The Original Mistborn Trilogy: Harsh Realities 16 Years After Its Release
The original Mistborn trilogy is a must-read for fans of fantasy and magic systems, with its detailed world-building and complex characters. However, revisiting the series 16 years after the release of The Hero of Ages reveals some harsh realities about the narrative and its characters.
One of the most significant issues is the death of Kelsier, a main character, which leaves a noticeable hole in the story. Kelsier’s absence is deeply felt, and it changes the tone of the subsequent books. His death is necessary to the plot, but it’s still a difficult pill to swallow.
Another issue is the portrayal of the female lead, Vin, who falls into the “not like other girls” trope. Her characterization is a product of its time, but it’s noticeable that she doesn’t interact with other women much, and her relationship with her femininity is choppy. While she does come to terms with her identity in the later books, this early characterization is still problematic.
The impending arrival of a movie adaptation also raises concerns. Bringing the complex magic system and intricate world-building to life on screen will be a challenging task. The film will need to capture the essence of the books, but it’s uncertain if it will be able to do justice to the original trilogy.
Ultimately, while the Mistborn series is a modern classic, it’s not without its flaws. Despite this, the books remain a must-read for fans of the genre, and fans can look forward to the next installments in the series.