We've discussed Brandon Sanderson before here at Geek Speak, from a review of his standalone Warbreaker, to discussions of his taking over for Robert Jordan on the Wheel of Time series, to his multiple contributions to NPR's Top 100 list here in this very issue (and next). He's made quite the name for himself in a relatively short period of time. And while Mistborn was not his first book (that would be Elantris, a standalone novel that is worthy in its own right), it is this first book of the appropriately-named Mistborn trilogy that really put Sanderson on the map.

The author has stated what is known as "Sanderson's First Law": "An author's ability to solve conflict with magic is directly proportional to how well the reader understands said magic." Fitting, as he has become quite well known for his unique and intriguing takes on magic for each of his books/series. And Mistborn is an excellent example of this, as within the pages we learn of the powers of Allomancy.

There are ten identified allomantic metals, eight basic (four metals, four alloys) and two special types. Some people hold the ability to "burn" one of the metals to gain some kind of power. Burning pewter increases physical strength and balance, while burning tin enhances senses. Burning iron allows for "pulling" metallic objects toward you, burning steel allows for "pushing" away. Zinc allows for provocation of emotions, while brass suppresses emotion. Bronze allows for sensing other allomancers burning metal nearby, while copper creates a cloud that prevents the sensing of bronze. The higher metals are gold, which gives a vision of alternate past selves, while the most valuable metal, atrium, allows for seeing the future by a few seconds. Among the allomancers, there are a select few which are called "Mistborn", who hold the ability to burn all metals.

Surrounding this magic system, Sanderson introduces the world of the Final Empire. A world in which ash falls from the sky every day, mysterious mists come out at night, and the people are oppressed by the immortal, god-like Lord Ruler. Some people, it turns out, do not like to be oppressed, and a core group of allomancers, led by the Mistborn Kelsier, have decided to kill the Lord Ruler and end his regime.

Added to the crew, we meet the Mistborn Vin, a young woman who grew up on the streets, unknowingly using her powers to help her survive. Vin becomes central to the rebellion effort while wondering if/when she'll be betrayed, as has always happened in her young life. Will the crew be successful in their scheme? Will Vin learn how to use her powers to their full extent? And how does the mysterious "Eleventh Metal" that Kelsier claims to have come into it?

On the surface, the story seems to be a fairly standard small-band-leads-a-rebellion-against-an-oppressive-empire type plot that just happens to use an interesting and unique magic system. But this is a subtly complex book, with several layers that are not immediately apparent. I will say that most of these layers come into the series in the latter two books more so than this first one, but threads and hints are all there even from the beginning. The directions the series takes are somewhat unexpected, but handled quite well. Some teases: Allomancy isn't the only metal-based magic at work, Kelsier may have ulterior motives, and is the Lord Ruler really the main antagonist? You'll have to read to find out!

Bottom line, this is a well-written, well-constructed, well-thought-out, and well-worth-it book and series. It is definitely worthy of the inclusion in the NPR Top 100 list, even as relatively new as it is. You owe it to yourself (and to us, really… expect the bill in the mail soon) to read Mistborn and the sequels, and you'll be able to see why Brandon Sanderson has become the force in the Fantasy world that he has, and in such a relatively short time.

   -- K. Burtt