Review: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

Genre: Fantasy
Publication: 07/25/06 by Tor Fantasy
Series: Mistborn
Pages: 643 pages
Format: Paperback
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
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Goodreads Summary:
Once, a hero arose to save the world. A young man with a mysterious heritage courageously challenged the darkness that strangled the land.

He failed.

For a thousand years since, the world has been a wasteland of ash and mist ruled by the immortal emperor known as the Lord Ruler. Every revolt has failed miserably.

Yet somehow, hope survives. Hope that dares to dream of ending the empire and even the Lord Ruler himself. A new kind of uprising is being planned, one built around the ultimate caper, one that depends on the cunning of a brilliant criminal mastermind and the determination of an unlikely heroine, a street urchin who must learn to master Allomancy, the power of a Mistborn.

My Thoughts:
This was awesome. It may have taken me forever to read, but it really is an interesting story. It might have been a huge book but I never felt bored. I was engaged with the story while I was reading it and the world that Sanderson created was so clear and mystical. I felt like I had a good grasp on the world and how Allomancy worked. Often when I read fantasy, I get lost and don't understand the world. This definitely didn't happen with The Final Empire. 

I have had this problem where I haven't been able to get into the characters while I read. This hasn't always been the case, but recently I just haven't cared enough about any character to really get invested. Until I read this book. I am attached to all of the characters. Vin is an amazing lead, and her growth throughout this novel was stellar. I can't wait to see how far she comes in the next 2 books. I even shipped her hard with Elend. I fell hard for the 2 of them together and I have strong feelings regarding them together. This doesn't happen to me! Where are all these feels coming from. 

I am dying to know how the story continues in the next few books. For now, I am going to take a break and get some of the mess that built up read. This book has really shown me how interested I am in the fantasy genre and that I shouldn't back down from serious high fantasy. I definitely recommend this book to everyone. It's fantastic. 

Quote: 
“Our belief is often strongest when it should be weakest. That is the nature of hope.” 

Review: Snow Like Ashes - Sara Raasch

Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication: 10/14/14 by Balzer + Bray
Series: Snow Like Ashes Series
Pages: 416 Pages
Format: Library Audiobook
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
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Goodreads Summary: 
Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since. Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again. So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.


My Thoughts: 
I absolutely loved Snow Like Ashes! I haven't been so excited about a book for a long time. The story was beautifully crafted and I loved the world this took place in. I really enjoyed the combination of the rhythm kingdoms and the season kingdoms, it added a lot of depth to the story. Tension and political intrigue is present between all the kingdoms adding a whole extra element to the story. Winter had been enslaved by the Spring Kingdom. So you really feel for the Winterians' and throughout the book I had no idea how they'd be rescued from slavery.

Meira was an awesome main character. She didn't have the "I'm so special" main character complex which I appreciated. She was strong, brave and just wanted to mean something to Winter. It was interesting to see her internal struggles to feel connected to a kingdom she had never really known. This book does however have a slight love triangle, however it is one that makes sense. I am not sure how this will play out in the rest of the trilogy but I hope it never becomes the prominent story line. Both of these boys however are very swoon worthy. Prince Theron is the charming, gentleman you dream of sweeping you off your feet and making you a Princess.

The ending was fantastic. It wrapped things up in this story but leaves so much open to happen in the following books. I don't know how the sequel is going to play out but I already have it pre-ordered! I am dying to know what's going to happen to these characters and their kingdom.

Conclusions: Clearly, I loved this book. It easily became one of my favourites this year. If you are a fan of fantasy, seriously try this one out. It's got great characters and amazing world building. Read it!