Why You Should Read: Mistborn By Brandon Sanderson (Spoiler-Free)

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hey bookworms & Lord Ruler Brandon Sanderson fans! I'm so excited to talk about the series that made me a fan of Sando. Hope you enjoy Mistborn March!

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@Dave-sk9mn Right. I couldn't put it down when I got to the sequels.

[@carlsmith4568]

I noticed you mentioned that you haven’t read Stormlight Archives yet... I implore you to reconsider. Book 4 releases this year, and while there are 10 books, the first five complete their own arc. I seriously believe that it’s the greatest fantasy series ever written, and I’ve only read 3 books.

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@carlsmith4568 Uh, yes I have. I just haven't reviewed them yet. The announcement of Rhythm of War is the whole reason I started the Cosmere 2020 series. Going to review them all leading up to the release.

[@windfire5380]

@@mikesbookreviews I have to say that listening to you on this brought back some of those emotions again. Wow. Good job. I miss those characters (Rand, Matt, ....). Got a pit in my stomach and I'm not sure that is good. :)

[@RelativeConfusion]

Honestly you got a bit off track a view times talking about other stuff that is completely unimportant, and I know you wanted to keep it spoiler free but you could've touched up on a few subjects without giving things away, therefore this video could've been better though it was still nice to watch.

[@ryansutter9434]

Mistborn has an amazing world, characters and especially an awesome magic system! One of my favorite fantasy series!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ryan Sutter The investiture is amazing.

[@noname3609]

The story from mb era 1 is awesome aswel !

[@hazamax2139]

I simply love Sazed and his whole arc on the first trilogy. Never thought I'd love a religious character. His quotes are so beautiful.

[@sunriseparrabellum5505]

Sazed was an easy favourite for me in the final empire but his whole arc across the trilogy is one of the best character arcs I’ve ever seen, Brando Sando is a genius

[@mrm2542]

Why wouldn't you love a religious character?

[@hazamax2139]

@@mrm2542 Because I dislike religious people? I'm perfectly fine with people having their beliefs but if that is their personality then yeah, I don't wanna be near them.

[@Hadrian1616]

I would totally read a book about Rothfuss, Martin, Brown, Lynch, Weeks, and Butcher teaming up to defeat The Lord Ruler.

[@mikesbookreviews]

And still losing. But then Joe Abercrombie says "screw this fighting fair stuff" and poisons his recovery drink after the fight.

[@Hadrian1616]

Rothfuss: *beard intensifies*

[@yourfbiagent6483]

Mike's Book Reviews there’s no way they could beat the Lord Ruler without foul play. You have to be realistic, after all.

[@Hadrian1616]

Doh! I forgot Lord Grimdark didn't I?

[@samyrandome425]

Martin is either Docks or Oreseur

[@apheliotropic]

I’m actually pretty sure it was the other way around. The title was The Final Empire but gradually it has become just Mistborn

[@turtleanton6539]

Interesting

[@mikesbookreviews]

Huh. I've always viewed it the other way.

[@dpt85]

In fact Brandon wrote two separated books, Mistborn and Final Empire, but both were missing something and weren't good. He noticed that if he combine these two it may works. So this is why it's called Mistborn: The Final Empie.

[@revan0890]

@@dpt85 neat

[@apheliotropic]

Da To I didn’t know that, that’s awesome!

[@J1Warrior84]

I'm 37 and am starting mistborn and the whole author for the first time tomorrow morning. Can't wait!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Enjoy the ride!

[@noname3609]

Have you read a bit ? Any thoughts ? 😁

[@hellnatov9109]

This is the best channel for book reviews I've ever found. I've been wathing your videos for a few years and they're always so helpful. You're such an insightful and cultured reader. Thank you for sharig this with us!

[@kayleeding9178]

Mistborn was my introduction to Brandon Sanderson too and I absolutely flew through this trilogy. I didn't realize the ending was divisive! I thought it was perfectly bitter-sweet and one of the best series endings ever. Watching your video and Daniel Greene mention it in his recent video on who should direct fantasy adaptations makes me want to reread the trilogy all over again!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I don't think it's hugely divisive but there are some who didn't care for the fate of certain characters and the ascension of another.

[@JZETH_]

I think it was done very well too. Whether it's divisive or not, eh, maybe. It may not end the way some people may have wanted it to but I thought it was a fantastic ending to a series. Best I've read.

