The Well of Ascension / Brandon Sanderson

The Well of Ascension

(Mistborn 2)

by Brandon Sanderson

fantasy, young adult

copyright 2007

read in May 2017

rated 7/10: well worth reading

First: 750 pages. This is a lot of book. And it contains a lot of discussion. Discussion, that is, between characters, as they plan their next moves. Or as they discuss whose is bigger. Not that that's bad. There's no need for the reader to think, But what if they did... something else?!

There's also a reasonable amount of moralising. The heroes (that is, the hero and heroine) want a society based on democratic principles. Their supporters want freedom and justice. Love -- as we are told, several times -- conquers all. I'm happy with all this because (a) I agree with the heroes' principles, (b) I agree when they are found to be difficult in practice and (c) I like my good versus evil to be clearly defined.

Though not all of the good versus evil is clearly defined. The good guys are all good but the bad guys are (mostly) shades of grey. Very few bad guys are irredeemably bad. I like that positive view of people.

The author does seem to have a problem with parental authority... In this book the chief villain is the hero's father. In a later Mistborn series, the villain is the hero's father. Is this the author's parental issues? An easy source for confused conflict? A theme of particular relevance to the young adult target market? Just a coincidence?

I enjoyed this book. Yes, there's death and violence all the way. Mostly, however, the deaths are of minor characters... Not that that makes it any better for the dead characters. It simply makes it less horrifying for the reader. If you grow to like a character -- it is unlikely that that character will suddenly be killed.

There's action and adventure. Love and occasional loss. Straightforward support of good versus evil. A satisfying ending -- despite the "to be continued" twist.

And that ridiculous cover picture: the sweet young girl with the enormous sword... Yes, that is a scene from the book! Well done to the artist -- or to whoever designed the cover art -- for actually reading the book before selecting the picture.

An enjoyable book. Enormous levels of cartoon-style violence, not for the very young. Themes of love and honour well-suited to adults old and young. Written by an author who knows how to write a standalone novel within a continuing series.

I enjoyed this novel for itself. I'll be looking for the continuation of the story of this first Mistborn series.

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Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting / Problems? Solved.
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"Keep smiling. It's obvious you don't know what's going on." ...comment from a manager