MISTBORN - A Hindsight Review

My thoughts looking back on Mistborn and its place in Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere and in the fantasy genre as a whole.
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[@FeelTheRoseFever]

"You know the real funny thing (...) The most amusing part of this all? You're not insane. You never were." THAT was the moment I said: Brandon -> approved!

[@newmail7624]

Pog

[@monkeydonk3925]

That was such an awesome moment

[@noooodIe]

Hey, 3 years late but i just finished book 2 and i dont understand that part, can you explain? Or do I needa finish book 3

[@makuu1]

yes, book 3 explains this@@noooodIe

[@nsnick199]

@@noooodIeRead book 3, it'll make sense after.

[@ericmerrell8622]

I loved the ending of this series. Yes her ascension was fast but the way the shards work in the Cosmere is that godhood is claimed not earned. I also loved that even after she died the story was not done. She didn't "fix" the world during her ascension. Instead the world was repaired by someone who spent their entire life studying and researching what the world was like before the Lord Ruler

[@Transformers217]

Exactly! That’s what made the ending so perfect! Sazed was the one who studied and worked for that knowledge and was the rightful Hero of Ages! It was just perfect in my opinion!

[@MoonlightCrow]

Figuring out the earring was so satisfying. You are fed information throughout the books so slowly. It becomes possible to figure it out early in book three but I did not figure it out until Spook realized he needed to remove the metal from his body. I’m guessing that’s the moment most people have the epiphany.

[@hopecaster98]

For me personally I figured out the earring thing went Yomen gave Vin back her earring and then she started to hear Ruin’s voice again. It was one of the most satisfying moments I had while reading, everything just clicked and I just freaked my shit. I ranted to my friends for a good half an hour about it. Such a well done build up.

[@toonsy8248]

@@hopecaster98 I didn’t realize till Marsh pulled it lol…..

[@olafurwerner]

@@toonsy8248 Same here🙂 though it all clicked for me when he did. Perfectly set up

[@anonymoususer5936]

@@toonsy8248 yeah ironically I put together that it was actually ruin speaking to Spook pretty early on but I didn't connect the dots with the earing till the very end

[@brazilianorange]

For some reason I was convinced Vin was a feruchemist and we would get that reveal with the earring… felt soooo dumb when the reveal came

[@hanzerik594]

Daniel Greene 2016: Mistborn is okay. but not awesome. Daniel Greene in 2018: It's actually pretty good! Daniel Greene in 2020: has a Zinc tattoo.

I'm 80 pages into book 1 and am so bored

[@hanzerik594]

@ yeah all (except for storm light 2 and 3) cosmere books have a strong start, then slow down a bit. Then at the start of the second act you'll get some sort of overview of what this book will be about and it gets good again. To compare to Harry Potter: where you are now is in the train, but without any idea how a year at Hogwarts looks like. You've seen some interesting stuff during the holiday but it's not connected yet. I got through these parts with audiobooks since these require less effort to continue reading.

@@hanzerik594 I don't its just that, I don't like his writing. HIs characters are all so bland to me; Vin is sympathetic but future hero, Kel is the damaged but still good man, like i feel there won't be any surprises.

[@rjofusetsudzin8011]

@ Spoiler warning there sh*ton of suprises you cant even possibly imagine

[@kalhalwin3750]

@ how

[@wardm4]

I think the best part of Era 1 is that it reads as if it will be exactly the same hero's journey in a million other fantasy novels. And then, as you pointed out, it subverts many of the most cherished parts: who is the real baddy, who is the actual chosen one, etc. These are in there, but they might not be what you think if you're expecting standard fantasy.

[@monkeydonk3925]

Exaxtly! This, I think, is a downfall of many other books. Brandon uses tropes but he uses them in a new way. Just writing a fantasy story where they beat the bad guy and everyone wins is honestly boring and overdone, but Brandon never does that. He takes tropes we know and love, such as making the hero choose between the man they love and THE WORLD, and then subverts your expectations by saying 'hey actually yoy chose neither. '

[@xcBlackDiamond]

I'm surprised that you feel the way you do about Vin's ascension to take up Preservation. I thought her "human element" was still there in the way she thought about Elend and witnessed the battle below, it also still felt like Vin. Also "Of all of us who touched it, I feel she was the most worthy" - Sazed

[@bradleypeterson2322]

Mistborn is the series that introduced me to the epic fantasy genre. It was my bridge into other Cosmere books, the Wheel of Time, the First Law trilogy, the Gentleman Bastards Sequence, and so much more. I will always have a love for the series and for characters like Vin, Elend, and Sazed. Also, The Well of Ascension is probably my favorite book in the series. After the first book, I had no idea where the series was gonna go and it went in a direction that was simply awesome. I will never forget the scene where Vin and Zane break into Cett's manor (I believe, it's been a few years since I read the series). It was truly epic.

