jethrien

Title: The Well of Ascension
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Genre: Semi-epic fantasy (#2 in trilogy)
Thingummies: 3

Synopsis: I can't actually write a useful synopsis without spoiling the first book. In fact, reading the back cover of book 2 spoils book 3 and book 3's cover spoils book 2. So don't read them if you intend to finish the series. Which you probably will, if you read the first book. Kelsier's old crew discovers that holding a city is a lot harder than winning it. They're surrounded by enemy armies and their ideals are starting to get in the way. But Vin isn't convinced that this is the worst of their problems--she thinks the Deepness, the ancient enemy whose attacks led to the ascent of the Lord Ruler in the first place, is returning. Is Vin the Hero of Ages after all? Can she stop what the Lord Ruler couldn't, even as his empire crumbles around them?

Thoughts: I've already gotten halfway into the last book, which does somewhat color my perspective on this one.

The problems are fairly logical here, after the previous events. However, it feels very much like the slightly-mushy middle of a trilogy--the plot feels somewhat more like a transition from one state to another, without the drive of the first book. Most of the questions left unanswered from book 1 aren't resolved until book 3, which is annoying. A lot of this feels more conventional than the first book did, as it settles into a groove that's been worn by others before it. Also, the whole Vin/Elend dithering over whether the other loves the real them was unconvincing and irritating. Finally, I rather wonder if Allrianne was initially intended to do more--she's set up and then never really used. Still, the story rolls along and you still want those questions answered, so proceed on to book 3 where they'll finally start explaining things.

To be fair, I did really like the development of OreSeur and his relationship with Vin.

Spoilery-spoilers ahoy.

I think I would have found the ending more satisfying if I hadn't accidentally spoiled myself by reading the book 3 cover copy. Annoyed. It's clever, although I hope Sanderson doesn't start becoming an M. Night Shyamalan, with a twist ending at the end of every book. (Oh, it was Rashek all along! Oh, Rashek was right all along! Ooh, maybe book 3 will reveal that it wasn't Rashek, it was Kwaan!) Subverting tropes is fun, but I worry a little about him getting too clever. Wouldn't want him to turn into a one-trick pony, you know?

I have thoughts on Elend becoming a Mistborn, but I think I'll hold on to those until I finish The Hero of Ages. Onward, then!