If you’re interested in grabbing a copy of Secret History and want to support the channel, use the link in the description to nab a beautiful Hard Back!
Kevin Warden Definitely, some would say you should finish all 6 out currently, and there’s some merit to that, but finishing the trilogy is important, not just for spoiling future books, but understanding what is happening in Secret History itself.
@Daniel you may not be aware of this but Mistborn era 2 isnt finished. It will consist of 4 books, Alloy of Law was almost like a intro for the story and characters to be followed by a trilogy. Also the last I heard era 3 will take place in space with allomancy powered ships.
Secret History was my first exposure to some of the workings of the Cosmere, and wow it was brilliant. I know a lot of people recommend reading this after finishing Bands of Mourning, but I think it's actually best to read directly after Hero of Ages, that's what I did, and I found it very satisfying discovering more of what happened beyond the mists of the main story while it was still fresh in my mind. Definitely agree with your thoughts on Kelsier-- he's not on the same level of depth as Kaladin or Dalinar. I'd even say he's a bit overrated imo, as I felt so much more connected to Vin and Elend (or even Spook or Sazed) then I did Kelsier. But he's still awesome for sure, and Secret History gives us some really great development that I feel was needed.
I'd say Kelsier is the most fun character, I think that's why everyone loves him. From the moment he stood out in the field with that look in his eye and onwards I just fell in love with him :-)
Gotta say I always liked Kelsier and cared for his character although I totally understand your point of view Elend and Vin are both amazing characters. Also I completely agree with you about when to read this book I waited until after bands of mourning, however I feel after reading this that if I had this information prior to reading the second era I would’ve had a bigger appreciation for the story of those books if that makes any sense. This is my first time reading Sanderson and is my introduction to the cosmere as a whole can’t wait to get more into this universe.
No matter how much I love Mistborn and the Secret History, I can't help myself but to think that the endings, especially on the last couple pages, are a bit over-sentimental. I really hope that Brandon does not continue this trend with the Stormlight Archive.
i just finished era 1 a few days ago and the only reason why i started with secret history instead of alloy of law is because goodreads shows it as book 3.5. man am i glad i did that and didn't wait! it was so awesome having this perspective and seeing the gang (for the most part) reunited in the cognitive realm.
I personally put this book up in my top 5 books by Brandon. It was just such a satisfying, fun, adventure. Kelsier has always been one of my favorite characters. Not because of character depth, but because of his actual character. Hes a man who had all the chances to just give up and go home but in the end he just to smile. My favorite line from him embodies this, "But you can't kill me, Lord Tyrant. I represent that one thing you've never been able to kill, no matter how hard you try. I am hope." Sort of cheesy but it's great. I also love how he flat out decked god in the face. That would be satisfying.
He decked Preservation at the beginning when he Just died, at the end he decked the vessel of Ruin, Ati Just before Ati went to infinity Legendary. Maybe not technically but he slapped both Gods or attempted to and succeeded in the end.
I think the hype around kelsier’s character and how deep he is, is in the fact that he isn’t reformed really. He still is very bloodthirsty and vindictive. Dalinar, when we meet him, is already reformed. At least, to me, that’s what made kelsier so interesting to read.
1:07 I like the chest thumping. This is the kind of raw passion I expect in reviews. I guess I have to pick up this book now. I didn't even know it existed until recently.
Kelsier (did I spell that wrong?) may be less awesome than other characters, but he did give us one of the best Cosmere quotes yet. "There's ALWAYS, another secret."
Yes! I am so happy you enjoyed this story because it's personally one of my favorite entries in Mistborn, I love the development for Kelsier as a Ghost/Cognitive Shadow it really gave a good look into the inner workings of the Cosmere and Kelsier who is learning it. It had one of the most emotional moments in the series for me.
I really enjoyed this one. Read it after era 2. The ending was really emotional as you said. I liked getting the glimpses into the deeper goings on of the Cosmere that we got via this book. Still haven’t figured out everything of course but enjoyed the tidbits that were given out. I agree with your take on Kalsier - he’s a good character, but not on the same level as the ones you mentioned.
I know right. I love Daniel and his videos, so no hate to the guy, but he keeps saying Era 2 is over, despite many comments pointing out that there’s one more to come.
@@Mega2chan Alloy of Law was the spinoff. Shadow of Self and The Bands of Mourning are very much Mistborn Era 2. Brandon, himself, has even confirmed this.
Oh hell yes Secret History is one of my favourite things in the Cosmere. It's so good and brilliant and like you said Daniel it's not just a revisit of the series for the sake of nostalgia or some such, it actually adds a new dimension to the story, gives it even more depth. Not to mention it's very Cosmere heavy, which I love. It blew my mind when I read it the first time. One more thing, for people interested it reading it, and I highly recommend you do, I suggest reading it after Bands of Mourning (the third book in era 2). You can certainly read after Hero of Ages but it works better after BoM cuz of the way that book ends.
Honestly, I was awed by the execution of this book & dumbstruck when Brandon vividly said that this book was to be read ONLY and AFTER reading "The Bands of Mourning". (Of course with specific reason as to why in such sequence) And I fully agree with you on the Cosmere part when it was explained in that level of details. My take, it is more likely that I wasn't ready to know it as yet... since there were more to explore from his other series and I want love to connect those parts and pieces with a grand finale that would hit me right in the face so hard, that I could just award Sanderson with the highest of all achievements by making my brains all fried up! I'm weird.
The thing is that you could read it before bands of mourning but the ending will only make you go like: oh fuck yeah finally. Compared to if you read the ending to the bands of mourning first you'll go: holy fucking shit are you fucking serious?!? Fuuuuuuuuuu.... Followed by a google search and online forum scouting
I feel like the large amount of exposition works really well as a way to make you feel the way kelsier does - thrust into a world beyond his understanding.