[@josepharthur97]

Mistborn was also my first Sanderson series and I loved it! In case you didn't know, Sanderson actually finished the trilogy before even realising the first one. Everything was planned beforehand and I think that is a reason for this series being so solid. Also, contrary to you and many people, book 2 is my favourite one. We've all read tons of books about defeating the bad guy, completing the quest or something like that, but with The Well of Ascension, it tackles the aftermath of that "happy ending" of book 1 and takes it from there. Everytime I finish a book or series, I always keep wondering what will happen to the world, to the characters, and most of the time we never get those answers. With TWoA we get that and even more, we realize that there were bigger threats, the world expands a lot and that thosen "happy endings" never really happen. Also, the finale is one of my favourite moments ever in a book, it's just brutally awesome that it gives me chills

[@mikesbookreviews]

I wish more authors did this. I mean, at least have a damn outline.

[@samyrandome425]

Second book is my favorite too, at least for the time being, I've only just started book 3

[@samyrandome425]

I love the way the broader world and lore get a lil more fleshed out, the armies, the tension, the political stuff and the character development.

[@vaporiiz]

Interesting! This comment made me even more excited to read it lol

[@tomsativa]

sounds like the ending to the first mortal kombat movie lol

[@Aluminatihusker]

Hell yeah! Mistborn trilogy was the first series of fantasy I read outside of The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. That series is what truly pushed me over the edge to read all the many great stories and series of fantasy that exist now! It also cemented my love of fantasy. Very nastalgic for me as well!

[@mikesbookreviews]

It definitely feels like the one that pushed me into modern fantasy and moving from just the classics or Grimdark only.

[@AdamCollings]

I love the Mistborn series. The two elements that really drew me in were (1) The magic system. Allomancy is amazing and was like nothing I'd ever seen in fantasy before. (2) The heist aspect. Mistborn was a genre mash-up between epic fantasy and heist. Heist stories are always fun, but when you mash them up with sci-fi or fantasy, they are even cooler. I always recommend this as a great entry-point into the Cosmere.

[@mikesbookreviews]

The magic and the heist feelings are what really got me, too.

[@trundelingporpoise2404]

Me at the beginning of the evening: let's see what this cosmere thing is that my friends are talking about. Me 5 hours later: what is investiture??

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha the Cosmere is addictive in that way.

[@josephlee9008]

Mistborn was my first Sanderson series too, and it holds a special place - it's hard to get that same sort of wonder and discovery for the types of worlds that Sanderson writes. As for the Lord Ruler moniker, I don't think I would say Sanderson is the best writer these days, but I would call him the best author - the way he's so transparent with his writing progress and process, how he's so involved in things (his lectures, his signing streams, the state of the sanderson, being active on reddit, being open about his publication experiences, etc.), the way he constructs his worlds and stories and characters, his acceptance of criticism and his efforts to improve without it seeming like just trying to pander to an audience - it's all so impressive and gratifying to see.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I will definitely say that the way he communicates with his fans probably influenced my opinion of how highly regarded I hold him. It was just so frustrating after seeing fantasy authors either be shitty to their fans who ask about the next book or just stop seeming to care at all about writing. It's a combination of things. His storytelling, plus his incredible output, combined with his writing make him far away the best in the business right now.

[@danisob3633]

it was my first too! I love his books

[@Musicteachersheff]

Just started this, I’m glad you posted this. It’s a slow start for me, having trouble finding enough time this week to really concentrate on the beginning and I keep falling asleep after a page or 2 because I’m reading at bedtime and I’m just really tired, but I look forward to getting into this series. I need some characters I can fall in love with.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Vin and Elend and Breeze and Kelsier and so many others to fall in love with. It's so fun.

[@ivanjelenic5627]

I also had problems with the first chapter or so, kept dropping it multiple times. Boy was I glad I finally got through and read it all! It's amazing.

[@karamarie6781]

You’re the best! because of you, I am going to start a Sanderson book (not sure which series yet-still bingeing all your vids!). Thank you for your time in making these videos💕

[@RiseeRee]

I just started Mistborn! WoT is my favorite series and I absolutely love the Stormlight series so it seemed like a no brainer. I’m like one chapter in and I’m already hooked!

[@mikesbookreviews]

It only gets better.

[@vailble8103]

It's one of my favorite series of all time

[@alaskayoung3413]

What is wot?

[@karamarie6781]

I just finished Mistborn and started Well of Ascension tonight because of you! LOVE IT! My new obsession! This series rocks so far💕

[@mordaeu1411]

Thanks to your channel, I've been reading more! Just started Mistborn on audible, only 5 chapters in, but I'm already into the world and it's characters so far. Such a cool concept!