[@piecookies3488]

JUST FINISHED THIS SERIES I loved it and it’s ending! This series broke me emotionally at the end (in a good way) Vin is one of my favorite protagonists

[@Hadrian1616]

You didn't mention Sazed, the hero of ages once. Vins god mode was very short lived. As it should be. Thanks Daniel.

[@kyzar79]

Emperor's Soul. Its a short story by Sanderson with a really cool magic system and philosopy on art

[@OhHenrie1]

kyzar79 I really enjoyed that one! Especially the ending, it made me feel proud of Shai

[@thehubbabubba667]

That was a great story

[@johnpoiuz4662]

I just finished (15 minutes ago) The Hero of Ages and I was surprised. World building was awesome -> each book expanded the universe in the way that was mind blowing and unexpected. Really enjoyed it very much. Just eaten my way through the trilogy and will probably continue to the second era. The caracters were awesome. From the first book I sensed that our dear keeper will be someone interesting. Characters had flaws, human flaws. Vin, Kelsier, Ham, Breeze, Chubs, later Spook, Elend (which I was really sceptical about), and of course dear Sazed (the voice of reason and or religion). Loved them all, their morality, struggles, enhancement of character. Awesome read, long, but great.

[@mrgodliak]

I think Vin's Ascension was handled perfectly by Brandon. Also Era 2 is good, but it's really era 1.5 so It's not suppose to be as grand.

[@jeanotus6055]

I really enjoy Mistborn. I was my introduction into the Cosmere, and back into reading. I agree with most of what was said, but I disagree with all the era 2 dislikes. Sanderson has said it was supposed to be an era 1.5, but became 2. I enjoy it for what it is, but can't wait for next era

[@gekkenhuisje]

I'd like to delve into a couple of thoughts a bit about the ending. I can see where you're coming from with the dramatic lift up, but I think that any cons it had were negated when Vin killed Ati along with herself. She didn't retain that godhood power for long, and when she did, she used it poorly. Also, I was thrilled by the reveal that Sazed was the savior, because of the whole arms thing, and the copperminds. I think that throughout the series Brandon placed enough hints about how awful the world was and how people dreamed things like flowers could be brought back (Kelsier's wife for instance) that when Sazed saved Scadrial with that power and all the tools he used to do so just worked for me.

[@PaoloSarti94]

Would you consider doing a character examination on Sazed?

[@Haxerous]

Book 3 is basically just that tbh

[@mathewstormblessed4706]

The ending was not the best of endings, however, I think it really lends to the rest of the Cosmere. I feel like Harmony will play a big part in the grand scope of the universe. (Spoilers) I am also really excited to see what Kelsier gets up to later in the series.

[@justinsparks6301]

Ok, so, a few things. First of all, Vin only ever briefly holds Preservation before turning it over to Sazed, who is the one who truly ascends to godhood in this series. Vin dies not long after releasing Preservation, and, during the time she had it, she only really used its power to weaken Ruin. She did not change the climate -- Sazed did that, AFTER becoming HARMONY. I'm sure you can see where I'm going by pointing this stuff out -- namely that I did not have a problem with the way the series ended, aside from the fact that Vin and Elend died (though I understand the reasons why they had to). I feel Vin earned all the heights she attained, and I thought it was an awesome subversion when we found out that not even she was the Hero of Ages.

[@lizardman1303]

Justin Sparks lol sounds like a lot happened I just recently dropped it after the the excution just found it to be boring

[@zackmccormic11111]

She did change the climate though. She plugged the ashmounts, causing the earth the crack even more than it previously was.

[@meh6372]

I agree with this. It's like he didn't read the end?

[@pexrinne5144]

Thanks for the spoiler. Maybe dont write stuff that happens later in the series in a review that is about the first book? Thank you.

[@justinsparks6301]

@@pexrinne5144 Daniel literally talked about the whole series in this review. By the way, right now is NOT the time to put me on blast about ANYTHING.

[@oscardiggs246]

Well of Ascension is unnecessarily long. There is such an interminable standing around period until it suddenly starts moving.

[@HungVu-df5nv]

I just finished Mistborn Era 1. I really liked it! I particularly like what it had to say about religion and faith, giving me a new perspective on them. ^_^

[@OtherTheDave]

Yeah, I thought that was a neat take.

[@fursecela]

I'm glad you did this second review. I think that with most of the Cosmere books you realise how good they are when you look at the bigger picture and try to understand what Brandon Sanderson was trying to achieve. That was the case with Mistborn era 2 for me. It's not the greatest series, but it has its place and importance for the Cosmere. Also! Don't skip Edgedancer or Mistborn: Secret History. They re great, short reads.

[@prpunk787]

I get why having the crew around helps but the characters that weren't dealt with deep enough all just blend to me, the only two i could tell apart was Breeze and Ham. Also you have been killing it in booktube lately, keep the fresh and unique content coming!!

[@KPruchE99]

I think it's just Dockson and Clubs that didn't stand out to me and were bland as you say. Maybe that's why they don't make it past book 2.

