Mistborn Liveblog 32

Chapter 31

Brandon Sanderson has said that most of the time, the limitations of a magic system are far more interesting than what it can do. I wholeheartedly agree with that, particularly with the system he's created for Mistborn. I don't want to delve into spoiler territory, but Allomancy is one of the most structured and systematic bits of magic I've ever encountered. And it just gets better the further into the story I read. I don't know how much time he spend developing and refining this system, but I suspect it was a long time. And the best part about setting up specific limitations for magic, is when there is a character who is able to bend those limitations, even just a little, to get an edge. Whether it's through pure strength in the magic, or through cunning and intellect, bent (though not broken) limitation can be equally fascinating.

On to the spoilers:
Vin's got quite the array of pent up emotions, it turns out. True, she's got plenty of reasons for them between her mother and brother, as well as her life as a thief and now killing someone, however justified. And she just let Kelsier have it. I've been writing a lot recently about point of view. I wish this scene had been from Vin's view so it could have been far more emotionally charged. I didn't get much out of Kelsier's internal dialogue while Vin railed on him.

I only mention the next part because I'm certain it will come into play in the end of the story. I found it interesting to learn, but I think the ramifications are pretty blatant. We learn that a powerful allomancer can pierce through the protective layer of copper. This is important since the major foes (Inquisitors and the Lord Ruler himself) are likely the most powerful allomancers in the story. And as we already knew, or at least suspected, Vin is quite powerful herself.

Then, the story jumps back to Elend's point of view. It still feels like this sudden addition is disjointing the story for me. Sure, it explains why his reaction to Vin at the ball was so mild-- he'd not yet met with his spies to learn what they knew. And now he suspects Vin as a skaa-- and is even more fascinated by her. The only thing I can think of right now that would justify everything that is happening is that Elend will replace Yeden as the leader after the plan takes place. Even having him suddenly swoop in to save Vin (which would be a horrible choice, in my opinion) wouldn't be enough to justify his character. It feels like setup for future books-- like he and Vin are the hanging threads to tie into book 2. I hope he grows on me, because right now, it's just not working for me.

Be back tomorrow. Happy reading.

Jameson