The Mistborn trilogy is a significant milestone in the fantasy genre, yet 16 years post-release of The Hero of Ages, several critical assessments arise regarding the series. Brandon Sanderson’s initial three books in the Mistborn saga showcase his mastery of intricate magic systems, immersive world-building, and multifaceted characters. It’s no surprise that Mistborn ranks among the most recognized entries in Sanderson’s Cosmere universe, likely qualifying as a modern classic within fantasy literature.
However, akin to any literary series, Mistborn Era 1 harbors its own flaws. Although Sanderson’s work generally stands strong through time, revisiting these novels after many years reveals several stark truths about the narrative and its potential cinematic adaptation.
8 Kelsier’s Early Exit Leaves a Mark
His Absence Creates a Narrative Void
Kelsier emerges as a standout character in Mistborn: The Final Empire. His demise leaves a palpable void in the storyline. While both Kelsier and Vin serve as primary characters in the opening volume, Kelsier symbolizes the essence of the revolutionary spirit in Era 1. Although Vin evolves significantly throughout The Final Empire and assumes control of the narrative in subsequent volumes, the impact of Kelsier’s absence is deeply felt, imparting a different atmosphere to the later segments of the series.
Despite the ongoing strengths of the series post-Kelsier’s climactic scene with the Lord Ruler, saying farewell to his character remains a poignant transition for readers. Kelsier’s death plays a crucial role—albeit contradicted in later Cosmere developments—yet this emotional farewell can be disappointing during a re-read. His significance to Mistborn Era 1 is irrefutable, and while his legacy lingers in memory, it pales compared to his vibrant presence.
7 Vin and the “Not Like Other Girls”Trope
Vin’s Struggle with Femininity
Vin’s characterization often falls into the “not like other girls”trope, a notion increasingly scrutinized in contemporary fantasy narratives. Though Vin’s portrayal reflects the era’s cultural context, she is not alone in rejecting traditional femininity in 2000s fantasy literature. Vin’s journey towards self-acceptance, particularly in The Well of Ascension, marks her growth beyond clichés, yet her path remains imperfect.
Moreover, Vin’s limited interactions with other female characters further highlight this trope. Tindwyl stands out as one of the few significant female figures in her life, while Vin’s potential rapport with Allriane never fully blooms, and her relationship with Shan Elariel is stunted for various reasons. This lack of representation for female friendships creates an inadequate backdrop for Vin’s perspective on other women, revealing another critical facet of the Mistborn trilogy.
6 Insufficient Representation of Female Characters
Acknowledgment from Brandon Sanderson
While Mistborn Era 1 features compelling characters, it struggles with female representation. Kelsier’s crew is predominantly male, with a noticeable lack of prominent female figures, including the antagonists and supporting roles. This oversight is one of the notable gaps in the original trilogy, which Sanderson himself recognized during a book signing event for Arcanum Unbounded.
Fortunately, Sanderson addresses this issue in Mistborn Era 2, which features a more diverse cast of female characters—even with a male protagonist leading the narrative. While the absence of strong female roles does not overshadow the overall impact of the original trilogy, it is increasingly evident in an age where fantasy literature strives for inclusive storytelling.
5 Offbeat Relationship Dynamics
Common Age Gaps Create Distracting Dynamics
While romantic subplots exist within the original Mistborn trilogy, not all relationships feel well-crafted. Vin and Elend share the most substantial and relatable connection, yet certain elements surrounding their age difference may not resonate well with contemporary readers. The miscommunication trope featured in The Well of Ascension may also frustrate audiences.
The dynamics between Breeze and Allriane further complicate matters, showcasing an age gap that significantly outweighs that of Vin and Elend. Additionally, the implications of potential romantic feelings between Vin and Kelsier create discomfort due to their extensive difference in age. Although the heartwarming themes of found family shine through, the romantic relationships in Mistborn often lack the depth and nuance we expect from modern storytelling.
4 Villains Lacking Depth
Need for Nuance in Characters like the Lord Ruler & Straff Venture
Throughout Mistborn Era 1, the stakes remain high, but the series would benefit from more complex antagonists. Many villains appear rather one-dimensional, embodying pure evil without significant development. While the character of Ruin aptly fits this caricature, others, such as the Lord Ruler and Straff Venture, could be augmented with depth and complexity. Though readers don’t necessarily need to empathize with villains, exploring their inner motivations would enhance the narrative significantly.
Even minor antagonists like Jastes Lekal present opportunities for richer backstories. His prior friendship with Elend could introduce a spectrum of emotional depth if more attention were paid to the repercussions of his betrayal. Zane stands out as perhaps the most complex villain, yet his resolution ultimately feels lacking. More exploration of these characters would add intriguing layers to Mistborn’s intricate tale.
3 The Well of Ascension: Insufficient Mourning for Losses
Character Deaths Largely Undervalued
In Mistborn Era 1, significant character deaths resonate throughout the narrative. While Kelsier’s early exit carries substantial weight in The Final Empire, deaths like Tindwyl’s profoundly affect Sazed’s journey in The Hero of Ages. It’s notable, however, that some deaths in The Well of Ascension are glossed over, particularly those of Clubs and Dockson, who are the first significant crew members to die after Kelsier’s impactful exit in the premiere volume.
Surprisingly, their deaths lack a moment of reflection, and the transition into the finale of The Hero of Ages occurs without adequately addressing those losses. Clubs and Dockson, particularly Dox, deserved a more significant narrative impact due to their roles in managing the crew and Elend’s kingdom.
2 The Final Empire’s Sequels Struggle to Surpass Its Magic
The Unique Allure of The Final Empire
Every book in the Mistborn series holds merit, yet The Final Empire stands apart as the series’ pinnacle, revealing a stark reality: Brandon Sanderson has yet to eclipse his inaugural entry. Although the stakes intensify throughout the trilogy, none of the sequels entirely recapture the exhilarating charm of The Final Empire. This alteration stems mainly from a shift in narrative focus; the hopeful revolution evolves into a grander, yet somewhat distanced, plot, making it less relatable for the general reader.
Even during re-reads, the enchantment of The Final Empire is a constant reminder of why the series has garnered such admiration. The emotional weight of Kelsier’s death and the unforgettable villain twist create a brilliance that lingers beyond spoilers. The experience of exploring Scadrial and experiencing Allomancy for the first time remains unparalleled, and though the subsequent books respectfully honor this foundation, they cannot replicate its singular charm.
1 Uncertain Movie Adaptation for the Mistborn Trilogy
Doubts Rise Over Future Adaptation Efforts
Even with discussions surrounding a potential Mistborn film adaptation, the possibility of capturing the series’ essence remains elusive. The complexity and breadth of Era 1’s narrative raise questions about how it would fit within a limited film runtime. Budget constraints pose a considerable challenge when attempting to depict Sanderson’s intricate magic system, particularly the critical elements of Allomancy. As such, even if the movie does come to fruition, there is no guarantee it will faithfully represent the Mistborn experience on-screen. Accepting this reality is difficult, yet at least fans can anticipate future writings from the author.
Sources: The Coppermind, State of the Sanderson
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