Something that I love in all forms of media is comedy and secret history was the first mistborn book I read that actually made me laugh out loud. It was when Kel was talking to Ruin and said, "Tell Fuzz to take something long, sharp, and hard and ram it up your backside." I got plenty of laughs from era 2(dang it Wayne was pretty much my motto throughout era 2) but Kel was the first to make me laugh which I think is fitting as he is my favorite character.
Yup. Secret History is phenomenal. I, too, never really got the hype around Kelsier until I read it. The man is absolutely terrifying! In the best, most intriguing way possible. :D
I read Mistborn Era 1 several years ago. It the was the first Brandon Sanderson series I read. I thought I was over the end of the series. I read secret history last week and I cried at the end.
Mistborn secret history really changed the game not only for our vision of the Mistborn world/story/characters (and I feel you for the emotions) but for the overall Cosmere and I think there is even more greatness ahead, that's gonna be a wonderful journey thanks Branderson !
I agree that Kelsier isn't as deep as some of the other Comsmere protagonists. I think he's probably my favorite, though, because he's just so fun to watch. He's incredibly entertaining. And he's such a bundle of contradictions. He's a happy-go-lucky hero of the people who is filled with rage and murderous as all hell. Plus, his dynamic with Vin is excellent. Seeing him repeatedly deck gods and trying to break out of the afterlife in Secret History was just * chef's kiss *
RoW Spoilers in comments: Hoid. When Hoid was kickin' Kelsier's ass. Hoid can actually hurt Kelsier because he is only a cognitive shadow. I Love the hate those two have. In Dragonsteel, I hope they meet again.
On my third reread through the series I switched between secret history and the 1st trilogy books to read them chronologically. you see so many hints that Kelser is still "alive" and things are going on behind the scenes. Really great way to read if you plan a reread
SPOILERS FOR THE END OF SECRET HISTORY I'M WARNING YOU OK SERIOUSLY STOP Can we just acknowledge how perfect Elend and Kelsier's only interaction was? "Did you ASK them to make you look like a cheap knockoff of the Lord Ruler, or was it more an accident?" "...wow. I hate you already." SO perfect.
Just finished reading and crying and laughing from over this delight!! Loved it. Is it weird that I’ve read Stormlight Archive 1-4, Mistborn Era 1, Warbreaker , Mistborn Era 2 and now this one since Thanksgiving!!!?? Yeah I didn’t think so!
Remember what you said near the beginning of this review. “Brandon’s got this!” Trust that we need to know the Secret History knowledge now, not later.
Personally, I'm happy that Brandon is showing us his cards as it is yet another sign that he has it all planned out. He knows the story he wants to tell, and while there is a lot still left mysterious, he's not a follower of the "mystery box" idea and subversion for its own sake. So far, the worst of Sanderson's books have been really good in my mind, and his best books genre defining, so I'm happy to stick with his literary universe for the long haul
Edit: *i DO NOT HYPE KELSIER UP TOO MUCH* This book opens up an entire new world and I absolutely love it I read the first part about the wheel spinning at kelsiers death, got chills, and I said "nope I'm not ready for this" so I reread until that point in book 1 and then followed along with my reread and secret history back to back. Oh my God I love it.
have to disagree with the Era 2 judgement. For some reason I connected much more with the characters in era two than era 1. I actually also prefer the scaled down magic abilities.
Yeah i loved the blend of the two sets of abilities for Era 2 rather than having anyone be a full either side. And it made for some really awesome interplay. And seeing more of the savant side with something other than tin was cool!
Now i have read a good bit of Cosmere, and i mostly feel Brandon does not leave out big nuggets of cosmere lore in his books. So i think it is still fine that he does give us a big one here and there as long as they are spaced apart pretty greatly.
I've been meaning to read secret history for a while now, but i'm sort of "rationing" my Sanderson books.. Can't live in world where there aren't any more Sanderson stuff for me to read. After watching the video and reading some of the comments though I really wanna read it. it's next one my list now. I do agree about the Cosmere info, i did love digging for it and would have loved to see the whole universe gradually through the books.
I finished Secret History like 45 minutes ago, and I didn't know what to expect, but it exceeded expectations regardless. Great book, and offered some answers to questions I had after the main trilogy. Way more necessary for the "complete" era 1 story than The Eleventh Metal (although I definitely enjoyed that one as well), and it should get recommended way more often. A lot of people have only read the main three books, and they're missing out.
As someone who is new to the Cosmere and has only read Mistborn(I've started stormlight but my English class got in the way) having all the cosmere explanations was nice. I read secret history before era 2 and I am very glad that I did. It meant less confusion and questions when certain things like Kelsiers acension were mentioned during era 2 and when I got to that, in my opinion, phenomenal end to the bands of mourning I didn't think, "That makes no sense. Kelsier was dead," I thought, "I didn't think he could actually do it but somehow he did! He's alive!" Course, Kelsier is also my favorite character so knowing he was planning to come back before him actually coming back was much more satisfying than if it was just, "He is back because reasons."
Thank you! I loved the original trilogy (era 2 not so much, westerns were never my thing) and hadn't realised there was more to do with era 1. Paused the video at the spoiler warning and downloaded the audiobook then and there, and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you'll excuse me, now that I'm not gonna forget to finish your video, I'mma go a second round to internalize everything. Ps. This is for everyone, I highly encourage re-reads, especially with audiobooks. You're bound to miss something along the way, if not through inattention, just for context you get later in the story. Happy halloween if anyone sees this this weekend, and everyone else, have a great day! ♥️
I really hoped that Vin stayed around in some capacity. Really. With these little legends in Era 2 that she's merged with mists somehow... Getting confirmation that she is, in fact, gone for good, was soul-crushing.
I just finished Mistborn Era 1 & 2, as well as secret history, but have not started Storm Light Archives. Can I watch this or will I get spoiled on some of the larger Cosmire? The connection between the books/planets fascinates me and I defiantly don’t want to spoil ANYTHING so I wanted to check before watching. Thanks Daniel!
