Can you imagine what will happen if a bad guy or a villain wins? And gets to rule an entire empire? Indeed, it will be a recipe for pure chaos. So the books of Mistborn Era 1 have taken the concept of how the world will survive and what would happen if the lousy guy won.
It is a story of rebellion, twists and turns, evil forces at play, and a unique magic system. So, here’s a spoiler-free review of Mistborn Era 1 books.
About Mistborn Era 1 Books Trilogy
Title: Mistborn
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy
Publisher: Tor Books
Type: Series
No. of Books: 3
Books in it: #1 The Final Empire, #2 The Well of Ascension, #3 The Hero of Ages
Living isn’t easy in a world where ash falls from the sky. Vin has been living in the street since her brother betrayed her and has always led a terrible life. The Lord Ruler controls the entire kingdom where the rich people enjoy his favoritism, and the skaa has to go through horrible punishments. People have always been scared of the mists. Kelsier, the survivor of the pit, hates the Lord Ruler so much that he’ll do anything to overthrow him. Him, being a Mistborn, is also a plus. Moreover, for this task, he recruits the underworld’s elite, the most competent and trustworthy allomancers, each of whom shares one of his many powers and relishes a high-stakes challenge. So, can this group of misfits bring down the divine despot? Or will they all die trying?
Review of Mistborn Era 1 Books Trilogy
So, imagine this: you open a book, and the first line you read is, “Ash fell from the sky.” I mean, how could you not be hooked from that? That’s exactly how I felt when I started Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson. I’m a huge fan of his work in general, but this series? It’s on a whole different level for me. And then, when I came across the line, “Belief isn’t simply a thing for fair times and bright days…What is belief – what is faith – if you don’t continue in it after failure,” I was done for. Like, how could I not fall in love with this trilogy after that?
This series has everything. We’re talking about a perfectly crafted world that feels a bit bleak and hopeless, but not without some awesome magic and a ragtag group of misfits trying to pull off the impossible. There’s mystery, action, and even though it’s over 500 pages long, it flies by.
One thing I really appreciate about Sanderson’s writing is how accessible it is. He’s got this straightforward style that makes it so easy to picture exactly what’s happening. His magic systems? Yeah, they’re complex—but the way he explains them, you’re never left scratching your head. Plus, he nails the balance between character interactions and worldbuilding.
And speaking of characters, Sanderson is a master at creating people you just can’t help but get attached to. They’re not perfect; they’ve got their flaws and struggles, some of which touch on mental health in a really real way. And let’s talk about the humor. Even in the middle of all the chaos, he slips in these moments of humor that don’t feel forced. It’s like, yeah, the situation’s tense, but it doesn’t mean you can’t laugh.
Now, if you’re into a story with a steady build, this is your jam. Sure, it starts a bit slow as Sanderson sets everything up, but once things start rolling, it’s action-packed and full of character growth. And that ending? It shattered my heart into a million little pieces, but I’m not even mad. It’s bittersweet, but it’s the perfect wrap-up. You get so attached to these characters, and by the end, even though it hurts, it feels right.
Mistborn Era 1: #1 The Final Empire
About the Book
Title: The Final Empire
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Tor Books
Pages 541
Goodreads rating: 4.5/5
For thousands of years, ash fell from the sky. Skaa lived their lives in misery, fear, and poverty. The Lord Ruler was considered the ultimate power of being and reigned with absolute terror and invisibility. But things are about to change when Kelsier, a broken skaa with the powers of the Mistborn, and his band of misfits, come together for the ultimate heist. The plan is to overthrow Lord Ruler. Kelsier recruits the best underworld elite and comes along a ragged girl named Vin, who, like Kelsier, is a half-skaa with the powers of the Mistborn. Together, they will be the biggest heist in history, but will they succeed?
Why do we recommend this book?