[@prpunk787]

yea this is def true, i feel he had too many side characters to deal well enough with them for a novel of this size.

[@nyodeler6647]

Abner Ham! That was his name!! Lol spent the whole video wondering why I couldn't remember it. Love this cosmere shit. Became a little obsessed once I noticed Hoid.

[@prpunk787]

Prime example of what i'm talking about. If it was 'oh that guy that was at the shop in town' I would/t mind but these are people who mostly are in the 3 books, I can barely remember their names much less any character traits except their specific kind of allomancy.

[@noutsakh.2135]

@@KPruchE99 Too soon.... Too soon :'( some people are still mourning over here.. :'(

[@pokedoctor2087]

The friend that got me into the Cosmere sold me Mistborn as "What would happen if Rand (the chosen one) became God and stayed in power for a thousand years?" So I loved the lets kill god aspect of it and ended up falling in love with his characters and the magic system that has elements of real physics to it. You can push something that has less mass than you, but if it has more mass you'll be the one who gets pushed. Brilliant, I was sick of magic doing everything because magic all the time and mistborn's last fight was the very definition of EPIC.

[@mist7295]

That's one hell of a pitch. Gonna start using it

[@nikolapetricevic]

SPOILER ALERT Vin's Ascension made sense to me. Not only had the precedent already been set by Lord Ruler, but she already touched the power once in Book 2, so it made sense that she could do it again. Also, I don't get the sense that she fixed all the problems by being a deity, in fact she felt kinda helpless and very maladroit (lul) with the power. She was like a kid trying to fly an aeroplane, it just didn't work. Her decision to destroy Ruin also felt very Vin-like, abrupt and based on a gut feeling, and ultimately she wasn't the one to fix things. Sazed was, and it made so much sense given how knowledgable he was.

[@mist7295]

Vin is not a god in the way you mean it. She is a conduit through which the power of a god flows. Szed is the god. Nd one of the strongest in the cosmere. KELSIER DOESNT WANT TO LEAD A REBELLION. HE JUST WANTS TO STEAL THE ATIUM.

[@jeffd8709]

Ummm.. Vin gave Preservation to Sazed. He did all the God stuff after he became Harmony. Now if it was the other way around then I see your point but I personally love that it was Sazed, perfect ending for me. Vin did earn everything that she got.

[@davidsandlin9686]

I actually preferred the two Wax and Wayne novels so far. The magic system has been expanded on and there isn’t just two op level predators crushing everyone

[@EdensukoV]

Just finished de series. It is a damn masterpiece.

[@jespermadsen9297]

In general, you are right Daniel. However I don't see how you can say what you said about godhood Vin. Yeah, she had the raw power to affect the planet, but I think my relation the the character of Vin rose even more when she discovers that she doesn't have the knowledge and is completely stunted by Ruin. Her power is only ever equal to that of Ruin, so everything she does, can be countered by that equal but opposite power. It was amazing to read and imagine this god-like power but being completely unable to do anything at all to affect and help. Even if Ruin didn't actively block anything she tried to do, she would still have been no better of than the Lord Ruler and would probably have made even more of a mess of things. With all her power and that great uplifting, I thought that it made her more human and more relatable than almost any character in any book.

[@ReadandFindOut]

I'm just ready for the last era 2 book to come out! I feel like that will really set up whatever the premise will be for era 3.

[@PartyHans]

I love Kelsier BECAUSE he's badass. You can love characters for simple reasons you know. They

[@siennaluprano8573]

Thank you for introducing me to Brandon Sanderson and to the Mistborn series.

[@strutzi294]

Mistborn is one of my favorite book series (probably just behind WoT). I enjoyed era 1, but I think era 2 really cemented my love for the world. Its hard for me to try to think of the series objectively because of how special it is to me. I read it at a time when I was struggling with a lot and very sick. The world was incredible and the characters so vibrant, memorable, and believably human. I especially felt a strong connection with Steris and loved her character, her final scene of Bands of Mourning had me literally crying. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book. As for a review (rereview?) suggestion... I'm not sure if you talked about Sanderson's The Emperor's Soul yet? It's really short but I think it is still one of his best.

[@TheLordofMetroids]

One thing i have to say about the Dresden Files, I love the series, but it took till like book four before I really started to enjoy it, so if the first few books don't leave all that good an impression in your mouth, my advice is to try to stick with it.

[@ashwinavadhani8243]

Bryan Wegner this is good to hear. This series came highly recommended from my friend but after the first book I was not that compelled to read the second one. Maybe I should give it another shot.

[@TheLordofMetroids]

I would honestly recommend skiping to book 6 Dead Beat, it was the first hardcover book of the series, and it serves as a reintroduction, and is probably one of the best in the series, if you like it, go back and read the earlier books, if you don't, the series just isn't for you.

