I first heard about The Emperor's Soul on the Writing Excuses podcast. Who would have expected Brandon Sanderson, who is known for his epic fantasy, to write a 150 page novella. This novella did go on to win a Hugo so there is no disputing that Sanderson can write a novella. My mother, who was publicly acknowledged as being a staple at successful author event, had the opportunity to talk with Brandon and said that he acknowledged The Emperor's Soul as one of the best things he's written. With Sanderson being known for writing a good many things I will agree that The Emperor's Soul is a fantastic story that is some of Sanderson's best work. And you can read it in an afternoon if you want. I was able to pick it up at my local library and read it while on paternity leave. At some point I will probably add it to my collection.
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Plot: Shai is a forger, but not just in the sense that she creates replicas of art to pass off for the original. Her culture has the ability to place a mark - a stamp - on an object and rewrite its history. A table that has been neglected for years and is run down can be forged as if a servant had cleaned and polished it every week. The actual state of the object can be changed by forging its past. Shai has even down it with herself, giving herself the ability to become other versions of herself. However to forge an object or person their history must be utterly and completely known. It normally takes years to forge a soul mark for ones self. Shai has 100 days to make give the emperor a new soul. Left brain dead by an assassin's attack the emperor is out of commission. His ruling party has claimed that he is in morning for his wife, who was killed in the attack, but if he does not appear by the end of the 100 days the gig is up. Shai's job is to make sure that he does or the council will punish her for the crimes she was thrown in jail for. 100 days to know someone so completely as to recreate them. 100 days to give the emperor life while not getting killed by overcautious councilors. 100 days to prove she is the greatest forger of all time. And if she pulls it off, no one will ever know.
My personal favorites: Shai is an incredible character and he position is one of intrigue and suspense. The pacing of the book is really well done. It didn't ever bog down or feel rushed. I am gaining a better appreciation for shorter fiction and this is a great example of it. The process of forging was fascinating and while we don't know as much about it as we do other magic systems he's created it remains very interesting. I would enjoy seeing more of this culture (I understand the book is technically in Sanderson's Elantris world).
Considerations: There is no strong language, graphic violence, or sensuality of any kind in this book. The book may not be accessible for middle grade audiences, but young adult shouldn't have problems with it.
I really liked this story and enjoyed the short format as well. For anybody looking to get a taste of Sanderson's work who doesn't want to dive into Warbreaker or The Way of Kings this is the story for you. The total length was 150 pages.
Plot: Shai is a forger, but not just in the sense that she creates replicas of art to pass off for the original. Her culture has the ability to place a mark - a stamp - on an object and rewrite its history. A table that has been neglected for years and is run down can be forged as if a servant had cleaned and polished it every week. The actual state of the object can be changed by forging its past. Shai has even down it with herself, giving herself the ability to become other versions of herself. However to forge an object or person their history must be utterly and completely known. It normally takes years to forge a soul mark for ones self. Shai has 100 days to make give the emperor a new soul. Left brain dead by an assassin's attack the emperor is out of commission. His ruling party has claimed that he is in morning for his wife, who was killed in the attack, but if he does not appear by the end of the 100 days the gig is up. Shai's job is to make sure that he does or the council will punish her for the crimes she was thrown in jail for. 100 days to know someone so completely as to recreate them. 100 days to give the emperor life while not getting killed by overcautious councilors. 100 days to prove she is the greatest forger of all time. And if she pulls it off, no one will ever know.My personal favorites: Shai is an incredible character and he position is one of intrigue and suspense. The pacing of the book is really well done. It didn't ever bog down or feel rushed. I am gaining a better appreciation for shorter fiction and this is a great example of it. The process of forging was fascinating and while we don't know as much about it as we do other magic systems he's created it remains very interesting. I would enjoy seeing more of this culture (I understand the book is technically in Sanderson's Elantris world).
Considerations: There is no strong language, graphic violence, or sensuality of any kind in this book. The book may not be accessible for middle grade audiences, but young adult shouldn't have problems with it.
I really liked this story and enjoyed the short format as well. For anybody looking to get a taste of Sanderson's work who doesn't want to dive into Warbreaker or The Way of Kings this is the story for you. The total length was 150 pages.
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