The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson

I know. I know. It has been many, many months since either Stephanie or I have posted a review.  Life has been odd, difficult, crazy, weird for both of us.  As things start to hopefully calm down we will try to post more and more reviews.  In fact I'm currently reading no less than four books (a feat I know).  As for my first review back from this life hiatus here is an awesome book to read.

 

Title: The Emperor's Soul
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: Fabulous
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: " When Shai is caught replacing the Moon Scepter with her nearly flawless forgery, she must bargain for her life and create--by Forgery--a new soul for the emperor in less than one hundred days" (King County Library System).
Opinion: This is a fascinating novella that won the Hugo award just this year. I have always been impressed by Brandon Sanderson's ability to create an intricate in-depth magic system and world. He does not fail in what, for him, is an incredibly short book. I love the main character Shai for the person she is, the Essences she has created to change pieces of who she is on a moments notice, and her ability to use the soulstones. With each page I grew more intrigued by her life, her character, and her goals.  I was also fascinated by the Grand Gaotona and in his role convincing Shai to help save the Empire and the Emperor.

The overall creation of the Emperor's Soul is a magical insight into what choices craft a person into who they will become. It was beautiful, creative and very thought provoking.  Whether or not you like fantasy, I highly recommend that you read this book.  This would also make a perfect book for a book club discussion.  I intent to bring it up for the book group I attend the next time we are choosing books to read.