This was hands down one of the best heist stories I’ve ever read. The characters? Oh, they’re a wild mix of strong, admirable, and totally selfish. But you know what? In a brutal world like theirs, you have to be selfish to survive. And I’m here for it. Vin, especially—she’s one of the most assertive, badass female leads ever. Seriously, she could teach a class on being fierce. Her mentor-student dynamic with Kelsier? Chef’s kiss. They’re both fun and admirable, and honestly, their relationship alone makes the book a must-read. This is the book that kicks off Mistborn Era 1, and trust me, it’s worth every page.
Rating: 5/5
Recommendation: Absolutely, YES. If you love heist stories, you’ll love this one.
Mistborn Era 1: #2 The Well of Ascension
About the Book
Title: The Well of Ascension
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Tor Books
Pages: 590
Goodreads rating: 4.4/5
This book follows precisely after the events of the first book. Now the impossible has been achieved. The crew is now left with the most critical task of building an empire. Vin, the former street urchin, is now the most powerful Mistborn in the land. Every world needs a god to help them survive, and Vin is their new ruler. However, she is uncomfortable with the stories going around about her. Though they might have achieved the impossible, enemies still knock on their doors. As the siege of Luthadel tightens, an ancient legend offers a glimmer of hope. But even if it really exists, people need help finding the Well of Ascension or what manner of power it bestows.
Why do we recommend this book?
Alright, confession time—The Well of Ascension? My favorite. I know, I know. People love the action-packed chaos of book one, but hear me out: this one slows things down, and I mean in the best way. After the adrenaline rush of the first book, it’s kind of nice to take a breather and focus on what happens after the dust settles. It dives deep into the characters’ relationships and growth, and honestly? The character arcs are so satisfying. Sure, the pace isn’t breakneck, but Sanderson’s writing is still super smooth and flies by. If you’re into character development and seeing where everyone ends up after the madness, this book is gonna be your jam.
Rating: 5/5
Recommendation: 100%. You need to see your favorite characters grow and handle the responsibilities.
Mistborn Era 1: #3 The Hero of Ages
About the Book
Title: The Hero of Ages
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Tor Books
Pages: 572
Goodreads rating: 4.5/5
Who is the Hero of Ages? After what happened at the end of the second book, Vin and her crew need to save the world, which seems to be dying. Emperor Elend Venture hopes to find clues left behind by the Lord Ruler that will allow him to save the world. Unfortunately, Vin is consumed with guilt about how she helped escape the mystic force Ruin and how Ruin is now dead set on finishing the world. Together, Vin and Elend will have to find a way, or the freedom and world they fought so hard for will be gone.
Why do we recommend this book?
Prepare yourself emotionally. The Hero of Ages hit me right in the feels—I’m talking heartache, tears, the whole emotional rollercoaster. Sanderson doesn’t hold back when it comes to killing off major characters, and I was on edge the entire time, terrified for all my faves. The ending? Bittersweet, but so well-earned. It ties everything together in a way that’s satisfying yet still tugs at your heartstrings. Plus, there are these moments that are just pure warmth, like a hug for your soul. Every second of this book is a ride, and I loved all of it.
Rating: 5/5
Recommendation: Are you kidding? Of course. Please read the whole trilogy.
Conclusion
Rating: 5 / 5
Recommendation: Definitely!! I honestly want to keep reading the books of Mistborn Era 1 repeatedly, even after all the heartache.
About the Author
Brandon Sanderson was born in 1975 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He has always enjoyed reading, even as a kid. However, he lost interest in the types of titles often suggested to him, and by junior high, he never cracked a book if he could help it. This hanged when an eighth-grade teacher gave him Dragonsbane by Barbara Hambly. He is the only author to make the shortlist for the David Gemmell Legend Award s x times in four years; Brandon won that award in 2011 for The Way of Kings. In addition, the Emperor’s Soul won the 2013 Hugo Award for Best Novella. He has appeared on the New York Times Best-Seller List multiple times, with five novels hitting the #1 spot. He currently lives in Utah with his wife and children and teaches creative writing at Brigham Young University.
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