A different and exciting book, with an ending that I couldn't guess. I'm definitely interested in the next book of the series.

I thought that the concept of the Epics was pretty interesting. The name "Newcago" was pretty funny. I kept guessing about Steelheart's weakness but I was surprised. I did think it would be something about David's father himself that did it, and perhaps David could do it too. It was that David's father didn't fear Steelheart, so it was something about the man, but not what I expected.

I was somewhat surprised that Prof turned out to be an epic. I was kind of expecting, near the end of the battle with Steelheart, for someone to say "Ha! He wasn't an epic at all. He was just a regular man." So that was a little disappointing, but it made sense when it was explained that he gifted his power to keep himself from being corrupted by it. I liked the backstory that everyone thought he was a scientist that worked in some kind of high-end lab, but really he had just been a fifth grade science teacher. I do wonder, though, if he was the one that destroyed his school.

Comflux was interesting. Perhaps since the nature of his power is to give it away when he powers things, that keeps him from being corrupted?

I was very interested that Megan was Firefight, the epic illusionist. I guess she's the subject of the next book!

Wow!!! What an amazing book to start the series with.

My first Brandon Sanderson book and it doesn't disappoint. The story starts from the first page of the book and it was very fast pacing one. I've never read a book in a single sitting before this one.

The twist at the end was very much unpredictable. If this is how Brandon Sanderson writes his every book and if his fans are saying this is his most least famous book series; I am down to read every book he ever written.

Must read for anyone who likes to read. ( )

"Where there are villains, there will be hereos. Just wait. They will come."

For such a strong beginning, I thought the middle drug and the ending was disappointing. So many things to be frustrated about. It was hard to get behind some of the themes, theories and unexplained, but I was willing to put that all aside....but the ending was a bit disappointing. ( )

I love Brandon. There is not much more I can say . I love him. This book however is one of his weaker ones that I have read. Still epic (yup) , but not up to current Brandon standards. The story is unique, the setting is flipped on its head, the world is interesting. The only things that bother me a bit are the characters. Just something about them doesn't stick with me all the way through. That doesn't mean they are unlikable or relateable , but simply not up to Brandons standards. The book is also packing less pages which may be the reason why the characters feel unfinished, they simply don't get as much time to develop. Still a recommended read if you are a fantasy fan, more so if you liked other of Brandons works and though that he cannot do different kinds of books. He can do anything. Thank you Brandon. ( )

good book - hard to take so much time to read it (using it as an in-between jobs read)... and excited to see that there is a second book! its a Series!... looking forward to reading the next one - I love this author!

second time around - I'm listening to it (and I have book 2 and 3 in the wings!)
totally surprised - not only did I not remember much of this book - but I REALLY did not remember the ending!.. Totally surprised by the ending... wow... cant wait to read book 2! ( )

300 page slog for an 80 page bad ass payoff. still incredibly flawed but it pulled out a hell of a save for the finale. he needs yo work on expanding characterization in a big way.

world building in its own is as always awesome. we'll see if he fixes the issues by the second book. ( )

I enjoyed it better than the 1st time. ( )

Great book by Brandon Sanderson! This book is a twist on the superhero theme. Basically, everyone who shows up with superhero powers is basically evil. I like that the book takes that twist because it parallels what I believe about the doctrine of human depravity, that apart from the grace of God we are all sinners and that much power would corrupt us and make us into monsters.

There were a couple of pleasant plot twists that I should have seen coming, but didn't. The pace was nice and fast, but there were breathers in the right places.

Sanderson is a very good writer (in my opinion) and his handling of magic is second to none. ( )

The writing style wasn't very impressive but the story was interesting. I was a little annoyed by the stereotypical awkward-boy-doesn't-know-how-to-talk-to-girls trope but the plot was well thought out. ( )

SteelHeart: Review I really liked this book. Normally in superhero books the super heroes are good this book looks at what happens if the superhero is bad. I loved not only the writing in this book but also how the lead character of this book David. I think this book could have easily been a book about vengeance but it become something so much more then that with not only David but all the other characters in the novel.
 
I loved the concept of the rat tag group of rebels and how their group was really effected and changed by David. I liked how even though David spend so long planning even he did not have all the answers and that really sold me on the story because every needs help to push their plans along and in the end their plan did work. 
 
