Brandon Sanderson is something of a marvel. He is an author who appeared to have mythically arisen overnight a handful of years ago and has since had numerous praise-worthy novels published while also helming the completion of author Robert Jordan’s unfinished epic fantasy series. Reality is different than perception and in multiple interviews Brandon Sanderson has indicated that he had been writing for a long time before ever getting published. In addition he has a work-ethic that is inspirational. Even more inspiring is Sanderson’s apparent ability to publish story after story filled with memorable characters, fascinating magic systems, and lushly rendered fantasy worlds. With The Emperor’s Soul Brandon Sanderson proves that he doesn’t need several hundred, or thousand, pages to tell a stand out story. This is an exciting addition to Sanderson’s oeuvre and one I would recommend to the converts and to those who have yet to sample Sanderson’s talent.
Set in the same world of his debut novel Elantris, this novella tells the story of Shai, a Forger whose talents are procured by force when she is caught trying to steal a work of art from the Emperor’s palace. Shai has a special talent, she is able to create soulstamps which allow the user to change the physical aspect of objects by changing their very history. These forgeries when done well are practically indiscernible from the real thing and Shai is one of the best of the best at creating them. Her task, upon which her continued existence depends, is to forge a new soul for the Emperor in under one hundred days. A job of this magnitude is something that Shai has never attempted, does not believe can be successful, and she is certain that regardless of promises she will not make it out of this assignment alive.
The Emperor’s Soul is a focused tale. It does not meander nor is any time wasted setting up the world for the reader. Instead Sanderson does what he is extremely skilled at, he reveals the world of the story through his characters, worlds that are consistently fascinating. In the postscript Sanderson acknowledges that the inspiration for this story came from a visit to an art museum in Tawian, a visit that included seeing various artist stamps. These stamps were seeds which germinated into an interesting magic system. Sanderson writes fantasy novels and the magic systems at work within his novels are consistently unique and varied. He says “magic works best for me when it aligns with scientific principles” and I have been awed with each of the magic systems Sanderson has created for his stories. Soulstamping is an intriguing idea and as Sanderson slowly reveals details of this system it stirs the imagination. I was struck as I read that there are some really cool possibilities here and before the story ends Sanderson demonstrates that he is well aware of the storytelling potential.
The Emperor’s Soul is told almost entirely from Shai’s perspective and although there are a few important side characters, Shai and the government official Gaotona make up the primary cast. Each are engaging characters and Sanderson wastes no time in creating suspense and tension that drive the story right through to the end. At a mere 176 pages Brandon Sanderson tells a complete story with a satisfying ending and despite having completed my Favorites of 2012 list I believe I’m going to have to go in and add an asterisk to include The Emperor’s Soul.
Kudos to Tachyon Press for securing this gem of a story. If you are looking for a good fantasy story built on familiar foundations with unique creativity, look no further than The Emperor’s Soul. They say good things come in small packages. Well, sometimes great things do too.
I’ve been eyeing this book but have yet to grab it to read. You have completely convinced me to not pass this one up — not that I was really planning to. So I guess, more accurately, you’ve convinced me to read this story now vs months from now. I love the cover, what do you think?
Since Friday, I’ve been in the mood for a good fantasy book and have been thinking of reading a Sanderson book but the lengths have kept me from choosing (not sure if I can dig into a lengthy book at the moment) so this one appeals to me even more since its page count is low.
Honestly, reading this post has me excited to pick the book up. Do you own this one? Library?
Side note – I saw your mention to Suey regarding the Worlds Without End women author challenge. I headed over and am greatly impressed with the site yet intimidated. How long have you known of this site? Is it easy to navigate and all that once your registered? Do you keep a book database there? I like the idea of the database, but not sure how it really works — only for books read and want to read specific to fantasy/ sci-if, I am assuming. Anyway, I am thinking of plunging in; registering to start to take a better look around, and to see if I fit there. (My post today is regarding this topic).
Oh yes, don’t pass this one up. It was such a pleasure to read. And if you are pressed for time with other things going on but want to get a good solid read in, this slight book (by page count) is too perfect.
