“Mistborn”
Genre: High fantasy, Romance
Available in: Paperback, eBook, Google Play Books and Audiobook
Published: July 17, 2006
Trigger Warnings: War, abuse, genocide, gore, murder, prostitution, rape (mentioned), slavery, torture

Rating: 7 / 10 Stars 

In a world blighted with ash, an immortal Lord Ruler governs with an iron fist. A Skaa (slave) named Kelsier has put together the most masterful criminals of the underworld to target the unthinkable and untargetable, the Divine Deposit. But even with the best crew ever assembled, his plan is far off from working. Until he meets Vin, a half-Skaa orphan, a mistborn like him who has never dreamed she can be more than just gutter trash. With their powers combined, will they be able to pull off the heist of the century? Can Vin overcome her checkered past and trust in others once more? 

“Mistborn” is a must read for high fantasy enjoyers, but it’s conflicting on a metapersonal level. This is author Brandon Sanderson’s first standout novel and the novel that skyrocketed him to fame. In certain areas of the book, it is a well-written and an engaging read but other areas of the book drag and fall behind. The language choice of the book is simple and to the point. Nothing too flowery and over the top but that can hinder the narrative and novel as a whole. 

What uplifts this sentiment is the “Mistborn” magic system. The entire thing is based upon metallurgy which is incredibly compelling and inventive. Every ability encountered is unique to the worldbuilding of the novel and expressive in the way it’s described in working. It makes a reader appreciate the time in thought put into every word. 

Outside of the heist plot, Mistborn feels unoriginal—but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It serves as a great entry point for readers new to high fantasy and the expansive worlds author Brandon Sanderson has created, though he has written stronger works. However, skipping Mistborn may lead to confusion with later plots, as it is the first book in a trilogy and ties into adjacent series like “The Stormlight Archive” which is set in the same Cosmere universe.Outside of the heist plot, “Mistborn” feels unoriginal. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It is a great starting point for readers being introduced to high fantasy and the worlds that the author Brandon Sanderson has cultivated, but he has better. Yet, without reading “Mistborn”, readers will be confused about later plots as this book is one of a trilogy, and might be confused in some stories told in adjacent series like the “Stormlight Archive” which is set in the same world of Cosmere. 

Additionally, the triggers may seem excessive but they are done tastefully in the context of the story. 

Overall, this novel earned a 7/10 and should be a must read for anyone wanting to be introduced to high fantasy reads.