Mistborn Liveblog 14

Chapter 13

Here we have a chapter that is easily a valley in the peaks and valleys of storytelling. Some chapters or scenes are peaks with lots of characterization or action or plot, and others are valleys that simply connect peaks together. Both are necessary for the sake of story pacing and for the reader. Here again is a time where if I were just reading the story for enjoyment, I would basically finish the chapter and move on without stopping to consider it. There just isn't much happening here.

But since I am reading at a pace that includes stopping and digesting each chapter as its read, I'm left with a sense of wondering what I should say about a chapter such as this-- other than it's an important connector piece, like a layover, and the story would not be complete without it.

One thing I did like is how Brandon mitigated the valley with some key information-- like a sudden pillar in the valley to keep readers interested. As I read and saw this happening, I realized that it was working for me, making the chapter seem more interesting than a simple connector. This is something I'm going to have to keep an eye on in further valley chapters. More in the spoilers:



So, there are really two key moments that Brandon spikes this valley chapter with some great information. First, we learn about some embedded metals along the path between Luthadel and Fellise that allow for Allomantic travel far faster than by horse. That's a nice piece of information, but it's clearly the second bit that really buffers the valley-effect.

We finally learn what Atium does when it is burnt. While the actual effect -- seeing a brief moment into the future actions of those around you -- strikes hard at the anvil of overuse, the way Brandon describes the shadows of movement created a vivid picture for me that while familiar enough to envision was unique enough to help me past the "Next" effect (particularly near the end -- speaking of which, I thought this could be another bit of influence on Brandon's writing, but Mistborn came out before Next, so maybe the influence goes the other way?).

I think Brandon sets a good example here. When using something that seems overdone or too similar to something else, provide a unique description of it or make it vivid enough or provide a particular twist to cover up part of the overuse to make it palatable for the reader. Really, the thought that this was a bit trite lasted mere moments until the story picked back up and I didn't think about it again until I started writing about it.

More tomorrow. Happy reading.

Jameson