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Steelheart  By  cover art

Steelheart

By: Brandon Sanderson
Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews
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Publisher's summary

From the number-one New York Times best-selling author of the Mistborn Trilogy, Brandon Sanderson, comes the first book in a new, action-packed thrill ride of a series - Steelheart. Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary men and women extraordinary powers. The awed public started calling them Epics.

But Epics are no friend of man. With incredible gifts came the desire to rule. And to rule man you must crush his will.

Nobody fights the Epics...nobody but the Reckoners. A shadowy group of ordinary humans, they spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them.

And David wants in. He wants Steelheart - the Epic who is said to be invincible. The Epic who killed David's father. For years, like the Reckoners, David's been studying, and planning - and he has something they need. Not an object, but an experience.

He's seen Steelheart bleed.

And he wants revenge.

©2013 Dragonsteel Entertainment, LLC (P)2013 Audible Inc.

Featured Article: The Best Brandon Sanderson Audiobooks


Brandon Sanderson is one of the best-known and most popular fantasy authors working today. If you're entering his wonderfully magical worlds for the first time, it can be daunting. Never fear! This guide will walk you through the best Brandon Sanderson audiobooks, from his most well-known series to his lesser-known (but equally excellent) standalone novels. So buckle up and get ready for days (yes, literally, days!) of amazing listening.

What listeners say about Steelheart

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    23,686
  • 4 Stars
    10,460
  • 3 Stars
    2,734
  • 2 Stars
    532
  • 1 Stars
    290
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    24,370
  • 4 Stars
    7,898
  • 3 Stars
    1,653
  • 2 Stars
    253
  • 1 Stars
    133
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    21,296
  • 4 Stars
    9,294
  • 3 Stars
    2,866
  • 2 Stars
    598
  • 1 Stars
    288

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wow! Just Wow!

This is probably the best superhero story I have ever heard. Remember how awesome Ironman 3 and Avengers was? Well, they pale in comparison to this story. It's gritty and epic. There is nothing "small" about this story. The characters are believable and unique, and you will grow to love them. Imagine a story about Superman, the Justice League and every other superhero, only they were evil almost beyond comprehension. The vilest of the heroes was Superman (Steelheart), only he was indestructible with no silly weakness like kryptonite. Well, that's the bleak outlook that our true heroes, the Reckoners, face. The author comes up with some crazy clever plots as these reckoners plot and plan to kill every last "epic". One of them, appropriately named David, has a personal vendetta against the most powerful of these evil goliaths, and the book is written through his eyes. I was hooked on this book, like I've never been hooked on a book before. You will laugh, cry, bite your nails and probably run out of gas if you listen to this book while driving....yeah, it's that good. There are a few liberties taken with science and the paranormal that even I thought were bit much and that does take you out of the drama for a second or two, but the book quickly moves on and you are continually surprised and amazed by the twists in the story. In the end, so much of the "unbelievable" suddenly makes sense and the finale is both cathartic and glorious with a sprinkle of open-endedness to keep you salivating for more.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Outstanding Thoroughly Entertaining from Beginning

What did you love best about Steelheart?

Simply put, it was fun. It grabs you from the start and keeps the pace going. I enjoy a complex story with lots of depth, but occasionally you want something that does not take it self to seriously and is just a fun read. This book fits the bill, perfectly. It may have a few plot holes and even be little predictable at points, with some obvious foreshadowing, but still just plain enjoyable. I like complex books, but after a few stressful weeks at work, this was exactly what I needed.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Steelheart?

The opening scene of the book. I could mention a another scene but it would be a spoiler.

Which scene was your favorite?

The opening scene of the book.

Any additional comments?

I look forward to the rest of the series.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wow!!! Blown Away

I tought I would take a gamble on this book, and I am so glad I did. This is the first book of this genre to which I have lisentened. Great Book! One of the best I have ever heard. I can't wait for the next book in the series. It's like a cross between X-Men, and The video game infamous, but much better.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Well Executed.

Would you listen to Steelheart again? Why?

This is a very well written and tightly plotted story. Sanderson will undoubtedly have a long career, and write some very popular books. I could easily see Steelheart made in a motion picture with some level of success. He is talented and a professional writer whose accolades are well deserved.

For me however parts of this story felt formulaic. Parts Matrix, X-Men and Catcher in the Rye. This is not necessarily a bad thing since most science fiction and fantasy are derivative at some level. The familiar is comfortable. For those readers and listeners who are looking for an action packed, fast moving story you will really enjoy this book and I recommend it.I felt at times that the story line was targeted toward a younger audience, which Sanderson has successfully done in other series.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Megan. I really got a kick out of her not being impressed initially with "Knees".

Have you listened to any of Macleod Andrews’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

He did an excellent job. Very well done.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I rarely do that...

Any additional comments?

I would not disagree with my other reviewers, it is very well done.For me, the story felt a little naive and the storyline a little "mass market".

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Inspired fantasy story with strong characters

What made the experience of listening to Steelheart the most enjoyable?

First person POV of a precocious young man whose sensibilities go beyond the mundane. Gals, guns & galore a plenty in this novel.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Steelheart?

The bank scene, the weapons dealer, the motorcycle chase & the final denouement.

Which character – as performed by Macleod Andrews – was your favorite?

David, Cody

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

David in the deadend tunnel.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very entertaining....

What did you love best about Steelheart?

The universe which they built. It should provide some very entertaining settings.

What did you like best about this story?

The hope aspect, good overcoming evil. Humanity surviving despite overwhelming odds.

Which scene was your favorite?

David at diamonds.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great fun fast paced adventure.

If you could sum up Steelheart in three words, what would they be?

Awesome! Exciting! Romantic!

What other book might you compare Steelheart to and why?

Hmmm....Alloy of Law for its pace, but story is a stand alone and a series.

What about Macleod Andrews’s performance did you like?

It was perfect. I loved his accents and characters inflections.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not extreme but a great time.

Any additional comments?

Brandon Sanderson produces another amazing world with realistic characters and scenarios in a world so different from ours.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great new twist on traditional Super Hero stories

This book was really good. I don't take the time to write reviews unless a book was really good or really bad. This one was fantastic. I can usually figure out the main twists in the stories, but not with this one. I'm really looking forward to the series. It is a new way to tell the Super Hero story. That in itself makes it worth a listen.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

YA series

Would you try another book from Brandon Sanderson and/or Macleod Andrews?

Yes

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

A few surprises that did leave me wondering.

Do you think Steelheart needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Yes

Any additional comments?

I didn't realize this was a YA series when i purchased it. right from the beginning it felt shallow and i got annoyed with the first person narrator. There is a major emphasis on characters' quirky personalities I found to be aggravating. I wondered what the heck was going on with Sanderson's writing and figured out pretty quick it was geared for the YA audience. Although I don't think I would have found the writing enthralling as a young adult.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Story that Follows Through till the End

Would you consider the audio edition of Steelheart to be better than the print version?

Did not read it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Steelheart?

I do not give spoilers - this book needs to be read or listened to.

Which character – as performed by Macleod Andrews – was your favorite?

Prof

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but it does allow you to chill out for a little bit to take a break before the 1.5 hour finale, which is unusual, but was appreciated. Gave me a day to savor the story and look forward to the ending, really rare in a superhero book.

Any additional comments?

This is right up there with Peter Clines "EX-HEROES" as my all-time favorite non-DC, non-Marvel superhero stories.

It was worth the money.

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