I loved also learning more about the developed of the epics hope to learn more in the future about them. I really did like David and Megan even thought i want it to become less insta love and more love. 
 
I loved the professor revel and i am curious why david is so good with the epic technology!
Hope to read the novella soon!
 
Check out my video review:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiFrLdVWXzQ ( )

SteelHeart: Review I really liked this book. Normally in superhero books the super heroes are good this book looks at what happens if the superhero is bad. I loved not only the writing in this book but also how the lead character of this book David. I think this book could have easily been a book about vengeance but it become something so much more then that with not only David but all the other characters in the novel.
 
I loved the concept of the rat tag group of rebels and how their group was really effected and changed by David. I liked how even though David spend so long planning even he did not have all the answers and that really sold me on the story because every needs help to push their plans along and in the end their plan did work. 
 
I loved also learning more about the developed of the epics hope to learn more in the future about them. I really did like David and Megan even thought i want it to become less insta love and more love. 
 
I loved the professor revel and i am curious why david is so good with the epic technology!
Hope to read the novella soon!
 
Check out my video review:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiFrLdVWXzQ ( )

I didn't like this book as much as the other Sanderson series I've tried. This series reminds me a lot of comic book heroes and their adventures, though the actual powers involved are similar to those in the Mistborn series. They're not really my thing, but if you like comic book heroes this might be a great fit. ( )

Great setting, interesting plot, not too obvious plot twists, a thought-provoking ending. What's not to like?

If anything, the teenager thing seems a bit overdone, but that is a minor irritation in an otherwise great book. ( )

Steelheart is a fast-moving, action-packed, clever take on superheroics, set at a time after supervillains have taken over the world. Sanderson gives us a fantastical groups of villains (called Epics), though once human have been granted a cornucopia of staggering abilities and instead of benefiting human kind decide to rule it.

It’s been a while since an opening chapter has captivated me the way Steelheart’s was able to. It was a great introduction to the humanity and guise of the Epics and it reminded me of Christopher Nolan's Batman films. Noir themes dominate Sanderson’s world. A city (NewCago) in perpetual darkness, clothed in steel, cold, hard and enduring is ruled by the Epic Steelheart. The book itself is a nonstop thrill ride that begins with the killing of our protagonist David’s father 10 years before and roars through car and motorcycle chases, secret missions, huge explosions and hails of gunfire with high-tech weaponry to a climactic battle with Epic Steelheart. The story throughout traces how 18-year-old David Charleston manages at last to make contact with a cell of Epic-killing Reckoners led by legendary mastermind Jon Phaedrus in order to exact revenge on Steelheart for the killing of his father.

The characters are interesting but also a bit shallow and the twists and turns leave you guessing right up until the end. Sanderson may not be taking himself too seriously with the novel but he manages to flesh out something fascinating, harsh, and non-infantile in the process. This is the superheroic novel we've been waiting for.

Sick of seeing Captain America do good? Batman never kill? Here's a book for you. ( )

One of my favorite books of the year. I love books that refuse to let me put it down and then demand that I want more. ( )

I have to say that once again Brandon Sanderson has shown us one again, he's a master storyteller. ( )

Fresh premise, likeable characters, but didn't have the hook of the Mistborn or the Way of Kings. ( )

I could almost see the movie in my head as I was reading it. Can't wait to read the sequel. ( )

Book title and author:
Steelheart (The Reckoners) by Brandon Sanderson. Reviewed 4/1/23

Why I picked this book up: Two of my sons were reading this book. I chose to read it to know what my boys were reading and sharing thoughts and talk about our reading together. Talking to my kids about books is very fun imo and there were many 5 star ratings which added to my interested in reading it.

Thoughts: This author flipped the classics heroes/villains around. Brandon Sanderson, a #1 New York Times best seller and my wife told me this author is LDS, which I am not, and it is likely one reason it is rather clean.
“Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary people extraordinary powers. They called them Epics.
Epics are no friends of man. With incredible gifts came the desire to rule. And to rule man, you must crush his will.
In what was once Chicago, an astonishingly powerful Epic named Steelheart has installed himself as emperor. Steelheart possesses the strength of ten men and can control the elements. It is said that no bullet can harm him, no sword can split his skin, and no fire can burn him. He is invincible. Nobody fights back . . . nobody but the Reckoners.
A shadowy group of ordinary humans, the Reckoners spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them. David wants in.
When Steelheart came to Chicago (Newcago) he killed David’s father. For years, like the Reckoners, David has been studying, and planning, and he has something they need. Not an object, but an experience.
He has seen Steelheart bleed and he wants revenge.”

