Firefight - Review

Oh, to be as awesome as Brandon Sanderson.  I hope that my writing career will be filled with half as much grace and determination that this man has. Mitosis is 1.5 and Firefight is book two in his series of super humans and they do not disappoint. In fact, I think he topped Steelheart. [goodreads review - Mitosis | Firefight]

*Beware, spoilers ahead if you have not read Steelheart.*

Steelheart Review

Mitosis- | Amazon | B&N |
Firefight - | Amazon | B&N | Preview | Audio Preview |

An action packed adventure filled with morals and the struggle for humanity!
#sciencefiction #superhero #postapocalyptic 

5 Stars!
Series: 
Short Story 1.5: Mitosis
Book 2: The Reckoners
Characters: David Charleston
Setting: Chicago and Manhattan, post apocalyptic. 
Mature Themes: None

Recommendation: Fans of comics will find this a nice cross over into the novel space. As a post apocalyptic story Firefight is inventive and a refreshing break from the traditional, earth is out of food or nuclear fallout had killed the planet. With a reading level fit for YA (writing and themes) but easily enjoyable by adults, Firefight is a must read.

With Newcago free from Steelheart’s tyranny, David and the Reckoners have set up a human run government in the city of metal.  Epics from all over the country have begun hearing of the Steelslayer and when they come to Newcago, the threaten the delicate balance the Reckoners have built (Mitosis).  When they realized the High Epic of Babylon Restored was sending Epics to target the Reckoners specifically, they set their sights on Regalia’s elimination (Firefight).

The characters in Brandon Sanderson’s books are amazing. Everyone of them has a depth to them that makes you want to reach out and slap them or hold them. They have flaws and personalities and sometimes surprise you. David, Megan, and Jon are three perfect examples of his character prowess.  David is simply a human with drive, and fears, and a desire to right the world.  While Jon is the opposite of his coin, scared of change and of losing himself, he plays it safe and plans each of his moves down to the last detail.  But when Megan enters the picture, both men struggle with their tenuous relationship with one another and Megan becomes a large roadblock in their ability to work together effectively.  

Just like the characters, the settings are vivid and descriptive and extremely imaginative. Babylon Restored is by far the BEST post apocalyptic city I have ever read. I won’t spoil it because it brought a smile to my face twice in the book, the initial introduction and later in the book.  With the major cities belonging to High Epics, each city morphs into a reflection of that Epic and begins to take on some of its characteristics, Newcago is made of steel… Steelheart. It makes sense and serves as a constant reminder to the characters and the reader that the Epics have complete control over the humans living in their cities.

Plot. My jaw was on the floor.  So many unexpected things happened in this novel that had me experiencing so many emotions. The mastery over story arcs, both the larger trilogy and the individual installment of Firefight is fantastic.  Along with fantastic writing, an inventive “magic” system, and amazing character this is another book by Sanderson that has a coveted place on my shelf.  2016 can’t come fast enough!