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The Hero of Ages
Mistborn: The Hero of Ages
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Part One was sheer perfection! I read it 10 days ago and still it's in my head. So many things are happening fast now, like we're at the end of solving a puzzle and the last pieces are easier to put together. This is especially true about the magic system explained in the passages in italics. To me, it's evident mr. Sanderson had thought of it in its entirety before writing a line, it's not something he perfected while in book 2 - even though I'm watching his online classes on Writing on YouTube and he claims to be against plotting a greatly detailed outline before writing. Indeed we have come such a long distance since that small, amateurish gang we were introduced to in very beginning. I still miss Kelsier, even though he is now lost in the past, dead for 1000 pages at least. Everytime something happens I go: what would Kelsier do? The atmosphere is becoming more and more claustrophobic with the mists closing in, lingering during the day... To be honest, sometimes I think that they're all doomed, that nothing they possibly do will prevent them from dying of hunger, shrouded by eternal mists in a world of darkness... I want it to be over sometimes...
Elend has turned into a cruel guy. I understand he needs to, but I miss so much that long-haired, aloof young lord who read forbidden books at ballroom dances. It's the same with Sazed, like Jay I miss the old Sazed, except I don't justify his change. I don't buy this big love he had for the obnoxious bossy terriswoman, I don't buy that it was two-way, I don't buy it was even consumated (he's a life-long eunich after all!) Liking Sazed doesn't include me automatically liking everyone he liked, after all. He has totally lost sight of his goal, the greater picture, I refrain from writing any more because I simply hope he will snap out of it quickly. :) I think he's the one narrating these passages in italics!
I feel so bad for Marsh too! :( He doesn't deserve this Hell, he was a good guy, Kelsier's brother, a Seeker... I feel a bit sad for the Koloss too. Yes, Jay, don't google anything for fan art, people are oblivious to those of us who are still reading it now...
So the worst is coming? The book is embracing the conclusion that the Lord Ruler was right all along? That he ruled correctly, that without him the world is rightly headed to its end?... Tbh I'd prefer this to living under an immor(t)al Emperor who performs public mass executions of "lower" classes to keep them all in check. I can't believe Vin and Elend are justifying his actions to rescue them from the mists (he started all this, after all!) That they're admiring his measures, his hidden rooms with supplies, his warnings in steel in case he dies. I will never be convinced he cared for people to make it through if he were killed! Why didn't he simply whisper to Vin as he lay dying "the Well is right under us but don't release the power, it's the Ruin and it will kill you all, you fool"? Or have it inscribed inside the secret pathways to the Well? Enough....
Ore'seur (cause that's his name!) amazes me. He's 700 years old and such a great character! I scold myself for how little I paid attention to his story as I was reading the Final Empire. "We have someone posing as Lord Renoux", I thought nothing of it. Little did I know it was this increadible being who would evolve so much! (or was that the real Ore'seur? So confused sometimes, hehe.)
Our Kandra is right and I support him 100%.... but to try and convince these Firsts that he did right to reveal their big secret to Vin because she's their new Mother now?! No! Vin is not the new Lord Ruler! She's the complete opposite! She didn't take his place. Elend and she are not tyrants. Elent went through a moral turmoil just to decide to expose his army to the mists. Rashek had a choice and chose murdering, they... don't let me get started on that again, you got my point of view. :)
And don't let me get started with this comparison we are getting among the three "races" the Lord Ruler created: Koloss, Kandra, Inquisitors. That they're somehow the same. They're not! I want to scream to mr. Sanderson: don't turn everything unside down now that we're approaching the End! And don't allow/make comparisons even between the Lord Ruler and Kelsier. Kelsier hated him justly! Not every book has to be ASOIAF, where there are no purely "good" and purely "bad" characters. Kelsier was good. This new Quellion Citizen in Urteau is bad! Can we leave it at that please? :)))
Mod
Yes, I think Sanderson must have had the entire magic system planned out before writing as well!
I know Elend has been making some really tough decisions, however, I actually like this new confident king he is becoming. I know a lot of his actions seem cruel, but it's what has to be done as the end of the world is happening and they are on a count down. Sazed on the other hand.... well none of his actions are doing anything to help right now. He's just kinda mopping selfishly when everyone else is trying to save the world :( I hope he will get over this soon! I personally believe Sazed and Tindwyl did love each other very much, it doesn't matter if it was consummated or not, that's not what defines love. People can be in love without consummating. Actually because Tindwyl was basically used as a breeding slave, which would have caused a lot of emotional trauma, and because Sazed is an eunuch, this is a good thing for her as she wasn't interested in a sexual relation, she wanted an emotional one as she was never able to have that being a sex slave. And for Sazed, well of course he isn't ABLE to have a sexual relationship, but was starving for an intimate and emotional relationship. So really, I think they were perfect for each other. But yes, nevertheless I would love for Sazed to step up and continue helping everyone save the world.
Oooo that's a good prediction, he very well could be the one narrating the italic passages!
