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.