I truly loved the first book, Mistborn. I was sorely disappointed with this second book. The author is a good writer but the pacing of the story was not very good at all. I was getting bored the first two thirds of the story. I felt the author focused too much on the politics and it seems like he was getting sidetracked from the main story plot, which is obviously the well of ascension. Since this is the main plot, why is the first two thirds of the story about how the city is struggling? Secondly, I was getting really annoyed with Elend. I was not even certain why he became such a big focus of the story. I was very frustrated how stubborn Elend was about his views when the problem could have been solved from the very first: kill the father. The silly part of the story involving the kingship was very very dull. Finally, the story then suddenly rushed and rushed to the climax ending. The end was definitely interesting, but I was sad that the author neglected the main plot of the story until the end of the story. The book is titled the well of ascension. Why is it so ignored until the very end? Honestly, it begins near the end of the story. I wished the author began much earlier and stretched out the fun part longer. I was not able to enjoy the book as much as I could have. I truly liked the first book. The whole book was about the mistborn as the title suggests. Second book, I wanted more than what the author gave.

After reading Elantris, it was easy to see that Sanderson is an author to be reckoned with. Mistborn only further supported that notion. After reading these books, by girlfriend told me that I absolutely had to read them and they were some of her favorites to date. Now usually when something is really hyped up to me, it tends to fall short after I experience it. This was not so with this trilogy. The world that is created in Mistborn is given the kind of attention and thought that Tolkien gave his world (not quite as deep and detailed, but on its way). I felt such an attachment to Vin and Kelsier, it was hard to imagine that there were only three books in this series. I felt like just as much happened in these three books than a few 10 book series that are out there, an without missing any of the rich detail that has become a staple of the fantasy genre.
Elements such as the presence that Kelsier has throughout all three books is what keeps me in awe even after I have finished reading. These characters do not even exist, yet I feel like I would jump right into the crew and lay down my life for all those involved. Spectacular stories, and each as good as the next. As a reader you will never begin to expect the directions that Sanderson takes you. What a journey! A must read.

Sanderson's ability to add depth to already-developed characters shines through in this sequel, and I found myself really caring not only about what happened to each member of the crew, but what would happen to the world itself.

I consider Robin Hobb to be the best fantasy writer going. Her characters are so interesting and complex-- even though maddening and obtuse at times. I come away from a Hobb book feeling as if I lived a life in her world. And I want to go back.

With the second book of Mistborn, I think Sanderson has equalled Hobb. His main characters live interesting emotional lives. They struggle with ethics and self-worth. They live examined lives, and yet they take action, too.

I must say, usually I roll my eyes at female warrior characters. Too often they are written as indistinguishable from men. They might as well *be* men, but one gets the sense that the author has got some sort of literary affirmative action program going (witness George R.R. Martin's inexplicably no-magic-or-anything unbeatable female knight in his Song of Ice and Fire. Give me a break.) I'm old school. I prefer to read about women who nurture and knights who fight over them. Do you find my attitude annoying you oh-so-modern enlightened reader you? Then I have two things to say A) screw you, and B) listen, Sanderson's female assassin, Vin, won me over. She makes sense. She's a warrior, and a believable (at least to me) young woman. Yes, this is me talking.

I want to be on Vin's team. I want to fly her banner. That takes some sensitive and solid writing, pal. So, this is the best thing I've read since since I ran out of Hobb books (get writing Robin!).

(Also, FYI, I read both books on my Kindle. It was very comfortable. I'm going to read all fiction on my Kindle from now on.)

This book, along with the rest of the trilogy, is one of the best, most entertaining books I have read in a while. I wouldn't say I'm the most prolific reader, working on a Masters degree and preparing to start my Doctorate program can be a bit time consuming, but after reading a little of the first book to get a taste for the series, I made time for it.

All of the books in the series are very well written, and the characters themselves are very believable. I would recommend the series to anyone with any interest in a good read.