[@separator94]

This is one series I'm currently reading and I'm seriously loving it. Just started The Hero of Ages and I'm about 70 pages into it. The ending to The Well of Ascension was incredible. Vin is officially one of my all time favorite protagonists of any genre. Her arc is just so damn good. Especially in The Final Empire where we get to see her start to come out of her shell for the first time and learn about herself. Her and Kelsier's chemistry is very good too. Sanderson put a lot of care into deveoping these characters. Really liked the scenes where he's teaching her. The scenes where she goes to the balls are also great. Also, this series has the most epic backhand and most brutal backwards head-butt I've ever heard of. Can't wait to see what happens in this last book.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Sando just knows how to end a book in a satisfying way. Vin is amazing. I love her. The ball scenes are where I got the My Fair Lady vibe. Enjoy the finale! It's wild.

[@vaporiiz]

I think after I finish The Dark Tower & Wheel of Time this will be my next series to check out! *Edit* Just ordered 1-3! Excited for them to get here so I can hold them lol

[@solod2087]

I'm so excited for Mistborn March! I've been trying rope my husband into reading Sanderson for years, and this is the perfect lure! Neither of us have read any of the Mistborn books and he agreed to read them with me this month as we follow along. Just the other night he had the ebook, I had the hardback, and we both sat on the couch reading along with the audiobook! It was so much fun! We could stop and discuss like we do when we watch movies together! Thanks for inspiring really awesome quality time with my husband!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, I've tried to get my wife to read it but she just lost her drive for fantasy after being dicked around by GRRM for so many years.

[@danielnewton3759]

Love the Tindwyl and Sazed quotes.

[@samialawadhi2027]

Hi Mike, I love your videos. I’ve read all the books you’ve talked about and I have thought the same things you’ve said about each series. It’s a joy listening to a deep-thinking reader describe these amazing series in depth.

[@JLchevz]

Mike, I love that you have your own opinions and I think this makes your channel more authentic and trustworthy, never give in to the pressure of people wanting Booktubers to like everything they read, cause that's just impossible.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I will always honest with you guys.

[@boxoffrogs9712]

Oh wow, this is new, I've never seen an announcement of a premier before :D

[@mikesbookreviews]

I only like to release one video per day. 8am CST is the best time for me to navigate the chat after the kids are off to school.

[@samx7356]

Nice video man! KZbin needs more mistborn content. I'm starting Shadow of Self right now, really enjoying the Mistborn world

[@mikesbookreviews]

Seems most only want to talk Stormlight for Sanderson so I thought it would be a fun topic, especially since I haven't read era 2 yet.

[@seansmith8157]

Read final empire late last year and was one of my favorites. Thought the magic system was really fun and interesting. Recently picked up the second book. Pushing it up to the top of my TBR

[@mikesbookreviews]

I think that is a wise choice. Enjoy!

[@JZETH_]

I love that the magic system has consequences. You can't just bully your way through the entire story, although there are times when Vin is absolutely unstoppable lol

[@Mistborn94]

This absolutely my favorite series ever. My cousin lent me the Final Empire and I read it twice before I returned it to him. My stuff is has cosmere stuff all over it now.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah I can’t wait to re-read it.

[@Mistborn94]

@@mikesbookreviews I've read it countless time now lol. I saw this video and decided to give it a listen to on audiobook which is amazing btw

[@tomsativa]

I read Way of Kings last year and finished the Stormlight Archives. Really enjoyed them. Looking forward to reading Mistborn trilogy along with Sanderson's other works. I took a detour reading the Song of Ice and Fire books and now on the fourth Wheel of Time. So may be some time before I finally get to dig into these. Ty for the upload!

[@Devin_Davis]

I paused wheel of time and just started my re-reading of this series and I got a coworker to start it as well. Its mistborn march for a lot of us out there! Can't wait for the newest SLA in november!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad to hear new folks are still finding this series. It seems to get buried now due to the success of Stormlight.

[@Hadrian1616]

My only complaint is that I could only LIKE this video once. 👍👍👍

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha, thanks, Bubba.

[@davey_blue2739]

My favorite part of the second book was OreSeur. Didn’t expect to like him as much as I did. I have yet to finish the 3rd book. The second book was slow. I did really like the first book.

[@carole5648]

OreSeur is my fav too.

[@mikesbookreviews]

OreSeur was high on my list. Terrific character growth.

[@Limpshot_McGee]

I found OreSeur to be great comedy relief. When Vin catches him eating "aged" meat and she's like "That's rotten meat, OreSeur." And when he and Vin are in the middle of a meeting and Vin finds herself scratching OreSeur behind the ears out of instinct. "This is a strange feeling, mistress."

[@separator94]

Agreed. He had a great, dry sense of humor. Sometimes making me laugh just by a look he gave Vin.

[@elzed2667]

I’m not going to say it, but... prepare yourself.

