Barnes & NobleThe Well of Ascension (Mistborn Series #2) by Brandon Sanderson

Excellent sequel!!

"Religions are an expression of hope," Sazed said. "That hope gives people strength." Kelsier. The Survivor. The One who gave the people hope. THE WELL OF ASCENSION picks up one year after THE FINAL EMPIRE, but Kelsier's influence and memory have not waned one bit in the year after the destruction of the Lord Ruler. The skaa have shifted their faith to Vin, who they now call The Lady Heir, or Heir of the Survivor, both of which make Vin very uncomfortable. Kelsier's crew have remained in Luthadel to bring Kelsier's dream to fruition, make his sacrifice worthwhile - only it's not going so well. Three armies are camped outside, each with the murderous intent to conquer the city. The Assembly uses the very laws Elend wrote to depose him as King, AND the mists are behaving strangely...rumors abound that the mists are being seen during the day, killing people. Brandon Sanderson has outdone himself with this installment of Mistborn Era 1. I enjoyed the first one, but I LOVED this one! I was constantly in fear of the armies, what would they do and when...could Elend negotiate his way out of this mess and protect the city? What about the mists...are they really being seen during the day and killing people?! The character development in this one is what really sealed it - The beginning found me not liking Vin AT ALL, yet all that she encountered, endured and learned throughout the course of the book had me in love with her by the end. Oh my gosh AND one of my most favorite friendships EVER was formed in this one - but I can't share who or why because, spoilers. It is truly something you should experience organically as you read the book. (Of course, those of you have read it know exactly which one I'm referencing - SO GOOD!) The pacing was incredible, but how could it not be with all of these intriguing plotlines and mysteries? If we weren't up to our eyeballs in a mystery, we were learning more about Allomancy, privy to plots concerning Luthadel, sorting through rumors about the mists....and also debating whether or not the Hero of Ages has returned to take the power of The Well of Ascension. Honestly, there was nothing I would change about this book. Not one thing. IN FACT - I even found myself enjoying Michael Kramer's narration! I've never much cared for him, but I think my love for this story spilled over to include him since he gave voices to so many new favorite characters. I cannot wait to see what is in store for me in The Hero of Ages!