The problem with having a book based on a video game is that the author is unable to fill the gaps inherent in the video game world.  Such is the case with Infinity Blade: Awakening.

The author is well known for his world building skills, as highlighted in his excellent Mistborn series.  Yet, he's basically handcuffed by the fantasy world of Infinity Blade.  I commend the author on his bravery in taking on the task of writing this novel.  As many reviewers note, this is not his finest work.

One serious gap is the merger of science and magic.  For example, there are relics that the Deathless (the rulers of the land) use, such as deadminds.  They are obviously monitors/screens that allow remote surveillance.  The author suggests that such items are from long lost eras in the past, yet how do they remain functional?  An unrestrained Brandon Sanderson would have no problem whipping up a theory to explain this.  Yet, it goes unexplained in Awakening.

And there are supposedly unseen magic at work.  But alas, no real concrete example of such is provided.

I think the author would be better off, if he decides to write another Infinity Blade novel, focusing on the beginning or original of the setting.  How did the Deathless come about?  How do members of the Pantheon relate to one another?

As it is, Infinity Blade: Awakening is a decent novel, but not up to the author's usual standard of excellence.
The problem with having a book based on a video game is that the author is unable to fill the gaps inherent in the video game world. Such is the case with Infinity Blade: Awakening. The author is well known for his world building skills, as highlighted in his excellent Mistborn series. Yet, he's basically handcuffed by the fantasy world of Infinity Blade. I commend the author on his bravery in taking on the task of writing this novel. As many reviewers note, this is not his finest work. One serious gap is the merger of science and magic. For example, there are relics that the Deathless (the rulers of the land) use, such as deadminds. They are obviously monitors/screens that allow remote surveillance. The author suggests that such items are from long lost eras in the past, yet how do they remain functional? An unrestrained Brandon Sanderson would have no problem whipping up a theory to explain this. Yet, it goes unexplained in Awakening. And there are supposedly unseen magic at work. But alas, no real concrete example of such is provided. I think the author would be better off, if he decides to write another Infinity Blade novel, focusing on the beginning or original of the setting. How did the Deathless come about? How do members of the Pantheon relate to one another? As it is, Infinity Blade: Awakening is a decent novel, but not up to the author's usual standard of excellence.