From Imagination to Reality: Mistborn Origins

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From the Vistas of foggy Idaho, to the eruptions of Mount St. Helens, join Brandon on his journey through discovering Mistborn, and his thoughts along the way.
Audio Narration From Mistborn: The Final Empire
Read By Michael Kramer

[@brianetie86]

Let’s all take a moment and be grateful that we don’t live in a parallel universe where the series is called “Fogborn”.

[@splitprune]

Fogborn Legborn

[@PhetaFox]

Oh dear. Thank goodness😳

[@tedkritzler8970]

​@@splitprune Not going to be able to read Alloy of Law again without Wax having a certain distinctive voice in my head.

[@anonymousname5860]

Foghatched

[@PhetaFox]

@@anonymousname5860 I'd read that ngl. Idk how, but you made that sound dope

[@CassiusKent]

Alendi's monologue still hits.

[@costelinha1867]

Epigraphs hitting like a truck as always.

[@Osyrous]

Nostalgia Shivers and everything.

[@robhurlocker7040]

I love this so much that I'm ashamed to admit my own disappointment at this not being an adaptation announcement.

[@bjaurelio]

When I first clicked on the video, that's what I thought we were getting.

[@mikeha]

I thought it might be a mistborn prequel announcement

[@HeroBrGamerYoutuber]

I got butterflies on my stomach when I first saw the thumbnail 🙃

[@-yeiel.-9639]

I was literally on the edge of my seat at the end lol. I has to come, eventually...

[@chelseawalker5471]

I think he's preparing us

[@robertm.8653]

The fact that Mr Sanderson gets his best inspiration while on a "Journey" is quite poetic, I think.

[@jasonbailey9139]

Journey (road trip) before destination (the book) takes on new meaning with this in mind. I also love that Reckoners was born from a bought of road rage.

[@arenkai]

Hi Sazed

[@indirecttim2141]

Well said ancient one

[@anishpandita2916]

Hero of ages!!!!!!!!😊

[@artifishul]

Was I supposed to read this in Sazed's voice lol

[@Kritigri]

The second I heard Michael Kramer's voice I was transported to another place. What an incredible narrator that man is.

[@dooderscoot2900]

Really don't like how he does Wayne's voice though

[@judithp6257]

Yessss! I love Kate Reading too. They’re the best.

[@thisjust10]

SAME.

[@IvoryJonsson]

real

[@jonathanr2417]

He's EPIC. So many variations in his characters. Wayne is an adjustment lol.

[@SeanKeenan]

Brandon over here being the true hero of ages bringing us all these books 🥹

[@isaacgruver7061]

Hearing the audio narration accompanied by the visuals brought me back to the first time I read the series. Thank you for that, it was beautifully done

[@eier81]

SAME! Oh i love this series and Michael Kramer omg.

[@xbree_]

Mistborn was my first Sanderson book. So happy I picked it up. A beautiful beginning.

[@PetrikLeo]

The series that sparked my love for reading fantasy novels. Thank you for the books, stories, and Mistborn origin.

[@jackmcclish]

Good to see you here!

[@adroitws1367]

for me, Mistborn rekindled my passion for fantasy again

[@craog123]

@@adroitws1367 It got me back into reading that I ended up reading the entire mistborn series before The lost Metal came out

[@alaskayoung3413]

same. Hard to find series that live up to this one.

[@Xanderqwerty123]

Michael Kramer has one of the best voices. He could read the ingredients of a shampoo bottle and it would be a work of art.

[@Darkkfated]

To be fair, it *would* be entertaining just to hear all those 15-syllable chemical names read out loud.

[@futurehistoryarchaeologist4480]

@@Darkkfated and you would have a small pocket of fans arguing whether or not they are the canonical pronunciations.

[@Chris_and_Cory]

Still waiting for steel inquisitor balderson to show up

[@bryceallen]

Shoutouts to Brandon’s team for putting this together! Very beautifully made.

[@cloudbloom]

As an idaho native i can confirm that the highways through the mountains are gorgeous, as a kid my imagination would explode into imagining epic fantasy battles taking place in the meadows and forests during the long drives from Boise to McCall.

