Who Would Like This Book:
Brandon Sanderson packs a wildly creative magic system, thoughtful philosophical questions, and an engaging protagonist into this quick but compelling novella. If you love stories about art, identity, and seeing characters outsmart impossible odds, you'll be captivated. Fans of clever world-building and unique magic will especially appreciate how the story explores forging objects - and souls - by rewriting history. It's a great entry point for new readers, but longtime Sanderson fans will love seeing the Cosmere from a fresh perspective.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you prefer expansive epics with lots of subplots and a sprawling cast, you might find The Emperor's Soul a bit too focused or short. Some readers felt the novella format left them wanting more world-building or deeper secondary characters, and a few questioned the plausibility of the magic system or found the detailed craft explanations slowed things down. If you're looking for Sanderson's trademark humor or explosive plot twists, this might not deliver in the same way as his longer novels.
About:
The Emperor's Soul is a novella by Brandon Sanderson set in a world where a Forger named Shai is caught forging a painting in the Emperor's palace. Instead of being executed, she is tasked with forging a new soul for the Emperor, who is unresponsive after an assassination attempt. The story delves into the intricate magic system where objects and people's history can be rewritten, exploring themes of identity and the power of artistry. The fast-paced writing style and engaging plot make it a captivating read, showcasing Sanderson's talent for crafting unique magical systems and complex characters.
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From The Publisher:
Hugo Award Winner
From the best-selling author of the Mistborn Trilogy and the co-author of the final three books of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series comes the tale of a heretic thief who is the only hope for the survival of an empire.
Shai is a Forger, a foreigner who can flawlessly copy and re-create any item by rewriting its history with skillful magic. Although condemned to death after trying to steal the emperor's scepter, she is given one opportunity to save herself. Despite the fact that her skill as a Forger is considered an abomination by her captors, Shai will attempt to create a new soul for the emperor, who is almost dead from the attack of assassins.
Delving deeply into his life, she discovers Emperor Ashravan's truest nature?and the opportunity to exploit it. Her only possible ally is one who is truly loyal to the emperor, but councilor Gaotona must overcome his prejudices to understand that her forgery is as much artistry as it is deception.
Skillfully deducing the machinations of her captors, Shai needs a perfect plan to escape. The fate of the kingdom lies in one impossible task. Is it possible to create a forgery of a soul so convincing that it is better than the soul itself?
Ratings (161)
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It Was OK (7) | |
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3 comment(s)
This is not a long book, not at all, and usually that's pretty fine with me, short snacks of writing are delicious to cleanse the palate after a long deep book from before - but! Oh was this such a good read! Shai is amazing, the magic in it? So unexpected! I could see all the beauty she created so clearly it was almost madness not to actually be able to see it - clearly! This book has given my unreasonable expectations for more of Mr Sanderson's work, Sir, I hope you can deliver!
4.5 ⭐️
I was so impressed by this novella it blew me away! I had low expectations because Elantris was only okay. I thought the magic system and story from Elantris definitely showed its true colors as a debut novel but Emperor’s Soul is such a breath of fresh air. The previous SLA novellas were okay and fun because I was already invested in the world but The Emperor's Soul took it to the next level.
While this is technically a sequel, it is functionally an interlude. An unconnected story in the same world as Elantris (and I think hundreds of years after the events of Elantris?)
I think the Soulstamping magic system is so fucking cool and way more interesting to me than the AonDor. Brandon mentioned that he didn’t want it to be too similar to Soulcasting from SLA but I thought it was a lot like that — and it was awesome. I think Soulcasting is one of the most interesting and unique surges so a different, more physical take on a similar concept is so cool.
The change of having it rooted in history (and able to change how people look, feel, and act) is crazy! Creating stamps for what are essentially different multiverse variants of yourself?! SUCH A COOL IDEA!
I think the character work was exceptional in this. For the amount of time that Brandon had to make these characters shine, he did an amazing job. There were really only two characters (with some smaller supporting cast) and this worked really well. There wasn’t any fluff taking up space where there didn’t need to be or characters hogging the spotlight that were unimportant. Just beautiful world building and character development.
I thought the ending was very fitting and kinda beautiful. I’m not an artist myself but I felt what it would feel like to create astonishing art, yet not be able to tell anyone, but still relish in that feeling. I think Brandon really nailed the complex difference between creating art for the public eye vs self gratification.
There’s a lot to unpack in these 200 pages! Some of Brandon’s best writing in my opinion. Up there with Tress of the Emerald Sea!
AMAZING!
What can you read after
The Emperor's Soul?
About the Author:
Brandon Sanderson is the New York Times best-selling author of Elantris and the Mistborn Trilogy. In 2007, he was chosen by Robert Jordan's widow to complete Jordan's epic Wheel of Time series. The final volume was published in three novels: The Gathering Storm, Towers of Midnight, and A Memory of Light. Sanderson received his Master's Degree in Creative Writing from Brigham Young University (where he was a college roommate of Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings). He participates in the weekly podcast Writing Excuses.
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