4.66 avg rating — 678,780 ratings

"I chose this first, because this was my introductory book to Brandon Sanderson, and I was not disappointed. The world is immense, the characters well written, the flora and fauna and magic system are exceptionally creative, the plots and conflicts are gripping. It's not perfect- the pacing is a slow burn, taking a while to build momentum, but it finally explodes at the end, and it's so very much worth it."

4.76 avg rating — 494,654 ratings

"I chose this book second, because it's part of the vast Stormlight Archive, and if he keeps this up to 10 books, will be the very embodiment of an "epic fantasy". Really, looking back on this series, I would read it again and again. It's just that fantastic."

4.26 avg rating — 210,122 ratings

"Even though this book isn't the first in the Mistborn saga, I make this the best in the saga, because Wax and Wayne just carry this book. Mistborn is less "epic" than the Stormlight Archive, but it's still a fantastic read. His magic system in Mistborn is really unique and interesting, and you can tell that as he ages, his writing becomes more refined. There are very little problems with this book."

4.19 avg rating — 292,343 ratings

"Book #4 in the Mistborn saga, and fourth in my ranking. This is an introduction of the Mistborn world into an 1880s style western, and it worked remarkably well."

4.25 avg rating — 75,074 ratings

"Again, with all Brandon Sanderson magic systems, this was fantastic. I honestly don't know where he comes up with these ideas. Better yet, this book does and doesn't end the way you want it to. The characters practically jump out on the page, and the diagrams in the book explaining the "science" of the magic, make this book all the more fun."

4.29 avg rating — 283,752 ratings

"Again, another completely unique magic system. It's not as polished as some of the other magic systems he's created, but it is still fun to read. The characters really stand out in the story, each with their own personality, and some of the plot twists really are unpredictable. It's a shorter read, so not a big commitment, and definitely worth it."

4.56 avg rating — 601,177 ratings

"My favorite of the original Mistborn trilogy. I liked everything about this book- the characters, how the book ended, the emotions, plots, conflicts, and twists. I liked how the world was setup, how spectacularly amazing Vin is, the Koloss, and everything else."

4.49 avg rating — 990,715 ratings

"I love the Mistborn saga. As a whole, this saga ranks second to the Stormlight Archive for me. However, this book as its own, while fun, unique, exciting, intriguing, well written, etc., was depressing. Which isn't a feeling I typically enjoy having while reading a book. If anything, this book is dark, dark, dark. Dark in emotion, dark in politics, dark in physical sunlight. But, Vin and Kelsier, as well as the rest of the characters, are really fun to see interact with each other, as Sanderson does such a good job with character development in his books."

4.38 avg rating — 666,224 ratings

"This was my least favorite of the original Mistborn trilogy. It was just too politically and philosophically driven. I understand that it was needed for the story line, and I'm willing to go with that, but it didn't have the character development, plot twists, and world building that you typically enjoy with Sanderson. Still, it's a great read, it really is. I just wish it was less political and philosophical, really."

4.25 avg rating — 112,924 ratings

"I like this over the first book in the trilogy, because it answers a lot of questions, has good character development, better plot twists, a more expansive and polished world, and better dialogue. It's still stereotypical fantasy, which is why it's rated where it is. And it's a great read."

4.14 avg rating — 196,481 ratings

"I liked that this was a young adult "anti-hero" fantasy with heavy "sci-fi" elements. However, it was very stereotypical of a young adult, with a "father figure" mentor, a love interest, sidekicks, and personality conflicts. However, not as good as Firefight, I think."

3.92 avg rating — 36,162 ratings

"I read this with my daughter, and we both greatly loved it. To be fair, I really can't rate one over the other, because they're all so good. So, I'll just rate them in order in the series. Sanderson has such a great sense of humor, that it comes out more here than any of his other books that I have read. The "talents" are great, the character personalities fantastic, and the world building top notch. However, it is a children's book, and reads like one, and when it comes right down to it, there are other Sanderson books I've enjoyed more than this series. Still, highly recommended."

4.14 avg rating — 18,793 ratings

"I read this with my daughter, and we both greatly loved it. To be fair, I really can't rate one over the other, because they're all so good. So, I'll just rate them in order in the series. Sanderson has such a great sense of humor, that it comes out more here than any of his other books that I have read. The "talents" are great, the character personalities fantastic, and the world building top notch. However, it is a children's book, and reads like one, and when it comes right down to it, there are other Sanderson books I've enjoyed more than this series. Still, highly recommended."

4.13 avg rating — 15,545 ratings

"I read this with my daughter, and we both greatly loved it. To be fair, I really can't rate one over the other, because they're all so good. So, I'll just rate them in order in the series. Sanderson has such a great sense of humor, that it comes out more here than any of his other books that I have read. The "talents" are great, the character personalities fantastic, and the world building top notch. However, it is a children's book, and reads like one, and when it comes right down to it, there are other Sanderson books I've enjoyed more than this series. Still, highly recommended."

4.13 avg rating — 13,540 ratings

"I read this with my daughter, and we both greatly loved it. To be fair, I really can't rate one over the other, because they're all so good. So, I'll just rate them in order in the series. Sanderson has such a great sense of humor, that it comes out more here than any of his other books that I have read. The "talents" are great, the character personalities fantastic, and the world building top notch. However, it is a children's book, and reads like one, and when it comes right down to it, there are other Sanderson books I've enjoyed more than this series. Still, highly recommended."