Firefight, by Brandon Sanderson
Book Review by SJ Higbee
This is the second full-length book in The Reckoners series. I really enjoyed Steelheart as this super-hero, near-future science fiction romp was chock-full of action and adventure. Would this sequel successfully continue to sustain the pace and excitement?
David realizes he has questions. Big ones. And there's no one in Newcago who can give him the answers he needs. Babylon Restored, the former borough of Manhattan, has possibilities, though. Ruled by the mysterious High Epic, Regalia, also known as Firefight, David is sure Babylon Restored will lead him to what he needs to find. Entering another city oppressed by a High Epic despot is a gamble but David's willing to risk it and embark on a quest darker, and more dangerous even, than the fight against Steelheart to get his answers.
I've dramatically pruned the blurb so that if you haven't yet read Steelheart, you won't find yourself beset with spoilers regarding the plot. Sanderson has shifted the environment from the metallic surroundings of Newcago, so David is now out of his comfort zone and confronted with another hostile urban landscape. The Epics acquire their superpowers when the population are exposed to Calamity, a celestial body that bathes everyone in a lurid light. But as well as gaining superpowers, the Epics also are driven to rule at all costs and regard the rest of humanity as a lower life form destined to do their bidding -- and if they don't, then they should die. Or... die anyway.
The Reckoners, an underground group, have evolved to try and halt the Epics is humanity's last desperate fight back against the chaos the Epics have caused as they squabble among each other in unceasing power struggles. David is part of that group. This gives plenty of scope for non-stop action and mayhem, which is a staple for this particular sub-genre. What makes this offering stand out for me is David's quirky first person narrative. He is a geeky, driven character who spent his formative years trying to prevail against the overwhelming might of the Epics by observing them and keeping copious notes on their habits.
He is the opposite of the classic lantern-jawed hero, with his nerdy preoccupations about his weaponry and coining cool metaphors. He is also tongue-tied and awkward around girls -- come to think of it, he's not all that at ease around anyone else, either. But his character provides some lovely moments of light relief that had me laughing out loud in among this ruined dystopian world.
Sanderson's rich, disturbing backdrop whisked me away from a horrendous cold and the overarching story where we are steadily learning more about exactly what lies behind the Epics powers had me turning the pages way into the night. If your taste runs to superhero adventures -- or even if it doesn't and you want to know what all the fuss is about -- then track down this entertaining series.SJ Higbee
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