[@GenuinelyCurious120]

Dammit Mike... I'll add it to the list. I've got an enormous reading list now thanks to you 😁

[@thesmuli83]

Thank you again for your great book review. The first Mistborn trilogy is a great series. The first 3 Sanderson books I read as they appeared. I read the first time in English and the second time in Finnish. Surprise Surprise I liked Era 2 books even more.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm looking forward to the era 2 books. If anyone can make me appreciate steampunk fantasy, it's Sanderson.

[@dynafire476]

i have read it and it is amazing!! Also if you haven't read them already the stormlight archives are brilliant as well.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Oh, I've read them. The whole Cosmere 2020 thing I'm doing is leading to the release of Rhythm of War in the fall.

[@emiloberg2110]

And i JUST finished HoA yesterday! What a ride! I’m so sad that it’s over, I miss it so much...... they were soooo gooood

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah it’s one of those that’s great because it didn’t get long in the tooth but you’re sad when it’s over.

[@rosseller2045]

I'm a little over halfway through the 1st book and I'm loving it. Should be able to keep up with your reviews pretty easy for this series. So far I'm really seeing what everyone is talking about with this series. I'll comment on your book 1 review with my thoughts. Great vid Mike!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you're checking it out. Such easy and fun reads.

[@joeytoker]

Been thinking of this series too. Almost done with The Way Of Kings the first book in the Stormlight Archives and its just fantastic. It has been great to discover some youtube reviewers recently to find new stuff to read. Subscribed. Enjoyed the intro.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you liked it. Mistborn is a ton of fun.

[@joeytoker]

@@mikesbookreviews Just bought the entire trilogy for a mere £14.99 happy as larry haha

[@mrsduncanthetall]

Mike your quotes openings are the best!!!!

[@bikash5706]

Hey Mike thanks for making this video, and I just love the intro. I know in one video you have mentioned how hurt you were when someone made a negative comments about it. I'll just say keep it becz I just love it.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha thanks. Not as much negative as just folks were encouraging others to skip the intros.

[@bikash5706]

@@mikesbookreviews Hey Mike thanks for reverting back to my comments, It felt nice when you get acknowledged. I'll just request you to make a detailed video of THE HERO OF AGES like you make for the first 2 books. I loved the series and the ending befuddled me. I'll really love to hear your detailed thoughts as well.

[@gooseboy6235]

Watching this made me remember how much I loved this series when I first read it. Makes me want to go back and do a re-read

[@mikesbookreviews]

Same!

[@evermoremystic17]

Thanks so much for Mike! I’ve been slowly collecting Brandon Sanderson books, and officially started Mistborn this week! It’s literally a cinematic experience, fantastic world building. The “my fair lady” reference is spot on 😆 - the taming of a certain street urchin is exactly that! Next up: The Stormlight Archive. Cannot wait to explore the Cosmere! Thanks for the “sales pitch” for this series! 😊

[@robertlechleitner9238]

I'm definitely one that holds Mistborn Era 1 in really high regard for multiple reasons. Back in 2008, shortly after I got into High school and the Harry Potter series ended I felt lost (as usual when you finish a series you grew up with, loved and don't want to leave). So one of my good friends (who's not generally a fantasy reader) kept praising The Mistborn trilogy and swearing it'll fill that void. It was an amazing ride! It not only introduced me to Sanderson and made him my favorite author but also opened my eyes to discover adult fantasy and all the different types of Fantasy subgenres.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I can certainly see someone who grew up with Harry Potter just EATING this series. I have a similar story with The First Law. But mine has a sadder ending because I've yet to find anything similar that has resonated in the same way. I'm not sure if I ever will.

[@robertlechleitner9238]

@@mikesbookreviews Well despite all it's ups and downs, Wheel of Time (Which I have yet to start) could be that next series once you finish it or who knows maybe Stormlight Archive (I'm about to start Book two) when it's finally wrapped up.

[@MJZA93]

I've read the first trilogy going on 4 times now and i'm still scared of spoilers cause i discover new things each time i read it... i think Sanderson has broken me xD

[@boxoffrogs9712]

Thoroughly enjoyed the start of this video, it was a delight and, because I've actually started reading it, I recognised what some of the illustrations were of :) This is my second attempt at starting the first book of the series. On the first attempt, I stalled at the first chapter feeling like I'd read something so similar before - so if that is you too, then I do recommend ignoring those feelings and carry on reading - but am sure that Mike has already convinced you to try. I'm hoping that, at some stage, I will start to understand just what Cosmere is and means. Thanks for an enjoyable watch and hope your arm feels better soon.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm reading all of these things and I'm still not clear on a lot of Cosmere things. It's extremely deep.

