Mistborn (Brandon Sanderson)

In a world of ash and mist, Vin ekes out a difficult existence in a thieving band, but what choice does she have? She is a skaa, a people long downtrodden and under the thumb of the Lord Ruler, his Inquisitors, and the nobles that control the economy of the Final Empire. Abandoned by those she held dear, she has learned to trust only in betrayal and focus only on survival. But no empire lasts forever . . . 

Kelsier is Mistborn: an allomancer able to control all eight metals. He uses his powers to take down nobles, steal supplies, and foment discontent in Luthadel and beyond. With a small band, he contemplates how to encourage the skaa to rise up against their evil rulers. But what hope do they have against such might? 

As Vin falls in with Kelsier's band, she is about to discover a power within herself. And though the band's odds are slim and goals impossible, she's learning to trust . . . and hope.

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I really enjoyed this fantasy book, the first of a trilogy. Sanderson builds an interesting world, characters with realistic emotions and exchanges, and produces a story with surprising twists. And I love how he does so without gratuitous violence, profanity, or sex. A few places moved a touch fast, but this is solid and recommended.

Rating: A