I recently discovered a new author. Brandon Sanderson. While I read a lot of books, there are only a few authors whose work I really love. Brandon has made the list. 

• Robert Jordan
• Robin Hobb
• Brandon Sanderson   (<——  See, right here. On my most cherished authors list.)
• George R.R.Martin
• Robert A. Heinlein

Ironically, I found out about Brandon through the most crushing literary event of my life. My favorite author, Robert Jordan, passed away September of 2007.  Jordan’s works have been a valued companion since the tender (and impressionable) age of 12. He left unfinished his series The Wheel of Time, which is how we were introduced. Brandon was asked to finish the final book of the series by RJ’s wife and editor, Harriet. It was with some trepidation that I heard the news. I know he had been a fan of the Wheel of Time even long than I have, but how could anyone but RJ finish the Wheel of Time?

Well, it has taken me over a year, but I have finally read some of Brandon’s books, and I can’t get enough. So, some of my fears have been allayed. It is still strange to have someone else finish the series, but I am also glad that the series will be finished.

Anyways, more about Robert Jordan in future posts. Right now I am talking about this fantastic new author I have discovered.

So, I won’t give a synopsis (you can find them at Brandon’s site), and I will try to avoid spoilers, but I want to talk about these books.

Inventiveness. If any one word could describe Brandon Sanderson, inventiveness would do a pretty good job. But his stories are also captivating. I had (and still have) a hard time putting down his books. I have been staying up later then intended (by an hour or two) because I want to keep reading. I started off reading Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians (I know it sounds silly. And, yes it is. But very fun to read, and so interesting.) One of my favorite parts of this book is the idea that what we consider flaws (like being late, falling down.. etc) are incredibly powerful talents.

After reading Alcatraz, I went to the book store and bought Mistborn: Final Empire instead of waiting for it to come from the library. Yes, I did that despite the fact that times are tough, and money is tight. It was worth it.  The prophesied hero lost to the super powerful, immortal, Evil Lord. So for several millennia the Evil Lord has been in charge, setting up his brutal and cruel empire and enslaving the entire human race. Maybe some regular people can overthrow the empire? 

Many authors of Sci-Fi create their own system of magic for their world. Unfortunately often times there is no structure to the magic, or the structure is inconsistent. I know its magic, why does it need to be consistent? For me, it makes it more believable. Yes, you heard me. Believable. If there is a structure, some governing rules, it feels like an extension of the natural world. Like it is something that just hasn’t been discovered yet. Or, a scientific theory that has been neither proved or disproved, like string theory. If it has no structure, or an inconsistent structure, then it feels more like I am playing a game, but the person I am playing with keeps changing the rules for their convenience. Anyways. Mistborn has a very nicely structured system of magic. 

OK. I am loving these books. Enough already. Time to read more.