The Emperor's Soul was the biggest surprise of a novel that I've had in many years. I am parsimonious with my five-star-ratings because I really want them to mean something. Sanderson's novella fully earns the five. Almost the entire story takes place in a single room; it's psychologically and philosophically complex, and the ruminations on forgery and copies were unexpectedly fresh and engaging. 
 It was also a relief to encounter a female protagonist unsaddled with stereotyped harbingers of femininity (long luxurious hair, remarkable eyes, random love of shoe collecting) - in fact, remarkably, we hardly know a thing about Shai's appearance. In a similar vein, the lack of romantic intrigue (soooo often botched in Fantasy) sets this tale apart. Am sure I will reread it many times over the years. 
 Since I tend not to like tomes or too-heavily-linked series, I doubt I will read much more Sanderson, but if he produced more stand-alone stories like this, I would certainly consider seeking them out.