I wanted to like this book so much more than I actually did. After reading Mistborn, I thought things would only get better. But... I was wrong. I was mainly frustrated at Vin and Elend, and their angst filled love. I put the book down in frustration many times after reading a Vin chapter. I did however enjoy Elend’s story of taking control of his image, and his unflappable integrity. I’ve heard the third book is the best, and I sincerely hope that I enjoy it more than this one. 

3.93

This book is a really good example of how good reveals and plot twists hit when they’re delivered effectively. It doesn’t feel like anything comes out of nowhere, and the result leaves the reader feeling surprised but satisfied. Also, really fantastic characters. They all feel very deep and real. It’s a pretty gloomy book, though. Leaves off on hella sad vibes; I don’t expect that to change given the series track record. This makes me feel apprehensive about the final installment. 

Quality of Writing: 9/10
Pacing: 7/10
Plot Development: 8/10
Characters: 10/10
Enjoyability: 7/10
Ease of Reading: 5/10
Ending: 9/10

 HOLY CRAP.

Now I understand. Now I understand why people always describe this series as ''the chosen one trope but with a twist''. I GET IT.

Anyways, Brandon Sanderson, you are a genius. I love your writing. 

2nd read: 26.08.2024 - 5 stars

Reread with book club. It is one of those books I wish I could read again for the first time.
During the reread, I saw a lot of hints and foreshadowing that I missed the first time around. But there were also part that were not as interesting as before. Although, I apparently had forgotten half of the plot.
What makes this book so exceptional is the ending. It is one of the most brilliant twists I have ever read in a book. It is perfection. Even though I knew what was coming and saw the hints along the way, I still had goosebumps for the reveal. The timing, the placement, the execution—it's just perfect. And after reading all the other Cosmere books in the meantime, there was even an extra layer to that final chapter. And I am still amazed at how an author can manage to plan and pull off such a feat.


1st read: 11.11.2022 - 5 stars 

I LOVED IT SO SO MUCH IT'S EVEN BETTER THAN THE FIRST BOOK! 

I want to scream because I have so many thoughts and feelings and I can't explain them because of spoilers.

I'm just impressed. This is probably the most perfect second book I've ever read? It is the logical continuation of book one. And yes, it prepares the characters for and leads the plot to the third book. But it has a very interesting and well crafted plot on its own, with a satisfying finale. 

After finishing The Final Empire, you just don't know what to expect. But the themes explored in this book make you realize how much there still is to consider. Yeah, defeating a villain is hard, but maybe taking over and making life better is even harder? Love the detailed look at the aftermath of a revolution, the changes the characters went through but still have to go through more, the obstacles no one had considered. The character development is phenomenal. Is it fun/easy to read about the struggles and mistakes of the characters? No. But it's so believable and realistic. Wow. 

It is also maybe one of my favorite takes on the chosen one trope. And I love love loooove how much books, reading and research are part of the plot. It's my third book by Sanderson and all three have this in common. Characters that love reading and are passionate about doing research. And you as a reader can do it alongside them and even get rewarded for it. It's one of my favorite things in the world. 

I'm SO excited for book 3 now. 

The first book of the series ended very neatly, the second book was the classic second book in a trilogy, it was messy and set up the resolution in the third book.

I enjoyed reading this book, but I wish it had been a bit shorter. 

I am not sure how much the conflict with Zane and Straff actually moved the plot forward.  Maybe my mind will change in book 3?

This book was also much more violent than the first one.  I am hoping I will never need to read the phrase "bloody slush" again.