Need A Good Read? You Won't be Disappointed with This!!

Can I tell you what I hate about science fiction? Apart from those terrible movies that never really should have become movies in the first place (I am obviously generalizing here--not ALL science fiction is terrible). What I hate is the hopelessness of science fiction.

Again, generalizing, but it seems to me that most science fiction movies (alien-based science fiction, at least) have a couple things in common that they regard as absolute truths:

1- At some indefinable point in the future, an alien race will visit earth with hostile intent
2- The human race will be obliterated

Granted, many of the more modern science fiction shows have a bit of hope. There is often a handful of survivors. However, take a look at older Sci-Fi alien films, such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and you will see what I mean. There is zero hope for the human race. Gee, well, existence has been fun. Sorry it will be cut short.

So when I learned that Brandon Sanderson had written a science-fiction based superhero story, I wasn't too enthused. Perhaps the reason I picked it up was because it was by Brandon Sanderson. I have to throw in a plug here--Brandon is incredible! He has written so many fantastic books, and he just keeps bringing out more! I wish I had half of his creative genius.

Anyway, I wasn't too excited, but that changed almost as soon as I started reading (and listening. I admit, I listened to a bulk of this book at work while I do my computer stuff--please don't hate me!). I mean, the first sentence reads "I have seen Steelheart bleed." What an incredibly intriguing first sentence. It made me want to continue reading.

 Steelheart takes place on a futuristic earth. A star has appeared that has granted men and women super abilities. Unfortunately, those "blessed" individuals have become corrupted with the power they now have, and are all fighting for ultimate power--dominating cities and killing as many as they see fit. The main character, David, has a personal vendetta against these "epics," as these people are called, and joins up with a group called the Reckoners, whose main goal is to kill epics and give the power back to normal humans.

I cannot tell you enough how much this book drew me in, and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It ended well, although there is a sequel in the making that I am super excited about. The ending was neat, because after I finished, I was able to think "Oh yeah. I can totally see how that worked." Brandon Sanderson does such a fantastic job at laying down the story and strategically placing key bits of information, that although the ending is not predictable, it certainly had an element of "Oh yeah. I thought that might happen." It was absolutely fantastic.

There is cool technology, great characters, and the best part? HOPE! Every epic has a weakness, and although the road to victory is difficult, it is possible in Sanderson's world.

So, as for the real question, would I rather have to rebel against a conquering group of hostile aliens or a group of power-hungry epics? Hmm. Tough choice, but I think I am going to take the epics. Unless, of course, the aliens gave me a ride on their spaceship. :)