale manages to both showcases the favorites in the series, shine light on characters that had previous escaped the limelight, and end the series with a enormous finale that both surprises but stays completely within the rules that Sanderson has set for himself in his wonderful world.
Setting: The world had once been governed by the immortal Lord Ruler, but no longer. He sought to use the power of the Well of Ascension to contain the entity Ruin and fix some of the damage he had done in his first attempt to bind Ruin. With his overthrow, the protagonist have denied themselves their most knowledgeable and powerful ally against the dark force of Ruin. They continue to rely on the magic of Allomancy which holds up an impressive and versatile creation. Sanderson explores some other logical extensions of the magic system and use it effectively as a great source of action and suspense. He also aptly considers its ramifications on a society in upheaval and reveals a sensible and satisfying explanation behind the power of the feared Inquisitors. Finally, his examination of a budding religion and a world bereft of its millennia old stabilizing force manages to ring true despite its fantastic premise.
Story: Vin and her companions must use all their powers and cunning to both face off against Ruin and its minions and remnants of the Lord Rule’s former regime. Vin plays a major role and stays true to her excellent origin tale. Her husband, the Emperor Elend trials as a leader and learning curve as a Mistborn are well done and competently handled. However, I felt like book truly excels when it explores the once-quiet Spook, Sazed’s crisis of faith, and Marsh’s attempt to regain his humanity despite being forced into being an Inquisitor. Perhaps even more satisfying is that the plot twists truly and honestly blew me away. As a seasoned troper, it’s often easy to spot plot developments coming, but Sanderson both surprises and explains things so adeptly that he manages to balance the nearly impossible task of adequate foreshadowing and true delightful surprise. My hats off to him for managing to tie up the loose ends and end a trilogy so strongly!
Overall: A. Critical Hit! Truly one of the best trilogies I have read in a long time. What Sanderson lacks in the size of cast (only a few characters get true three dimensional treatment) he makes up for in depth of each focus character and a truly well realized world and plot.
I’m glad you love this series so much. My wife and I picked up Elantris (Sanderson’s first novel) and Mistborn when we learned that Sanderson had been tapped to finish Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series – we wanted to see if he was up to the task – and we were absolutely amazed. Moreover, everyone we’ve lent our books to has been amazed; I must say that he’s probably our favorite new fantasy author.
Your review hits the nail on the head. Matter of fact, it was your review of the first book that brought his name to my attention. I have since read the Mistborn trilogy as well as Elantris. I have every confidence in his ability to finish the Wheel of Time series.
Amen my brothers. I finished the trilogy in November and was very impressed. If you haven’t read his other fantasy novel, Elantris, do so — it’s another winner.