[@LeandroOliveira-jo3uu]

Just ordered the first book! Thanks :D

[@mikesbookreviews]

Enjoy!

[@JZETH_]

Ahhh did you finish it? What do you think about it?

[@LeandroOliveira-jo3uu]

@@JZETH_ Hey, thanks for asking :b atm I'm roughly 150 pages from the end! The beginning of the book is strong. I really enjoyed it right away. Likeable characters and good, easy to follow action. Midway through, the pace slows down a bit but the plot it still very much enticing and thrilling. Descriptions, although short, are enough for you to imagine everything clearly. The magic system is very interesting. World building is good. Now, reaching the last third of the book, action picks up again and I expect the last 100 pages of the book to be the most action packed yet. Overall I'm really enjoying it. Definitely picking up the rest and some other books from Sanderson! Thanks again @mike for the recommendation! :D

[@devinmccarthy7673]

Have such nostalgia listening to these audiobooks while cutting hay in the summer!

[@mikesbookreviews]

It's a highly nostalgic series for me.

[@tristaaaaaaaaa]

Llllooved the Mistborn Era 1 trilogy. My first Sanderson books. Blew me away!

[@mikesbookreviews]

It was really my first step into modern fantasy, so I'll always have a soft spot for it.

[@DaiShuryou]

I love the Mistborn series (especially the first trilogy). It's one of my favourite book series, but that first trilogies ending traumatized me. I will never forget how I went from "WHAT?" to "PLEASE NO" to "NOOOOOOOOOOOO" and then being speechless... And after I finished it there was no one around to talk with about my feelings XD

[@ravenbellebooks5665]

At first I wasn't sure I wanted to read them because of the length, but I fly through them so fast! I'll be finishing Well of Ascension next week!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Page. Turners.

[@mariacifarelli4204]

Mike you’re killing me! I’m up to book 6 of WOT books and I’m reading Oathbringer and now I can’t wait to start Mistbourn 🤣🤣🤣

[@mikesbookreviews]

My job here is done.

[@zinith4524]

Funny you mentioned YA, because the trilogy has a printing under Tor's YA imprint in 2014. It's so bizarre seeing the same books in two different sections in Barnes & Noble

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, that's unique.

[@AmandaPelland]

Mike! I've had this series on my book shelves for far too long. I just started reading The Final Empire, first act and I'm already blown away! I needed this book, the way Brandon writes Pulled me in (no pun intended). I'm embarrassed to say this is my First book I'm reading by Brandon, wow, where was I?

[@AmandaPelland]

Yeah! Mistborn March! I have the trilogy and on my TBR for 2020.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It's good times. Enjoy.

[@HeroOfTwilight1]

My best friend has been a HUGE fan of Brandon Sanderson for years and has been begging me to read his books. Me being the stubborn person I am avoided it but this review is making me change my mind. I tried listening to way of kings but that was 45 hours long and I only got like a 4th of the way through and got really confused. I’m thinking about giving these books a shot though thanks

[@christopherwalls2763]

Great job as always

[@briangallagher3106]

I was dying to read Stormlight but decided to read wheel of time first. So I read mistborn 1 first. Honestly I was very disappointed. Maybe I expected too much from it I don’t know, it was very adolescent for my liking. I haven’t read part 2 or 3 so I can’t speak for them when I finish wheel of time I’ll pick up Stormlight with lower expectations so maybe that will grab me more. I still have 10 books to go in WOT though so I’ll be taking my time.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Stormlight is night and day difference from Mistborn. It's way more in that modern WoT style.

[@LeonC0704]

ok FINE I'LL BUY IT!

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

I'm encouraged enough now, just picked up book 1 wish me luck!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Been dying to read Stormlight but know most recommend Mistborn first to intro properly to the Cosmere. Wasn't super excited for Mistborn but after this I'm actually rather hype. Once I finish off all of Abercrombie's work I think it's Mistborn time!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Just make sure to check those expectations after First Law. It's not even close to the same. Enjoy!

[@joshhoehne8281]

Just curious if you're planning on adding Mistborn: Secret History to your Era 1 "coverage"? I really enjoyed the different perspective and insight the novella added to the overall storyline...

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'll be doing it with the era 2 coverage since folks told me it spoils some things in that series.

[@animalia5554]

What about the short story, The Eleventh Metal? It’s something he wrote for the publication of Mistborn Adventure Game so it’s not to... But still you might want to give it shot as it’s in Arcanum Unbounded.

[@joshhoehne8281]

animalia555 - Pretty sure I've seen Arcanum Unbounded on his bookshelf in the background, so I'd presume he has/will.