[@shayanbehnammanesh800]

oh boy. I remember first time reading mistborn. what a glorious and joyful ride was it. till this day Kelsier is one of the most crazy and charismatic characters that I've read. His ruthlessness and thirst of vengeance was satisfying and understandable to me. plus his violence toward his enemies, he was not a clean and white hero. he was a great anti-hero.

[@StorytellerTreehouse]

I was in Yosemite during the intense wildfires of September 2020, and I'll never forget the eerie gray ashfall and smoke-orange skies as I hiked in the haze. It certainly felt like I'd stepped into Scadrial. It was otherworldly, and I couldn't help but think of Mistborn the whole time I was there... Awesome video, would love to see more of these!

[@williammiller3052]

Let it be known that I was the first to call it- Sanderson chose Clare de Lune for this video because it was in Ocean's 11, and he wrote the crew from Mistborn using the Ocean's 11 heist model. Boom

[@Smileysmiley012]

Genius!

[@williammiller3052]

@@Smileysmiley012 Thank you friend, from one Survivor to another

[@dubinmarks1]

Having grown up in Southern California with seasonal fires and ash falls were reality I loved picturing that x10 with the ash Mt. Familiar but completely different

[@PanioNut]

My recent reread of Mistborn hit different after the California wildfires a few years ago

[@malek0093]

As an amateur aspiring writer, I really appreciate this sort of deep dive into how a story came to be and how the initial ideas first emerged. I would absolutely love to see more content like this on the other books and series!

[@DreamweaverMirar]

Cool to see your inspirations for Mistborn! Certainly had me thinking this was a screen adaptation announcement with the title though haha

[@mikeyknight292]

Mistborn era 1 is my favorite Sanderson series. I was excited to jump into Era 2, but it just didn’t have that same effect on me. Can’t wait for a possible adaption so everyone can learn about it

[@zitriphyer8429]

If you haven't already, you should begin his stormlight series. It's quite similar to the vibe of mistborn, though stormlight is quite a bit more ambitious.

[@Kwizii]

I'm in the minority but I love Era 2. I liked both Wax and Wayne, and I liked changing my opinion on characters (Steris). Only criticism is the pacing: the cadence of action is so quick between the action, humor and twists... I could not catch a break! 😅

[@bross92]

Well this was randomly out of nowhere and just excellent. I have no idea what made you guys want to do this but I’m very happy you did!

[@gregus9535]

The overreacting part of me is saying "I hope they announce a mistborn adaptation soon"

[@Codeseus]

This wasn't even the bald cap video. This man is a content MACHINE.

[@heretic124]

I hope this is a start of the series. Would love to know what inspired other books too. And the video was incredible too.

[@cookedghost]

Mistborn was the first Sanderson book I read (and the first book after a years-long hiatus), and I binged Era 1 in 4 days. The world, the magic, the characters were so captivating I had a hard time putting it down. It still holds a very dear place in my heart, and I think I wouldn't be anywhere near the reader I am now if I hadn't read "ash fell from the sky" that summer two years ago. This was a fascinating insight into one of my favourite worlds - thank you, Brandon & team!

[@lunaa_2664]

Agreed!

[@adriansanborn7556]

Man let’s be honest, Michael Kramer has the best narrating voice out there.

[@ninjalibrarian]

Came by to check out Taylor's talent. Love it! The Hatch boys told me that this was The Year of Sanderson, and I decided to step up. 10 Sanderson books so far in 2023 and I've just fallen under the spell of The Way of Kings. Oh, these worlds!

[@somedonkus_]

Mistborn is my absolute most favorite series I have EVER READ.

[@noname3609]

Did u try Stormlight though? 🙏

[@somedonkus_]

@@noname3609 Absolutely! I've read and own all of the Cosmere books

[@jonathanr2417]

Thank you Brandon for the Mistborn trilogy. Should be MANDATORY reading in schools. So many layers with religion, heroes, archetypes, societal dynamics, and no ONE could have guessed the ending. A true masterpiece.

