Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson (Tor 2006).  I just finished this fantasy novel at the recommendation of a reader comment (see comments for the November post ”Luke Skywalker vs. Edward Cullen”).  Mistborn is Book 2 of Brandon Sanderson’s epic fantasy series, and it’s a great read.  The main character Kelsier combines the brash devil-may-care adventurism of Indiana Jones with the roguery of Robin Hood and the fighting talents of a ninja as he battles against the evil Lord Ruler. 

The capital city of Luthadel, reminiscent of Dicken’s industrial England, is a filthy city full of crowded slums where the people known as skaa live enslaved to a corrupt noble class.  These nobles in turn are controlled by the Lord Ruler and his reign of terror.  The dashing Kelsier and his band of thieves combine forces with the skaa rebellion to overthrow the government.  They plot the ultimate heist-the overthrow of the government and a raid on the treasury which they believe is full of the priceless metal atium.

Why does Kelsier think he can win against impossible odds that have defeated so many?  Because Kelsier is a Mistborn-an elite magician who has the abilities to “burn” ingested metals to activate his powers.  Burning iron or steel enables Kelsier to “pull” and “push” on metals so he can climb up buildings or push off a coin and leap superhuman distances into the air.  Other metals heighten Kelsier’s senses or enable him to influence the feelings of others. 

Mistborns apparently are a rare lot, so when Kelsier discovers Vin, a beaten slum-rat thief of a girl, he takes her under his wing and mentors her.  She becomes his sidekick and a critical member of the team.

I don’t read a lot of fantasy, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  Great characters, great setting, great plot.  And while I found myself skimming the fight scenes, I’ve read blogs that said the fight scenes were their favorite part.  Anyone who likes the fast paced moves of an action flick will love the fight scenes. 

We all root for the underdog.  We all want Frodo, Harry Potter (and Wilbur the pig for that matter) to win.  But what is the price of success?  Read Mistborn and find out. 

Comment on Mistborn or other fantasy books you love!