Presented to: Brandon Sanderson
For: Mistborn
Brandon Sanderson exploded into the mainstream fantasy world in 2005 with his debut novel Elantris, a gripping story with deeply LDS-informed themes. His 2006 novel, Mistborn, shows his growing ability and confidence as a writer of thoughtful, moral fantasy stories. Its central plot is driven by the question of what happens when the man who saves the world, earning immortality in the process, turns out to be a despotic ruler intent on forcing the entire world to dance to his tune. What if your prophesied savior becomes an oppressive god who is all too present and willing to make his presence felt? Throughout the story, Sanderson explores the degrading effects of oppression and how one can choose to rise above it through his main character, who learns how to trust others, love them, and be loyal to them when the whole world tells her how unwise that can be. In the end, the novel is a compelling exposition of the power of faith and sacrifice in overcoming evils that appear invincible.