Shai is a Forger, a foreigner who can flawlessly copy and re-create any item by rewriting its history with skillful magic. Condemned to death after trying to steal the emperor’s scepter, she is given one opportunity to save herself. Though her skill as a Forger is considered an abomination by her captors, Shai will attempt to create a new soul for the emperor, who is almost dead.
Probing deeply into his life, she discovers Emperor Ashravan’s truest nature—and the opportunity to exploit it. Her only possible ally is one who is truly loyal to the emperor, but councilor Gaotona must overcome his prejudices to understand that Shai’s forgery is as much artistry as it is deception.
My thoughts:
This book was short, so very short, but that does not matter. I will in the end read anything by Brandon Sanderson.
In 175 pages he tells the story of Shai, who is a forger (do not make me go into details. She creates things, let's leave it at that.) She is in prison, and those in power need her forging. She is clever, insightful and very good at what she does. As the book is very short we see her hurrying with what she is tasked to do, cos else she will die.
The world building and magic is not laid out open as there is not enough time, but Sanderson still manages to explain what forging is and hint about an interesting world. Of course I would have loved to see it grow even more, to explore it more and about Shai. But we can't have it all, and I will take what I get.
Conclusion:
It was an easy book that can be read in a few hours.
Cover
Well..it does look kind of cool
YA /fantasy
175 pages
Published October 11th 2012 by Tachyon Publications
Own
Are there going to be more books, or is this short read it? Sounds like he would have a captive audience in you if he were to write more in this world!
ReplyDeleteIt seems this short read is it. Now I hear that his other book was set in the same world. But of course that was another country and WHOLE other story.
DeleteFrom what I understand, it's set in the same world as Elantris - one of the few Sanderson titles I haven't read - so I imagine there's more world building involved there.
ReplyDeleteStill, a good solid read that I enjoyed thoroughly.
I did not know that, I had totally missed that. Huh. Kind of cool that he took another country in the same world and went for it
DeleteI love the cover, but am on the fence about reading it when you say the author didn't detail the magic and the surrounding world. I like details. It helps create visuals that accompany whatever I am reading.
ReplyDeleteWell the book is really short, so it's more like a short sneak peak into this world. And the magic is explained enough, it's just that it could have been so so much more
DeleteWell, i like these kind of slow, and short books that take little time to devour.
ReplyDeleteMight read this sometime since I will add it to my TBR
your reader,
Soma
http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/
I do love Brandon Sanderson's works :D
Deletewell like that it's perfect to read it between 2 books.
ReplyDeleteThat it would be
DeleteIt is short, so you will read it in no time and that can just be pure gold :D
ReplyDeleteWaving or drowning?! That's how my week's been...
ReplyDeleteI hear ya
DeleteOh he is on my must read author list that I haven't read... yet. Yea, long list name, I know. :)
ReplyDeleteHm... must check this one out!
You really need to try one of his books one day...he has a lot
DeleteHmm, I've been curious about this one. For me, the cover doesn't work. But I do love Sanderson's work. And have wanted to get it but wasn't sure what the story was really about. Thank you! I do think I need it. :)
ReplyDeleteThere is something weird about the cover, it looks like she has tentacles on her. Still it looks cool
DeleteSounds good. Interesting cover.
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteSounds like a wonderful book that I will have to get my hands on.
ReplyDeleteAnd it was short :)
DeleteSounds fun and original.
ReplyDeleteIt sure was
DeleteI am yet to try any book by Sanderson. Maybe.
ReplyDeleteWhich one have you read?
DeleteNot a genre I read but the cover made me take a second look! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThe cover sure has something strange over it
DeleteShort stories are great for read-a-thons, so I should def. add this to the list of short reads. :)
ReplyDeleteFor that this book would be absolutely perfect
DeleteI like the sound of Shai's ability. I haven't read any Sanderson except for the Jordan books, but I should.
ReplyDeleteIt was a cool and very different ability
DeleteI am intrigued...and you will read anything by this author..that speaks volumes!
ReplyDeleteI do love his work
DeleteSounds like a nice quick dose of fantasy.
ReplyDeleteI really want to try Sanderson and this sounds wonderful! Short you say? Maybe it will be ideal to see if I like him ;)
ReplyDeleteI do adore his works
DeleteWow. I just adore that cover. I want to read this. Sounds good. :3
ReplyDeleteWow I really need to read this! I love Sanderson and this sounds like a quick, satisfying read. Thanks for bringing it to my attention, and lovely review!
ReplyDeleteSanderson is amazing :D I always want more and more and then more
DeleteI have some of his books to read!! I love the cover!
ReplyDeleteYAY :D
DeleteI have this one! I think I read a few pages, then I lost interest. I want to give it another shot.
ReplyDeleteWell it is short ;)
Delete