Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Book Review: Steelheart by Sanderson

Hello, all!   Do I have a doozie for you!!!
Ten years ago an anomaly took place - a flash of red light in the sky called Calamity, and ordinary people were changed into something extraordinary - Epics.  However, with the onset of super powers, the Epics became villains.  Steelheart is the strongest Epic anyone has seen - he can change objects to steel.  He is also invincible - bullets bounce off of him, explosions do not phase him, and, with the strength of dozens of men, no one can defeat him.  He commits terrible atrocities to ensure that the people of Newcago fear and follow him.  David witnesses Steelheart's power when the Epic kills David's father.  Now David wants vengance - he wants to kill Steelheart, and he has a plan.  He needs the help of a group of Epic assassins to help him carry it out.
David and the "Epic killers", known as the Reckoners, set out to destroy Steelheart and his entire government.
This is a great, fast-paced novel that pulls the reader in and never lets go.  David is a wonderful character - bumbling, smart (but not too smart), and your typical late-teen boy.  I enjoyed the dynamic of the Reckoners, and I could see them vividly in my mind as Sanderson described them.  I have recommended this book to my sci-fi fans and my upper level students, and they have all loved it!