Summary
The second era of Brandon Sanderson’sMistbornsaga came to a close in 2022, but the author plans to write more books in this world —and these future installments are even more exciting after an underrated sci-fi series. Sanderson’soriginalMistborntrilogy is one of the bestentry points into the adult fantasy genre, and thebooks' unique magic systemis a particular highlight. Set in a world where Mistings and Mistborn are able to ingest metals and draw power from them,Mistbornsees its characters taking on everything from tyrannical empires to powerful gods.
MistbornEra 2 takes on a more Western tone, and it makes some major changes to the magic system established in the first series. And thenextMistbornbookwill likely jump even further into the future, marking another significant shift from previous installments. Judging by what Sanderson has said about futureMistbornbooks,the world and technology will be remarkably different when Era 3 begins. Fortunately, the quality of an underrated sci-fi series bodes well for this change’s success.
10 Books To Read If You Love Mistborn
Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn books feature some of the best storytelling in fantasy, and they may leave readers wondering what to pick up next.
Brandon Sanderson’s Skyward Series Proves He Can Handle Science-Fiction
The YA Sci-Fi Series Deserves More Attention
Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere, which includes theMistbornandStormlight Archivebooks, is probably what the author is best known for. However,he’s also written a young adult sci-fi series totally separate from the Cosmere. And although Sanderson’sSkyward Seriesdoesn’t get as much attention as his other novels, it serves as another testament to his storytelling skills. Set on a planet where the last members of humanity reside — and are constantly dealing with alien attacks —Skywardfollows a girl named Spensa whose dream is to become a pilot.
This is good news, asMistbornis inching closer and closer to a futuristic setting.
When Spensa uncovers an old ship, it seems as though this dream is inevitable. However, her discovery is made complicated by the fact that the ship is sentient. Sanderson’sSkyward Seriesunravels from there, crafting a narrative that’s as gripping and full of lovable characters as his other series. The best thing aboutSkywardis that it proves Sanderson can handle the science-fiction genre. Much of the author’s work falls into the fantasy category, butSkywardshowcases his talents beyond it. This is good news, asMistbornis inching closer and closer to a futuristic setting as well.
The Author’s Underrated Sci-Fi Series Bodes Well For Future Mistborn Books
Mistborn Will Eventually Lean Into A Sci-Fi Setting
Sanderson has a plan for futureMistbornseries, and he revealed what Era 3, Era 4, and even Era 5 might look like at Salt Lake City Comic-Con in 2014 (viaThe Coppermind Wiki). The author intends for the third series ofMistbornnovels to take place in a more modernized setting, one that he likened to the 1980s in terms of technological advancement. From there, he saidthe saga’s setting could evolve into “maybe near-future and then full-blown science-fiction space opera.“The latter suggests thatMistbornwill eventually have more of a sci-fi feel than a fantasy one.
If Sanderson sticks to theMistbornplan he teased back in 2014, it’ll be a good thing that he has experience with sci-fi storytelling.
If Sanderson sticks to theMistbornplan he teased back in 2014, it’ll be a good thing that he has experience with sci-fi storytelling.The quality of theSkyward Seriesbodes well for futureMistbornbooks, especially when they transform into something of a space opera. AfterSkyward, Sanderson should have no problem capturing the advanced technology of the future. He’ll also have no problem with the setting, which sounds like it will be closer toSkyward’s than that ofMistbornEra 1 or 2. This will be especially fun to see because ofMistborn’s magic system.
Mistborn’s Magic System Makes The Next Mistborn Eras Even More Exciting
Metal-Based Magic Will Be Especially Interesting In A Sci-Fi Setting
WithMistbornheading into the future,Sanderson will be able to explore its magic system in fascinating new ways. Since the saga’s magic is based on metal, adding technology like computers and spaceships could prove a recipe for success. It’ll be interesting to see how characters who can push and pull on metal fare in such a technologically advanced world. Such advancements will also raise questions about how Allomancy and Feruchemy might evolve alongside them.
Sanderson’s approach toMistborn’s timeline is probably the best element of the saga, so hopefully, he goes through with writing more series set in this world. It’s already intriguing how much changes between Era 1 and Era 2, and jumping even further into the future is a compelling way to keep readers hooked.Mistborncan show how the religions and powers from the earlier books develop over time. Not many fantasy series are able to take such a large-scale approach, but if anyone can accomplish it, it’s Sanderson.
