I think I’ve finally been able to put my finger on what’s so compelling about this trilogy. If you’ve ever read early Asimov novels, you’ll realize they’re essentially good mystery-adventure stories that happen to be set in space. Well, strip away all the fantasy elements of Sanderson’s novels and you’re left with a good solid mystery story. While I cared somewhat about the characters, I was more interested in uncovering the meaning of prophecy and revealing the hidden secrets of their metal-based magic system.

The Hero of Ages is a suitable ending for this epic adventure. Every time you think there’s nothing greater to be learned or gained, Sanderson reveals another level of power and oversight. (If that sentence doesn’t make sense, it’s because I’m trying to write the review without giving away too much!)

I started this series because Sanderson did such a great job with the first Robert Jordan novel he was assigned. I continued reading it because I wanted to see where the story went. Now, I’m hooked on Sanderson’s style of fantasy writing. All I have to do is decide which of his works to read next!

Sanderson, Brandon. The Hero of Ages. Tor, 2009. The Mistborn Saga 3.