Steelheart

The Reckoners, Book 1

By: Brandon Sanderson

Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews

Length: 12 hrs and 42 mins

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.

First Sanderson book but not the last by far

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I found the concept of superheroes that need to be taught a lesson by puny mortals very refreshing. The writing style and storyline of the book kept me intrigued and entertained until the very end. Characters were very well described by the author and it was pretty light on the "with great power comes great responsibility" speeches.
This is the first review of a book that I have written if that clues you in to how much I liked it, and I have listened to hundreds of audiobooks.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Steelheart?

I don't want to spoil anything but there were several

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

This is the first book that Mr. Andrews has narrated that I have listened to. He did an excellent job. You could tell that he knew the story well and had developed the characters in his mind before he recorded it.

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

Yes and I did listen to it during one whole shift at work with a few breaks.

A lot of fun

What did you love best about Steelheart?

A fun listen, my first experience with the author. And the narrator was perfect for the story (a pleasant experience after several other recent audible experiences).

What did you like best about this story?

I was worried this would fall more into a "fantasy" category and that I wouldn't like it. But it's complicated enough to hold interest, and the story develops well. Am looking forward to the next volume in the series!

It feels like your there ....Wow

At first I really didn't think I would like this book but man oh man was I wrong. Not only was it a good book but the narrator rocks.

Fantastic!!! I was hocked listening to the excerpt

Would you listen to Steelheart again? Why?

Already have. I don't think I even waited a whole day. I was trying to find other books when I just couldn't find one that grabbed my attention like Steelheart did.

What other book might you compare Steelheart to and why?

I love reading and had it not been for the free excerpt I would not have choosen it. I tend to read medical mysteries, Stephen King, W.E.B. Griffin type books. In a way you could compare it to Griffin in that it talks about doing whats right, fair and just.

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

I have not. This was the first book I ever listened too and was not sure if the book would come alive for me if someone else read it. It definitely did. In searching for more books, until more of the Reckoners series come out that is, I find myself comparing other to Macleod and find myself not as part of the story as I did when he narrated.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Not sure but I dit think it would make an awesome movie when I was listening to it and Eminem would be a great David.

Any additional comments?

Not being a writer myself I can imagine it is a long process.....not sure I can wait for the next one!!!

Amazing Book.

Any additional comments?

I can sum up this book in one word and that's phenomenal! I flew through this and loved every single word. This book right here is why I love reading, it grabs you and takes you on a journey. It's rare that you find a book that will blow your mind and make you love reading all over again. This is such a book, its not just a book, it's a masterpiece!!

Life for David changed when he was a child. His father was murdered by an Epic and David has made it his lifes work to kill that Epic. The only thing is, the Epic who killed him is Steelheart, the epic of all epics, the seemingly untouchable and invincible Epic, but David has a secret, he is the only one left alive who has seen Steelheart bleed. He thinks he knows Steelhearts weakness and is hell bent on revenge. He wants to join the only group that will stand up for humanity, the Reckoners, and get their help. Can David hurt someone that is impervious to everything? How is he going to kill the unkillable?

I loved David. He is smart, kind, funny and brave. He has been studying Epics since his father was killed, he has documented all he knows about them and has made it his lifes work to get revenge. David is determined to try to rid the world of as many Epics as he can but his ultimate goal is Steelheart. I loved his character and wanted him to succeed! He was funny as well as brave! His interactions with the Reckoners was hilarious sometimes, especially with Megan, the newest Reckoners recruit. He bumbles a lot when around her and often puts his foot in his mouth. It's adorable!!

Megan was kickass. She is the newest Reckoner and gets stuck right into fights. She is aloof and mysterious but opens up a little for David. I loved reading their interactions!!

Then we have Prof, the leader and founder of the Reckoners. He has invented some technology to help fight the Epics and is the heart of the gang. He has the final say on targets and if David can join or not. He is brave and a smart leader.

I loved the world building in the book. Its such a unique and cool concept. The idea that the ALL the people who got the superpowers are evil was awesome. Usually you have a superhero who has the same, if not better powers come to the rescue, not so here. Everyone who got the power turned evil. It's up to the humans to fight back!

I also loved the powers that the Epics had. So many different ones and all used for nefarious purposes!!

Anyway, Steelheart was such an action packed, edge of your seat, breathless rollercoaster. So much happens but you cant see where it's going. There are so many twists and turns that it's impossible not to gasp at most of them. This book has it all, epic fights, heroes, super super villains, a touch of humour and plenty of breathless action. The pacing and flow were perfect and it never let up. I flew through the book and didn't want it to end. From it's amazing characters to its superb writing, Steelheart is a must read. It's a riveting, fun and enjoyable story. Brandon Sanderson is a master story teller and I highly highly recommend this book!!

