BOOK REVIEW: Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

Steelheart is one of those super-hero books that put a slant on the idea of people inherently having character flaws and using super powers for the detriment of society. In the near future, a group of people evolve into “Epics”, are given powers when a meteor named “Calamity” crashes on Earth. These beings have various powers that make them super. These Epics, choose to over-run society and take whatever they want, when they want. They are virtually indestructible. The main antagonist of the story named Steelheart, is the most powerful of all Epics and transforms Chicago into New-Cago, making the entire city a virtual steel fortress that goes ten feet into the ground. Prior to doing this, Steelheart gets into a confrontation while robbing a bank with a man and his son. He eventually kills the father, but before doing so, the father gets off a shot from his gun and leaves a small scar on his face. David (the son), who is the main protagonist, embarks on a quest to kill Steelheart and free the city of his evil. But first, he must find the weakness of Steelheart, along with the other Epics that inhabit the city and are under Steelheart’s rule. It’s fun to discover that one thing that could possibly kill each one. There is a bit of testing, since the ideas of weakness are based only in theory. The book is convincing in the world building aspects, making Chicago turn into a new age cold, metal covered fortress. Along with that, Sanderson does a great job of making the Epics “feel” well…Epic. The main cast of evil characters appear indestructible, up until each one of their demises. Sanderson also gives quite a bit of style to characterization, making the young boy’s allies in his quest of vengeance come to life. The only issue I had with the book was that sometimes it has a tendency to drag along in parts, taking too long to get to the point. It’s a big book, and it will take some time of investment to get to the end. Thankfully, the twists along the way are rewarding enough to finish out. For those into fiction, super heroes and redemption stories, you’ll get a kick out of Steelheart. It’s lush story elements and surreal world brings you in and gives you a well worth it experience. I give Steelheart a 4/5 stars.