➸ 5 stars

“Bureaucrat, politician, soldier . . . there’s something else that every kingdom needs. A good assassin.”

I don’t even know how to write a review for this book – but I’ll try my best! GOOD GOD THIS WAS AMAZING! No seriously I feel like I say this a good number of times but I’m sure that this time it is different saying it. I have nothing bad to say about this book. This was one of the best books I’ve ever read in all my 19 years of life. First off the magic system in this universe was so different than anything I have ever read about. I mean come on – how many books are out on the market that have a magic system dealing with METALS!

This book is definitely a perfect example of a found family book. From the very beginning I loved all the characters apart of “Kel’s thieving crew”. Each member brought something special to the group and not just because they each had a different power. No – it was because of their personalities and everything that made up them.

Vin is such a strong female character and she’s only 16. When I first attempted reading this book I was closer to her age but now finally completing the book I am actually holding than her and that's insane to me. Vin, although she’s had to live life on her own for some time, was at the end of the day a child who wanted to be loved and seen and heard by someone and I feel like she found that feeling with Kel. He was such a father-figure to her and I loved reading about their bond with each other. As you read through the book you are able to see that although Vin is young she is still so strong but not just because of her Allomancy but also because of her spirit and the people who helped her. Sazed was a great character to include in the book because he brought somewhat of a fatherly type role but also because he was a perfect example of a friend who will always have your back no matter what at the end of the day.

“Our belief is often strongest when it should be weakest. That is the nature of hope.”

If you have not read this book by name pls – PLS – PLEASE – read it! Not only that but take your time reading it. It does not matter if you’re a fast reader or not take your time because if you don’t I feel like you’re gonna miss out on the plot of the book. Sometimes things are supposed to be experienced through a course of time and this is just what this book is about. Experiencing something that is unlike anything else. This book took me three times to complete and it wasn’t until the 3rd time that I truly was absorbed within the story. Not only was there a movie playing in my head because of this book but also I felt as though I was inside the book too.

“I bring you a message from a friend of ours,” she said quietly. “He wanted you to know that he’s not dead. He can’t be killed. “He is hope.” Then she raised the spear and rammed it directly into the Lord Ruler’s heart.”

The pacing of this book really was phenomenal! Looking back at everything Kelsier had implaced from the very start of the book was so eye-opening. I never would’ve thought that the plan Kelsier had been putting in motion was really what he was doing. He will truly forever be one of my favorite book characters. One important lesson that Kel taught me was to always have a smile on your face even when you feel down.

“He forced himself to smile—not out of pleasure, and not out of satisfaction. He smiled despite the grief he felt at the deaths of his men; he smiled because that was what he did. That was how he proved to the Lord Ruler—and to himself—that he wasn’t beaten.No, he wasn’t going to walk away. He wasn’t finished yet. Not by far.”

This book is how life should feel in a way or maybe I’m just emotional because I’m thinking back on everything I have read. But this book brought me happiness, pain, enlightenment, passion and so many other feelings that just can’t be summed up.

Other quotes that stuck with me:

“When you’re alone, no one can betray you.”

“The trick is to never stop looking. There’s always another secret.”

“The mists are your friend, Vin. They hide you, they protect you . . . and they give you power.”

“The right belief is like a good cloak, I think. If it fits you well, it keeps you warm and safe. The wrong fit, however, can suffocate.”

“Every skaa knows in his heart that it is the greatest of crimes to take up arms in defense of the Final Empire.”

“Women are like…thunderstorms. They’re beautiful to look at, and sometimes they're nice to listen to–but most of the time they’re just plain inconvenient.” “You say these things just to provoke me!” “I’m charming that way.”

-- AND PEOPLE SAY THAT CHIVALRY IS DEAD!

“I do, however, recall telling you that the Ventures were an annoying lot. I’m just trying to live up to the description.”

“That’s a stunning dress. It’s almost as beautiful as you are.”

“You tried to destroy me, Pits of Hathsin. It’s time to return the favor.”

“But you can’t kill me, Lord Tyrant. I represent that thing you’ve never been able to kill, no matter how hard you try. I am hope.”

“Belief isn’t simply a thing for fair times and bright days, I think. What is belief—what is faith—if you don’t continue in it after failure?”

“Sometimes we just have to wait long enough, Mistress,” he said. “Then we find out why exactly it was that we kept believing”

“I think that’s everything. It was a fun job, wasn’t it? When you remember me, please remember that. Remember to smile. Now, move quickly. May you rule in wisdom.”

“Elend Venture,” she said, standing up. “There is something I’ve been meaning to tell you for some time.” She paused, blinking away her tears. “You read too much. Especially in the presence of ladies.” He smiled, throwing back his chair and grabbing her in a firm embrace. Vin closed her eyes, simply feeling the warmth of being held. And realized that was all she had ever really wanted.”