Book Review: Calamity

Calamity, by Brandon Sanderson

Superhero Sci-fi/Fantasy

5 out of 5 stars

http://brandonsanderson.com/books/steelheart/calamity/

Rich. That's a word that I think describes Brandon Sanderson's writings incredibly well, and if he were a chef, I would have died of gluttony long ago.

Thank you for not being a literal chef, Brandon Sanderson.

Calamity is the third and final novel in the Steelheart series, an awesomely fun take on the superhero genre that should appeal to teens and older readers alike. It follows and finishes the story of David Charleston, hunter of superheroes, or Epics as they are called. David's been in the oven for awhile, and it's great to see how he turns out.

Calamity continues the series' tradition of likeable characters, fascinating settings, and action, action, and some more action. Twists and turns keep things interesting. There is plenty of richness in all of this, but the really good 'n tasty stuff is in the maturation and development of all the key characters that occurs in a way that is often a little unexpected and very satisfying.

As with Sanderson's other stories, there are plenty of super-powerful people, those that fight against them, and of course, a party. With cupcakes. Sanderson's thoughts on power and its effects on humans and also the morality of how to deal with those that abuse power are key ingredients to Calamity's well-rounded flavor. Throw in some awesome rose-colored symbolism and some very disorienting and yet still digestible links to the multiverse, and you've got one heck of a meal.

Finish it all off with a just-sweet-enough ending, then sit back and know that while the door is open to a continuation, you wonder just how Sanderson could make it any better. Then remember The Alloy of Law, and be patient, knowing that literary chef Brandon always has something set for the future.

I feel full, and better off for having read the Steelheart series. It was Epic.