Hmmm I don't think the book is saying that The Lord Ruler was leading the right way, but rather, he was trying to do the right thing, but still had corrupt ideas and ended up not being successful. I don't think Vin and Elend are admiring his actions in a way that he was a "good guy"or anything, they're simply realizing the actions he took to try and hide Ruin from the world, and even planned just in case he was eventually killed. He ruled as a corrupt dictator, striking fear into his people in order to keep them from rising up and overtaking him, then releasing the power in the well (exactly what Vin did). His role as cruel dictator was not a justifiable or righteous action at all, but at least we can understand his motives, he thought he was doing the right thing, but he wasn't. He could have done things in a much better way. Yes I agree with you, I don't know why he didn't tell Vin as he was dying, not to release Ruin. But hey, then we wouldn't have this epic story where they are trying to defeat/seal Ruin ;)
Also I actually think it's a great idea to have Elend fearful that he is becoming like the Lord Ruler. Elend is still very much a purely good character, that is why he fears that his actions are wrong. The Lord Ruler didn't blink an eye when killing people or setting people up for danger. But Elend has a guilty conscious and worries he's doing the wrong thing, when really his actions are much more just then what the Lord Ruler did. And I wouldn't say Kelsier was a "purely good" character, actually I think Elend is much more purer then he was. Kelsier had one BIG flaw; he thought nobles needed to die, and didn't have a problem killing them. I think near the end of his life his viewpoint changed, as he let Elend live, but he never made this public to his followers. Hence why this Quellion dude thinks that all the nobles still need to die. In my opinion, Elend is a more righteous character then Kelsier was.
Hmm I'm not really seeing the comparison that Koloss, Kandra, and Inquisitors are the same, maybe I missed where that was alluded to? If anything, I think some of these races are made by Ruin, and others by Preservation.
This part was fantastic though, and same with Part Two! :D
You're absolutely right. I re-thought the whole Sazed and Tindwyl relationship after reading your reply and it makes more sense. They were made for each other. Maybe what threw me off was that their bond was not described at all. Sanderson doesn't have any sex scenes, does he? I have wondered before if characters like Elend and Vin are "real" couples. He's not into that kind of drama - and that's a good thing. ;)And again it's very true what you write about the three races. Even though I understood it that the Lord Ruler made them all to help him rule, the Kandra were linked to the Preservation whereas the other two by the Ruin.
Of course Elend is more righteous. Kelsier was totally different, he was a rebel, an outlaw under tyranny. He was what was necessary to overthrow this dictator but he wouldn't be fit to rule "democratically" afterwards. To give power to others, for example. I think he knew that, that's why he sacrificed himself in a way. Even his saving Elend was more like a personal favor to Vin - the way I read that part - than a conscious shift of opinion towards the aristocrats in general. Quellion is horrible... Blind and stupid, the kind of ruler who gives a bad name to older dead figureheads he hails as his political idols (let's not name any names, hehehe...)
Have a great and successful week with your exams!!!
Mod
Thanks! My exams went well! :D
I totally understand what you mean about the connection between the three races now after reading part three!
Yes Quellion is horrible! After reading part three, I thibk there's going to be some stuff revealed about him in part four!
I probably forgot to mention some things as it’s been a long time in between reading, so feel free to mention anything important that I missed!
Chapter 4:
- The italic passage for this chapter is very interesting! It tells how Rashek moved the planet closer to the sun, in an attempt to burn away the mists. Since the planet became much hotter he made the ashmounts to cause ash and smoke to block out the heat.
- In this chapter we see Sazed review the Canzi religion and reject it, as he waits with Breeze for King Lekal to sign Elend’s treaty. I miss the old Sazed �
Chapter 5:
- The italic passage for this chapter describes how Rashek changed the plants and made them less nutritious. He also changed manking so they could live in the new environment.
- It’s really interesting that Vin discovers the Inquisitors are now using spikes of different metals. She found a pewter spike through an Inquisitors heart.
- Vin and Elend are led to Ministry building in Vetitan where they locate a hidden storage cache. I wonder what sort of food is canned? Andon that note, what DO people eat in this world? There’s mention of canned stew beef but but I wonder what else. They must not get many good crops with how sickly the plants are.
- In this hidden area they also find a metal plate leading them to the storage cache in Fadrex City, as well as a hidden note:
Be careful what you speak, it read. It can hear what you say. It can read what you write. Only your thoughts are safe.
Vin Shivered.
This isn’t exactly new knowledge, but it’s still creepy nonetheless! Like discussed in the previous post, I’m curious as to who’s writing this stuff!
Chapter 6:
- The italic passage describes how Rashek’s power burned quickly, and how he named himself the “Sliver of Infinity�.
- This short chapter was so interesting! Ruin lessens its hold on Marsh a bit, allowing him time to think. In this chapter he is in a Koloss camp with many Inquisitors that have new spikes. We hear some of Marshes inner turmoil in that he will never have enough control to kill himself. He also mentions how it might be better if Ruin takes complete control so that he can find beauty in all the destruction, rather then be the miserable thing he is now. This gets me thinking, other Inquisitors must feel the same thing right? There must be others that gain a brief moment of lucidity. I wonder if in the end they will be able to be freed? Most likely not, as those spikes would have killed any normal human.