[@edgardtheknowledgekeeper3119]

@@TheLordofMetroids Jim Butcher himself recommends the same. He said so in a Q&A. I personally started really enjoying it ar book 3.

[@bhatfield1417]

Nerm uf da wernd

[@emilygraham6196]

Mistborn was my intro to Sanderson and I love Vin, but I also love Sazed and how did you not even mention him and the Terris people?

[@AhsimNreiziev]

I suspect that, since this was a "re-review", Daniel mostly touched on the things on which his opinion has changed since his original reviews. Since he already was a massive Sazed-fan in his initial reviews, I think he just didn't feel the need to mention him again. I also get the feeling Daniel forgot it was Sazed, and not Vin, who ultimately turned out to be the Hero of Ages.....

[@coffeeloveandbooks5423]

I finished this series less than an hour ago and I think I'm still in shock. I came here looking for a shoulder to cry on. *Spoilers* Wow did Sanderson tie everything together. The ending felt really far out there for me and it's the first time I've actually pitied the characters who lived. I kind of want to reread the Final Empire right now. My heart broke when Kelsier died and I didn't want to read the rest of the series without the security that he provided for Vin. Kelsier felt like the Gandalf of the series; when he was there things felt safe. That's why I think it's so important that he died so that we could feel genuine fear. The planning for this series was exquisite with the smallest details(like the earring) ending up being so important. There were answers to questions that I never asked and threads that reach from the first chapter to the last. I can't even try to be objective about the ending right now, but I feel unsatisfied. The "God status" felt very odd(although if anyone is perfect for it it's Sazed) and I want to see what happens to the characters that survive. I cried so hard when Elend and Vin died and honestly after that event the whole thing just felt empty. I actually really want a prequel to see what the crew was like before Kelsier and Mare went to the pits (yes it would be boring but I just need more of these characters). All in all I LOVED this series and am sure that I will grow to love it more as my wounds grow less fresh :p

[@weeschwee]

I just finished it as well and the ending felt unsatisfying for me too. It just seemed so abstract while everything leading up was quite grounded. I was wondering how they were going to make it through everything and then they just did because god powers. And some of the side characters and stories seemed to amount to very little. Why did we spend so much time with Urtea and Fadrex? Also, we seemed to really miss out on the Skaa/ Nobility dynamic and everything about Luthadel that was so central in the previous books especially the second. And while I enjoyed reading these books, I never felt a sens of urgency or a need to keep reading. The story always seemed to move a long at a steady, casual pace and I was just along for the ride. But it was a pleasant ride.

[@coffeeloveandbooks5423]

@@weeschwee I would suggest reading Mistborn: Secret History. It helps.....a little. It provides closure and clarification for a few things in the story while also adding some frustrating threads.

[@weeschwee]

@@coffeeloveandbooks5423 Thanks! I'll look into it.

[@dudejuice]

I just bought a Final Empire Book. Is it supposed to not have a table of contents? I feel like it is a defective copy.

[@giorgos41000]

name of the wind of course :)

[@henrynelson176]

i like ur username

[@kristianwatt7966]

Mistborn Era 1 is soooo dope. I didn’t love Era 2 as much either, but I did really like the idea of the Twinborn and the blending of allomancy with feruchemy. From what I understand from watching interviews of Sanderson, however, Era 2 was supposed to be a 1980s Cold War spy-thriller trilogy and Era 3 a more futuristic trilogy, blending science fiction with fantasy. Era 1, of course, provides the basis of the mythology for the series as a whole. From what I understand, the Wax and Wayne trilogy is really just Sanderson writing within Scadrial to keep it fresh in his mind and help him avoid writer’s block by pursuing other projects rather than finishing up a series like Stormlight, for example, in its entirety; he likes to jump around so he doesn’t become too jaded with any one series. So, he didn’t put as much effort into the Wax and Wayne trilogy as he will in the Cold War-era trilogy or the futuristic syfy-fantasy blend.

[@KPruchE99]

Hi Daniel! I agree Vin's accent to godhood is rather quick but I don't mind it because after all it's temporary. Sazed could theoretically bring her back to life(don't think this will happen ever) but she would not have the power of Preservation anymore.

[@emil1842]

No, he couldn't. He actualy tried in the end of HoA but failed.

[@GiosSimCorner]

I just started to read this series. I was ready to put this down after the first 4 chapters but when I got to chapter 5 with the Atium heist with Kelsier I'm glad that I didnt give up. Now I cant wait to finish this book and continue with the series. Does anyone have any recommendations after I'm done with this series?