Interesting. I think I will try to read Mistborn #1. I didn't really enjoy the characters in Alloy of Law. Have you tried Bryce O'Connor? I'm reading Child of the Daystar, and enjoying that. No it isn't flawless, but I like it a lot.
You can freaking write code while listening to an audiobook... Lol anyways. Yay, finally someone who liked it! I felt a lot more connected to Kelsier in this novella. In the Final Empire his arch was kinda.. Cut off. Secret History gives him a lot more growth than just "used to kill all noblemen, now he saved one's life for reasons" I also read it before I dove deep into the Cosmere, so I found all the explanations quite interesting and "not enough" I loved his relationship with Preservation! And the ending was just..
I would 100% recommend as soon as possible. You will like stormlight, elantris and warbreaker so much more if you have the knowledge that this book provides.
So, part of my initial problem starting Mistborn was how much better a protagonist Vin was that Kelsier...which was magnificently handled with the end of the Last Empire. And when the end of Bands of Mourning reintroduced Kelsier...I was disappointment. And honestly, my first take on Secret History was that it felt unnecessary (for all that it made Keliser interesting) and actually detrimental to the setting and series by adding this weird extra complexity by adding this whole extra universe...as I had no idea the Cosmere was a thing. Thanks to your channel, the book was cast in a new (more understanding light.) I unilaterally agree with everything you say in your review.
SPOILERS AHEAD: Wow i just read Secret History this afternoon as a ''ahh sure whatever type of read'' i read hero of ages in December and after that i went to Warbreaker and then to Stormlight and after finishing Words of Radiance I wanted to read most of Arcanum Unbounded and then Edgedancer before jumping to Oathbringer and my god this was such a nostalgic and amazing trip, seeing Kelsier interact with worldhoppers and traverse through the cognitive realm wow this was something else, amazing short story.
What do you, Daniel, and other commenters think of when you should read this? Obviously it’s important to have read the first trilogy, but is it worth it to wait until you finish Bands of Mourning to get that surprise ending? I also think there’s merit to the idea that revisiting these characters is more sentimental when done after reading 4-6. What about the fact that author wrote and released this directly after BoM? I don’t know, what do you guys think?
Do you have a video on fantasy audiobooks, if not could you? I would like to know your thoughts on what you look for in tone, voice, and in other aspects of the narration. Maybe recommending some books or which books might be better off be read in paper. Michael Kramer has a phenomenal voice and is one of the main reasons I am hooked and listened to over 35 audiobooks since 2017. How do you like his narrative voice and how he ranks in compared to others? What I’ve listened to: All of Sanderson’s cosmere audiobooks except novellas and Elantris (physically reading it), first of gentlemen bastards, and am on book 12 of WoT - along with a handful of Sci-fi (Borne(really interesting)/some PKD/others)
I semi disagree with Vin and Elend's deaths at the end of HoA, or at the very least, how it was handled. So in concept, them making the ultimate sacrifice to win and save the world is fine bittersweet and a bit of a downer. It does suck that the crapsack world they help to save was reborn and they never got to see it, or have a life beyond the constant struggle and strife they had to endure. they never got that chance to be happy in life. I find it disappointing but that's not what bothers me. It's that Sazed could have brought them back but They chose to just pass on anyway. If they couldn't come back that's fine, but teasing the option for it and then not pulling the trigger because why? Part of me doesn't believe Elend would be willing to leave his kingdom in WoA they had to vote him of the throne and then trick him to leave Luthadel, and he still planned on returning with reinforcements. His people will literally need to rebuild the entire world and the next few years will be crucial for the future of the world and his people and he just lets himself pass on, I don't think he even waited around for Vin either. He was okay with passing on without much fuss and I just don't buy it. Just the introduction of possible resurrections creates a moral issue with Vin and Elend that bothers me.
I didn't get the impression that they *chose* to leave. I think it was pretty clear that even though Sazed fixed their bodies, they couldn't return to them since, well, they were dead. Vin said "I don't think it works that way", not "I'll better leave" or something like that, and at the end of HoA itself Sazed writes in the book that healing bodies wasn't enough. Vin *could've* stayed around in a similar way to Kelsier, but Elend couldn't, and she followed him.
I agree that Kelsier is not on the level of Dalinar. He is a strong character and I love him but Dalinar and Kaladin are much better. I do, however have to disagree with your opinion on the exposition dump. A lot of the information provided is heavily hinted at by hoid and others throughout other cosmere books. Additionally I kind of took this as a way for Brandon to set up some of the future interconnectedness without feeling the need to explain why this person from an entirely different world is hanging out on a new planet. As always Daniel, love what you do and I'll see you next time!
Secret History was my least favorite Sanderson book, mostly because I thoroughly dislike Kelsier as a character. Your comments in this review have given me a lot to think about though. I'll have to reread Mistborn(because I'm totally not looking for any excuse to do that) and see if I'm not giving him enough credit.
I get Daniel's issue with the info dump, but Brandon has always been working up to a war of the gods. Secrets and mysteries like that will not be possible for long. As evidenced in Rhythm of War.
Read the mistborn trilogy in 1 sitting and by the end I was crying. Miss it so much, was reading SA but than got side tracked from watching GOT and other stuff will get back to it once S8 ends as Brandon sanderson is just a God amongst men at what he does
Kelsier is by far my favourie Sanderson character followed closely by Sazed. Dalinar is not bad but nowhere near as interesting. I actually prefer Wayne over him.