[@pup838]

Mistborn made me fall in love with books again I read non stop from the final empire until shadows of self, I got a bit tired at that point and started Elantris(half way point rn and its amazing)

[@calebelliott147]

I have done that drive between Provo and Idaho Falls so many times, listening to Mistborn. Crazy to think I was driving the exact roads Brandon did that inspired the series, not knowing.

[@arunnair9841]

Mistborn and First Law are two series which made me forget the agony I was suffering waiting for Winds of Winter to be released. Later, Cosmere Universe and World of the Circle became my escapism to fantasy. Thanks a lot, Brandon Sanderson for Mistborn.

[@thatcher174]

Light love Michael Kramer for his performance, truly brought the world to life and set it in my heart in a way few narrators have managed. Mistborn was a profound experience and made more so by his voice

[@bradenchancellor4974]

Nobody inspires me to write more than Brandon Sanderson.

[@craigmaxwell778]

Thanks for sharing this Brandoon I just love your Mistborn series. I am glad you shared the story behind the story!

[@epilef90]

More of these types of videos please! It is great to hear how it all came together 😊

[@sergiomaldonadodelgado2944]

Thanks a lot for putting this together, I started reading your work in January, started with Mistborn, then Elantris, and now I am finishing the stormlight archive and there is something special about Mistborn. Love that setting.

[@daniellesanchez]

Such a lovely video!! Thank you Brandon & team! 🤗🩶🩶

[@arenkai]

I just finished re-reading Mistborn Era 1 while walking a friend of mine through the Cosmere ! This timing is so perfect, thank you !

[@OneFreeman004]

Amazing video, loved the fact you added Michael Kramer's audio from the audiobook. You explained that journey of finding the building blocks for Mistborn wonderfully.

[@dylanhalifaux]

I have driven that road more times than i can remember. Amazing to think that where I am from helped inspire such an incredible story. Thanks for all you do!

[@steveschritz1823]

Thank you Brandon that was an amazing journey.

[@JakeJLivingston]

This is it. This is what I’ve been waiting for on this channel 🤘

[@TMecham]

Um this is amazing and we need one of these for each series. The piano in the background was a chef kiss.

[@readitandweep69]

Started Alloy of Law 3 days ago. I’m 29 and I’m new to this side of life. This shit is so beautiful man what is happening to me haha. Thanks Brandon Sanderson!

[@TheArgon14]

This comes as a serendipitous time for me, as I've been listening to all the audiobooks in The Cosmere, and just started Mistborn this week!

[@TheVonWeasel]

This! This is the video I can use to finally convince all my friends to read / listen to your incredible works!

[@lordvayne8167]

That was a very satisfying video. I read Mistborn 2 years ago now and it is still all fresh in my mind. You really were able to make me dive in a fantasy world so deep that I felt a form of emptiness when I got out. Amazing job as always.

[@ianparker5007]

So cool. I recall you talking about the stained glass windows, but this the first I've heard the story in full. You are my favorite author and I'll boldly say the best author of our time. Cheers to many more wonderful stories, ideas, inspirations, and years to enjoy them. Thanks for everything.

[@gannonclevenger2327]

Just want to come here to say thank you. I was recently introduced to your work, started with Mistborn and quickly read the whole trilogy. It had been years since a book was able to draw me in the way it had. Right now I’m reading Mistborn Secret History 1 at the recommendation of a friend and it really helps give you more closure after the series. I plan to jump into the Stormlight Archive next and am so excited to see more of the worlds you have created!

[@StormBlessedxo]

thank you for writing this book, I absolutely love this series.

