Summary
The Well of Ascension, the second installment in Brandon Sanderson's acclaimed Mistborn trilogy, continues the epic fantasy saga set in a world where certain individuals can harness the power of metals. Published in 2007, this novel expands on the intricate magic system and political intrigue established in its predecessor, The Final Empire. As a New York Times bestselling author, Sanderson has received widespread recognition for his innovative approach to fantasy writing. The Well of Ascension exemplifies his skill in world-building and character development, delving deeper into the complexities of governing a newly liberated society while facing both internal and external threats.
Plot
The Well of Ascension opens one year after the fall of the Lord Ruler, as the city of Luthadel faces turmoil and siege. Elend Venture, now king, struggles to maintain order as three armies converge on the city. Vin, a powerful Mistborn, grapples with her newfound religious status while investigating strange occurrences in the mists. Meanwhile, the crew from Kelsier's rebellion adapts to their new roles as leaders, facing political challenges and the threat of assassination.
As tensions rise, Vin finds herself torn between her loyalty to Elend and the allure of fellow Mistborn Zane. She battles her own violent impulses while uncovering a Kandra spy in their midst. Outside the city, Sazed discovers disturbing information about the mists and a hidden prophecy that could change everything. The siege intensifies, forcing difficult decisions and leading to tragic losses among the crew.
Vin's search for the legendary Well of Ascension becomes more urgent as she believes it may hold the key to saving the city. However, conflicting information and manipulated texts create confusion about the true nature of the Well and its power. The siege culminates in a massive attack on Luthadel by an army of koloss, which Vin manages to turn back using her newfound ability to control these large and dangerous beasts.
In a climactic finale, Vin locates the Well of Ascension beneath Luthadel. Faced with a dying Elend, she chooses to release the power rather than claim it for herself. This decision inadvertently frees a powerful entity that had been imprisoned. As Elend is saved by becoming a Mistborn, Sazed uncovers the truth about the manipulated prophecies, losing his faith in the process. The stage is set for an even greater conflict in the world's future.
Themes
Power and responsibility in leadership
Trust and betrayal in relationships
Struggle between duty and personal desires
Nature of prophecy and destiny
Consequences of political upheaval
Personal growth through adversity
Balance between caution and necessary action
Setting
The Well of Ascension takes place in a postapocalyptic fantasy world, one year after the fall of the tyrannical Lord Ruler who had oppressed the population for a millennium. The story is set primarily in Luthadel, the capital city of the former Final Empire, now plunged into political turmoil as various factions vie for control.
Luthadel lies at the heart of the Central Dominance, one of several geographic regions that made up the Lord Ruler's domain. The city is under siege by three armies, including one composed of monstrous creatures called koloss. Beyond Luthadel, the land is shrouded in mysterious mists that have begun behaving strangely, harboring an unknown entity that haunts the protagonist Vin.
At the center of the conflict is the mythical Well of Ascension, an ancient source of power hidden somewhere within Luthadel itself. As political intrigue and magical battles unfold in the city streets, the characters must also contend with the larger mystery of the Well and its potential to reshape their world once again.
Characters
Vin: A powerful Mistborn and former street urchin who killed the Lord Ruler. She struggles with her newfound fame and responsibilities while protecting Luthadel. Vin grapples with trusting others and her growing relationship with Elend. She believes she may be the prophesied Hero of Ages.
Elend Venture: The idealistic young nobleman who becomes king of Luthadel after the Lord Ruler's fall. He attempts to establish a just government while facing political challenges and siege from enemy armies. Elend works to become a stronger leader and deepen his relationship with Vin.
Sazed: A Terrisman scholar and Keeper. He researches the prophecies of the Hero of Ages while helping govern Luthadel. Sazed struggles with his faith and beliefs as he uncovers troubling information about the past.
Breeze: A Soother Allomancer and member of Kelsier's former crew. He uses his emotional manipulation abilities to assist in politics and negotiations.
Ham: A Thug Allomancer with super-strength who serves as a general in Elend's army. He enjoys philosophical debates and helps defend the city.
Straff Venture: Elend's ruthless father who besieges Luthadel with his army. He seeks to conquer the city and reclaim power.
Zane: Straff's illegitimate Mistborn son who becomes involved with Vin. He is unstable and claims to hear a voice in his head.
OreSeur/TenSoon: A kandra who can mimic the appearance of others. He serves as Vin's companion and spy while hiding his true identity.
Quick facts
The Well of Ascension, published in 2007, is the second book in Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy.
The novel is set one year after the events of the first book, The Final Empire.
The Well of Ascension introduces several new major characters, including Zane and Tindwyl.
The book further explores the magic system of Allomancy introduced in the first novel.
The Well of Ascension delves deeper into the lore and history of the Final Empire and the Lord Ruler.
The novel features political intrigue and siege warfare alongside magical action.
It expands on the concept of kandra, shape-shifting creatures briefly mentioned in the first book.
The audiobook version is narrated by Michael Kramer, a frequent collaborator with Sanderson.
The actual Well of Ascension plays a crucial role in the plot and mythology of the series.
The Well of Ascension's ending sets up major revelations that are explored in the final book of the trilogy.
About the Author
Brandon Sanderson (1975-) is a prolific American author of fantasy and science fiction, best known for his expansive Cosmere universe. He began his writing career in the early 2000s and quickly gained recognition for his innovative magic systems and intricate world-building. His notable works include the Mistborn series, The Stormlight Archive series, and the completion of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series.
Sanderson's writing is characterized by his “Laws of Magic,” which emphasize the importance of well-defined magical systems in fantasy storytelling. He has also popularized the concepts of “hard” and “soft” magic, providing a framework for understanding how magic functions within fictional worlds. His ability to craft complex, interconnected narratives has earned him a dedicated fanbase and numerous literary awards.
In addition to his adult fantasy novels, Sanderson has authored several young adult series, including The Reckoners and Skyward. He is known for his engagement with fans through regular updates, podcasts, and online writing classes. In 2022, Sanderson made headlines with a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign for four secret novels, demonstrating his immense popularity and the strength of his connection with readers.
Beyond his writing, Sanderson is an adjunct faculty member at Brigham Young University, where he teaches creative writing. He is also involved in various charitable endeavors through The Lightweaver Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife Emily.
