Brandon Sanderson is a machine. Easily one of the most prolific fantasy authors of the 21st century, he puts out a book almost every year. If you read fantasy you have most likely read some of his stuff, or at least heard of him. Not only does he pump out book after book, but they are very good: he’s written 15 New York Times best sellers! That is an insane amount for a fantasy author. With three excellent series under his belt, it’s hard to pick one but Mistborn is a good place to start.
Mistborn is set in a world where some people are born with the power of Allomancy. Allomancers are granted temporary powers by ingesting small amounts of metals, usually in the form of metallic shavings in a small vial of liquid. Some Allomancers can ingest pewter which grants them vastly increased strength and endurance. Some can ingest steel that allows them to “push” on metallic objects, shooting small things like coins forward like bullets. While Allomancers typically only have the ability to use one of the numerous types of Allomancy, there are extremely rare people who possess the ability to use them all: Mistborn. The first book in the Mistborn trilogy follows Kelsier, a Mistborn who is part of a group of rebels intent on toppling the noble class that rules society.
Brandon Sanderson has a talent for creating fascinating and innovative forms of magic in his books. Allomancy is by far one of the most interesting and well-thought-out variations of magic I’ve ever come across and that alone would be reason enough for me to recommend Mistborn to any fantasy fan. Fortunately, on top of Allomancy, Mistborn has fantastic world building and character development as well, making the series an instant classic in the genre.