The Hero of Ages delivers an incredible, emotional conclusion
Do you know that feeling when you’re about to drink chocolate milk, but the top is watery and all the good stuff has settled at the bottom?
That’s exactly how I feel about the Mistborn series.
How it started
At the end of last year, I decided to stop being a baby and finally pick up those huge Brandon Sanderson books. I’d heard so much about his work and was genuinely curious, even if the length of his books was a little intimidating.
I didn’t know where to begin, so I asked ChatGPT to design a reading order for me, with a focus on emotional impact. According to that reading order, I should start with The Mistborn series (Era 1), and this is my verdict.
About the books – My review
The Final Empire was interesting, but with the first book you’re really just getting your feet wet. The lore goes much deeper than the first book lets on. Kelsier is the star here, but we experience almost everything through Vin’s eyes, and we’re just as confused as she is by all the new information. And that confusion has a purpose.
The Well of Ascension introduced more mysteries and some action, which made it a little better than the first book. The mysteries were what kept me going—I wanted to know more about the history, the magic, what happened a thousand years ago, and whether the Lord Ruler was truly a villain. Vin, Elend, and Sazed are the standouts here, and their character development is mind-blowing. Truly beautiful.
Still, both books were extremely slow. There was a lot of scheming, talking, explaining, politics, and planning, and I constantly felt like the story just wouldn’t pick up.
That said, both books had strong endings, full of twists and fast-paced developments. That’s what made me pick up the next book… and then the next.
The Hero of Ages was no different at first. It started slowly again, with even more scheming and planning. But the last 30% of the book?
Oh. My. Goodness.
It exploded.
Everything fell into place. Sanderson tied everything together beautifully. It had everything: drama, friendship, renewed faith, sacrifice, love, and hope.
The world is one I still can’t leave behind. The magic system and the lore are top-tier, so creative and unique. The character development is masterfully done: believable, organic, and true to each character’s core. They change, but they never lose their essence.
This series is perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn fantasy, deep worldbuilding, and carefully planned payoffs. If you need constant action, the pacing might feel challenging—but if you’re patient, the reward is enormous.
So, my final verdict?
This series is absolutely worth reading!!
If I had one tip I wish I’d known before starting, it would be this: adjust your expectations. Expect a slow, immersive story, and trust the process. It will pay off, even if it takes 1,200+ pages to get there.
I’m glad I read it. And more than that, I’m already looking forward to picking up another Brandon Sanderson book.
What’s Next?
Finishing Mistborn feels like closing a door and immediately reaching for the next one. Sanderson has earned my trust as a storyteller, and while I don’t know exactly which of his books I’ll pick up next, I do know this: I’m not done with the Cosmere yet.
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