[@veina_]

Mr Sanderson, you and your books inspire me so much! Recently I started writing my story that I've had in my head for over a year now and I'm having so much fun with it! I don't know if I'll ever be able to publish it, but at least I can keep it somewhere else than my memory, so it won't disappear. All the best for you and your lovely team ❤

[@kokuryukinji3239]

this helped me not only in writing but in getting through a few road bumps in my journey as a writer i love your book and they have allowed for me to try more in my book writing

[@IvoryJonsson]

i gotta say i really appreciate the cinematography in this, its really well done, especially the fog parts, i think

[@adambuteux]

Just lovely. Thanks

[@stevenjuber1650]

Having done that drive of Idaho Falls to Provo dozens of times myself. I think I know exactly where that fog bank spot was. Gets fog there all the time and now I’ll appreciate it even more

[@ericeilersen]

Thank you so much for this awesome look into your mind! What a creative way to understand this world. Now we just need that glorious leatherbound to come back in stock!

[@BoEkingster]

I listen to your audiobooks as I drive... so far, all your narrators have been awesome and makes books even better 💯

[@sadee4175]

I have driven on the road between Utah and Idaho a lot... driving through the mountains can be awe inspiring at times wen I am not busy taking it for granted while keeping my eyes on the road. Its kind of cool to see that those mountains on a foggy day helped bring about Mistborn

[@OzymandiasMC]

Love Mistborn, best series ever IMO

[@Transformers217]

I love the Mistborn books, especially the first trilogy! Just amazing throughout! ❤

[@laurakullman4883]

This was lovely. I hope the Mistborn box gets restocked. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@adventuringchemist]

Love the video. It's so neat to see where ideas come from. Like how much different things might of gone had that fog not been there that night.

[@billpotterbladepitchfilms2716]

Mistborn was my introduction to the Cosmere and the EPIC mind of Brandon Sanderson and it always holds a special place for me as a piece of fantasy. Thank you Brandon!!!

[@sledgehammered1765]

Beautiful. I did Stormlight first and only read Mistborn this year. It was beginning to settle and fade. But this stirred it back up. Truly grateful for Brandon and his inspirations; for Michael Kramer, and his voice.

[@lanehollrah8575]

Dude that was a perfect summery of all of the inspirations that can catalyze the spark of inspiration that creates a story. Long love the storytellers that give us dreams of another world and visions of the power of movement and change that shape those world. They give us wonder and courage and the courage to dream and to fight for the upliftment of this beautiful world that we share and create together. Thank you

[@CallumQuinnCreates]

Mistborn was the first Cosmire book I read in full, what an amazing experience to read it for the first time 🥰 Thanks Brandon, your books got me though a really difficult time in my life.

[@tom0419]

I've done that drive from Provo to Idaho Falls a hundred times and I've hit that same fog bank (at the bottom of Malad pass, I presume) quite a few times. What a treat it is for me to think that the greatest living author took inspiration for one of my favorite stories from an experience that I am so familiar with. Thanks for this video!

[@packetpirate]

Thanks for the breakdown, Brandon! I'd love to see a video like this for each of your major series. Hearing the origins of Stormlight Archive, Warbreaker, and Elantris would be awesome.

[@BrentGalloway]

This was magical! Gave me all the warm and exciting feels like when I first read Mistborn. I'd love and hope to see more of these imagination-to-reality origin videos!

[@mussoletart8485]

+

[@johnknox8934]

This brought me to tears. Such a beautiful story of a guy being present and seeing the beauty of the world, which ultimately fuelled his imagination and creativity.

[@Transformers217]

Brandon Sanderson is both a genius and actually finishes his books!

[@henryeowens]

Somehow you’re able to make it possible to visualize how your mind works. It’s beautiful. It’s almost as if you’re a storyteller.

[@jertlemiah]

Lol I love the camera pan over the Lego typewriter

[@alicrastd3095]

Thanks for sharing Brandon.

[@copiouscopium9687]

In the middle of reading Well of Ascension right now, and let me say, Mistborn made me fall in love with Fantasy again. Thank for the gift that is the Cosmere, Brandon.

[@joebaumann1083]

Now I want one of these for everything. About birds in Sixth of the Dusk for example. How he came up with ideas for all of the other books. Was a nice thing to start off my week vacation with. And have a feeling Mistborn will be coming to the screen sooner than we think.

[@jer-bearzy]

Absolutely love this!!!

[@ninnusridhar]

If my family had 2 consecutive days off we'd be travelling somewhere. And so on one trip when i was maybe 11, me and my brother in the backseat of a moving car began creating this world. It was generic and essentially a parody of a hundred other things. But we loved it. A decade and a half later, we still discuss our story and continue to evolve it. He's married with twins, and I'm working on my first novel. And everytime I get in a car, the real world fades to the subconscious and i can comfortably rest into my world. Thanks for the walk down memory lane Brandon!

[@Talking_Story]

Really enjoyed this! I am late to the Cosmere and trying to catch up. Just finished Era 1 last month. I so loved the philosophy of the ending!

[@crimsonraen]

Yeeees! Thanks for sharing this with us! Also, the bookends in the Mistborn box are definitely my favorite thing so far! (I also love the Mistborn stickers.. magnets of those would be stellar!

[@ruin8891]

I remember reading Mistborn in late 2019 while my clinical depression got worse. This dark sensation and to see everything grayish just completed the odyssey through the first trilogy. Reading all the allusions about mental illnesses like sizophrenia, or the scene in the second book where Sazed saw everything greyish too, while filling his mental powers… was soul touching. It had so many emotions and situations that I can relate to. I am no longer depressed and see everything normal, still the recalls are beautiful gruesome you could say. I hope to watch someday the movies of this masterpiece. Thank you for adding this experience on my way through life.

[@Alphzra]

Michael Kramer's voice has been such a big part of my life. it was a slap (good one) in the face. Instant chills.

[@mcspazatron240]

Southern Idaho is absolutely beautiful. As you were talking about the drive I started thinking about that stretch of road too

[@mmckethan89]

The mistborn series took me from “liking” to “loving” the process of listening to audiobooks. Such an outstanding story/series.

[@Postmasta]

I just started reading and listening this series and I am kind of amazed how hooked I am into the world itself. This is my first Sanderson book and I've heard nothing but praise but sometimes even books in the genres I love take me time to get hooked on but this book is very different. The magic system and the ash and the mist all creates something that I feel like I can touch and yet so alien and so unique.

[@smstnitc]

I love this insight into a story that is a favorite, and one that I recommend any time someone asks me for a fantasy book to check out.

[@eduarddraghiciu32]

Tears rolling down my face right now. Cant wait to meet you at Dragonsteel 2024!

[@7Elwaybronco]

Mistborn is my favorite series. Vin my all time favorite character. Thank you so much for the amazing reads! I have gotten so into the cosmere, need to tackle stormlight next

[@noname3609]

Get ready 4 an awesome journey 🙏

[@megansbooknook519]

This is amazing! So well shoot and so interesting!

[@jamcdonald120]

the hardest part of the live action version will be getting Michael Cramer to voice all the characters

[@AvinashArora0]

That was awesome, thank you for sharing!

[@jacobmartin3003]

Thank you Mr Sanderson for filling our hearts with your stories, they have helped me to mitigate hard moments of my life, being able to scape for a while from problems, and still doing it whenever I feel a bit down, thank you.

[@thesilencebehindsounds]

Same

[@amillar7]

Incredible, thank you.

[@crylorenzo]

Gorgeous video. Part of me wonders if this video is going up so that, once a movie announcement is made, there will already be a video to give hype to it.

[@beninebot1]

Drove down to St George Utah from Vancouver, Canada last summer through Idaho and Montana. Utterly stunning scenery all the way down

[@cinaretnap]

Thanks, Brandon!

[@zachcampbell-ball8125]

I just read mistborn and kramers voice with the music still gives me chills

[@RafaelToscano]

I am listening to the second book with this same narrator. You spend so much time listening to his voice that when I hear it now it is….. nice!

[@drewmur]

Fascinating to learn some of your inspiration and thought process. I grew up just outside of D.C. and I don't think I will look at it the same after this.

[@nikkisweezea2388]

Why am I sitting at my desk on a Monday morning getting misty eyed? Michael Kramer set to Gershwin is just monumentally unfair, Taylor.