The Hero of Ages

Throughout the first two books in the series, Mr Sanderson had been leading us to a cataclysmic finale, and I have to say that I was not at all disappointed. In this final part we pick up on hints and suggestions made in both of the earlier books drawing to a very satisfying conclusion. I cannot think of any loose ends that are left dangling, which is not something I can normally say at the end of a series.

Yet again, we return one year after the action of the previous title. I like this choice, as it gives the characters and society time to develop and grow without it feeling forced or rushed. It also adds to the sense of reality that keeps us grounded in the action and entranced by the world: we do not have to suspend our disbelief as much as is necessary in some other fantasy worlds. Our characters continue to develop and behave like real people, which makes us feel so much more attached to them and invested in their fates.

This time around, we get to see Elend as a Mistborn, giving us a different perspective to that of Vin when she began to train. We also see Spook become a force to be reckoned with, although the fact that he begins to ‘see’ Kelsier is a little worrying. We also learn about yet another form of magic: hemalurgy, which is extremely bloody and more than a little evil. However, it answers a lot of the questions that were raised by the first two books and also explains some other aspects of strangeness, such as Vin’s continued link to her dead brother.

I will not go any further into the plot, or reveal who the Hero is, as this would ruin the surprise for those of you who have not read the book, which would be a real shame. Suffice it to say, the identity of the Hero is a surprise, but not a huge one as we are led to it with many hints along the way. The final few chapters will have you reading with your heart in your mouth as the world collapses into a final battle for survival. I will not say who lives and who dies, but I promise you that I cried like a baby and that the ending is quite beautiful.

For my complete review, click the link below: