The Final Empire

Mistborn Book 1

By: Brandon Sanderson

Narrated by: Michael Kramer

Length: 24 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

From number one New York Times best-selling author Brandon Sanderson, the Mistborn series is a heist story of political intrigue and magical, martial-arts action.

For a thousand years the ash fell and no flowers bloomed. For a thousand years the Skaa slaved in misery and lived in fear. For a thousand years the Lord Ruler, the "Sliver of Infinity," reigned with absolute power and ultimate terror, divinely invincible. Then, when hope was so long lost that not even its memory remained, a terribly scarred, heart-broken half-Skaa rediscovered it in the depths of the Lord Ruler's most hellish prison.

Kelsier "snapped" and found in himself the powers of a Mistborn. A brilliant thief and natural leader, he turned his talents to the ultimate caper, with the Lord Ruler himself as the mark. Kelsier recruited the underworld's elite, the smartest and most trustworthy allomancers, each of whom shares one of his many powers, and all of whom relish a high-stakes challenge. Only then does he reveal his ultimate dream, not just the greatest heist in history, but the downfall of the divine despot. But even with the best criminal crew ever assembled, Kel's plan looks more like the ultimate long shot, until luck brings a ragged girl named Vin into his life.

Like him, she's a half-Skaa orphan, but she's lived a much harsher life. Vin has learned to expect betrayal from everyone she meets, and gotten it. She will have to learn to trust, if Kel is to help her master powers of which she never dreamed.

This saga dares to ask a simple question: What if the hero of prophecy fails?

Other Tor books by Brandon Sanderson

• The Cosmere
• The Stormlight Archive
• The Way of Kings
• Words of Radiance
• Edgedancer (Novella)
• Oathbringer

The Mistborn trilogy:

• Mistborn: The Final Empire
• The Well of Ascension
• The Hero of Ages

Mistborn: The Wax and Wayne series:

• Alloy of Law
• Shadows of Self
• Bands of Mourning
• Collection
• Arcanum Unbounded

Other Cosmere novels

• Elantris
• Warbreaker

The Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series:

• Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians
• The Scrivener's Bones
• The Knights of Crystallia
• The Shattered Lens
• The Dark Talent

The Rithmatist series:

• The Rithmatist

Other books by Brandon Sanderson

• The Reckoners
• Steelheart
• Firefight
• Calamity

©2006 Brandon Sanderson (P)2009 Macmillan Audio

great match! Sanderson and Kramer do it again!

fantastic narration as usual by Kramer and a fresh story by Sanderson! I guess I need 15 words min for a review.

great book

I enjoyed listening to this book, on my commute to work each day. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

Excellent

Where does The Final Empire rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Easily in the top 3 audio books and still easily in the top 5 for books in general.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Final Empire?

A certain scene that takes place in the square involving the Lord Ruler. Not only was it such an important part in the plot it was preceded by a seriously intense action moment. Even though the scene would have only taken a minute in real life it felt as if my reality slowed down while it was being read to me.

Which character – as performed by Michael Kramer – was your favorite?

Kelsior, or however you spell it. But to be fair he was essentially the more important protagonist and is by far the most charismatic character. Plus Mr. Kramer's voice just seemed to fit Kelsior flawlessly, you could almost taste Kel's cockiness, lightheartedness and determination flowing out of Mr. Kramer.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Vin had her outburst at the rest of the crew. It really drove home that even though she is a powerful allomancer she is also a young girl who had a life that most couldn't survive and was forced into such a stressful situation. And even though she was finally given an existence that she enjoyed, tragedy just can't seem to leave her alone.

Any additional comments?

This is a great starter for a fantastic series. I accidentally ordered the 5th book first but was so enthralled that I had to read the rest of the books. The world, the characters, the "magic", and the possibilities are all incredible. I literally just ordered the 3rd book and can't wait to get to the 4th. Mr. Sanderson has received another loyal reader.

Great story for those who like Sci-if

Read this book at the recommendation of a friend. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the performance was outstanding. It is a long book so be ready for lots of character detail. Took a little bit to get into the story but I was hooked petty quickly. Defiantly worth a read/listen! Enjoy!!

Pre W.O.K.

The story is good on its own, though if you have read Way of Kings, you will recognize many similarities. It is completely different in setting and deliver ability, but full of love able characters all the same.

Wow, what a STORY

Could not stop listening. Outstanding in everyway. Latched onto the characters and really love Vin, her growth and breadth of change was astounding.

One of my favorite books of all time! A must read!

Vin is the best. I rank Sanderson as my favorite living author. Haven't read anything that is quite as good as him--save Tolkien

Opened my eyes

wow. I guess all the hype was well founded. I'm not even a fantasy fan. I'll be lucky if I can stop listening long enough to sleep between books. I'm very, VERY impressed.

Can't wait to listen to the next one!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Story is well written and you fall in live with Vin instantly. Can't wait to read the next 2!

Mr. Kramers voice

wow, one if the better audio books Ive read/listened and it's most definitely bc of the skill Mr. Kramet puts forth. His differing accents and tones really set other storylines apart and helps to paint a full picture of the journey. I'm not sure if he narrates the other books for this series but I sincerely hope so! my coworker recommended me this series and I've honestly loved every moment of it.