Warning: This article contains spoilers for Mistborn Era 1 and minor spoilers for Mistborn Era 2.
Summary
Mistbornfeatures some truly fantastic fantasy characters, andThe Hero of Agesmade me appreciate one underrated member of Kelsier’s crew so much more.Brandon Sanderson’s booksshine when it comes to character work, and this is apparent from the veryfirstMistborninstallment. Characters like Vin and Elend grow significantly in just one book, but even Sanderson’s supporting cast undergoes major development by the end of the series.
The Hero of Ageshighlights just how far Kelsier’s crew has come, and some characters' transformations are more subtle than others.I was particularly caught off guard by how important Spook became in the final book, as I hadn’t been paying attention to him before. Sanderson sneakily works Spook’s growth intoThe Well of Ascension,and he feels like a different person by the timeThe Hero of Agesarrives. It’s a testament to the author’s writing that he accomplishes this with a background character, foreshadowing his importanceduringMistbornEra 2.
I Wish Mistborn Era 1 Spent More Time On 1 Tragic Well Of Ascension Storyline
There isn’t much I would change about the original Mistborn trilogy, but I wish Era 1 spent a bit more time on one Well of Ascension storyline.
The Hero Of Ages Made Me Appreciate Spook So Much More
His POV Chapters Make It Easier To Understand & Root For Him
Lestibournes — better known as Spook — is present throughout the originalMistborntrilogy, but he’s relegated to a supporting role in the first two books. At first, it seems as though Spook’s awkward nature is played for kicks, but Sanderson gets serious about giving him a role in the story later on. Spook begins to blossom inThe Well of Ascension,andThe Hero of Ageshighlights his growth by giving him POV chapters. It also grants him a larger role in the narrative, as he obtains the power to burn more than one metal and makes a major discovery about Ruin.
The Hero of Agesmakes it far easier to cheer for Spook, as he’s unwavering in his views and comes through when it matters most.
SeeingMistborn’s conflict from Spook’s perspective allowed me to appreciate his character more, as it’s harder to understand him from Vin’s or Elend’s POVs. Perhaps it’s easier to write him off because the other members of the crew do. However, readers get greater insight into his personality and beliefs in the thirdMistbornbook.The Hero of Agesmakes it far easier to cheer for Spook, as he’s unwavering in his views and comes through when it matters most. I’m glad Sanderson delivered on his arc; it makes for a pleasant surprise.
Spook Has Some Of The Best Character Development In The Original Mistborn Trilogy
Brandon Sanderson Subtly Weaves It Into The Story
On first read, it feels like Spook’s larger role comes out of nowhere inThe Hero of Ages— but Sanderson actually builds towards it in the previous books. Spook has heroic moments inThe Final EmpireandThe Well of Ascension,but they’re more subtle than the other characters' achievements. Overall,Spook’s character growth feels quietly included rather than thrown in your face. This makes it more compelling, as it comes off as natural and realistic.
This is why I believe Spook has some of the best character developmentin the originalMistborntrilogy. In fact, I’d argue that it’s up there with that of the main characters. Most of the members of Kelsier’s crew are adults. And while they change over the course of the series, their growth is minimal. Because Spook, Vin, and Elend are teens and young adults, they’re able to grow up more noticeably. The end result is impressive on all fronts, but Spook’s is the most surprising.
How Spook Changes From The Early Mistborn Books To The Hero Of Ages
He’s More Active & Self-Assured In The Third Book
Part of the reason Spook’s growth is so surprising inThe Hero of Agesis because he’s awkward and fairly passive in the first two books. While it’s clear that Spook looks up to Kelsier and shares his beliefs, he’s very much still a kid. He makes advances towards an uninterested Vin and follows orders without much fanfare. By contrast,Spook proves that he’s capable of actively making decisions and fighting for his beliefs inThe Hero of Ages.He comes into his own, and that perfectly sets the stage for his return inMistbornEra 2.
Spook also feels more self-assured in the finalMistbornbook, which likely contributes to his ability to make smart calls and fight his enemies. This makes him a more intriguing character to follow, and even his flaws are more interesting from his point of view. Spook is proof that perspective matters when it comes to storytelling. By including his,Mistbornsold me on Spook’s character after the first two books didn’t. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy stepping into his shoes, but I’m glad Sanderson’s series proved me wrong.