You can and will enjoy it but it's generally recommended to read it after you finish the bands of mourning as it sorta keeps the surprise at the end more interesting. Though even knowing the basics of this story kinda does that
I really disagree with you criticism. I know it would be very difficult to do this without seeming corny but I want as much interconnection between the Cosmere stories as possible. With the ending we got I am going to be disappointed if we don’t see spook and Kelsier pop up in another story
I love the Mistborn series...but for a long time I hated the ending to era 1 which really put a sour note on my original experience with the books. It was quite literally Deus Ex Machina, and I DESPISE that. This book however, completely 'fixed' that ending for me. It was still the same, but now it felt somehow more earned, made what happened in the climatic final rush work and just click for me. For that alone, I love this entry into the Mistborn lore, because by purely existing it made the previous books even better to me.
I didn’t have your problem with the end of Era 1 at all. But one of my big takeaways reading Secret History is in complete agreement. I was completely absorbed in the conflict between Kelsier and Ruin even though I already knew how it was going to end. And there is this extra layer in the story where now all the clues and nudges the characters discovered during Book 3 that was explained as “Preservation had a plan to help them that they only just had to discover” is now the result of PAINSTAKING effort by Kelsier to strategically sneak messages past Ruin. In Hero of Ages, I was relieved by the bittersweet ending of the apocalypse being stopped. But I was actually more emotionally invested in seeing Ruin himself go down in Secret History. Kelsier just punching him in the face, and Ruin having to silently pass on in defeat was the one of the most satisfying villain take downs in fantasy history
In all likelihood, Kelsier is going to end up being an antagonist, and it'll probably be an antagonist akin to this Hoid or one even greater than. He is striving for resurrection that was denied him. It's not something to be allowed. Sazed avoided informing him because of what damage it would wrought onto the universe. When Sanderson gets around to writing his story of reuniting the 16 shards, Kelsier is probably going to be the villainous main god or the leader that breaks him apart again.
SPOILERS I didn't LOVE Secret History, I don't know why but I just don't really like Kelsier's character. But I enjoyed the end when we saw him interacting with Vin, Elend and Sazed. I cried at that part haha. And it was great to see more of the behind the scenes stuff. Agree with you that it was a bit of an info dump though.
Secret History ruined Vin and Elend's deaths for me. I liked how it was established that Sazed couldn't bring them back but they were happy together on the other side. SH changed that by making it their own choices not to return to their bodies when Sazed gave them the opportunity. There's no way they wouldn't have returned to continue their work in setting up a good society if they could.
I feel the same about secret history in general, yes, the Cosmere parts are great, but it ruined a lot of mistborn era 1 for me, at a point I kinda wish I didn't read it.
*Spoilers* Kelsier was my favorite character of book one at least and I legit had a grieving period when he was killed. So imagine my joy when I found out that this was a thing. However this novella made me realize how flawed Kelsier is. That scene at the end when Vin lectures him put his character into perspective as well as showing how much better she is than he was.The thing is, I think he was my favorite character because we saw him mostly from mostly Vin's perspective in the first book. She kind of idolized him so we did too. It wasn't until reading this that I realized how flawed and ANNOYING Kelsier can be. Plus the ending made me sooo mad at him. Just go be with Mare Kelsier!!!!
I wasn’t completely able to side with Vin at the end. Kelsier is obviously VERY stubborn and pride to not be defeated by Ruin probably motivated him just as much or more as genuine concern for his friends. But this dude’s raw grit just saved world. I just can’t begrudge his inability to give up. Especially when he’s learned there is so much more to his world.
I agree with you about Kelsier's character, he was fine but not as good as some other Sanderson's characters. But I think since he dies in the first book, he to me serves as a guy who makes the story going in the first place, and when the story starts going he dies since his purpose is already served. Although I haven't read Secret History of Mistborn, the idea of Brandon showing us afterlife doesn't sound very good to me.
Don't wanna trigger anyone, but I just finished Well of Ascension and... I don't get the hype with this series. Simplistic yin yang theme going on, simplistic political and religious commentary, weird pacing. Can't connect with the characters: Elend's too bland and goody-goody, and there are things about Vin's personality that don't make a lot of sense to me. Cool magic system, battles and fights, though.
If you’re interested in grabbing a copy of Secret History and want to support the channel, use the link in the description to nab a beautiful Hard Back!
Hi! I've only read the first Mistborn book so far, but plan to continue. Should I finish the trilogy before reading Secret History?
Kevin Warden Definitely, some would say you should finish all 6 out currently, and there’s some merit to that, but finishing the trilogy is important, not just for spoiling future books, but understanding what is happening in Secret History itself.
@@litlmonkeybro101 Okay, thank you!
@Daniel you may not be aware of this but Mistborn era 2 isnt finished. It will consist of 4 books, Alloy of Law was almost like a intro for the story and characters to be followed by a trilogy. Also the last I heard era 3 will take place in space with allomancy powered ships.
Secret History was my first exposure to some of the workings of the Cosmere, and wow it was brilliant.
I know a lot of people recommend reading this after finishing Bands of Mourning, but I think it's actually best to read directly after Hero of Ages, that's what I did, and I found it very satisfying discovering more of what happened beyond the mists of the main story while it was still fresh in my mind.
Definitely agree with your thoughts on Kelsier-- he's not on the same level of depth as Kaladin or Dalinar. I'd even say he's a bit overrated imo, as I felt so much more connected to Vin and Elend (or even Spook or Sazed) then I did Kelsier. But he's still awesome for sure, and Secret History gives us some really great development that I feel was needed.
Cannot wait to chat with you on WorldHoppers about mistborn in general. As always, dig your insights.
I'd say Kelsier is the most fun character, I think that's why everyone loves him. From the moment he stood out in the field with that look in his eye and onwards I just fell in love with him :-)
Gotta say I always liked Kelsier and cared for his character although I totally understand your point of view Elend and Vin are both amazing characters. Also I completely agree with you about when to read this book I waited until after bands of mourning, however I feel after reading this that if I had this information prior to reading the second era I would’ve had a bigger appreciation for the story of those books if that makes any sense. This is my first time reading Sanderson and is my introduction to the cosmere as a whole can’t wait to get more into this universe.