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@animalia5554 Yeah, I'm doing 11th Metal. Should wrap it into my Hero of Ages review.

[@teambellavsteamalice]

Interesting, someone recommended the series/writer so I looked for a spoiler free review. I have a bunch of books on my to do list still, but I'll definitely check them out.

[@rodrigonovais4712]

dude.. your fucking intros... made me almost cry remembering this first time I got a Sanderson book... if you happen to realize your audio book dream, I promise, will be the first I listen to

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thank you so much

[@johnyoungerman1857]

HI Mike...Thx for the Review....I ordered and it just arrived The Mistborn Trilogy (18,99€). It was the Stormlight Archive and a couple of attached books that Kind of turned me off to Sanderson. I will happily give the 3 books a go. I will let ya know what I think About em on this thread when finished. Cheers

[@mikesbookreviews]

Shame to hear you didn't like Stormlight. Hope this is more what you're looking for.

[@gaberodriguez4023]

Ha, my ranking is the exact opposite of yours, lol. My favorite is Well of Ascension, then Final Empire, then Hero of Ages. Really looking forward to your individual reviews and chatting about these with you.

[@mikesbookreviews]

You know, on a re-read these things might change.

[@divyesh94]

loved all 3 of them but the last one blew my mind

[@mikesbookreviews]

That ending still gets me.

[@JZETH_]

Just finished my first read of ERA 1 and my lord! That finale in HoA. Holy bajeeezus

[@mikesbookreviews]

Wild, isn’t it?

[@Kayla-ey7zg]

I finally read this and for some reason I could not bring myself to care about most of the characters. I think this book is aimed at people reading for the magic system and combat more than world and character building.

[@kaladin7487]

I'm reading stormlight right now, probably would have been better to read mistborn first but hey I'll go for it right after I finish oathbringer!

[@mikesbookreviews]

It will seem light by comparison, but still of high quality.

[@Merrick]

Loved these books, yeah they're not perfect, still highly enjoyable. Very accessible, easy reading. Book 1 is my favourite. Guess I'll have to wait for spoiler videos to get into specifics. I had vivid dreams of coin jumping around the city when i first read it. Not exactly YA, a little more so than WoT, which has some pg-13 moments. for what it is, it's an awesome series; some great characters, some good arcs (some not so good). I can see how the endings irked some readers, but even if you really dislike them the journey there is still worthwhile. It's like the opposite of a WoT slog. I personally did not mind endings. Easy 4/5 stars

[@mikesbookreviews]

Agree on all points. There was never a sloggy moment where I didn't want to see what happened next. And now that I've come to appreciate his political storytelling all the more, I'm sure WoA would be better re-reading now.

[@DanielFiala]

I love Brandon Sanderson and I love this series, and his ability to regularly put out work is a big part of why he's my favorite current fantasy author. Patrick Rothfuss and GRRM both captivate me just sligggghtly more-per-novel, but their inability to keep it up leaves Sanderson as my favorite overall.

[@mikesbookreviews]

If going by quality + quantity, I don’t think it’s even close. He’s running laps around everyone right now.

[@DanielFiala]

@@mikesbookreviews Agreed. It's insane!

[@wowfreak141]

I actually just finished The Hero of Ages of ages four days ago and the Mistborn series definitely took a slot in my top favorite fantasies, I plan to start era 2 once they arrive in the mail 👀

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, I'm very much looking forward to era 2.

[@animalia5554]

Mike's Book Reviews Only doenside to Era two is that Book 4 (The Lost Metal) is not out yet. So when you read it keep in mind that Brandon originally wrote The Allow of Law (Book 1) as a way to stretch his bones, but liked the characters enough to decide to write three more books in Era 2. Books 2-4 are planned to have more of story arc, (though again book 4 isn’t out yet) and you could say that The Alloy Of Law is kind of a “Prologue book for lack of a better term. One more thing. In era two the scale is dialed back to be more man v man then in era one. So adjust your expectations accordingly. I just wanted to give you the heads up, in case this might impact your potential enjoyment.

[@wowfreak141]

animalia555 animalia555 I’ve heard a lot of people say the same, I think (and hope) I’ll enjoy the change in tone and lower stakes. I’m hoping it’ll feel like a small break before I get into the Stormlight Archive (and maybe Elantris, not sure yet when I plan to read it).

[@animalia5554]

@@wowfreak141 No problem. The warning is for both you and mike. I personally enjoy era two a lot.

[@FranArg20]

maaan hope you read at this point the stormlight archive, amazing book! (even better than mistborn!)

