Steelheart

Steelheart is a 2013 science fantasy novel by Brandon Sanderson and the first book in The Reckoners series. The story is set in a world where, after a mysterious event called Calamity, certain humans gained extraordinary powers and became Epics. Epics generally use their abilities to dominate and terrify ordinary people, leading to a fractured, often oppressive society. The most notorious Epic is Steelheart, who rules the ruined city of Newcago (formerly Chicago) with near-total invulnerability and a brutal, iron-fisted regime.

The plot follows David Charleston, a teenage boy who witnessed his father’s death at Steelheart’s hands. He joins the Reckoners, a clandestine group of ordinary humans dedicated to studying Epics and exploiting their weaknesses in order to kill them. The narrative centers on the Reckoners’ efforts to uncover Steelheart’s hidden vulnerability and to carry out a plan to overthrow his tyranny, offering a blend of action, espionage, and moral questioning.

Reception to Steelheart was generally positive, with praise for world-building, pace, and accessibility within the young adult fantasy genre. Critics noted its brisk storytelling and clear portrayal of good and evil, while some highlighted the series’ ongoing exploration of power, corruption, and resistance.

The novel was followed by sequels Firefight (2015) and Calamity (2016), expanding the world of the Reckoners as the group encounters new Epics and confronts evolving challenges across different cities.