Comments on: The Final Empire, Mistborn Book One by Brendan Sanderson, readalong

By: lynnsbooks

lynnsbooks — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 19:29:20 +0000

I haven’t read number 3 yet but will do soon! Then I’ll catch up with the latest round of questions.
I thought Vin’s outburst was a really powerful moment in her development in that she finally felt confident enough to have such an outburst!
Lynn

By: Tanya

Tanya — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 18:04:11 +0000

I’m with Grace on this one. But Lynn, you have a point. I don’t particularly care about the Skaa, it was the possibility of a potential rebellion that I was attracted to. But from what I’ve seen, Sanderson has a plan and more often than not, he’s aware of the possible paths his story can take. I’m about to plunge into the next two books, and I have NO idea what to expect. Which is saying something, isn’t it? But his writing is tight, and..well, flexible at the same time.
I digress. That first chapter completely won me over. Skaa or no Skaa, I love Kelsier.

Oh, but remember Vin’s outburst? When she said that they weren’t really Skaa, because there was no immediacy or urgency to their suffering? That’s the one time I think he got it across, and powerfully, too.

By: lynnsbooks

lynnsbooks — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 17:27:52 +0000

I think it probably is Sanderson’s intent and I think Carl mentioned the same train of thought. I suppose whatever happens, if their situation is improved at the end, it can’t be a bad thing?
Kelsier is a bit arrogant, I can’t help liking him, especially as he immediately came to the rescure of that young girl on the plantation – he’s a bit of a lovable rogue. I was thinking of LoLL when I first started – just like you say, the thieving society – and cons, Vin having to take part in the plot and dress as nobility! But it’s not a criticism, it just kind of stood out for me simply because we’d just finished the Lynch book. I’m really enjoying it so far and looking forward to the next round of discussion.
Thanks
Lynn

By: lynnsbooks

lynnsbooks — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 10:42:25 +0000

I know what you mean about wanting to read ahead but I did that with another readalong and then it made it really difficult for me to stay on track with the questions because I’d got so far ahead! I’m being very strict with myself this time – I’m just literally walking away from the book! And then picking up something else in between and trying to switch off. I’m pretty sure the skaa will end up as pawns like you say – it’s inevitable – so long as they end up with a slightly improved situation it will be a bonus!
Lynn

By: TBM

TBM — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 08:57:01 +0000

I hope we get to know the skaa…since the rebellion is supposed to be about them. But maybe that is the point, it isn’t.

By: Kristen M.

Kristen M. — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 04:51:29 +0000

It’s hard to do a read-along when you get through the required reading in one day and have to wait a week for the next part! I just started our second set of chapters today and will probably end up reading them all before bed tonight. This is just such a compelling story. I should go ahead and put the second and third books on hold at the library now.
The whole skaa situation is definitely disturbing and I think they are going to end up being pawns no matter who is in charge. It’ll be interesting to see the skaa army — it will be the only way to know if there’s hope for their freedom.

By: ibeeeg

ibeeeg — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 23:23:44 +0000

Yeah, that is what I seem to be liking about Sanderson’s writing – his ability to “subtlety” world-build. I do believe we will get to know the Skaa and have more of a connection with them. Like you, I look forward to seeing how Vin deals with the nobility and it’s life.

By: ibeeeg

ibeeeg — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 23:15:00 +0000

I am thinking that as the story progresses, we will get more details about the Skaa which will add to connection with that group of people. Like you, I am not feeling to connected or unnerved about their circumstances. I do wonder, maybe this is Sanderson’s intent. The Skaa are a broken down people who have not seen anything good come from rebellion, and this has been ingrained into their society for generations….a “it is what it is” kind of thing.

“he seems to be recklessly arrogant and frankly he nearly came unstuck”
Well put and almost exactly as to why I worry a bit that he will error in a way that will have harmful effects.

I put my thoughts in Carl’s comments, and I compared Lynch’s book to this one. I think it is the thieving society that made me think of Lamora.

By: lynnsbooks

lynnsbooks — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:39:07 +0000

I know what you mean. I can’t help liking kelsier – it’s probably because he acted like a hero and rushed to help rescue the girl at the start on the plantation and then also Vin. I like Vin – I hope she’s going to come our of her shell and show us her mettle! I understand why she’s like she is but I’m hoping she’s going to get over it. Plus I’m looking forward to her playing a noble – it’s got a lot of potential.
Lynn

By: Amanda

Amanda — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:44:49 +0000

I’m not normally a high fantasy person but I have really enjoyed this book. I love Vin especially, though I’m a bit uncomfortable with the way Kelsier is so flippant about killing nobleman. I think there’s a lot of moral ambiguity here.