Chapter 7:
- YES, finally a bit of information about the italic passages!:
I speak of us as “we.� The group. Those of us who were trying to discover and defeat Ruin. Perhaps my thoughts are now tainted, but I like to look back and see the sum of what we were doing as a single, united assault, though we were all involved in different processes and plans. We were one. That didn’t stop the world from ending, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
- So there is a group trying to stop Ruin!! Was Rashek part of this group, or was he just ignorant? We still don’t know exactly who is writing this stuff.
- I really enjoy reading more about Kandra society, it’s just so alien. TenSoon is finally able to consume a new body. Yay no more pile of sludge TenSoon!
- It’s really cool how Kandra have “True Bodies�, made from an artificial skeleton with bones made from crystal, stone, wood, or metal. Not to mention their skin is TRANSLUCENT. Dang that’s weird.
- TenSoon is on his way to trial � I’m worried for him!
Chapter 8:
- This italic passage describes Ruin as “Intelligent decay�.
- Originally I found Elend’s tactic of exposing the people of Vetitan to the mists to be cruel and not in his character, but after it was described how they would all eventually be exposed to it I understand. Better to get it done with early on, and see who is immune.
- VIN’S TAMED KOLOSS CAN TALK. AND HIS NAME IS HUMAN. LOL! Idk why I loved this moment, even though it was incredibly creepy. (BTW I just looked up Human the Koloss and was spoiled very badly. I hate when this happens -.- I would recommend not looking anything up to do with this series.) Human didn’t really have any information on how Koloss reproduce � Where are the female Koloss?
Chapter 9:
- The italic passage confirms that Allowmancy came to be at the same time the mists did. Rashek gained an understanding of the Three Metallic Arts, and how the metal nuggets are a fraction of the Well itself.
- TenSoon’s trial was very intense! Do you guys think his argument will get other Kandra thinking? Perhaps in the future we will see an army of Kandra come to Vin’s aid, calling her “Mother� XD.
- Here we get the first appearance of TenSoon’s old friend, MeLaan (no, not Mulan), an eccentric female Kandra who wears a True Body of willow wood.
- Do you think the first generation even still exists? TenSoon himself expresses this thought when he looks up to the top alcoves. So obviously he can’t see them up there, and they don’t talk anymore. I think they don’t even exist! KanPaar, only moments later, announces that the First generation ignore his plea, but maybe he is just making that up.
Chapter 10:
- The italics passage mentions that the nuggets of Allowmancy contain the power of Preservation itself. Hmmm it seems like there is “Ruin� and its opposite is “Preservation�.
- Sazed looks at the religion of Larstaism, and he and Breeze discuss the existence of a supernatural force.
Gotta love Breeze: “W, if I were said force of doom, then I certaintly wouldn’t have used my powers to turn the land black.It just lacks flair. Red. Now, that would be an interesting color.�
- Allrianne greets them
- Sazed explains to Vin how he has been depressed and faithless since Tindwyl died. I feel bad for Sazed, but at the same time I’m really missing his old self. I can’t believe he was not even that excited to read the new information from the metal slate. I would think that he would realize how important new information is during this time, even if he is wallowing in self-pity.
Chapter 11:
Most disturbingly, the First Contract contained a provision which, if invoked, would require the mass suicide of the entire kandra people.
:O
- In this chapter Elend makes council to discuss besieging Cett’s kingdom to get to the cache, and gaining the support of Urteau, a town led by Skaa. He also asks people what Kelsier was like, and instructs the to try and keep a smile on their face as Kelsier would.
- Ahhh, so here’s mention of crops and what-not that I was curious about earlier. Ham has the right idea thinking of plants that can grow with minimal light, deer, rabbits, and pigs can all eat mushrooms. Though as this is the final book I don’t think there’s going to be much time for planting crops ;) I could be wrong of course. Also this is the very first mention of earthquakes!
Chapter 12:
WAIT�. The italics for this chapter talk about how Marsh described Hermalurgy as a “messy� process. Do you know what this means??? The person writing all this is someone that is ALIVE right NOW, and they know Marsh! Is Elend writing this? Are these somehow the writings of Kelsier? Because he was alive when Marsh was infiltrating the Steel Ministry and pretending to be an Obligator. No that can’t be it�. Hmmm I’m really excited to find out WHO is writing this stuff!!
- Marsh must have an important role, if he’s the only Inquisitor with 10 new spikes. Is Ruin trying to make some type of host that he can enter into? Or maybe just a super weapon? I feel so bad for Marsh, it would be absolute torture to be in a body and not have control over it. It must be his soul or consciousness that is somehow still attached to his body, even though he is no longer really “human�.
What did you guys think of Part One? I’m loving it, and only wish I had the free time to completely immerse myself in this book.
Think about how far we’ve come from the first book, with Kelsier small, almost pitiful, revolutionary gang. Now we’re following those same characters and new ones as they conquer the world while looking for ways to save it from its foreseeable doom. It has been an epic adventure for sure.