Onslaught

I don't really know enough about Nightblood, but isn't it an object with a high level of investiture? Could that be considered as enchanting? Whilst not outright possession, ruin influenced the citizen to a fanatical state of being.

I had stopped reading for a while because nothing held my interest. I think I was reading the wrong type of books. I went to fantasybookreview website and saw Robin Hobb's books were recommended. I picked up the Farseer Trilogy and loved it. I was at the airport heading to Queensland and picked up a book called "The Final Empire" which had a quote from Robin Hobb on the back. Decided to give it a go and read the whole thing whilst on holidays instead of swimming on the Gold Coast.

When I first read it, I expected it to take 3 books to achieve the result from the first one. I think the magic system is what held it apart from being generic. My mate did like the magic but had a lot of questions. He asked if it becomes clearer in Wax & Wayne. I said "It builds on it..."

That is a really insightful view. Maybe he does take it how you have described. I don't think I've really considered the points you make. I will still encourage him to read, rather than listen, to a few more Sanderson books and see if he gets a different feel for the writing.

@StrikerEZ & @Turtle373 I pointed out those exact points. He argued that Sazed "conveniently" knew everything he needed to know. I disagreed, saying there was nothing convenient about what he knew. Maybe he just doesn't like Sanderson's style and author voice. I was just curious if anyone else agreed with him.

Keeping this spoiler free, he said he felt characters didn't need to struggle, the answers just seemed to pop up right in front of them when they needed it. I disagreed (especially about the struggle), saying that while yes, they found the answers when they needed, it was a result of their journey, not a Hail Mary or "the item you needed was in your pocket all along." I think he expected more grit. I told him that Sanderson was not a GRRM type author, the grit comes from the characters persevering not the R-rated content. I told him to read the books first next time, then listen to the audio and see if it makes a difference.

So I have been trying to get a mate who is into reading and loves fantasy to read Sanderson. He eventually adopted listening to the Graphic Audio version of Mistborn. Upon completing the series I was excited to discuss it with him. When asked what he thought he said "Everything was just too convenient. It felt like everything wrapped up to neatly." I was taken aback at this but thought I'd consult everyone here. I know Sanderson is an outliner and so his endings the off loose threads but it seemed to me, my friend was saying there was no real struggle. What are your thoughts on this view point? (Disclaimer - my friend likes to read Book of the Malezan, Wheel of Time, Dark Tower)

I assumed Sazed learned (or is learning) everything Ruin and Preservation knew... Was it purely his knowledge of religions that allowed him to right all the wrongs?

First time reading, I wasn't a fan of Elend. Second time through I think I realised his struggle more with his character growth. I ended up loving that Elend gave Vin his trust. He wanted to know what she was thinking and all that but the trust he gave her was stronger than most relationships I know of. I think that's where he really wins brownie points with me.

I have just read through both samples of The Rithmatist and Steelheart. I can see the appeal for the former however I feel the latter can be examined more closely. Rithmatist definitely links with geometry in a more interesting fashion. As I mentioned in the original post, these students are expected to analyse LOTR. This year they studied Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and Romeo and Juliet. I think I may just have to pick up both books and see which is more fitting.

I have yet to read Reckoners so I will definitely pick that up and give it a read through. Anything that challenges these kids is perfect. Complex characters, society and world-building is where I thought t ok take them so thank you @DirtyOoklafaceFullOfLame & @Quantus.

I am a primary school teacher (kindy to yr 6) and I have just been informed that I will be taking over as the Opportunity Class (Years 5 & 6) as of 2019. These are the academically gifted students. After discussions with this year's teacher, he informed me that these students thrive on quality literature and he usually uses The Hobbit and LOTR with them. I was thinking of introducing some Sanderson to them. I wondered if there were any other teachers in the 17th Shard and if you have any ideas for teaching lessons from a particular Sanderson novel. Being primary education, it can be any subject. Thanks

So Frost can't "look" through the spiritual realm exactly. The current thought is that the seventeenth shard are informing him? I really want to know more about the seventeenth shard. Is Frost the head of them? How do they recruit people? I suppose most of it is RAFO.

That's a good point. I am still quite a novice when it comes to understanding the spiritual realm. I listened to Brandon read it on here and watched the shardcast on The Traveller and Frost so I'm gaining more understanding on it all.