Mistborn Liveblog 39

Chapter 38

I think climaxes are the second most important part of a book. I'd put the story-opener as the most important because I know how many people only give a book a small chance to grab them before they try something else. And I may be inclined to agree with them because there are so many books now, and with self-published e-books, there are tons and tons more. So, the opening is absolutely vital.

But the climax, that's what stays with the reader more than anything-- the ending that sounds in their mental ears whenever they think back or discuss the book with others. It's not that an explosive climax can overcome a horribly dull story, but it certainly can turn a mediocre tale into a memorable one. And part of the reason to write is to be memorable.

Let's get on to the Spoilers:

By now, I'm getting used to sudden POV changes, so seeing from an Inquisitor's eyes isn't much of a surprise, though it also didn't add much to my view of the characters. It did set up Marsh's return nicely. I did not see that coming in the slightest. I'm a bit bummed that it wasn't foreshadowed very much. I mean, sure it makes sense and his return didn't break with the flow of the narrative at all, but I wish there were a clue or two that I could look back and think-- I should've seen it coming.

I was thinking along the same lines as Vin about how to kill the Lord Ruler-- by killing the eleventh metal shadow. The failure left me wondering how this was all going to get resolved. And I love the way it was resolved. I mean, there is nothing sweeter than a good and satisfying ending. Using the Eleventh Metal to realize that the Lord Ruler was actually Rashek (not the hero of the journals) was brilliant. While it was not directly foreshadowed (to my recollection), Rashek was in the journal enough to make it an almost natural turn of events. It left such a good taste, I wanted to immediately begin the next book.

Rashek as the Lord Ruler fixed my mistaken understanding of the dual Lord Rulers. There wasn't two, just a Terrisman saving some age. Now, as climaxes go, this one was great. I loved how the chapter-openings and the journal tied into the final conflict. And seeing Vin perform above the common understanding of Allomancy was great. For all the flaws I found in the story (in part from my enforced pacing), the ending really redeems it. Well done, Brandon. The book deserves the praise it receives.

Tomorrow, I'll return with my final entry regarding the Epilogue. Happy reading.

Jameson