No matter how much I love Mistborn and the Secret History, I can't help myself but to think that the endings, especially on the last couple pages, are a bit over-sentimental. I really hope that Brandon does not continue this trend with the Stormlight Archive.
i just finished era 1 a few days ago and the only reason why i started with secret history instead of alloy of law is because goodreads shows it as book 3.5. man am i glad i did that and didn't wait! it was so awesome having this perspective and seeing the gang (for the most part) reunited in the cognitive realm.
I personally put this book up in my top 5 books by Brandon. It was just such a satisfying, fun, adventure. Kelsier has always been one of my favorite characters. Not because of character depth, but because of his actual character. Hes a man who had all the chances to just give up and go home but in the end he just to smile. My favorite line from him embodies this, "But you can't kill me, Lord Tyrant. I represent that one thing you've never been able to kill, no matter how hard you try. I am hope." Sort of cheesy but it's great.
I also love how he flat out decked god in the face. That would be satisfying.
He decked Preservation at the beginning when he Just died, at the end he decked the vessel of Ruin, Ati Just before Ati went to infinity
Legendary. Maybe not technically but he slapped both Gods or attempted to and succeeded in the end.
I think the hype around kelsier’s character and how deep he is, is in the fact that he isn’t reformed really. He still is very bloodthirsty and vindictive. Dalinar, when we meet him, is already reformed. At least, to me, that’s what made kelsier so interesting to read.
1:07 I like the chest thumping. This is the kind of raw passion I expect in reviews. I guess I have to pick up this book now. I didn't even know it existed until recently.
Kelsier (did I spell that wrong?) may be less awesome than other characters, but he did give us one of the best Cosmere quotes yet. "There's ALWAYS, another secret."
Yes! I am so happy you enjoyed this story because it's personally one of my favorite entries in Mistborn, I love the development for Kelsier as a Ghost/Cognitive Shadow it really gave a good look into the inner workings of the Cosmere and Kelsier who is learning it. It had one of the most emotional moments in the series for me.
Commenting on every video untill Greene Daniel is released. Video number 42.
Yay 42.
I really enjoyed this one. Read it after era 2. The ending was really emotional as you said. I liked getting the glimpses into the deeper goings on of the Cosmere that we got via this book. Still haven’t figured out everything of course but enjoyed the tidbits that were given out. I agree with your take on Kalsier - he’s a good character, but not on the same level as the ones you mentioned.
Only part of the way into the video, but want to say, Mistborn Era 2 is NOT over!
I know right. I love Daniel and his videos, so no hate to the guy, but he keeps saying Era 2 is over, despite many comments pointing out that there’s one more to come.
Brandon is planning to start writing lost metal this year after stormlight 4.
Wax & Wayne is technically a spin off, no? Era 2 didn’t come out yet
@@Mega2chan Alloy of Law was the spinoff. Shadow of Self and The Bands of Mourning are very much Mistborn Era 2. Brandon, himself, has even confirmed this.
@@Mega2chan Brandon revised his earlier plans to have three eras, and now there are four. Era two was inserted into the original plan.
Oh hell yes Secret History is one of my favourite things in the Cosmere. It's so good and brilliant and like you said Daniel it's not just a revisit of the series for the sake of nostalgia or some such, it actually adds a new dimension to the story, gives it even more depth. Not to mention it's very Cosmere heavy, which I love. It blew my mind when I read it the first time.
One more thing, for people interested it reading it, and I highly recommend you do, I suggest reading it after Bands of Mourning (the third book in era 2). You can certainly read after Hero of Ages but it works better after BoM cuz of the way that book ends.
Honestly, I was awed by the execution of this book & dumbstruck when Brandon vividly said that this book was to be read ONLY and AFTER reading "The Bands of Mourning". (Of course with specific reason as to why in such sequence) And I fully agree with you on the Cosmere part when it was explained in that level of details.
My take, it is more likely that I wasn't ready to know it as yet... since there were more to explore from his other series and I want love to connect those parts and pieces with a grand finale that would hit me right in the face so hard, that I could just award Sanderson with the highest of all achievements by making my brains all fried up! I'm weird.
The thing is that you could read it before bands of mourning but the ending will only make you go like: oh fuck yeah finally.
Compared to if you read the ending to the bands of mourning first you'll go: holy fucking shit are you fucking serious?!? Fuuuuuuuuuu.... Followed by a google search and online forum scouting
@@Struggler12349 Hahaha!!! Now that's a fun way of putting it into different perspective. Why didn't I think of that earlier, fuuuuuu.....
I feel like the large amount of exposition works really well as a way to make you feel the way kelsier does - thrust into a world beyond his understanding.
I just finished reading this a couple days ago so I'm so happy to see you made a review!
Something that I love in all forms of media is comedy and secret history was the first mistborn book I read that actually made me laugh out loud. It was when Kel was talking to Ruin and said, "Tell Fuzz to take something long, sharp, and hard and ram it up your backside." I got plenty of laughs from era 2(dang it Wayne was pretty much my motto throughout era 2) but Kel was the first to make me laugh which I think is fitting as he is my favorite character.
Yup. Secret History is phenomenal. I, too, never really got the hype around Kelsier until I read it. The man is absolutely terrifying! In the best, most intriguing way possible. :D
I read Mistborn Era 1 several years ago. It the was the first Brandon Sanderson series I read. I thought I was over the end of the series. I read secret history last week and I cried at the end.
It was very nice to see Kelsier again.
Mistborn secret history really changed the game not only for our vision of the Mistborn world/story/characters (and I feel you for the emotions) but for the overall Cosmere and I think there is even more greatness ahead, that's gonna be a wonderful journey thanks Branderson !
