Author: Brandon Sanderson

Publisher: Tor Publishing, 2006, 541 pages

After decades of many great fantasy books published, it might seem difficult to come up with something original. Sanderson really opens a new mechanic in his otherworldly fantasy in the Mistborn series. Allomancy is the ability that some people have to “burn” bits of metal they’ve consumed within a small vial of liquid. By burning different metals within one’s body, a different effect is created. If you burn iron, you can pull other metal objects toward you. Burning steel pushes metal away. Burn pewter and enhance your physical abilities to run faster or punch harder. Some people can utilize one of the eight different metals, but there are rare people called Mistborn that can burn all eight.

This is all really a backdrop to the main story, which is that of a young girl, Vin, whose only known a life of fear: fear from being beaten by either her brother or her thief guild master. Life is not easy, and trust is not an option. That is until her guild master is killed and she joins a new group whose leader, Kelsier, has a mad scheme to overthrow the current ruler of the world and free all those in slavery, which is almost everyone.

Kelsier is a Mistborn who trains Vin, who is also a Mistborn, to become a master at a skill that, until now, she has barely understood. But learning these new skills isn’t the limit to the part that Vin will play in this new endeavor. She’ll also go undercover as a Noblewoman to infiltrate the inner circle of the elite. Here, she’ll learn about the comings and goings of the other Houses in power. She’ll also get to create some mischief along the way.

Vin’s previous life of living on the streets and thieving for the next meal is almost forgotten as she’s engrossed in weekly balls, dancing, extravagant food, and learning what it means to have true friends who want the best for you.

Can she learn to trust others or even fall in love? Is she the Mistborn they’ve been waiting for who will overthrow The Lord Ruler?

Sanderson does an amazing job of creating a world unique in history and design. These characters are rich in background and personality. It was refreshing to read something devoid of wizards, dragons, and massive wars that devour cities. There’s a good reason Sanderson was chosen to finish the Wheel of Time series after the original author’s passing.

If you’re looking for something new, or are one of the dozen people on Earth who’ve not read this series yet, I highly recommend this book.