The Final Empire is a fantastic introduction to the world of Scadrial, with a unique and well-developed magic system. The characters, particularly Kelsier and Vin, are deeply engaging, and the plot is well-paced and enjoyable, though some aspects of the rebellion and class struggle themes feel a bit off.
The Final Empire is a fantastic introduction to the world of Scadrial, ruled by the oppressive, authoritarian regime of the Final Empire. The magic system, Allomancy, is thoroughly fascinating and unique, with a scientific approach that contrasts with more naturalistic systems. The characters, Kelsier and Vin, are deeply engaging and well-developed, and the supporting characters also have plenty of depth. The plot is well-paced and enjoyable, though some aspects of the rebellion and class struggle themes feel a bit off. The prose is functional and fits the tone of the book, making for an enjoyable reading experience. The only minor issue is the excessive use of names in dialogue, which can come across as needlessly condescending. Overall, it's a highly recommended read for fans of epic fantasy.
Quick quotes
The magic system of this series is thoroughly fascinating, unique and incredibly well put-together.
Despite being such a massive book, the pacing of the story is thoroughly appropriate for its size.
The only thing that kind of grated on me was the amount of times the characters speak each other’s names in dialogue.