The Hero of Ages (#3)
Who is the Hero of Ages?
To end the Final Empire and restore freedom, Vin killed the Lord Ruler. But as a result, the Deepness—the lethal form of the ubiquitous mists—is back, along with increasingly heavy ashfalls and ever more powerful earthquakes. Humanity appears to be doomed.
Having escaped death at the climax of The Well of Ascension only by becoming a Mistborn himself, Emperor Elend Venture hopes to find clues left behind by the Lord Ruler that will allow him to save the world. Vin is consumed with guilt at having been tricked into releasing the mystic force known as Ruin from the Well. Ruin wants to end the world, and its near omniscience and ability to warp reality make stopping it seem impossible. She can’t even discuss it with Elend lest Ruin learn their plans!
Reviews
“A dramatic and surprising climax […] Sanderson’s saga of consequences offers complex characters and a compelling plot, asking hard questions about loyalty, faith and responsibility.”
“A scale grand enough to be almost Stapledonian […] where most standard epic fantasy returns to the status quo, this trilogy ends with something bracingly different.”Locus
“A good story and a good ending to the series […] if (this) is any indication, “Wheel of Time” will have an excellent conclusion as well.”Sacramento Book Review
“I do not believe I have read a book as compelling and as flawlessly executed as the third in the Mistborn trilogy […] this book is one of the seminal fantasy stories of this generation of writers […] one of the best that I’ve ever had the opportunity, and sheer pleasure, to read. 10 out of 10.”
"The last 20% or so of this book is one of the most epic things I’ve ever read, as stated above. It’s the epitome of a Sander-lanche, where everything just builds and builds until it explodes into a mind-meltingly brilliant finale...Mistborn is a marvel, and I truly believe that every fantasy fan should experience it."
"The Hero of Ages was most definitely a book where all could so easily be shattered to pieces. With every book I read by Sanderson my awe for the magnitude of his worldbuilding, his magic system and his character’s growth, always deepens. This conclusion was equal parts soul-destroying and mind-blowing."
“Transcendent […] all the familiar ideas and plots from epic fantasy have been turned inside out, and what happens at the end is utterly astounding in its audacity. The characterization is stellar, the worldbuilding solid and the plot intricate and compelling — if you haven’t read the first two books, go and do so immediately then buy this one. You won’t regret it.”RT Book Reviews: 4.5 stars, Gold Medal, Top Pick
THE HERO OF AGES is a fitting, bittersweet end to a wonderful trilogy. I loved this powerful conclusion, and I absolutely cannot wait to read more from Brandon Sanderson […] [it is] a great, final book in an extremely well-plotted and very (VERY) original Fantasy series which I highly recommend. After reading both this and Warbreaker this year, I am fully aware of the author’s strengths and weaknesses and the former far surpasses the latter.”
“The trilogy is worth reading for its original concept, its magical system, and an ending that is true to the story, heart-rending, and gorgeously written.”
"The Hero of Ages did not disappoint. One of my favorite aspects of the series was Sanderson’s imagination and that was on full display in this finale."
“Sanderson finish(es) the trilogy with three top notch books, each telling a part in a greater story all the while managing to play with his own rules and the conventions of the genre […] a terrific story, with great characters and a fascinating world. I would highly recommend this volume and the whole series without hesitation.”
“The conclusion to Sanderson’s outstanding — and highly innovative in its magical elements — Mistborn trilogy […] I highly recommend this unique series to all fantasy readers. I thoroughly enjoyed THE HERO OF AGES and look forward to Sanderson’s future works.”
“The level of world building and depth that Sanderson puts into this series is a very enjoyable one, and you can tell that he hasn’t made this ending up on the spot. This was planned, and I am really glad to see that Sanderson’s conclusion has met the promise set by the last two books, and given us a series that I’m not likely to forget in a while.”The Founding Fields 1400
“Fantasy trilogies are so common that it’s sometimes hard to decide which ones to recommend above the others. I have no problem recommending this one.”Critical Mass
Awards & Accolades
#21 New York Times Hardcover Bestseller List
Winner Romantic Times Award: “Best Epic Fantasy”
Winner Whitney Award: 2008 “Best Speculative Fiction”
Inaugural David Gemmell Award Finalist
Business Insider: "The 28 best fantasy book series to read right now, from classics to new releases"
The Founding Fields: “Top 25 Series”
Unbound Worlds: “100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time”
Indie Next List: “Notable for Dec. 2008”
SF Book Club selection