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Secret History by Brandon Sanderson

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Secret History by Brandon Sanderson is a novella set within the Mistborn universe, offering a deeper exploration of the events taking place behind the scenes of the original Mistborn trilogy. The narrative unfolds from the perspective of Kelsier, a former leader of a rebellion who, despite his death in the first book, continues to exert influence from the afterlife. Through Kelsier’s viewpoint, the story uncovers the hidden history of the world, revealing the existence of powerful entities and the covert forces shaping its trajectory. Kelsier manipulates and collaborates with various characters, such as Vin and Elend, to expose a grander, cosmic conflict between the forces of Preservation and Ruin. Secret History enhances the understanding of Sanderson’s universe by shedding light on the unseen forces that have shaped the world’s fate, adding further depth and complexity to the narrative.

 

 

 

 

Secret History by Brandon Sanderson offers a profound exploration of the hidden events within the Mistborn series, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the world and the cosmic forces that shape it. Told primarily from the perspective of Kelsier, the charismatic leader of the rebellion against the Lord Ruler, the novella takes place after his death in Mistborn: The Final Empire. Though Kelsier’s physical demise marks the end of his life in the first book, he endures as a cognitive shadow, a lingering echo of his former self, within the cognitive realm.

The novella reveals Kelsier’s experiences as he navigates this realm, grappling with his existence beyond death. It is through this lens that Kelsier uncovers the presence of Ruin, one of the two fundamental forces that govern the universe—Preservation being the other—and learns of his manipulation by this force. Ruin’s influence underpins much of the conflict in the Mistborn world, including the fall of the Lord Ruler and the rebellion that Kelsier led.

Determined not to remain a passive participant in this cosmic struggle, Kelsier seeks ways to manipulate the unfolding events around him. His journey allows him to uncover the intricacies of the world’s cosmology, gaining a deeper understanding of the forces of Preservation and Ruin, whose eternal conflict drives the world’s fate. Kelsier’s interactions with these forces reveal a far grander battle at play, with the very fate of the universe hanging in the balance.

Throughout Secret History, Kelsier also gains insights into other key characters from the Mistborn series, such as Vin and Elend, realizing they are unwittingly caught in the larger cosmic struggle. He also learns of Harmony, a new force emerging from the interplay of Preservation and Ruin. As Kelsier confronts these powerful entities, he begins to understand his role in the grand scheme of things, ultimately choosing to play a pivotal part in shaping the future of the world.

This novella not only delves into Kelsier’s journey in the afterlife but also enriches the reader’s understanding of the world and its cosmic forces. It provides critical background information that enhances the main Mistborn trilogy and lays the groundwork for future developments within the Cosmere universe. By revealing the hidden history of the Mistborn world, Sanderson expands the lore and complexity of his creation, offering fans a more comprehensive view of the forces and characters that shape the narrative.

Secret History by Brandon Sanderson was originally conceived as a companion novella to the Mistborn series, designed to offer fans a deeper understanding of the hidden events and characters within the Mistborn world. First released in 2016, it was included in a special edition of Mistborn: Secret History, part of a deluxe box set of the Mistborn series. The novella was written with the intention of expanding the larger Mistborn universe, enriching the world-building that had been established in the main trilogy. It provides a behind-the-scenes perspective on key moments and characters, while also exploring the broader cosmology of the Cosmere.

Following its initial release, the novella was made available in various formats, including e-book and paperback, allowing it to reach a wider audience. Its release was met with enthusiasm from fans of the Mistborn series, particularly those invested in the deeper lore of the Cosmere universe. Critics praised Secret History for its insightful exploration of Kelsier’s character and his role within the broader narrative, while also lauding its contribution to a more comprehensive understanding of the Cosmere, its intricate magic system, and its complex cosmology. Fans appreciated how the novella expanded upon the events of the original trilogy, providing answers to lingering questions and enhancing their overall appreciation for the world Sanderson had crafted.

While Secret History was celebrated for its world-building and character development, it was also recognized as a work primarily aimed at dedicated fans. Its full significance and impact were most profoundly felt by readers already familiar with the Mistborn series and the Cosmere universe.

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