Last update : 10/10/24
Author : Brandon Sanderson
Length : 24h39
Narrated by : Michael Kramer
Category : Fantasy
Possibility of free reading : YES
For a millennium, the ash descended and no blossoms flourished. For a millennium, the Skaa toiled in despair and existed in dread. For a millennium, the Lord Ruler, the “Fragment of Eternity,” ruled with unchallenged authority and supreme horror, divinely unbeatable. Then, when hope had been forgotten to such an extent that its memory had vanished, a severely disfigured, heartbroken half-Skaa unearthed it in the darkest depths of the Lord Ruler’s most horrific dungeon.
Kelsier “snapped” and discovered within himself the abilities of a Mistborn. An ingenious thief and born leader, he directed his skills towards the ultimate heist, with the Lord Ruler himself as the target. Kelsier enlisted the crème de la crème of the underworld, the most intelligent and reliable allomancers, each possessing one of his numerous powers, and all savoring a high-risk challenge. Only then does he disclose his ultimate aspiration, not merely the most significant heist in history, but the overthrow of the divine tyrant. But even with the most exceptional criminal team ever gathered, Kel’s scheme appears more like the ultimate gamble, until fortune introduces a ragged girl named Vin into his life.
Like him, she’s a half-Skaa orphan, but her life has been far more brutal. Vin has been conditioned to anticipate treachery from everyone she encounters, and she has received it. She will need to learn to trust if Kel is to assist her in mastering powers beyond her wildest dreams.
This epic boldly poses a straightforward question: What happens if the prophesied hero fails?
Mistborn: The Final Empire is a fantasy book by Brandon Sanderson. It's part heist, part My Fair Lady, and the audiobook is read by Michael Kramer who is a legend in the audiobook world. Definitely longer but I highly recommend.
— Colin Groh (@colin_groh) March 20, 2022
Immerse yourself in the richly devised world of "The Final Empire", the first volume of The Mistborn Saga by Brandon Sanderson. Narrated by the engaging Michael Kramer, this 24-hour and 39-minute audiobook unfolds an epic story of rebellion and hidden magic. As ash falls from the sky and the oppressed populace yearns for freedom, a new kind of hero emerges from the shadows.
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Brandon Sanderson's "The Final Empire," the first book in the Mistborn series, offers an immersive experience that expertly blends elements of high fantasy with a unique magic system and a compelling heist plot. The audiobook, narrated by Michael Kramer, further enhances this experience with a performance that captures the essence of Sanderson's richly detailed world and its diverse cast of characters.
Set in a dystopian world ruled by the immortal Lord Ruler, "The Final Empire" follows the story of Kelsier, a brilliant thief and Mistborn with the power to manipulate metals, and Vin, a young street urchin who discovers her own Mistborn abilities. Together, they assemble a crew of skilled Allomancers to overthrow the oppressive regime. The novel's strengths lie in its intricate world-building and the depth of its characters. Sanderson creates a vivid and dark setting where ash falls constantly, and mist cloaks the night, enhancing the atmosphere of mystery and danger.
One of the most praised aspects of the audiobook is Kramer's narration. His ability to differentiate between characters and convey their emotions adds a significant layer of engagement to the story. However, some listeners have noted that it takes time to get used to his style, but once acclimated, his performance greatly complements Sanderson's narrative.
Critics and fans alike have lauded Sanderson's magic system, Allomancy, as one of the most innovative aspects of the book. The detailed explanation of how different metals grant various powers adds a unique twist to the genre. The training sessions where Vin learns to master her powers, particularly with the subtle uses of metals like brass and bronze, are highlighted as some of the most engaging parts of the story.
While "The Final Empire" is praised for its compelling plot and characters, some critics have pointed out a few shortcomings. For instance, the gender imbalance in the cast and the reliance on male mentors for Vin has been noted as a point of critique. Additionally, the initial plan to overthrow the Lord Ruler is seen as somewhat implausible, given the crew's quick acceptance of what should be a near-impossible task.
Overall, "The Final Empire" stands out as a strong start to the Mistborn series. It combines a gripping plot with well-developed characters and an innovative magic system, making it a must-listen for fantasy fans. The audiobook, with Kramer's engaging narration, brings Sanderson's world to life in a way that is both immersive and captivating. Whether you're a long-time fan of fantasy or new to the genre, "The Final Empire" is an epic tale that promises a thrilling adventure from start to finish.
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