Following his death at the hands of the Lord Ruler, Kelsier meets Preservation before he "passes on" to the Beyond. Tor noted that the novella was an unusual one for Sanderson since it contained "less action, and a lot more time-killing while waiting for action". The more familiar you are with his work the more exclamations you’ll probably make whilst reading and the more you will enjoy it. This is a fan indulgent novella that will be rewarding to those who have read a lot of Sanderson’s books but completely pointless to those who have only read a couple or none. All I really can say is that if you’re a fan of the original trilogy, you simply have to go and read this because it adds so much to the story.

The pair enlighten Kelsier a little bit on how the events on Scadrial affect the cosmere but remain quite vague as to why they are there, or about events in the cosmere that are unrelated to the current conflict. You would think that with Sanderson's productivity, a smaller thing like this would feel rushed and not great. The guards report an intruder, so they activate the "device" to see if anyone from Threnody is about. Still it was so great to revisit some of my favorite characters like Vin, Elend, Spook and Sazed even if they are just mostly in the periphery.

While trying to get to Vin, Kelsier learns a little about Hemalurgy and how the spikes give Ruin power over those with spikes. This story is often recommended to be read after The Bands of Mourning, but can be read anytime after The Hero of Ages. Preservation shows Kelsier a vision of all the people Ruin controls: Inquisitors, Vin, a man on the throne of Luthadel, Spook, and Marsh.

He is currently trapped at the Well of Ascension, but seeks to escape and bring an end to the world.I really hope that Brandon ends up writing secret history parts 2 and 3, because I'd love to know how he finally gets off Scadrial and whether or not he interacts with Hoid some more. After being killed by the Lord Ruler, Kelsier meets Preservation as he is about to pass on to the spiritual realm.