“A hero rose to save the world. He failed.” When I first read that line I laughed. How many stories begin after 1,000 years of darkness? The story is a grim example of economic disparity. For those born into slavery there’s only one way out, steal. In the tradition of loveable rogues the story introduces Kelsier, a thief of legendary ambition and skill, who leads a band of specialists against the Final Empire.