I think the cover is fantastic, and it fits the story very well. I ended up buying it as I suspected it was one I would want to keep. Or, more accurately, I got a duplicate book for Christmas so I took one of them back and exchanged it for this book and another of my wishlist. I’ve seen two or three other reviews of this recently and they have all been wildly positive so I don’t think you’ll go wrong here.
I’ve been hanging out at WWE for several years. Last year was their first challenge, I believe, and it was great. Very low key, easy to participate in and I suspect this one will be as well. I end up posting my entire same review I do here over there. Dave, the host, will allow it after you’ve saved it and will get it formatted right for the site. You can go once a month and vote on reviews if you feel so inclined. It is really fun and they maintain a really nice site. If you want to do a review there and they don’t have the book on their site you can drop ’em an email and they’ll get it uploaded.
Very easy to navigate. Once you get registered you log in, click on the challenge link, then follow the directions to pick the authors you want to read. You can always change your mind later on or not pick any until you go to read them.
Yes, it is SFF only. I don’t see a lot of conversation going on on the posts over there so don’t expect a lot of back and forth.
The Emperor’s Soul was my first Brandon Sanderson book. I picked it up for the same reason I haven’t read any of his other books – it’s nice and short and I thought I’d get an impression of his style. Of course, I bought all his other books already not knowing whether they were for me. Boy, was I relieved when I read this and loved it. The coolest thing for me was that, while fully fleshed out and well-rounded as a story, I would have loved to learn more. About the characters, about the world… seems like I’m ready for Mistborn.
I’ve also been on WWE for a year now but I had no idea they did challenges. Must look this up now.
Yes, do check out the challenge. It will be a fun one.
I’m glad this one hooked you on Sanderson. It really is a great introduction. It doesn’t feel like a story fragment and yet it is so good you cannot help wishing there was more story here. Wouldn’t be surprised if Sanderson does expand more on this story in the future.
Not read any of Brandon Sanderson – but this looks like a good place to start. Thanks.
It really is, especially given that it is not a great time commitment but gives an accurate feel for Sanderson’s skills at storytelling and world building.
Oh, I’m so excited now. I literally bought this a couple of days ago. I had a kindle voucher for Christmas and it’s amazing how many books you can buy for £25! This one was only £1.99 for Kindle – a bargain that I can’t wait to read!
Thanks for this review.
Lynn 😀
That is a bargain on the Kindle, wow! I know you’ve enjoyed Sanderson so you’ll enjoy this one, even more so considering what a steal it was for you to pick up.
I just ordered THE EMPEROR’S SOUL after reading your review!
Oh cool George, I do now hope that you enjoy it. 🙂 I feel pretty confident about it, it was nicely done. This is one I can see re-reading…maybe need to read this one aloud to my wife.
This one is definitely on my Get-As-Audiobook for my man so he can enjoy it during his long commute. We are both Sanderson fans, tho he has read Elantris and it is still on my TBR list.
If he has a long commute he’ll get through it very quickly! 🙂 I haven’t read Elantris (or many other of Sanderson’s books) but I have yet to be disappointed by him.
I am looking forward to this one so much! I’m on the hold list at the library and hope to get it sometime in January. I had no idea it took place in the Elantris world, though! I loved Elantris – one of my favorites this year. 🙂
I was wondering as I wrote this if you had read it already or not. I didn’t know the Elantris connection either but Sanderson mentions it in his postscript. I wouldn’t have caught any references to clue me in as I haven’t read Elantris.
You’ll have to excuse me, because I’ve been drooling over this cover for the past ten minutes. Gorgeous artwork! And your review alone has gotten me excited to read this. I went over to GoodReads and added it to my TBR list along with first book to his Misborn series. I’m surprised I haven’t crossed him name before — his work sounds fantastic.
I am too but only because of all the barrage of advertising the final Wheel of Time book is getting. Isn’t that a great cover? And when you read the novella you’ll see just how perfect it is for the story. I do hope you enjoy it and the Mistborn trilogy when you get a chance to get to them.
Another Sanderson I need to keep eye out for while at the library. Of course you know which Sanderson I keep hoping for.