[@kirillzakharov7336]

I just finished reading the Final Empire. Took me a week. An excellent series, epic magic system, great worldbuilding, fascinating story.(I am 16)

[@windfire5380]

I appreciate many of your PoVs. I'm very similar. Nostalgia plays a real role. I'm not interested in modern politics or agenda i the slightest. I will say I'm not as fond as grey characters--sure, everyone has flaws and I'm not looking for perfect--but I'm also not interested in evil being good and good being evil. The Mistborn series was very fun. Being careful on spoilers--it does flip a few normal fantasy elements on it's head. I liked that--but the characters were good.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Nostalgia played a key role but I still think it's a wonderful series.

[@mulf4812]

Mi first entry to Sanderson was Elantris it was... Actually i don't remember pretty well (need a reread) but was good. Then I read Mistborn and oh boy was the final nail on my coffin, now I'm so invested on this that I don't say Dalinar I say DADDYNAR.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Elantris was fine, just not up to expectations when reading it after Stormlight and Mistborn. At least for me.

[@BeccaJay]

Ppl should read cause it’s awesome and has an EPIC mind blowing ending. I literally had withdrawals when I finished.

[@mikesbookreviews]

This is a much easier sales pitch. Everyone should read this.

[@BeccaJay]

Mike's Book Reviews 😃

[@mikepicioli1100]

Yes! Love me some Mistborn! Breeze is the best! I'm currently reading the powder mage trilogy by brian mcclellan, and it feels like a borderline rip off of mistborn.. so I look up the guy and turns out he was Sanderson's apprentice, so now it feels like a hommage and I'm digging it👍

[@mikesbookreviews]

Breeze is such a hoot. I imagined him as Eddie Izzard while reading and it was such an enjoyable role.

[@SithCats]

Mistborn was among the first Sanderson books I read (well technically, I read his Wheel of Time books first, followed by Warbreaker, but THEN Mistborn). It's a solid series, but it does also have its flaws. I think in his earlier books, Sanderson was more skilled at developing magic systems and extrapolating worlds from them than he was at writing characters, and I think that's very apparent in this series. Many of the secondary characters have kind of one-note personalities, and even major characters like Vin feel a bit flat. I think there's a definite and marked improvement from earlier books like the Mistborn trilogy to later books like the Stormlight series or the Wax & Wayne books. Which is not to say Mistborn isn't good - it is.

[@PhoenixBlade]

I thought the magic system was pretty easy to understand, especially since it describes what burning each metal is doing in the scene.

[@lauraflores1482]

Hey Mike, I personally love that Mistborn is PG-13. I have a nephew who just devoured this series and we need something for the advanced teen group. I would love more recommendations like this. Love your reviews!!

[@carlotruppi3314]

I have the same “anxiety” as you regarding finished series because of ASOIAF but recently read Stormlight Archive books and they are unbelievable. Book 4 comes out in Nov and Sanderson is not going to stop there. It is a 10 book series, but like Mistborn, there are 2 distinct 5 book parts that will feel like finished series themselves. Oh, and btw, Mistborn is amazing as well.

[@mikesbookreviews]

The part of that story I didn’t add was I read Stormlight immediately after this because I loved it so much and was content doing so with Sanderson because he writes so quickly.

[@judyjude]

great review. made me want to reread it. just a bit sad im missing hero of ages in my shelf, and still havent read warbreaker. gotta get to that one

[@alynam82]

I went into this thinking YA, but the steel inquisition proved otherwise. They were what hooked me

[@turtleanton6539]

I will try these

[@mikesbookreviews]

Enjoy!

[@brad0men]

crazy! maybe only because im one book in, but i never imagined the mist cloaks like this. Maybe i missed something but i imagined them more like lord of the rings with a clasp or a pin (wood painted) or something.

[@jumperszijnirritant]

I recently finished this trilogy, and I think you're spot on with the points you make! A lot of things I wouldn't even think about mentioning but when you said them I was like 'OH YEAH THAT'S RIGHT!' And I just read them, can't imagine giving such a good intro if I read them 3 years ago, so hats off to you. I just bought the first book of Era II but can't wait to start the Stormlight Archive to be honest. Some people have said that I must read Warbreaker before book 2 or 3 of SA, so I thought I might as well read Era II, Elantris, Warbreaker and Arcanum Unbounded before I begin SA, that way I'm probably just done with the 3rd book by the time the 4rd is published. Anyway, really enjoy your videos!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I just finished Warbreaker and I'll say you don't have to read it before SLA, but you'll catch some things you wouldn't have. It's that way with all his Cosmere books now.

[@kyleboon11]

Sanderson is definitely in my top 2 current fantasy authors. The other is Robin Hobb.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I’m looking forward reading Hobb for the first time next year.