[@RegisteredNerds]

I know this was a year ago, I just finished the book, and wanted to hear your opinion on it because I don’t know how to feel about the ending. I guess I didn’t realize that she became a God figure in the second generation. Idk if I want to read it, at least not right now. This was the first series I ever finished, I got 6/7 on Harry Potter and 4/5 on Song of Ice and Fire. This ending was very confusing to me. I understood what happened, but at the same time I don’t understand why. I agree what you said in the first review the last 15 % when she was elevated and had no direct impact with our characters rather then her struggle with her opposition. I love Vin more then anyone in any book I have read, I talk highly of her to my family and gf. And I just feel there was a lack of closures, and actually got upset and choked up when what I wish happened to her did not happen. I need some time to really let this sink in. But right now fresh finish series order. Well of Ascension was my favorite, then The final empire, and unfortunately age of hero’s was last. Her internal struggle with Ruin from half way on really left me feeling weird, she had conquered and overcome everything else with each accomplishment seeming to elevate her, from at first was she better then kelsier? Then her fight with Zane, she became better and better then Elend was able out of nowhere to be a more effective MB at some aspects. Idk I’m very internally confused.

[@daweithisisdavidinmandarin6121]

The Final Empire is the best fantasy book of the new Millenia, title included. Plot driven, character focused, rich world, and fusion of drama action and comedy.

[@joeshmoe001100]

Enough people like Name of the Wind that I'm planning on giving it a second try. However I don't expect to sit down and read it with my eyes. I hope it has a good audiobook so I can listen to it in the car or something.

[@brandonguenther4233]

I think you will enjoy it more going back and listening to it. Everyone I have seen that went back to the book a second time finds they like it more. Most people that didn't like it much don't like the surface story but to me that's not what makes it great. It's all they layering of story built in top of each other giving deeper context to the surface story being told and why it's told the way it is. Plus the prose and poetry of it all night relate better to you when reading with your ears, it did mine.

[@TheBralessDiaries]

I’m re-reading the series now. I absolutely love it! The 2nd era books are my favorite. They made me laugh out loud so many times. The first era is definitely epic though!

[@myself2noone]

"Speak softly and carry a big stick." "Walk softly and carry a big stick" sounds like you're planning an ambush. Edit maybe the ambush will happen when you review "The Name of the Wind" again.

[@rohit_7777]

The only thing i don't like about Mistborn is its ending of book 3. Except that everything was great. I didn't like the abrupt escalation of scale. Like throwing and jumping on coins to completely changing the world was absurd to me. Plus the death of Vin and Elend was too much for me to take in.

[@robbieh9873]

The end of this review kinda sounds like you forgot what happened at the end of the trilogy...

[@nyodeler6647]

I agree with some things and disagree with others. I would normally agree on the whole quick ascension to god thing, except he had to get it across just how damn powerful those shards are. And it wasnt Vin who was the hero of ages btw. Sazed holds tht distinction.

[@matiasgagliardone7545]

I'm sorry to say that I almost let your comment about Vin's godhood not being earned drive me away from giving you a like but as you said it's a personal preference so you earned your like for most of the review. What I would like to point out is that to me it didn't take away that human element, it showed us exactly how a human would react with that sudden power boost, she didn't act like a deity is what I'm trying to say it made her more human because of how she used that power.

[@fakename6004]

Coming back to this in 2022 is do satisfying

[@scipioamericanus6711]

Just finished Mistborn Era I, and I was disappointed. Part of it is for the reasons given here, that the ascension to godhood isn't really earned, but there's more to it. None of the final book really feels earned. I don't even feel as if I understood the characters by the end. Everyone is so depressed seeming that they don't seem to even have motivations anymore, which makes their dramatic rally at the end feel very hard to believe. Vin in particular doesn't draw on her love for Elend or Kelsior at important moments anymore, which were her primary motivators in the first two books, and her shift to a more abstract moral motivation makes no sense for someone who is consistently marked by her feelings and instincts over logic. She just felt like a hollow version of herself, and the fact that her final victory is more or less handed to her by the mists rather than accomplished through any particular virtue or strength of her own felt like a slap in the face to a character who had been cunning, brave, and loving in equal measure up to that point. Besides that Elend's time was severely downgraded, and he never really had any important part to play in the narrative, since after ascending Vin could apparently have killed Ruin at any time given the motivation, and nothing he did was strictly necessary for her to ascend. It made all the time we spent watching him grow into a good king pointless, since he never really got to rule, only to react, and his relationship with Vin actually became a little creepy in the face of just how OP she was compared to him, and how aware of this they both were, even before she became a god. Sazed had his faith crisis resolved more or less by deciding that he wanted to believe, ironically right after all the known gods were dead, making little to no sense, and besides him the only person who got to do anything important at all was Marsh, and he was sidelined badly for most of the book and got no proper resolution. The more I think about it, honestly the more disappointed I am. I feel like the goodwill I had built up towards the characters was wasted on meaningless side quests in the north and west, and a half baked plot that thought it had far more to say about religion than it actually did.

[@agaardadaar5650]

As someone who loved Mistborn Era 1, I highly recommend rereading the third book and reading Mistborn: secret history. Some of the things you said, like Elend playing no part and Vin having no motivation/ a drastically different motivation are just false. You did bring up a good point with the mists, and that question among others is answered in Mistborn: secret history. Hope I don’t come across as rude, I just really enjoy the series and want others to experience the same joy after reading it.

