Steelheart

Book Cover
Average Rating
Publisher
Delacorte Press
Publication Date
©2013.
Language
English

Description

The #1 New York Times bestseller from Brandon Sanderson, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Oathbringer, coauthor of Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time series, and creator of the internationally bestselling Mistborn trilogy. And don’t miss the rest of the Reckoners series: Firefight and Calamity!   Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary people extraordinary powers. The awed public started calling them Epics.   Epics are no friends of man. With incredible gifts came the desire to rule. And to rule man, you must crush his will.   Now, in what was once Chicago, an astonishingly powerful Epic named Steelheart has installed himself as emperor. Steelheart possesses the strength of ten men and can control the elements. It is said that no bullet can harm him, no sword can split his skin, and no fire can burn him. He is invincible. Nobody fights back . . . nobody but the Reckoners.   A shadowy group of ordinary humans, the Reckoners spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them. And David wants in.   When Steelheart came to Chicago, he killed David’s father. For years, like the Reckoners, David has been studying, and planning, and he has something they need. Not an object, but an experience.   He has seen Steelheart bleed.   And he wants revenge.Praise for the Reckoners Series: #1 New York Times Bestselling SeriesAnother win for Sanderson . . . he’s simply a brilliant writer. Period.” —Patrick Rothfuss, author of the New York Times and USA Today bestseller The Name of the Wind   “Action-packed.” —EW.com   “Compelling. . . . Sanderson uses plot twists that he teases enough for readers to pick up on to distract from the more dramatic reveals he has in store.” —The A.V. Club

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ISBN
9780385743563
9780375991219

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Also in this Series

  • Steelheart (Reckoners trilogy (Brandon Sanderson) Volume 1) Cover
  • Firefight (Reckoners trilogy (Brandon Sanderson) Volume 2) Cover
  • Calamity (Reckoners trilogy (Brandon Sanderson) Volume 3) Cover

Author Notes

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
While the Reckoners series is far more brutal and violent than the Illusive novels, both tightly plotted series explore the possibilities of what can happen--and can go wrong--when humans acquire superpowers. -- Jennifer Brannen
After mysterious events cause some people to develop special abilities, both of these fast-paced and suspenseful stories follow teens seeking vengeance against superheroes for their murdered families. Nova (Renegades) has powers, while David (Steelheart) does not. -- Stephen Ashley
The Reckoners Trilogy is more violent and Hero Agenda is heavier on romance, but both series explore what happens when ordinary humans acquire super powers. Will they use them to fight tyranny or will they be seduced into evil? -- Jennifer Brannen
What do you do when you're human one day and superhuman the next? Do you fight super-villains or become one? Though Vindico has a larger cast, both action-packed series feature smart characters who mull over the thin line between good and evil. -- Jennifer Brannen
These series have the genre "superhero stories"; and the subjects "supervillains," "teenage boys," and "teenagers."
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These series have the appeal factors suspenseful, action-packed, and fast-paced, and they have the subjects "supervillains," "teenage boys," and "imaginary wars and battles."
These series have the appeal factors suspenseful and fast-paced, and they have the genre "superhero stories"; and the subjects "supervillains," "superheroes," and "sixteen-year-old boys."
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These series have the appeal factors suspenseful, action-packed, and fast-paced, and they have the subjects "dystopias," "teenage boys," and "totalitarianism."

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These books have the appeal factors suspenseful, action-packed, and fast-paced, and they have the genre "dystopian fiction"; and the subjects "dystopias," "revenge," and "teenage romance."
The Vindico - King, Wesley
NoveList recommends "Vindico" for fans of "Reckoners trilogy (Brandon Sanderson)". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Renegades" for fans of "Reckoners trilogy (Brandon Sanderson)". Check out the first book in the series.
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NoveList recommends "Hero agenda" for fans of "Reckoners trilogy (Brandon Sanderson)". Check out the first book in the series.
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Both set in dystopian worlds where superpowered people use their abilities for less-than-noble purposes, these thought-provoking series-starters feature teens who join underground groups in their efforts to survive (Illusive) or get revenge (Steelheart). -- Rebecca Honeycutt
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Published Reviews

