Epic Review – Hero of the Ages (Mistborn, Book 3) by Brandon Sanderson (5/5 stars)

Reading level: Adult/(also appropriate for Young Adult)
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Size: 784 pages
Publisher: Tor Fantasy
Release Date: April 28, 2009
ISBN-13: 978-0765356147
Stand Alone or Series: Final book in Mistborn Trilogy
Source: Bought
Rating: 5/5 stars

This is the third and final book in the Mistborn Trilogy.  It was a wonderful conclusion to this epic fantasy and I really enjoyed it.

Elend and Vin have left the city of Luthadel to find the remaining hidden caches of the Lord Ruler in hopes that these caches will give some hints as to how to save the land.  The mists that have been consuming the land are getting worse and claiming more lives every day.  But it is the falling Ash that will be the end of the people, as it covers the land and blocks out the sun things are getting more and more desperate.  Elend, Vin, and their crew are up for their greatest challenge yet…how do you stop a God of Ruin from destroying your world?

If you liked the first two books you will enjoy this one.  Many of the small events that didn’t quite make sense in the first books are all drawn together in this book.  There is a lot of war, strategy, and explanation behind the origins of the metal based magics.  We also get a lot of explanation into how the different races were created.  The theme that seems to underlay this book is one of faith; faith in each other and in our beliefs.

There is significantly less characterization in this book and the reader is switched between four or five different points of view throughout the story.  This doesn’t detract from the story though, although the book does get a bit slow mid-way through it quickly picks up pace again.  In the end this book features Spook and Sazed more than Vin and Elend, although Vin and Elend still play prominent roles throughout.

All in all it tied up the series nicely.  The plot kept me guessing and took twists and turns that were unexpected, which was refreshing.  The way everything tied together was masterful and intricate.  Sanderson is an excellent writer and this book shows that.  The ending was definitely bittersweet and may bring on a few tears and sniffles.

Overall another exceptional book by Sanderson.  I look forward to reading more books from him in the future!  I have The Way of Kings on my shelf waiting for me to pick it up.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– 100+ Reading Challenge
– Fantasy Reading Challenge