[@scipioamericanus6711]

@@agaardadaar5650 I wrote this comment fresh off of reading book three, and was a little raw over it. On measure I think the books were quite good, 7 or 8 out of 10, but my criticisms still stand. Vin is a terrible character to have doing cosmic impersonal things, because her strength as a character lies in being intensely personal and emotional, and in her relationships with people rather than ideals. She consistently doesn't care about people she's never met until the final act of the final book, and I still find that change jarring, as is much of that final act to be honest. And again, nothing that Elend or any of the supporting cast save Marsh do actually matters because Vin can defeat Destruction literally at will, and the only thing stopping her from doing so is her earring, so only things that directly lead to her removing the earring actually matter. At the end of the day Marsh could have done that whether or not they went west or sent Spook north, and if Vin had chosen to act earlier she could have saved Elend and nothing else would have changed for her. Again, on measure I think it's a good story, but you haven't really provided any counterargument to these flaws, and I do think that Sanderson got sloppy with his plot and went with a deus ex machina (or literally deus ex mist) to fix it, unintentionally making the first 90-ish percent of it redundant in the process.

[@fast.food.ninjalarry954]

Just started Mistborn and decided to check on your older videos AND holy shiTTTT OG intro !!!

[@krynn1]

Name of the wind

[@jonathanoneal3915]

Spoilers I'm surprised you didn't go into the emperors character at all. I like how the journal readings we get show him as the traditional hero small town guy sets out on great adventure but takes the power instead of releasing it. I know later we find out that it's not really that character after all and keeping the power was actually a good thing but after years the character loses their humanity essentially making them a villain. I just found that as an interesting take on normal story telling tropes and wanted to hear your thoughts on it.

[@trevortriestocollege]

Dude, do an in depth review Elantris and the two novellas set In that world!

[@zachgranat5518]

Great video! And I love the reverse intro at the beginning!

[@zerotohero9832]

What reverse intro at the beginning?

[@rogerhuggettjr.7675]

I'm looking to get back to Mistborn in a year. I read the first trilogy around 5 years ago, read the 30+ Terry Brooks greater Shannara books and then jumped into Wheel Of Time of which I am in book 4. Seeing Sanderson finishes the series, it should be a nice spot to return and cover the whole Cosphere.

[@xXIoWnYuHXx]

Absolutely love this book!

[@randalg6564]

you HAVE to read mistborn:secret history. ITS INCREDIBLE you have to give it a shot.

[@mafxarr8776]

Just finished the trilogy. It was amazing...I just placed an order for the entire Cosmere books 😂

[@birdguyjohnson3502]

Name of the Wind

[@banjotiki3910]

Oh I LOVE this series!

[@8Smoker8]

I have a problem with the magic system actually. It's not nearly as "hard" as you say, not in Final Empire at least. Limits are either broken when needed or simply not set at all (duration, reserve, power). Or just conveniently ignored/bent. You've talked me into this trilogy but the first book was a huge disappointment, I'll forgive you just 'cause you like One Piece :P

[@noneofyourbusiness3288]

I do like the first book of Mistborn far more than book 2 and 3. However some twists and reveals are so jaw-dropping that they are still great books, just not quite as unique as book 1.

[@josephhirning2372]

I feel like Well of Ascension was a stronger story, but the final empire was my favorite of the series.

[@GeneralAblon]

Elantris is also really interesting, IMO

[@natewingalthor1266]

Yessss Dresden Files! I'm so happy to hear you finally bring that up. Been following for a while and always wanted to recommend Jim Butcher but i knew you had a lot on your plate and the Dresden Files is a long series. It is my second favorite series next to Wheel of Time and i know you will enjoy it!

[@jaredjjacobs]

I really did think the ending was super rushed. But I agree with you and like how this leaves the be potential for vin to return

[@Astor4o]

OMFG YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THE DRESDEN FILES! :O

[@janhecker1175]

I read Mistborn after the storm lights that are out and I really liked it. The only thing that bothered me was how sazed towards the end of the third book really got into theological topics that really reminded me of Christian apologetics that I just disagree with on an intellectual level and I just didn't think we're necessarily considering in the cosmere gods are a tangible reality that don't require faith or some conveloted metaphysical argument for their existence. I didn't find this kind of theology in stormlight which I found had a more balanced and in-universe tone. But that was only tangential to my enjoyment of the books

[@michaelfeeney6108]

The first two Dresden books are sort of ‘introductory’ books- they’re really fun though. I’d say book one is one of the worst if I had to rank them- again, still solid. This series is SO well mapped out it’s crazy. He knew how many books there’d be right from the start. Stuff happens in some early books that hasn’t even come to fruition yet, but hints are there. I hope you enjoy them.

