When comparing Steelheart vs Shadows of the Apt, the Slant community recommends Steelheart for most people. In the question“What are the best sci-fi and fantasy books?” Steelheart is ranked 7th while Shadows of the Apt is ranked 21st. The most important reason people chose Steelheart is:
Very creative, unique, and well thought out
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Creative
Very creative, unique, and well thought out
Pro Fast paced
The book is fast paced and always exciting
Pro Series
It's a series so there's more to read
Pro Good detail
A very detailed book
Pro Large world
Many different human races are described with each their individual personalities, lots of sub plots and quests. The series is at least 7 books, so it should keep you busy a decent while.
Cons
Con Simple plot
The plot does not surprise. It's straightforward to the point where you can expect certain situations to unfold a certain way a good while before they actually happen in the book.