The Well of Ascension

Continues on from where Mistborn: The Final Empire left off. Elend and Vin are left to deal with the aftermath of their defeat of the Lord Ruler, dealing both with internal politics in Luthadel and besieging armies.

Sanderson introduces more information about the Feruchemical powers that Sazed had. We learn more about the way that the power differs from Allomancy, as well as Vin's experiments with new Allomantic metals. Fighting and movement are as fluid as ever; the novel concept of Pushes and Pulls makes almost cinematic fight scenes possible. The level of excitement in the book is kept at a high, as the mysterious mists equivocate between help and danger and ancient legends of the Hero of Ages and the Well of Ascension are investigated.

I think that more so than in the first book, Sanderson displays his willingness to tackle more complicated issues than capers, albeit magical. We see the conflict of love and duty between Sazed and Tindwyl, and the importance of trust between Elend and Vin. Each member of the crew is given a distinctive story that deals with family, friendship, rebellion and deception. We also are prompted to consider aspects of politcal theory and theology as Elend and Sazed respectively try to tackle their respective challenges.

The Well of Ascension is a thrilling sequel to the first in this trilogy. I normally pride myself on working out plot twists while reading, but this book invites only pleasurable mystery. Highly recommended.