Booklist Review

*Starred Review* From the day eight-year-old David Charleston watched Steelheart gun down his father, he has vowed revenge. All Epics are powerful Steelheart the most invincible of all but each has a weakness, and David thinks he has found Steelheart's: he has seen him bleed. Now 10 years later, with this experience and years of studying each Epic's patterns and weaknesses, David worms his way into the Reckoners, a courageous group determined to take down Epics in an attempt to return the Fractured States to some semblance of normalcy. Sanderson has written a riveting dystopian adventure novel replete with awesome tech tools: pen detonators, gauss guns, gravitronic motorcycles, mobiles (smart phones on steroids), and tensor gloves to tunnel through steel. Each Reckoner has his or her own talents: Tia, research and planning; Cody, intelligent grunt work and comic relief; Abraham, weapons and ammunition; and Prof, leader and prime inventor-scientist. Oh, and there's Megan, new girl with an attitude especially when it comes to David's relentless pressure on the Reckoners to stay in Newcago and kill Steelheart. Snappy dialogue, bizarre plot twists, high-intensity action, and a touch of mystery and romance it's a formula that sucks readers into the prologue, slings them through one tension-filled encounter after another, and then, at the strange and marginally hopeful conclusion, leaves them panting for the sequel, Firefight, due in 2014. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: A multiplatform marketing campaign, with promotions happening every month in 2013 leading up to the pub date, has already kicked into high gear for New York Times best-selling Sanderson's latest.--Bradburn, Frances Copyright 2010 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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Publisher's Weekly Review

On the heels of his YA debut, The Rithmatist, Sanderson opens another series for teens with an ultraviolent yet playful entry into the superhero genre. More than a decade ago, a mysterious event known as Calamity created Epics-powerful beings straight out of the comics, complete with both incredible abilities (invulnerability, illusion, transmutation) and silly weaknesses (smoke, UV light, being attacked by someone exactly 37 years old). Thus far, the Epics appear to be wholly corrupt, with villains rising up to subjugate humans and take over the world. David's father was killed by a ruthless Epic named Steelheart, and David, now 18, has waited 10 years for revenge, certain that he holds the key to Steelheart's weakness. Hooking up with a ragtag group of rebel Epic-killers, David and crew knock off Steelheart's subordinates and lure him out. Although readers may not be surprised at the twists that arise, the near-constant action, Sanderson's whiz-bang imaginings, and a fully realized sense of danger (the brutal opening scene alone will hook many) make this an absolute page-turner. Ages 12-up. Agent: Eddie Schneider, JABberwocky Literary Agency. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

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School Library Journal Review

Gr 8 Up-After the appearance of Calamity, a mysterious celestial force, ordinary humans began to exhibit superhuman powers. They became known as Epics and used their powers to control others. When David was eight years old, he witnessed his father's ruthless murder at the hand of Steelheart, one of the most powerful Epics in the world. Ten years later, David lives in Newcago (once Chicago) under the tyrannical rule of Steelheart and his inner circle of Epics. David has spent the last decade researching everything he can about Epics: their habits, their powers, and their weaknesses. He wants to join the Reckoners, a secretive group of humans dedicated to killing Epics, and convince them to take on Steelheart. However, even after all his study, David has not figured out the seemingly invincible Epic's weakness-without that knowledge, his plan for revenge cannot succeed. MacLeod Andrews's understated performance of the first-person narration is highly effective and makes the engaging action scenes stand out in contrast. He transitions easily among characters who vary in age, background, and status within the world of humans and Epics. Revelations in the climactic battle add layers and substance to the story, and listeners will look forward to more in future installments.-Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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Horn Book Review

When the Calamity gives some people superpowers, no heroes arise, only power-mad villains. Ten years later, Jonah buys his way into a group of human resistance fighters with information about how to kill the seemingly invincible Chicago tyrant Steelheart. Despite trite interpersonal dynamics, the epic scale of conflict and savvy subversion of superhero tropes give readers much to ponder and enjoy. (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Kirkus Book Review

A straight-up Marvel Comicsstyle action drama featuring a small band of human assassins taking on costumed, superpowered supervillains with melodramatic monikers. It's certainly a tried-and-true formula. Twelve years ago, a mysterious Calamity began turning random ordinary humans into evil Epics gifted with various combinations of superpowers (and also, always, some Achilles heel). Now, 18-year-old David Charleston manages at last to make contact with a cell of Epic-killing Reckoners led by legendary mastermind Jon Phaedrus. Then it's on to a nonstop thrill ride that begins with the killing of David's father 10 years before and roars through car and motorcycle chases, secret missions, huge explosions and hails of gunfire with high-tech weaponry to a climactic battle with Epic Steelheart. He's bulletproof, shoots energy balls, has transformed the entire Chicago area into solid steel with a wave of his hand and wears a stylish silver cape. Shockingly, the book closes with the stunning revelation than not all Epics are evil through and through. As further sign that Sanderson (Rithmatist, 2013, etc.) isn't taking any of this too seriously, the cast of Epics includes not only the likes of Steelheart, Faultline and Deathpoint, but Pink Pinkness and El Brass Bullish Dude, and some of their powers are equally silly. Stay tuned for sequels. There's violence and gore in profusion, cool gear, hot wheels, awesome feats, inner conflicts on both sides--all that's missing are the pictures. (Fantasy. 11-14)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