I listened to the audio and I loved it. MacLeod Andrews is very talented and he really knows how to tell the story. He did an amazing David and Prof and I loved how we knew the different characters with his tone. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it and can not wait for book 2.

I could keep gushing about this but better wrap it up, it's such an amazing book and everyone should read it!! My favourite book by far in a long long time and if I had an Epic rating for an Epic book I'd give it that!! Brilliant.

Great all around

What did you like about this audiobook?

I had hints about possibilities on where this book was going, I was wrong. I enjoyed being wrong

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

I suppose it did. I bought a few other super hero/super villain books since this one

Do you have any additional comments?

The book got my attention from the beginning and kept it through the whole story. I felt as though it wasn't as long as it really was

Sanderson Rarely Disappoints... TRUUU

The only question I had for Sanderson after reading this book was, did it effect his concentration on the next installment of 'The Way of Kings'? I totally say that tongue in cheek, I think he's written 2 books now in between the Stormlight Archives BUT it was well worth it.

I don't think with Sanderson's ability it was hard for him to write this book especially after reading the review about how he came about the concept, therefore creating a 'superpowers' book better than the status quo... There is a relatively known maxim that no matter what gender, religion, or situation a person is in when POWER is given to said person everyone is subject to corruption or using it to favor themselves. If most people really thought about it the anit-hero idea is great, I've loved comic book hero's but just like the situation Sanderson had been in, how many times has a person wished they could swipe the car driving in the fast lane out of it to teach them a lesson? Or even worse just disintegrate the IRS auditor or better yet the meter maid that just started writing u a ticket as u get to ur car, they always respond 'well I started it so I can't stop now' that's when u remove a couple limbs & say well since I started, I really can't finish. This premise is what makes this book great, turn the tables & if u have a cynical outlook on humanity u will agree with Sanderson that most people, if gifted with powers would use them to further they're own agenda.

U have the protagonist that has all the reason in the world to want all epics (humans gifted with some sort of superpower) eliminated because of the injustice brought upon him when he was a child, BUT during that experience he saw something everyone else lost their life for, a weakness in the most powerful epic in what we know as Chicago. Without getting into specifics because most of these types of books can already be a bit predictable, Sanderson adds his ability to flip that & add on a new POV that should start a great new series. Everyone has a weakness & everyone has obsessions, he takes this & creates a world where 'normal' humans look to change the status quo & prove not only that NO ONE is invincible & at the same time not everyone is corrupted by power. I highly recommend this light read, u will be thoroughly entertained & wanting more. Kudos Sanderson, u had no need to prove anything more but did anyway with this runaway start to 'The Reckoning', #1.

Possibly Sanderson's Best Work Yet

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

I didn't get a print version - audio only!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Steelheart?

The epic finish.

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

Prof!

Any additional comments?

I admit I was apprehensive and had this not been written by one of my favorite authors it’s unlikely I would have ever given it a chance. Like vampires and zombies, superhero stories are a dime a dozen these days. But Sanderson delivers another knockout, adding depth and world-building along with signature Sanderson characters and action to a bloated and tired sub-genre. This one is definitely worth your time and I can’t imagine this not finding its way into theaters or onto television soon.

wow another great story/book from Sanderson

Any additional comments?

wow we were hooked from the first chapter to the end and listen to the whole book in one setting. I'm not a big fan for super heroes books/story and only bought this book because it was Brandon Sanderson. Now I cannot wait for book 2 to see where this series goes. This was a great book...

Comic book minus pictures = Still a good book!

What did you love best about Steelheart?

This isn't the first novel I've read that tried to bring super-heroes to the literary page (sans images). I will say that it's the best. There were genuine moments of tension, a solid set of sub-plots, and the odd comic-book trope done well.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Steelheart?

Everyone expects the final confrontation to be The Big Sell in a novel like this. In truth, I found the beginning more satisfying than the end. It's a comic book, and we all know how THEY end (with a few exceptions)--even when it's the first part in a series. But, the mystery involved from the very beginning is EXCELLENT, and the payoff at the end is strong.

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

While the main character of David is "on-screen" as it were the most, it is a 1st Person novel, after all, I actually found both Megan and Prof to be more interesting characters. I guess David's just a bit too much the comic-cliche.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"David is the only person to ever see Steelheart bleed and live. He will see him bleed again."

Any additional comments?

The only real short-coming in this book is the new slang terms. The world feels authentic--the existence of New 'Cago, Calamity itself, and all the other elements feel well-established. But the slang (slontz, sparks, etc.) just feel added in to generate a feeling of "this ain't Kansas no more." It's amusing that I was able to suspend my disbelief regarding the presence of super-heroes and super-powers, but every time I heard one of those faux-curses I jolted out of the narrative. I'll buy people with invulnerability powers but NOT that slang can change so far and so fast in just 10 years.But, that's more of a nit-pick than anything else.