Starting Points: Mistborn (The Final Empire)

Sanderson’s take on Bridgerton is a perfect first step into the Cosmere

Three Beginnings for the Price of One

My recommendation of Mistborn: The Final Empire is slightly different from my previous 'Starting Points' articles, which prioritized highlighting gentle and thoughtful first steps into the world of speculative fiction as a whole. If you're entirely new to science fiction & fantasy, I'd recommend checking out those on either The Thief or Piranesi first.

But there's nothing wrong with diving right in to Mistborn either – especially if you have some background in spy/heist thrillers, mysteries, historical fiction and the like. It's a book that manages to both exemplify many common themes of speculative fiction and conjure a wonderfully unique setting that will forever set it apart.

Luthadel Ball, by Scarvo

It is also the first book of the (theoretically, only seven are out so far) sixteen-book Mistborn saga, Sanderson's goal for which is to explore the effects of his magic system on three (now five) eras of human technological development.

Finally, it is Sanderson's recommended starting point in his Cosmere reading order. His books are becoming more and more interconnected of late, meaning sticking to just one series is getting more difficult. Thankfully the Cosmere is excellent, as you'll quickly find if you decide to give Mistborn: The Final Empire a go.

(The book has been published as Mistborn, Mistborn: The Final Empire and The Final Empire, I'll stick to the first from here on out!)

Minor thematic spoilers ahead as I share what I love about the novel and what makes it well worth a read nearly two decades after its 2006 publication.

Vin, by Dealunart

One Last Job, for a Cause

Mistborn takes place in The Final Empire (who'd have guessed?), a cruel world of choking ash and brutal oppression under a mysterious immortal tyrant known only as The Lord Ruler. The nobility rule in his shadow, living in luxury and opulence off the toil and suffering of the enslaved Skaa; both groups believing the nobility are genetically ordained to be superior due to their stature and occasional access to metal-related magic, called allomancy.

Mistborn Opening Scene, by Francis Goeltner

Sanderson took inspiration for this imbalanced world from pre-Revolution France (also why there are so many French-sounding names). Though still a sad norm in 2006, this also means the cast is almost entirely white – especially frustrating compared to his diversity in The Stormlight Archive, begun just four years later. But that is a real part of speculative fiction's history, so at least you'll get a genuine genre experience.

So, what do you do when your people are dying under the shimmering heels of the aristocracy; when you've barely escaped hell on [Scadrial] and finally have the means to fight back?

You plan a fun heist, of course! (And socialize at some lavish balls that would put Bridgerton to shame.)

Kelsier's Crew, by Katie Payne

Heists are great. Recruiting, scouting, planning, improvising when things go wrong and glorying in the clever twist to end it off. Somehow pulling a heist in an oppressive, apocalyptic city with stylish magic against nigh-unbeatable overlords makes this one even better.

The crew is excellent, though Vin being the only girl is another annoying reminder of this genre's history. (Thankfully, Sanderson has his eye on this issue as he plans for Mistborn adaptations.) Kelsier is a charismatic leader and mentor to Vin, Breeze and Ham are funny while having hearts of gold, Dockson and Marsh are intelligent and carry a weight of history on their shoulders.

Sazed, by Shuravf

But Sazed, the lone foreigner in the story whose Terris people are treated somehow worse than the Skaa, is up among the best characters – full stop. Philosophical and resourceful, Sazed's calm and responsibility play a significant role in balancing Kelsier's tendency toward passionate action and in guiding Vin as she enters their world.

Into the Mists

This book is a triumph of atmospheric worldbuilding and tension, of heart-wrenching moments and of successfully implementing a unique, rigid magic system. I highly recommend you give it a try!

Vin at Kredik Shaw, by Evan Monteiro

The audiobook is currently included with Spotify Premium, the details of which you can find in my article on getting the most out of that feature! If you've already ventured into the Cosmere or are curious about what else it has to offer, I've previously written about Dalinar, Transhumanism in the Cosmere, predicting Wind and Truth, explaining Stormlight titles and in reference to recent events.

I plan to feature another Cosmere novel, Tress of the Emerald Sea, as an alternate Starting Point in the future – partly since Brandon has also recommended it as the place to begin.

Whatever you're reading, enjoy! Until next time <3