I agree that Kelsier isn't as deep as some of the other Comsmere protagonists. I think he's probably my favorite, though, because he's just so fun to watch. He's incredibly entertaining. And he's such a bundle of contradictions. He's a happy-go-lucky hero of the people who is filled with rage and murderous as all hell. Plus, his dynamic with Vin is excellent. Seeing him repeatedly deck gods and trying to break out of the afterlife in Secret History was just * chef's kiss *
RoW Spoilers in comments:
Hoid. When Hoid was kickin' Kelsier's ass. Hoid can actually hurt Kelsier because he is only a cognitive shadow. I Love the hate those two have. In Dragonsteel, I hope they meet again.
Dragon steel is a prequel
@@JoKn21 oh, you're right. I meant to say the final eras of Mistborn.
@@Hadrian1616 I very much do hope they meet again... perhaps in the Physical Realm, even. >:D
Paraphrasing Hoid, "Don't make me come back and whoop your ass again!"
Hoid was using some power at that time, do we know what it was?
That cat is plotting something.
Plots behind plots, plans behind plans. There is always another secret.
On my third reread through the series I switched between secret history and the 1st trilogy books to read them chronologically. you see so many hints that Kelser is still "alive" and things are going on behind the scenes. Really great way to read if you plan a reread
I think I will try this after I finish my first Stormlight Archive reread
SPOILERS FOR THE END OF SECRET HISTORY
I'M WARNING YOU
OK SERIOUSLY STOP
Can we just acknowledge how perfect Elend and Kelsier's only interaction was?
"Did you ASK them to make you look like a cheap knockoff of the Lord Ruler, or was it more an accident?"
"...wow. I hate you already."
SO perfect.
Just started "Hero of Ages" and now I'm hyped to read this! Thanks for the review!
Just finished reading and crying and laughing from over this delight!! Loved it. Is it weird that I’ve read Stormlight Archive 1-4, Mistborn Era 1, Warbreaker , Mistborn Era 2 and now this one since Thanksgiving!!!?? Yeah I didn’t think so!
Remember what you said near the beginning of this review.
“Brandon’s got this!”
Trust that we need to know the Secret History knowledge now, not later.
Personally, I'm happy that Brandon is showing us his cards as it is yet another sign that he has it all planned out. He knows the story he wants to tell, and while there is a lot still left mysterious, he's not a follower of the "mystery box" idea and subversion for its own sake. So far, the worst of Sanderson's books have been really good in my mind, and his best books genre defining, so I'm happy to stick with his literary universe for the long haul
Edit: *i DO NOT HYPE KELSIER UP TOO MUCH*
This book opens up an entire new world and I absolutely love it
I read the first part about the wheel spinning at kelsiers death, got chills, and I said "nope I'm not ready for this" so I reread until that point in book 1 and then followed along with my reread and secret history back to back. Oh my God I love it.
unrelated to this book, but related to the cosmere, do you plan on doing a video on Hoid?
have to disagree with the Era 2 judgement. For some reason I connected much more with the characters in era two than era 1. I actually also prefer the scaled down magic abilities.
Yeah i loved the blend of the two sets of abilities for Era 2 rather than having anyone be a full either side. And it made for some really awesome interplay. And seeing more of the savant side with something other than tin was cool!
Agreed....Era 1 felt....unrefined. For me it read like a new author.
Era 2 and almost everythinf else from Samderaon is great
Now i have read a good bit of Cosmere, and i mostly feel Brandon does not leave out big nuggets of cosmere lore in his books. So i think it is still fine that he does give us a big one here and there as long as they are spaced apart pretty greatly.
I've been meaning to read secret history for a while now, but i'm sort of "rationing" my Sanderson books.. Can't live in world where there aren't any more Sanderson stuff for me to read. After watching the video and reading some of the comments though I really wanna read it. it's next one my list now. I do agree about the Cosmere info, i did love digging for it and would have loved to see the whole universe gradually through the books.
I finished Secret History like 45 minutes ago, and I didn't know what to expect, but it exceeded expectations regardless.
Great book, and offered some answers to questions I had after the main trilogy.
Way more necessary for the "complete" era 1 story than The Eleventh Metal (although I definitely enjoyed that one as well),
and it should get recommended way more often.
A lot of people have only read the main three books, and they're missing out.
I love Era 2. Its just a fun dumb adventure that I can just enjoy.
As someone who is new to the Cosmere and has only read Mistborn(I've started stormlight but my English class got in the way) having all the cosmere explanations was nice. I read secret history before era 2 and I am very glad that I did. It meant less confusion and questions when certain things like Kelsiers acension were mentioned during era 2 and when I got to that, in my opinion, phenomenal end to the bands of mourning I didn't think, "That makes no sense. Kelsier was dead," I thought, "I didn't think he could actually do it but somehow he did! He's alive!" Course, Kelsier is also my favorite character so knowing he was planning to come back before him actually coming back was much more satisfying than if it was just, "He is back because reasons."
You do understand that mistborn era 2 is not finished yet right. Its scheduled for 4 books
Thank you! I loved the original trilogy (era 2 not so much, westerns were never my thing) and hadn't realised there was more to do with era 1. Paused the video at the spoiler warning and downloaded the audiobook then and there, and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you'll excuse me, now that I'm not gonna forget to finish your video, I'mma go a second round to internalize everything.
Ps. This is for everyone, I highly encourage re-reads, especially with audiobooks. You're bound to miss something along the way, if not through inattention, just for context you get later in the story.
Happy halloween if anyone sees this this weekend, and everyone else, have a great day! ♥️
Literally just finished it. I really liked how Cosmere heavy it was. I do like answers and there's still like just so many more mysteries
I really hoped that Vin stayed around in some capacity. Really. With these little legends in Era 2 that she's merged with mists somehow... Getting confirmation that she is, in fact, gone for good, was soul-crushing.
