In the second installment of the Mistborn series, The Well of Ascension, Vin and Elend Venture face political turmoil as they attempt to stabilize the city of Luthadel after the Lord Ruler's fall. Three armies lay siege to the city, each with its own agenda. Vin grapples with her identity and the mysterious power of the Well of Ascension, while Elend strives to become a just leader. As tensions rise, secrets unravel, challenging their beliefs and the very fabric of their world. Sanderson weaves a tale of intrigue, power, and sacrifice in this epic fantasy.
Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn trilogy is a gripping epic fantasy set in a world where ash falls from the sky and a dark lord rules. The story follows Vin, a street urchin who discovers she’s a powerful Mistborn—able to use Allomancy, a magic system based on metal ingestion. She joins a rebellion to overthrow the tyrannical Lord Ruler. The series is renowned for its intricate world-building, plot twists, and philosophical depth, exploring themes of power, faith, and sacrifice. Later books expand the universe into new eras. Mistborn is ideal for readers who love intelligent, innovative fantasy with tight pacing.
Brandon Sanderson is a bestselling American fantasy and science fiction author, best known for his intricate magic systems, expansive world-building, and prolific output. He rose to prominence with Elantris and the Mistborn trilogy, and was later chosen to complete Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. Sanderson is the creator of the Cosmere, a shared universe that links many of his novels, including The Stormlight Archive and Warbreaker. A professor at Brigham Young University, he is known for his engaging lectures, writing advice, and fan interaction. His disciplined writing routine has earned him a reputation as one of the genre’s most productive authors.
Series: The Stormlight Archive (#1)
On the storm-ravaged world of Roshar, where nature itself retreats from fierce tempests, remnants of ancient power remain—Shardblades and Shardplate, relics of the fallen Knights Radiant. Wars are waged for these mystical weapons, and one such war rages on the shattered plains. Kaladin, a former healer turned slave, fights to protect his men amid senseless bloodshed. Highprince Dalinar, haunted by visions and obsessed with The Way of Kings, questions his sanity. Meanwhile, Shallan, a clever but conflicted young woman, seeks forbidden knowledge from Jasnah Kholin. As secrets of the past surface, the Knights Radiant may rise once more.
Series: Mistborn (#1)
In The Final Empire, Brandon Sanderson introduces a world where ash falls from the sky, and mist dominates the night. The immortal Lord Ruler governs with an iron fist, suppressing the skaa underclass. Kelsier, a Mistborn with the power to manipulate metals, leads a rebellion against this tyranny. He recruits Vin, a street urchin with latent abilities, to aid in the uprising. As Vin uncovers her potential, she becomes instrumental in challenging the empire's foundations. Sanderson's novel combines intricate magic systems, political intrigue, and themes of hope and resistance.
Series: Mistborn (#3)
In the concluding volume of the Mistborn trilogy, Vin and Elend face the aftermath of releasing a powerful entity known as Ruin. As the world teeters on the brink of collapse, they strive to uncover the secrets of the past to save humanity. Sanderson weaves themes of sacrifice, destiny, and resilience into a complex narrative, delivering a satisfying and thought-provoking finale.
Brandon Sanderson's 'Elantris' is a captivating tale of a fallen city cursed with a mysterious magical affliction that turns its inhabitants into living corpses. The story follows three main characters - an exiled prince, a determined princess, and a skeptical priest - as they navigate political intrigue, religious turmoil, and personal struggles in a world on the brink of chaos. Through intricate world-building and dynamic character development, Sanderson weaves a narrative filled with themes of resilience, power, and human connection. 'Elantris' is a masterfully crafted fantasy novel that will immerse readers in its richly imagined universe.
by Jesmyn Ward
Jesmyn Ward's 'Sing, Unburied, Sing' is a haunting and lyrical masterpiece that delves into the complexities of a family grappling with intergenerational trauma, racism, and loss. The story follows Jojo, a young boy coming of age in rural Mississippi, his drug-addicted mother Leonie, and the ghost of a young boy who brings a deep sense of unease and darkness. Ward weaves a gripping narrative that explores the weight of the past on the present, the ties that bind us, and the resilience needed to navigate a world filled with pain and hope. Through exquisite prose and vivid characters, Ward creates a poignant and unforgettable tale that lingers long after the final page.
David Nicholls' novel 'One Day' explores the complex relationship between Emma and Dexter, two university friends whose lives intersect and diverge over two decades. Set on the backdrop of July 15th, each chapter revisits their lives on the same day each year, offering a poignant reflection on love, friendship, and life's unpredictability. Nicholls skillfully weaves humor, heartbreak, and nostalgia throughout the narrative, creating relatable and flawed characters that resonate with readers. 'One Day' is a captivating and emotional rollercoaster that delves into the themes of missed opportunities, personal growth, and the enduring power of connections that transcend time. A compelling and thought-provoking read that lingers in the heart long after the final page.
by Kiley Reid
In 'Such a Fun Age' by Kiley Reid, we are taken on a thought-provoking journey through issues of race, privilege, and social dynamics in contemporary America. The story revolves around a young black babysitter, Emira, who gets embroiled in a challenging situation with her employer, Alix, a white woman eager to showcase her 'wokeness'. The book beautifully unpacks themes of identity, class, and the complexities of interracial relationships, all against the backdrop of a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked till the end. Reid's writing is sharp, insightful, and filled with nuance, making this novel a must-read for anyone interested in exploring modern-day societal issues.
Series: Red Queen (#1)
In 'Red Queen' by Victoria Aveyard, we are thrust into a world divided by blood - the Silver-blooded elite with supernatural abilities ruling over the Red-blooded underclass. Mare Barrow, a Red-blooded girl with a twist of fate, possesses powers that could disrupt the oppressive social order. As she navigates court intrigue, rebellion, and romance, Aveyard weaves a thrilling tale of power, betrayal, and the fight for justice. The story is ripe with themes of class struggle, identity, and sacrifice, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and gripping action sequences.