Recently all the books I read have some connection to movies or TV. Like Bridge to Terabithia or Before I Fall. This trilogy has no connection to any movies or series also I didn’t know about Brandon Sanderson before I picked up this trilogy. But, I came to know that, this is about a world where some people get superpowers (called Epics) out of some phenomenon. Oddly reminded me of TV shows Misfits and The Flash. The twist is what if there is no flash? And there are only supervillains and no superheroes? Etc. World’s gone to shit and it is different kind of apocalypse.

First book: [book:Steelheart|17182126]
Story follows our male protagonist (first person narrative) who is trying to avenge his parent who is killed by an Epic in front of him. Takes place in a city named Newcago (previously Chicago) which is made of steel ruled by Steelheart. Best thing about the book is non-stop action and 3 twists at the end. Characters, dynamics, geography and atmosphere are well setup. There is great balance of tones from comedy to thrilling action to mystery. First half is world building and build up to the action. Second half is just one hell of an action ride. Instead of saying the book is fast read, I would say ‘hard to put down’. Every chapter ends ambiguously. A non-ambiguous, satisfying climax sets up plot for next book.

Second Book: [book:Firefight|15704459]
For me this is the best among the three. Like Dark Knight or Empire Strikes Back, stakes aren’t personal for our hero at the beginning, he is working towards the big picture. But as story progresses everything becomes personal, he gets beaten down to pulp both emotionally and physically. No true victory. Ambiguous ending. Story takes place in city drowned in water ruled by a lady water Epic. Revelations at the end of the book were amazing. Less I say about the title character is better. Less action than first book but build up to the action part were incredible. Pacing is very consistent. There is clear conclusion to water Epic story. But ending to her story is just beginning of new darker story.

Third book: [book:Calamity|15704486]
It is the weakest of the bunch for me. But still satisfying to some level. Reckoners literally plans to go head to head with a ‘god’. We knew something like this will happen. It happened. Now they have to face it. Concept multiverse ties up some storylines (sometimes poetically). Story takes place in a moving city made of salt. Sounds insane? It supposed to. There are lot of action filled with tension. Twists are not as mind-blowing. Ending felt rushed, should’ve taken extra 20 pages to resolve matters more effectively. But like I mentioned, alternate reality concept resolves pretty much everything. Still has the charm of other books. There is possibility of spin-offs.
Overall, trilogy is outstanding. Fast paced and tonally consistent dystopian, sci-fi, fantasy. Light hearted moments like running gags of bad metaphors, language confusions etc. Satisfying conclusion. Must read if you are into Arrowverse, YA fantasy or something easy read. ( )