I just finished Mistborn Era 1 & 2, as well as secret history, but have not started Storm Light Archives. Can I watch this or will I get spoiled on some of the larger Cosmire? The connection between the books/planets fascinates me and I defiantly don’t want to spoil ANYTHING so I wanted to check before watching. Thanks Daniel!
Interesting. I think I will try to read Mistborn #1. I didn't really enjoy the characters in Alloy of Law. Have you tried Bryce O'Connor? I'm reading Child of the Daystar, and enjoying that. No it isn't flawless, but I like it a lot.
You can freaking write code while listening to an audiobook...
Lol anyways. Yay, finally someone who liked it!
I felt a lot more connected to Kelsier in this novella. In the Final Empire his arch was kinda.. Cut off. Secret History gives him a lot more growth than just "used to kill all noblemen, now he saved one's life for reasons"
I also read it before I dove deep into the Cosmere, so I found all the explanations quite interesting and "not enough"
I loved his relationship with Preservation! And the ending was just..
Had no idea about this. Gonna pick it up. Thanks!
I would 100% recommend as soon as possible. You will like stormlight, elantris and warbreaker so much more if you have the knowledge that this book provides.
So, part of my initial problem starting Mistborn was how much better a protagonist Vin was that Kelsier...which was magnificently handled with the end of the Last Empire. And when the end of Bands of Mourning reintroduced Kelsier...I was disappointment. And honestly, my first take on Secret History was that it felt unnecessary (for all that it made Keliser interesting) and actually detrimental to the setting and series by adding this weird extra complexity by adding this whole extra universe...as I had no idea the Cosmere was a thing. Thanks to your channel, the book was cast in a new (more understanding light.) I unilaterally agree with everything you say in your review.
You add about a book a week to my tbr. I dont read a book a week unfortunately...
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Wow i just read Secret History this afternoon as a ''ahh sure whatever type of read'' i read hero of ages in December and after that i went to Warbreaker and then to Stormlight and after finishing Words of Radiance I wanted to read most of Arcanum Unbounded and then Edgedancer before jumping to Oathbringer and my god this was such a nostalgic and amazing trip, seeing Kelsier interact with worldhoppers and traverse through the cognitive realm wow this was something else, amazing short story.
Youre the only coder i know who can listen to an audiobook and write code. At least in the game industry thats a general no-no for most coders
I have been waiting for this for ever
video idea: choose the theme songs for your favorite fantasy characters.
Tbh, this book is fanservice level good for me.
I couldn't stop reading.
What do you, Daniel, and other commenters think of when you should read this? Obviously it’s important to have read the first trilogy, but is it worth it to wait until you finish Bands of Mourning to get that surprise ending?
I also think there’s merit to the idea that revisiting these characters is more sentimental when done after reading 4-6. What about the fact that author wrote and released this directly after BoM?
I don’t know, what do you guys think?
Do you have a video on fantasy audiobooks, if not could you?
I would like to know your thoughts on what you look for in tone, voice, and in other aspects of the narration. Maybe recommending some books or which books might be better off be read in paper. Michael Kramer has a phenomenal voice and is one of the main reasons I am hooked and listened to over 35 audiobooks since 2017. How do you like his narrative voice and how he ranks in compared to others?
What I’ve listened to: All of Sanderson’s cosmere audiobooks except novellas and Elantris (physically reading it), first of gentlemen bastards, and am on book 12 of WoT - along with a handful of Sci-fi (Borne(really interesting)/some PKD/others)
I semi disagree with Vin and Elend's deaths at the end of HoA, or at the very least, how it was handled. So in concept, them making the ultimate sacrifice to win and save the world is fine bittersweet and a bit of a downer. It does suck that the crapsack world they help to save was reborn and they never got to see it, or have a life beyond the constant struggle and strife they had to endure. they never got that chance to be happy in life. I find it disappointing but that's not what bothers me. It's that Sazed could have brought them back but They chose to just pass on anyway. If they couldn't come back that's fine, but teasing the option for it and then not pulling the trigger because why? Part of me doesn't believe Elend would be willing to leave his kingdom in WoA they had to vote him of the throne and then trick him to leave Luthadel, and he still planned on returning with reinforcements. His people will literally need to rebuild the entire world and the next few years will be crucial for the future of the world and his people and he just lets himself pass on, I don't think he even waited around for Vin either. He was okay with passing on without much fuss and I just don't buy it. Just the introduction of possible resurrections creates a moral issue with Vin and Elend that bothers me.
I didn't get the impression that they *chose* to leave. I think it was pretty clear that even though Sazed fixed their bodies, they couldn't return to them since, well, they were dead. Vin said "I don't think it works that way", not "I'll better leave" or something like that, and at the end of HoA itself Sazed writes in the book that healing bodies wasn't enough. Vin *could've* stayed around in a similar way to Kelsier, but Elend couldn't, and she followed him.
I agree that Kelsier is not on the level of Dalinar. He is a strong character and I love him but Dalinar and Kaladin are much better.
I do, however have to disagree with your opinion on the exposition dump. A lot of the information provided is heavily hinted at by hoid and others throughout other cosmere books. Additionally I kind of took this as a way for Brandon to set up some of the future interconnectedness without feeling the need to explain why this person from an entirely different world is hanging out on a new planet.
As always Daniel, love what you do and I'll see you next time!
I miss a review or thoughts about Hoid part!! But thanks! Amazing like always
Daniel, have you read Mistborn Era 2 beyond the first book?
1. Kelsier 2. Adolin 3. TenSoon 4. Maya Deadeyes 5. Kaladin 6. Ham 7. Vin 8. Dalinar 9. Drifter 10. Zahel
SEAL Team 10
Disappointing number of Warbreaker characters
Secret History was my least favorite Sanderson book, mostly because I thoroughly dislike Kelsier as a character. Your comments in this review have given me a lot to think about though. I'll have to reread Mistborn(because I'm totally not looking for any excuse to do that) and see if I'm not giving him enough credit.
