Review: The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson

The Well of Ascension (Mistborn #2)
written by Brandon Sanderson
published by Tor Books

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Why did I pick this book: I received the trilogy as a gift. I loved the first book, Mistborn: The Final Empire. See my review here.

Did I enjoy this book: I’m in love.  Sanderson twisted the best bits of Middle Earth and The Land together, added a generous dose of his own brilliance, and created The Final Empire in all its post-evil ruler glory.  Where Tolkein or Donaldson might add a new enemy or a healthy dose of self-loathing, Sanderson opts to tell the story of what happens after the good guys win, and he does it brilliantly.  There’s plenty of coin-tossing action, loads of character development, and some new faces (and new metals) to shake things up.  Oh, and don’t forget that tiny issue of the impending collapse of not only Luthadel but the whole of the Final Empire.

Would I recommend it: Absolutely.

Will I read it again: It’s a great second installment, and I’m mere moments away from cracking book 3 (The Hero of Ages).

About the book – from Goodreads: They did the impossible, deposing the godlike being whose brutal rule had lasted a thousand years. Now Vin, the street urchin who has grown into the most powerful Mistborn in the land, and Elend Venture, the idealistic young nobleman who loves her, must build a healthy new society in the ashes of an empire.

They have barely begun when three separate armies attack. As the siege tightens, an ancient legend seems to offer a glimmer of hope. But even if it really exists, no one knows where to find the Well of Ascension or what manner of power it bestows.

It may just be that killing the Lord Ruler was the easy part. Surviving the aftermath of his fall is going to be the real challenge.