[@michaelfeeney6108]

I recommend reading this as well. It was later published in a short story collection, but started out as a free story on his website. It’s a prequel to book one. If you want to read it after book one, that’s fair. He’s even stated that something from this story will come back in the final three books in the series (an ‘apocalyptic trilogy’) as Butcher calls it. www.jim-butcher.com/books/dresden/side-jobs/restoration

[@WrestlingInTheDark]

I read Era 1 due to your video on the best entry points into the Cosmir (sorry if that's a mispeling I'm blind) and there are a lot of things that I really loved. Tensoon and Saized along with Spook in book 3 were my favouite characters and I absolutely loved the magic system. I wasn't a big fan of a few things such as the attitude towards Vinn as being less ladylike because she doesn't wear dresses, it would be fine if other characters felt that way but I felt like even Vinn herself believed this and it just felt annoying to me. Also the representation of Saized being "a half man" because he is a eunuch. It was fine that he felt that way especially when thinking he wasn't worthy of Tindwell but when he realises he's the hero of ages and makes a point of the prophecies using gender neutral pronouns because it could be referring to someone who is neither male or female annoyed me. Saized is one of the best men in the whole trilogy and I don't think him having been castrated should be represented as having made him less of a man. Despite those few complaint though I loved the trilogy overall.

[@Transformers217]

And it Vin becoming a god was set before hand with the Mists. Once it was revealed that the erring was holding her back, that was it.

[@patricktierney5109]

I just finished well of ascension I really like this series. Thank you for your videos and convincing me to read this and more stuff by Sanderson and also to start Wheel of time! Thank You!

[@Wouter_K]

Very late to the party but just finished the series. And I could not disagree more about Vin's ascendance. 🤣 It is by no means an easy out that makes everything okay's and 'loose ends don't matter'. Evidenced from the battle that is still raging at the god plane as well as down in the world. It is the moment preservation has instinctively been waiting for. She is the instrument of both ruin and preservation in the series and it is what preservation needs to restore balance and overcome ruin (humanity).

[@gaiaathena-books]

I love Mistborn Era 1. Great video! You made a lot of great points.

[@gavinsmith9871]

Read Red Rising. You won’t regret it.

[@l_p2980]

Gavin Smith yes we need this

[@hirenhp1]

King Of Cringe I'm pretty sure he'll regret it if he reads all three books

[@gavinsmith9871]

Hiren Patel what are you talking about? All four books are great.

[@hirenhp1]

King Of Cringe to me each book was not as good as the last. But that's just my opinion.

[@gavinsmith9871]

Hiren Patel I’ll agree that IG wasn’t as good as MS and MS wasn’t as good as GS. But GS was simply a masterpiece. So I guess to each their own.

[@blakebouza2557]

LMAO Daniel yes please drag Name of the Wind again, I’m with you all the way. 😂 Loved this review, your discussion on Vin really makes me want to read Mistborn again. Can’t wait to have another Dresden convert on Booktube!

[@jjr007]

An older epic series for you to read, if you haven't already, Roger Zelazny's "Amber" series, starting with "Nine Princes in Amber"!

[@edgardtheknowledgekeeper3119]

I'm super excited for you to get into the Dresden Files. From you I could definitely see you at first just saying it's ok but not all that great at least for the first couple of books but as it progresses I think you'd enjoy it a lot more. Be very aware that when Jim wrote the first book he was doing it for a writing class and it was the first thing that his teacher told him was of salable quality. He was very inexperienced. But as his books go he gets significantly better.

[@madisongoodyear5040]

Will you re-review Elantris?

[@ginorvdw]

This was a really cool video to me. I love your WoT content/reviews, but sometimes felt you let the series cloud your vision when rating other series. I don't mean that in a diminutive way, I had the same happen to me with the malazan series :') But seeing your knowledge and experience grow has really been a great thing to watch, somehow missed this video. It's great that you're more able to see, for example, a standalone fantasy book for what it is -or tries to be- instead of comparing it to other established greats.

[@Sammyspack]

I just finished the first Mistborn book. I was a bit disappointed as I wasn’t aware this was more YA. I’m new to fantasy and the only other book I’ve read was Locke Lamora and the depth of those characters was “Godiva” compared to oh, say … Ghirardelli. I really like Sanderson (intentionally blank/ podcast) and I had watched the Yt channel before reading his books. I’m not trying to criticize him. I just didn’t think it would be so “YA-like”. (I purposely didn’t watch reviews so I could experience the universe with fresh eyes). So, my question is… are all the books like Mistborn? Are there more “adult” (violent, adult characters) -oriented series? Ty for any responses :-)

[@ShinteiKun]

"The age of the five"... I'm gonna bug you until you read it!

[@13_faces]

Yes!!!! Can't wait for the Dresden files. My favorite series

[@krystenmcgann974]

This hit my homepage today, OMG you look like a baby!

[@evieni1465]

Sanderson breaks his own rules here. Burning duralumin should do away with all the metals in one's body. Yet Vin kept using other metals on multiple occasions after burning duralumin without replenishing them.