I need that mobi fileeeeee
Just finished it. Amazing!
Can i read secret history if only read era 1?
Fair enough, but enders shadow was pretty ballin.
I need to re-read Mistborn....I remember it being 'clearly' Brandon's early work with writing and characters being a bit ham handed....
I loved Secret History.
I have to buy this! :3
Im just reading this
Its soooo good
Agree about the favorite scene
That sounds cool. I’ll read it.
I get Daniel's issue with the info dump, but Brandon has always been working up to a war of the gods. Secrets and mysteries like that will not be possible for long. As evidenced in Rhythm of War.
You said he's villainy?
Read the mistborn trilogy in 1 sitting and by the end I was crying. Miss it so much, was reading SA but than got side tracked from watching GOT and other stuff will get back to it once S8 ends as Brandon sanderson is just a God amongst men at what he does
Have to say I am enjoying the second trilogy much more.
Kelsier is by far my favourie Sanderson character followed closely by Sazed. Dalinar is not bad but nowhere near as interesting. I actually prefer Wayne over him.
Should I read it if I haven't read era 2?
You can and will enjoy it but it's generally recommended to read it after you finish the bands of mourning as it sorta keeps the surprise at the end more interesting. Though even knowing the basics of this story kinda does that
I really disagree with you criticism. I know it would be very difficult to do this without seeming corny but I want as much interconnection between the Cosmere stories as possible. With the ending we got I am going to be disappointed if we don’t see spook and Kelsier pop up in another story
I love the Mistborn series...but for a long time I hated the ending to era 1 which really put a sour note on my original experience with the books. It was quite literally Deus Ex Machina, and I DESPISE that. This book however, completely 'fixed' that ending for me. It was still the same, but now it felt somehow more earned, made what happened in the climatic final rush work and just click for me. For that alone, I love this entry into the Mistborn lore, because by purely existing it made the previous books even better to me.
I didn’t have your problem with the end of Era 1 at all. But one of my big takeaways reading Secret History is in complete agreement. I was completely absorbed in the conflict between Kelsier and Ruin even though I already knew how it was going to end. And there is this extra layer in the story where now all the clues and nudges the characters discovered during Book 3 that was explained as “Preservation had a plan to help them that they only just had to discover” is now the result of PAINSTAKING effort by Kelsier to strategically sneak messages past Ruin. In Hero of Ages, I was relieved by the bittersweet ending of the apocalypse being stopped. But I was actually more emotionally invested in seeing Ruin himself go down in Secret History. Kelsier just punching him in the face, and Ruin having to silently pass on in defeat was the one of the most satisfying villain take downs in fantasy history
BTW the title is misspelled. :D
Thank you! It’s a day of mistakes. Ugh!
100% agree!!!!!
Good to see you back!
In all likelihood, Kelsier is going to end up being an antagonist, and it'll probably be an antagonist akin to this Hoid or one even greater than.
He is striving for resurrection that was denied him. It's not something to be allowed. Sazed avoided informing him because of what damage it would wrought onto the universe.
When Sanderson gets around to writing his story of reuniting the 16 shards, Kelsier is probably going to be the villainous main god or the leader that breaks him apart again.
SPOILERS
I didn't LOVE Secret History, I don't know why but I just don't really like Kelsier's character. But I enjoyed the end when we saw him interacting with Vin, Elend and Sazed. I cried at that part haha. And it was great to see more of the behind the scenes stuff. Agree with you that it was a bit of an info dump though.
does hoid live in the cognitive realm and is able to interact with people IRL across the cosmere?
Secret History ruined Vin and Elend's deaths for me. I liked how it was established that Sazed couldn't bring them back but they were happy together on the other side. SH changed that by making it their own choices not to return to their bodies when Sazed gave them the opportunity. There's no way they wouldn't have returned to continue their work in setting up a good society if they could.
I feel the same about secret history in general, yes, the Cosmere parts are great, but it ruined a lot of mistborn era 1 for me, at a point I kinda wish I didn't read it.
Kelsiar = fightaholic
*Spoilers*
Kelsier was my favorite character of book one at least and I legit had a grieving period when he was killed. So imagine my joy when I found out that this was a thing. However this novella made me realize how flawed Kelsier is. That scene at the end when Vin lectures him put his character into perspective as well as showing how much better she is than he was.The thing is, I think he was my favorite character because we saw him mostly from mostly Vin's perspective in the first book. She kind of idolized him so we did too. It wasn't until reading this that I realized how flawed and ANNOYING Kelsier can be. Plus the ending made me sooo mad at him. Just go be with Mare Kelsier!!!!
I wasn’t completely able to side with Vin at the end. Kelsier is obviously VERY stubborn and pride to not be defeated by Ruin probably motivated him just as much or more as genuine concern for his friends. But this dude’s raw grit just saved world. I just can’t begrudge his inability to give up. Especially when he’s learned there is so much more to his world.
What do you mean..."You people?"
Had to stop listening on this one! I gots to read it first!!! ^-^
Yayayayaya
@5:15 maybe he cognitively can't stop?
you spoiled stormlike archieves for me about kaladin and death or something you mentioned :(
I agree with you about Kelsier's character, he was fine but not as good as some other Sanderson's characters. But I think since he dies in the first book, he to me serves as a guy who makes the story going in the first place, and when the story starts going he dies since his purpose is already served. Although I haven't read Secret History of Mistborn, the idea of Brandon showing us afterlife doesn't sound very good to me.
Don't wanna trigger anyone, but I just finished Well of Ascension and... I don't get the hype with this series. Simplistic yin yang theme going on, simplistic political and religious commentary, weird pacing. Can't connect with the characters: Elend's too bland and goody-goody, and there are things about Vin's personality that don't make a lot of sense to me. Cool magic system, battles and fights, though.