Mistborn Trilogy (Series Summary)

An Epic Fantasy Series Review

Author: Brandon Sanderson
Genre: Epic Fantasy, Science Fantasy, Heroes, 16+
Series: Mistborn Trilogy
Publisher: Tor Fantasy
Book Reviews of: Mistborn: The Final Empire - The Well of Ascension - The Hero of Ages

There are three main characters in this adventure. Vin is a child of the streets, abandoned by her brother, fighting to survive as a member of a brutal street gang. Elend is a prince, privileged, spoiled, rebellious, he is a scholar with lots of book sense but little practical experience. Kelsier is a thief, assassin, rebel, magic wielder, and eternal optimist; he is determined to destroy the oppressive and evil Lord Ruler. These three unlikely heroes must join together to bring down a government that has ruled and oppressed for 1000 years and somehow kill a "God" in the process.

Brandon Sanderson said about Mistborn that he had two main goals, to explore the premise of what would happen if evil actually won and to create a unique magic system. He succeeded in both. He also said that the main theme was "never give up" and for the most part, he succeeded in that too. The world he creates is suitably dark and depressing. The various creatures and races are just as unique as his well-developed magic systems and the characters are varied and well fleshed out.

I really enjoyed this series. It was a refreshing change from traditional Epic Fantasy. Sanderson does a masterful job of plotting this story out. He gives hints constantly, and then gives answers that only lead to more questions. He uses brief chapter prefaces to deliver back-story, which only heightens your curiosity. He also explores issues like trust, faith, and loyalty and explores the fine line between good and evil. The result is a deep story that will keep you thirsty for answers and turning pages long into the night.

I liked the characters, strangely, I liked the secondary characters more then the mains. There was not anything wrong with the main characters, I just personally identified more with some of the secondaries. All of the characters are well developed with individual personalities and voices and then grow, which is one of the things I look for in really good characters. The magic systems are a joy. There are three distinct systems, all based on using metals in various ways. You will not see spells or incantations, Sanderson's magic systems are truly different and loosely science based. The worldbuilding is equally well done. The world he creates is just what I would expect from a world ruled by evil forces, only with a few surprises thrown it.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who wants to read an Epic Fantasy that is different and very satisfying. The story is so deep that different readers are going to come away from it with different impressions. The characters or the magic systems will enthrall some, others will love the physiological and philosophical elements - as I did- or will enjoy the adventure and mystery. For more information (but not too much!), I suggest reading the individual reviews.

Read an Interview with Brandon Sanderson Brandon Sanderson: Website - Live Journal - Facebook Similar Reads from LibraryThing Available in Kindle and Ebook See individual reviews for more information.