[@Chewbaccafruit]

Kelsier is one of my favorite characters in all of fiction

[@wheelchazeal8089]

I’ve been wanting to know where to start Sanderson now that I’ve finished Wheel of Time. Mistborn it is.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Jake Chaussee Wonderful choice!

[@danielsan2349]

Mike does the best intro's!

[@firefly5677]

I'll try to explain why I think Final Empire is YA, but I'm not great with words. Beware minor spoilers. Final Empire is the gap between YA and adult fantasy. While it has dark themes, lots of violence, and a more mature story, it still feels like a YA book. The viewpoint of Vin is my main example. The romance between her and Elend is the #1 example, but her character development, the coming of age tale, and her interactions with the crew is what makes it have a YA feel. I also think book 1 is the only one with the YA feel. Books 2 and 3 are much more adult fantasy Just to clarify, I don't think the YA description is bad at all. In fact, I think Mistborn is the perfect series for young people to transition from YA to adult fantasy since the first book rides that line

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

This series just needed more. I read book 1 and it didn’t click. I wanted depth and more world building. Slower pacing. The smiling and frowning descriptions were exhausting. Then I started wheel of time. I’m nearly finished with book 5.

[@invaderzod8092]

If you got your poster signed by Sanderson then it was technically signed by Shallan too in a way.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Invaderzod 🤔

[@JLchevz]

I didn't want to finish it, because I read TFE and I didn't love it, but hell, I'll finish it because this video made me really want to finish it XD

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

I hesitated a while before reading because my concept of the magic system seemed hokey to me as a concept. A coworker read and kept suggesting I give it a shot and I enjoyed the series, with book 1 being my favorite and book 3 being my least favorite. I think I read them around the same time as you did, so I have forgotten smaller details. I will check out your individual reviews for a refresher.

[@heroruiz1725]

I finished the mistborn trilogy not that long ago and i really liked

[@mikesbookreviews]

It's a fun ride.

[@ThatSayYou]

When it comes to politics in fantasy I like when they borrow from ideas from political and economic theory. I just don't like when they're like okay now this one is America. And this one is Great Britain. This is about Brexit. This one country is like Russia and this is about the Cold War. I like when themes are borrowed from history but I dont want a moment to moment recreation.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I agree. If you want to push your ideals of socialism or capitalism into a story or something, okay. But I don't need political allegory of Nixon or Trump or Thatcher or Boris Johnson. I want to escape into my fantasy and these types of things just pull me out of the story.

[@ThatSayYou]

@@mikesbookreviews Exactly. I think one of the beautiful things about fantasy is that you can explore the themes of our society through the lens of taking place in a context that is different from our world. I think looking at it in a different perspective teaches you even more about the idea as a whole. Whether it be equal rights, environmental issues, slavery, religion, etc. I think looking at how these issues face a world different from mine gives me a greater understanding of these issues or at least is more interesting to read. Thats why fantasy that takes place in our world can be trickier to get right. Or to not come off as kind of cheesy.

[@ThatSayYou]

@@mikesbookreviews Love your videos btw. I really enjoy your longer reviews.

[@meganega123]

I really didn't care about anything that happened and was just happy I made it to the end. I found the maguc system to be very annoying

[@Law-of-EnTropy]

I'm almost past half of WoA and you know what? I'm gonna disagree with the usual (maybe general) opinion of WoA, saying it's too slow on its pacing or that it lacks action. Maybe I'm too soon to say this, but nah, I love what's Brandon is trying to do with book 2. He had shown us what he can with Book 1, now he's just building up from where he left. There's tension, slowly creeping to explode at my face, and I would wait for that for as long as people say this book drags on and on. Personally, that's how I like reading series.

[@turtleanton6539]

What is WoA

[@Law-of-EnTropy]

@@turtleanton6539 Well of Ascension, 2nd book of Mistborn, should have indicated that.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I enjoy it but I know it is a common criticism. The whole deal with (no spoilers) Cett in book two was holy shit moments. I think in a post Game of Thrones world, casual readers are much more into political maneuverings in fantasy than they used to be.

[@Law-of-EnTropy]

@@mikesbookreviews I just got to Cett's part of the story and I'm excited how this plays out, considering how it started. Also, I guess that's why I loved Warbreaker so much. Going into the book, I half expected it to be full of action but as I went to realize it lean more on the political side of things, I ended up loving it more. The intrigue and the whole "how are they gonna get out of this situation?" feel had me more pumped than reading action. But! I must say, Brandon's writing of action is one of the BEST I've seen, and I will not disregard that. Which is why I'm just waiting for the build up, because I know (intuitively) how it's gonna end up, I just wanna know how.