Some SPOILERS for The Stormlight Archive and Mistborn.
Summary
MistbornandThe Stormlight Archiveare two staples of modern fantasy and of Brandon Sanderson’s work, with cases to be made on either side for which series is better.Mistbornis Sanderson’s longest ongoing series, with its first trilogy of novels released between 2006 and 2008 and another set of four released between 2011 and 2022.The Stormlight Archivebegan in 2010, and itsfifth volume,Wind and Truth, will be released in December 2024. Neither series is close to being finished, with at least two more trilogies planned forMistbornand five moreStormlight Archive novels.
While comparing and contrasting worlds and characters is fun,both stories are technically part of the same universe:Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere. In that sense, being a fan of either series is rewarding, but it’s even more fulfilling to enjoy both, experiencing the Easter Eggs and references, which become continuously more prevalent as the world grows. Given that the two series occur on different planets, there are vast distinctions in their worlds and magic systems, and the way each series paces its storytelling is unique to its purpose.
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Mistborn’s Main Characters Vs. The Stormlight Archive’s
Mistborn & The Stormlight Archive’s Characters Experience Similar Struggles At Different Paces
Focusing on the main point of view characters in Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive, both have their strengths and weaknesses. Characters in Brandon Sanderson’s worlds benefit from unique, complex internal conflicts that distinguish them from the general fantasy archetypes. Main protagonists like Vin and Kaladin borrow elements from the traditional fantasy hero, but their experiences with mental health offer them a relatable quality.Mistbornnovels' shorter lengths allow for more compact, direct arcs, with main characters Vin and Waxilliumhaving the most time spent on them. As the heroes of their respective sagas, they’re well-constructed and complete protagonists.
In contrast,The Stormlight Archivemeanders between a more extensive cast of characters, and heroes like Kaladin and Shallan take the backseat for significant portions of the different books. The main characters of each series are the biggest toss-up, as both have some truly iconic heroes. However,The Stormlight Archive’slonger form, slow-burn narratives, and use of flashbacks provide for more fulfilling main character moments, like Dalinar swearing his Third Ideal in the climax ofOathbringeror Kaladin leading Bridge Four at the end ofThe Way of Kings.
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Kelsier’s Crew Vs. Bridge Four: Which Fantasy Epic Has The Best Supporting Characters?
Supporting Characters In Mistborn & The Stormlight Archive Are Vital To Their Worlds' Immersion
In epics likeMistbornandThe Stormlight Archive, supporting characters are arguably just as important as they’re the X factors that bring the worlds to life, providing a sense of authenticity and immersion. Love them or hate them,The Stormlight Archivewouldn’t be the same without Moash and Elhokar, just asMistbornwould suffer without Marsh and TenSoon. Ultimately,the supporting cast inThe Stormlight Archiveis bigger and offers more diversity, and the duration of time spent with them allows for more distinct characterization and individual purpose.
In terms of supporting heroes,Kelsier’s Crew and the Bridge Four crew provide a similar sense of camaraderie and stability for the main protagonists, though the Bridge Four members are used more frequently as POV characters and standouts like Teft and Rlain fit directly into the central arcs. As for antagonists, The Lord Ruler is one of themost powerfulMistborncharactersand the saga’s most compelling villain, but there’s no one in the series who’s as actively fleshed out or engaging as, say, Taravangian or quite as despicable and infuriating as Moash.
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Scadrial Vs. Roshar: Which Is The Better World?
Scadrial Offers Mistborn Aesthetic Value, While Roshar Is More Detailed
Both Scadrial and Roshar make for fascinating, unique fantasy worlds. A vital quality of each Cosmere planet that distinguishes its story is the carefully crafted environment and ecosystem, which actively contributes to their narratives. It could be argued thatthe originalMistborntrilogy has a more engaging aesthetic, focused primarily on the dark fantasy, gothic city of Luthadel. The moody world of ash and mist establishes a perfect contrast to the elitist noble society that governs it while perfectly complementing the likes of The Lord Ruler and the terrifying Steel Inquisitors.
Roshar’s world has more to offer and explore, but Scadrial has a better atmosphere aesthetically.
Again,The Stormlight Archivebenefits from its details.The Roshar system has a far richer history and a wider variety of complex cultures that factor into the narrative. The environmental consequences of the Highstorms have developed Roshar’s supercontinentinto a landmass that differs vastly from East to West, with areas like the Shattered Plains and Shinovar offering great variety. In terms of complexity, Roshar’s world has more to offer and explore, but Scadrial has a better atmosphere aesthetically.
How Mistborn’s Magic System Compares To The Stormlight Archive’s
The Mistborn Magic System Is One Of The Most Technically Intricate In Fantasy
TheMistbornmagic systemis one of Brandon Sanderson’s claims to fame, and it’s one of the most complex and unique in fantasy literature. There are three systems of metal-based magic, each of which has alternating functions, creating an array of potential utility. What’s most impressive, perhaps, is that the magic system expands into Era 2, with all new usages based on the book saga’s technological advancements. The variousKnights Radiant powers inThe Stormlight Archiveare crucial to different characters' arcs, but it’s not as fundamental an aspect of the seriesas the magic inMistborn.
Mistborn’s Story Vs. The Stormlight Archive’s
Mistborn Is More Accessible, But The Stormlight Archive Is Incredibly Fulfilling
There are pros and cons to the storytelling ofMistbornandThe Stormlight Archive. Both fantasy series explore similar character structures, with main protagonists on long-winded journeys of self-acceptance amid towering conflicts between gods. Both narratives balance their micro, interpersonal elements with macro, world-shattering events with excellence. However,one aspect thatMistbornholds overThe Stormlight Archiveis that it has two successfully completed arcs, while much of the letter’s lasting success is contingent onWind and Truthtying matters together.
Ultimately, a critical thing to note is thatMistbornis the generally advised starting location for reading Brandon Sanderson’s work and beginning the Cosmere journey. This is because it’s fast-paced, gets to its premise quickly, and dives into the action and mystery appeal almost immediately.The Stormlight Archiveis a significant undertaking, as the 1,001-page count ofThe Way of Kingstakes some time to unravel, relying on the audience to bear with chapters full of world-building to eventually deliver on its excitement.Mistborndeserves praise for its accessibility, butThe Stormlight Archiveis the more rewarding journey.
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Why The Stormlight Archive Is Better Than Mistborn
The Stormlight Archive’s Epic Length Allows For A More Immersive Experience
All aspects considered,The Stormlight Archiveis generally considered to be Brandon Sanderson’s magnum opus, as the grand scale and intricate world-building work in its favor. Detail doesn’t inherently equate to quality, but when a world is as carefully and meaningfully orchestrated as Roshar, it works to the benefit of everything involved, from characters to broad narrative. Readers are able to develop profound relationships with the likes of Kaladin and Shallan, asThe Stormlight Archiveimmerses its audience in a truly connective, visceral experience compounded by carefully plotted structure and elaborate characterization.
Mistbornis an incredible series, and both sagas complement each other at the end of the day, providing different avenues for readers to enjoy the Cosmere. For many Sanderson fans, the originalMistborntrilogy provides a sense of warmth and endearment, as it’s often the first leg of the journey, and that feeling is entirely meaningful. However,The Stormlight Archiveis a definitive modern fantasy epic, compared toThe Lord of the RingsandA Song of Ice & Firein its scale and sophistication.