Why I finished this read: even though I stopped reading I returned so I can talk with my kids about it. Overall, this book became exciting, relationships were forged and surprises and development came.

Stars rating: I rated this a 5 out if 5 stars. ( )

A very interesting take on the superhero genre, turning the age of heroes into a dystopia. Although I saw the twist about Firefight coming, I really enjoyed the resolution of the whole story at the end. Highly recommended for fans of dark sci fi. ( )

Spring 2020;

Yes, I may be beginning my quest into Brandon Sanderson because of [b:The Way of Kings|7235533|The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive, #1)|Brandon Sanderson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388184640l/7235533._SY75_.jpg|8134945] last month. I'm starting with the full young adult series I picked up on sale last year between Kindle and Audible, but I will be returning to the Stormlight Archive, have no doubts.

I love (thus so far) Sanderson's ability to create whole new, intricate and well-developed, worlds. I love how much he doesn't tell you, and let you work out yourself. I love how much we don't know about The Epics and Calamity. I love found family stories, and that was definitely here as we watch this pocket of the Reckoners adjust to each other (and that it takes adjustment, and that the adjustment is easy for some and harder for others was gorgeously realistic).

Just like Way of Kings, there were two twists in Steelheart that I did not see coming and felt floored by (though one of them was undone, so it's almost like that makes it a 1.5 twists).

Pieces I found a little *too*: I knew the catacombs were going to be used from the first mention. I found myself a little annoyed by the straight, white pov boy from time-to-time coming straight into this from the mulity-poc, multi-ethnic, multi-sexualities of [b:Shadowshaper|22295304|Shadowshaper (Shadowshaper, #1)|Daniel José Older|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1416429594l/22295304._SX50_.jpg|41683308]. ( )

I really liked the premise of this book and was disappointed in the execution. After loving The Way of Kings and seeing such high praise for this book, I had gotten my hopes up. I started with the audio book but switched to my kindle because I wondered if the performance was what was bothering me. Turns out, it was mainly that I just didn't care about the characters. The world building was cool, and I loved this idea for a dystopian future. But I didn't really like the characters or feel that they or their relationships were developed enough. When Megan "died" I didn't believe it and sort of didn't care if it was true. I also didn't like the slang, the forced-sounding dialogue or Cody's weird deal with his heritage.
The ending perked up my interest and took my rating from 2 stars to about 2.5 or 3. I'll probably check out the next one and decide from there what I think about the series. ( )

I really enjoyed the story, and the interesting look at how absolute power corrupts absolutely. As usual, Sanderson delivers great world building with an intricate superpower system and the main character who helps us as the reader unravel how the world has changed.

Is revenge the answer? The main character learns and himself and his revenge goal while he fights to make his loss worth something. ( )

I purposely went to the library more than a week ago looking for audiobooks I could listen to on the 9 hour drive up to Houghton, MI to pick up my son from college. It was on the display shelf in the new books area and I chose it because I am familiar with how good Brandon Sanderson's novels are having read the Mistborn books.

Sanderson has the ability to turn oft-used sf and fantasy tropes on their heads and writes in a style that is completely engaging. Normally we think of our superheroes as using their powers to defend us from evil but in this case the superheroes use their powers for domination and treat humans as a subservient underclass. They are called "epics" in this novel and they have carved up the US into a fractured country ruled by individual and groups of epics who jockey for power and domination according to the levels of their powers.

This book did not disappoint and even as an adult in my 50s I thoroughly enjoyed this novel written for teens. It is intelligent, exciting and left me wanting more. It is a trilogy of books so I can't wait to continue on to the next one. ( )

Enjoyable listen/read. Except for the repeated use of a limited 'curse word' vocabulary ("Sparks!","You Schlontz", "Calamity!"), I enjoyed this story and its characters. I look forward to the second and third installments in the trilogy.