Remaining true to my scale which measures how well I'm entertained, this deserves full marks. At some point this became one of those increasingly rare books that sucks me right in, where I get totally absorbed and miss my bus stop. I can't describe the plot with any depth or I'd be entirely giving away what happened in the first novel (do NOT read the back cover of this one if you haven't read or finished the first, it definitely contains major spoilers). It's chock full of surprising revelations, magic battles, armies, etc, and the last couple hundred pages ramp things up even more.

The good news: after this one I'll be adding Brandon Sanderson to my list of favourite authors (third book of his I've read). Bad news: he's doing such a thorough job of turning fantasy clichés upside-down and inside out with this trilogy, aspiring writers like myself who've had similar ideas may feel like all the work's been done and there's little left to explore.

The only bad thing I have to say: I've yet to see a cover for any book in this series that I actually like (the Canadian paperback cover for this one is especially absurd). I don't think I would ever have chosen these books off the shelf if I hadn't gone specifically looking for them. It would be a shame if that's the only reason why Mistborn hasn't had the high profile other trilogies garner. Don't judge any of these by their covers, the story is fantastic. ( )

One of the few sequels that provide continuity and build things up to the final book. ( )

This is the second book in Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy. While still highly recommended, it received half a star less from me than the first book because it felt like this one dragged just a bit. But not too much! There's still plenty of action, and even a little romance in this installment. The mystery of the Well of Ascension kept me guessing until the end, and the ending sets up the third book nicely. Of course, I still haven't received the third book through LT Early Reviewers yet! I'm very anxiously awaiting it so I can find out what happens to Vin and Elend! ( )

Great book. This is definitely the middle book of a trilogy, but what I'm enjoying so far with this series, is that each book is a complete tale in and of itself. Yes, there is still a quest to fulfill, but the adventure in this one is contained. This explores the relationship between Vin and Elend. Each character is allowed to grow and change and I see ominous signs for the future. There are so many issues touched on in this book; leadership, belief, love and killing are just a few. I think the author stays true to his characters. I am really looking forward to reading the next volume! ( )

This was an excellent sequel to the first book in the series that kept me highly motivated to turn pages through the entire 600 pages. It greatly expands upon the information and characters in Mistborn, and does so in a logical way that still managed to keep me guessing through almost the entire book. I was still caught by surprise by several developments at the end of the book, and it made me very eager to read book 3.

A definite Must Read for any fan of Sanderson's other writing. ( )