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Booklist Reviews

*Starred Review* From the day eight-year-old David Charleston watched Steelheart gun down his father, he has vowed revenge. All Epics are powerful—Steelheart the most invincible of all—but each has a weakness, and David thinks he has found Steelheart's: he has seen him bleed. Now 10 years later, with this experience and years of studying each Epic's patterns and weaknesses, David worms his way into the Reckoners, a courageous group determined to take down Epics in an attempt to return the Fractured States to some semblance of normalcy. Sanderson has written a riveting dystopian adventure novel replete with awesome tech tools: pen detonators, gauss guns, gravitronic motorcycles, mobiles (smart phones on steroids), and tensor gloves to tunnel through steel. Each Reckoner has his or her own talents: Tia, research and planning; Cody, intelligent grunt work and comic relief; Abraham, weapons and ammunition; and Prof, leader and prime inventor-scientist. Oh, and there's Megan, new girl with an attitude—especially when it comes to David's relentless pressure on the Reckoners to stay in Newcago and kill Steelheart. Snappy dialogue, bizarre plot twists, high-intensity action, and a touch of mystery and romance—it's a formula that sucks readers into the prologue, slings them through one tension-filled encounter after another, and then, at the strange and marginally hopeful conclusion, leaves them panting for the sequel, Firefight, due in 2014. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: A multiplatform marketing campaign, with promotions happening every month in 2013 leading up to the pub date, has already kicked into high gear for New York Times best-selling Sanderson's latest. Copyright 2013 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2013 Booklist Reviews.
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Publishers Weekly Reviews

On the heels of his YA debut, The Rithmatist, Sanderson opens another series for teens with an ultraviolent yet playful entry into the superhero genre. More than a decade ago, a mysterious event known as Calamity created Epics—powerful beings straight out of the comics, complete with both incredible abilities (invulnerability, illusion, transmutation) and silly weaknesses (smoke, UV light, being attacked by someone exactly 37 years old). Thus far, the Epics appear to be wholly corrupt, with villains rising up to subjugate humans and take over the world. David's father was killed by a ruthless Epic named Steelheart, and David, now 18, has waited 10 years for revenge, certain that he holds the key to Steelheart's weakness. Hooking up with a ragtag group of rebel Epic-killers, David and crew knock off Steelheart's subordinates and lure him out. Although readers may not be surprised at the twists that arise, the near-constant action, Sanderson's whiz-bang imaginings, and a fully realized sense of danger (the brutal opening scene alone will hook many) make this an absolute page-turner. Ages 12–up. Agent: Eddie Schneider, JABberwocky Literary Agency. (Sept.)

[Page ]. Copyright 2013 PWxyz LLC

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School Library Journal Reviews

Gr 8 Up—This fun, fast-paced, futuristic science-fiction superhero story is the first in a projected series. When David was six, an unexplained explosion in the sky caused perpetual darkness and ordinary people to gain supernatural powers. These people became known as Epics. Two years later, in a bank in what was once Chicago, now called Newcago, David witnessed Steelheart, one of the most powerful Epics of all, murder his father. In the 10 years since his father's death, David has made it his mission to learn all he can about Epics. Everyone thinks they are invincible, but he knows otherwise. He knows that each one has a weakness, and he's seen Steelheart's. Steelheart can bleed. David intends to get his revenge. A cowed populace accepts the fact that Epics control their lives and the strongest among them are in a constant battle for dominance. Only one shadowy group of ordinary humans called the Reckoners dare fight to eliminate them. David persuades the Reckoners to let him join their ranks after proving he has unique knowledge about Epics. This enjoyable read focuses more on action than character development and is perfect for genre fans who love exciting adventure stories with surprising plot twists. Readers will be rooting for David, a super geek with a love of weapons, who can hold his own against Epics with names like Nightwielder, Conflux, or Firefight.—Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library,Trenton

[Page 100]. (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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