Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

Pages: 384
Intended Audience: Teens
Genre: Science Fiction/Dystopian
Notes for Parents: Violence, gun use, some graphic scenes

The Inside Cover

Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary people extraordinary powers. The awed public started calling them Epics.
Epics are no friends of man. With incredible gifts came the desire to rule. And to rule man, you must crush his will.
Now, in what was once Chicago, an astonishingly powerful Epic named Steelheart has installed himself as emperor. Steelheart possesses the strength of ten men and can control the elements. It is said that no bullet can harm him, no sword can split his skin, and no fire can burn him. He is invincible. Nobody fights back…nobody but the Reckoners.
A shadowy group of ordinary humans, the Reckoners spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them. And David wants in.
When Stealheart came to Chicago, he killed David’s father. For years, like the Reckoners, David has been studying, and planning, and he has something they need. Not an object, but an experience.
He has seen Steelheart bleed.
And he wants revenge.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This is the first in a series.

What’s good?

The first person point of view enables a great range of emotions in this action-packed adventure. Short chapters and swift pacing make this an easy and entertaining read. A city turned to steel, blanketed in darkness, is the perfect kingdom for a cold and ruthless leader and a great setting for a revolution. Characterization is strong, but motivation is key as we follow David the avenger and a group of Reckoners as they plan to take down a seemingly invincible villain.
Best Part: David’s struggle with metaphors.

What isn’t good?

There were only a few little things that bothered me. The foreshadowing was not very subtle. David would say things like “that didn’t look right” or “something felt off” and he would be right. Some of the epics’ names are a little cheesy while their powers and weaknesses seem a bit fantastical (rather than science fiction). Lastly, the love-at-first-sight thing is a bit tiresome, though I’ll admit it was kept to a minimum.
Worst part: Slontze!

Recommendation þþþþo

I’m tempted to give this book five checkmarks, but let’s say it’s a 4 ½. Great pacing, original world-building, likeable characters and a satisfying ending made this story very entertaining. Definitely recommended.

Sanderson, Brandon. Steelheart. New York: Delacorte Press, 2013. (Hardcover)