Mistborn: The Well of Ascension
Written by Brandon Sanderson.
🏔️ What is it about?
"Mistborn: The Well of Ascension" picks up one year after Vin, Elend and their crew succeeded in overthrowing the tyrannical Lord Ruler and dismantling the Final Empire's oppressive monarchy. Now, in the ensuing chaos and power vacuum, Elend has assumed the role of Luthadel's interim King while he works alongside Vin and the rest of the gang to establish a modern, egalitarian society.
The story again follows Vin, the powerful Mistborn who can burn Allomantic metals to produce extraordinary magic, and Elend as the fledgling kingdom faces immense external and internal threats.
Externally, three massive armies led by power-hungry factions converge on war-torn Luthadel, threatening total destruction. Elend's ruthless father, Straff Venture, is one of these parties, who has camped his enormous army outside the city walls. Another army, led by nobleman Ashweather Cett approaches from the other side. Finally, and most ominously, an army of Koloss, monstrous beings possessing massive strength and animalistic morals, also march towards Luthadel, adding pressure to the impending war.
Internally, Vin’s magic abilities allow her to sense a strange thrumming power emanating from the mountains to the north, where legend says the Well of Ascension resides. This power may be key to protecting the kingdom, yet, alone in her magic, Vin doubts what she is feeling, unsure if it is real or a product of her own impending madness.
The stakes could not be higher as these three armies converge on war-torn Luthadel from different directions. Total destruction of everything they’ve worked for looms on the horizon if Vin, Elend and their crew cannot find a way to defend the city and the hopes for the freedom it represents.
Thoughts
The Well of Ascension takes the excitement and imaginative world of the first Mistborn book and expands it into a more layered, subtle story. Although the start is slower-paced and more political compared to the first book's heist plot, Brandon Sanderson still builds tension masterfully through the various external and internal threats facing Luthadel. The looming war, the mystery surrounding the Well of Ascension, and Vin's own self-doubts about whether she can trust her senses all create an atmosphere thick with suspense.
The character development is phenomenal, especially for the two main protagonists Vin and Elend. Elend evolves from a naive idealist and nobleman into a competent leader and military strategist, coached by his advisor Tindwyl. He struggles with the morality of war, learning to make tough calls for the greater good despite the inner conflict between his lofty ideals and the harsh realities of ruling.
Vin undergoes her own powerful character arc, struggling to reconcile her love for Elend with her incredibly violent capabilities as a Mistborn. She questions whether it’s possible to be a good person if her role in the revolution requires the brutal extermination of any threats to Elend's democracy-building efforts. Complicating matters further, although these actions are meant to protect Elend, their relationship is deeply strained as Elend witnesses Vin’s destructive and intimidating power firsthand. As the plot progresses, it appears Vin's dreams of an ethical life, a relationship with Elend, and the success of a free society are in direct opposition.
The themes of morality, identity, responsibility and sacrifice that Sanderson explores through the characters add philosophical depth to the absorbing fantasy. While Sanderson’s simplistic prose may not be everyone’s preference, I personally continue to enjoy the writing’s accessibility. It’s an easy, yet enthralling read, impossible to put down as the suspenseful prose and excellent character work keep you hooked throughout the simmering buildup to the war. The immensely satisfying climax delivers on all expectations, perfectly setting up the sequel “Hero of Ages.”
In summary, this addictive sequel elevates the Mistborn series through nuanced character development, clever political intrigue, and an expansive yet intricate fantasy world. I highly recommended it to any fantasy fan as it improves on the first book in nearly every way. Vin and Elend's journey lingers with you long after the final page. That is if you don’t choose to immediately pick up book three.