[@kristen9945]

cant believe u EVER thought the magic system was ‘simple’ though😭😭 HAHAHAAHA

[@kylehecker4593]

Again I just started commenting but I wanted to know what you thought about the change in vin boy toy from book 1 too book 3?

[@P_Petkov]

I think era 2 was amazing. Really dug the Sherlock and Watson vibe.

[@thefantasyreview8709]

I just did a review for it, and I think I felt somewhere between your first review and this one! People LOVE this book, but its certainly not perfect.... I'd put Name of the Wind above this in a top ranking, way above. The characters are a bit 2D, the pacing isn't great, the writing isn't amazing - but as per usual with Sanderson, his worldbuilding is incredible and Allomancy is the best magic system around.

[@gracedouglas6842]

I absolutely loved that backwards theme song! You should use it more often.

[@davids2735]

So this is not a re-review, but Could you review the blinding knife if you haven't already? I am reading The Blood Mirror right now and I would love to see what you thought of the rest of the series since you loved the first book

[@xcBlackDiamond]

Wow I'm surprised that he never did considering he loves the series as a whole.

[@davidmauchly4689]

I am a little confused why you didn’t mention Sazed.

[@The_Reductionist]

First book was great for me, the next 2 went downhill. Eland was just a bland character - story would've been more interesting with outright queen/empress vin. Much of book 2 is her jumping around roofs 'protecting' eland while he does the important ruling stuff. Then theres the siege which is just a waste of time. last book was fine, but didn't make sense - the emperor abandoning his capital completely to take a city? Vin could've done that alone, or he could've left vin in charge of the capital.

[@The_Reductionist]

Elantris remains my favorite BS book, was the most enjoyable read with a satisfying ending

[@edgardtheknowledgekeeper3119]

Elend left his city in someone else's hands. He had become a mistborn and needed to be out there leading. Vin is a strong fighter but she is not a leader. And I'm not correcting you, it's your perception but I don't know why you thought Elend was a bland character. He was under development, he didn't know who he wanted to be. He was a young scholar who needed to be a king. I'm not trying to say your wrong or stupid or anything like that but it just seems like you completely missed the point of the books.

[@JFCBFilms]

No, not NotW. Please do ASOIAF! I know you don’t like it much, but I seem to remember that you started a re-read a while ago that you then put on pause. You need to finish that re-read! Much of the beauty in ASOIAF is in all the details that you miss on the first (or 2nd, 3rd, 4th...) read. It’s so re-readable! Because there is such an incredible amount of foreshadowning and subtle hints throughout the series! So many ambiguities, gray areas, theories, conspiracies. You can read it 10 times, yet still miss a lot of things. Also, both the world buildning and prose is underrated in my opinion. Would love to hear your opinion now that you are a little more well read, better at analysing and not just looking for a new WoT :)

[@ericgenrogues7292]

JFCBFilms he did read and review the first two books in asoiaf. And said hell read the third one but jyst has a lit of books to read right now

[@marcopg8112]

SPOILER: Well saze also became god instantly, thats because whats left after preservation and ruin die is raw power than can be seized. Preservations had already forfited his power in the form of the mists, so once vin gathered them all she ascended.

[@Rain_OrSomething]

When I was reading mistborn my favorite povs to read from were sazed and tensoon and occasionally Elend and vin I think my favorite character is tensoon he was just so interesting I guess Kandra as a whole was just so interesting to me and idk why o-o

[@mrgodliak]

Also the Dresden Files is something that seems it could go on forever. I've only read the first 2 books and I may eventually get to the third, who knows. Though I read a series that is heavily inspired, it's obvious, and yeah it just seems like something like a tv show.

[@edgardtheknowledgekeeper3119]

It's suppose to be 20 books

[@halofan117halofan6]

I really had no idea what tenSoon was doing in the later parts of the hero of ages he was trying to find vin and kept failing and ended up returning where he left it left me so fustrated

[@hikethemike7349]

well, he found Sazed and brought him to first generation

[@edgardtheknowledgekeeper3119]

He found Sazed and got information and Sazed went with him back to the first generation. Which is a brilliant because he unknowingly brought them the Hero of Ages. I loved Sazed's ascension.

[@beebeea1]

I honestly feel like I'm at that level where he was at with fantasy. I've read WoT twice now and now I've been looking for a book series with that bar of achievement in mind. However, I picked up the first book of the mistborn series and it just didn't do it for me. The characters dont feel rounded enough, the plot is too straight-forward in the beginning, and theres not enough detail. I dont know if that's how it actually is or if it's just because I'm expecting something as great as the wheel of time. However, I'm reading the well of ascension now, and I must say, its definitely more detailed, so that's good. And also, no hate on Brandon Sanderson, I love how he wrote out the last of the wheel of time books. I just think I was a bit caught off guard with mistborn.