The 8 Biggest Ways The Mistborn Changed From Age 1 To Age 2

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The 8 Biggest Ways The Mistborn Changed From Age 1 To Age 2

Born from the mists undergoes significant changes from the original trilogy to Era 2, so readers hoping for the latter to feature more of the same will be disappointed. From the way Brandon Sanderson’s books evolve over time to the massive time jump Born from the mists implements between series, there are several factors that contribute to why Wax and Wayne’s story feels so different of its predecessor. And while there are reminders that the two narratives are connected, they don’t always feel similar.

With the next Born from the mists book set to jump forward in time once again, readers can likely anticipate another major Age 3 twist. Fortunately, it has a significant advantage over Born from the mists Era 2: Readers won’t expect the same kind of story as a sequel. Sanderson has already done a solid job of reinventing his saga once, and some of the biggest changes could continue or repeat when Era 3 finally arrives.

8

Mistborn’s Era 2 setting is much more advanced than Era 1

This reflects the 300 years that passed between the stories


A collage of book covers from the Mistborn Era 2 books by Brandon Sanderson
Custom image by Yeider Chacon

With Born from the mists Era 2 takes place 300 years after the original trilogy, so it’s no surprise that the world is entirely different in the later series. As you might expect, Sanderson’s world is more technologically advanced when the Cera and Wayne Series handle. Characters are able to use inventions such as guns, electricity and even cameras in Sanderson’s second series. This means that their setting looks quite different from Vin’s, and this can be felt almost immediately upon entering the new story.

This affects the ways in which Born from the mistsThe metal-based magic system of can be used, and also shows the impact of Vin’s actions in the original trilogy. The modernized Era 2 setting reveals how Scadrial benefited from the Lord Ruler’s removal and the Ruin’s defeat. Unlike the world we see in Era 1, it is thriving – and there seems to be an expectation that it will continue to progress as time goes on. This makes it seem more understandable to the average reader and contributes to another change from Era 2: its tone.

7

The tone of Mistborn Era 2 seems lighter than that of the trilogy

The second series doesn’t feel as dark or serious


Mistborn book covers by Brandon Sanderson
Custom image by Yeider Chacon

Those expecting the same dark, epic fantasy vibes from Born from the mists Era 1 may be disappointed when they choose Era 2. Perhaps because the world is so much better in the second series, it has a lighter tone than its predecessor. The Final Empire It sets a dark tone when it opens, highlighting the inequality and hopelessness that runs rampant throughout the Final Empire. The original trilogy is about overthrowing the system responsible for these things, so it’s harder to find light-hearted moments.

In contrast, Born from the mists era 2 feels lighter, even as its main characters investigate serious crimes. Part of this stems from Sanderson’s writing style; it just flows more easily and feels more fun in its second series. The interactions between its main characters also contribute to this, as they are more comical. This may be because these characters are not facing the same devastating socioeconomic circumstances as their counterparts. Born from the mists It was 1.

6

The stakes seem lower after the original three Mistborn books

They are not as devastating as those from Era 1


Mistborn Book Covers with Film Reel Background
Personalized image by Ana Nieves

Another reason Born from the mists Era 2 feels lighter than the original trilogy and the stakes are noticeably lower. Although the stakes of Era 2 gradually increase as the series continues, they never reach the climax of Vin’s story. The assault to overthrow the Lord Ruler has world-altering effects on The Final Empire, and the impact of the original trilogy only continues from there. When the time comes The Hero of All Ages rolls around, Sanderson is dealing with feuds between gods and long-foretold prophecies. These things are so good that they are still being talked about during Era 2.

Born from the mists The overarching narrative of Era 2 feels more grounded than that of Era 1, with the initial challenges feeling more personal for the main characters.

Born from the mists The overarching narrative of Era 2 feels more grounded than that of Era 1, with the initial challenges feeling more personal for the main characters. They don’t start out trying to save the world; instead, they are solving smaller mysteries. This isn’t necessarily a negative change, but it takes some getting used to, as many fantasy sagas fall into the higher stakes category. It’s especially jarring so soon after Era 1, but it helps if readers don’t expect the two series to be incredibly similar.

5

Mistborn Era 2 falls into different subgenres than its predecessor

Combines fantasy with the Steampunk and Western genres


Wax and Wayne on the cover of Alloy of Law
Custom image by Debanjana Chowdhury

Also contributing to the Born from the mistsThe saga’s tonal shift and stakes shift is the fact thatt Era 2 falls into different subgenres than Era 1. While both are technically fantasy series, Sanderson’s original trilogy feels like a clear mix of high fantasy and dystopian fiction. The latter is the result of the Lord Ruler’s reign and what he did to Scadrial, leaving most of its inhabitants desperate and powerless. There are also elements of robbery in The Final Empire, which don’t really appear in the later books.

Born from the mists Era 2 leans more heavily into the steampunk and western subgenreswith everything from the updated setting to the characters’ style choices reflecting this change. The new subgenres keep Sanderson’s saga fresh and interesting, and they’re likely to change again in Era 3. The next Born from the mists the series will be set even further in the future, which means we could eventually see sci-fi elements coming into play.

4

Alomancia changes from the first Mistborn series to the second

Brandon Sanderson’s magic system evolves


Vin de Mistborn placed on the covers of Mistborn books
Custom image by Debanjana Chowdhury

Technology is not the only part Born from the mistsworld that evolves over the 300 years between Era 1 and Era 2. Sanderson’s magical system also undergoes significant changes during this period.something that feels realistic, even if it’s a little messy. The biggest change to the saga’s magic system is the fact that the Mistborn are basically non-existent in Wax and Wayne’s time period. With people mixing bloodlines over the years, the Mistborn and Feruchemists essentially die out – although this gives way to other interesting developments.

Born from the mists Era 2 focuses a lot on the Twinborns, characters with Allomantic and Feruchemical abilities. Twinborns don’t exist in the original series, so this is a big change of pace from the newer books. Additionally, Allomancy is much more common by the time Wax and Wayne’s narrative begins. And the addition of new metals like Cadmium and Bendalloy paves the way for intriguing new abilities in Era 2. This is why characters are able to manipulate time, something they didn’t do during Era 1.

3

Mistborn Era 2 does a better job with female characters

The latest series features more complex women


The cover of The Bands of Mourning separated from the cover of The Well of Ascension
Custom image by Simone Ashmoore

Vin is a great heroine in Born from the mists It was 1, but unfortunately she is the exception when it comes to women in Sanderson’s trilogy. There aren’t many prominent female characters in the first three books.something Sanderson himself noted during a book signing (via Arcane). Vin is also incredibly judgmental of the women that exist in the original trilogy. Only Tindwyl manages to gain her approval, and the rest of the female characters are treated as vain and lacking in complexity.

Sanderson makes up for her subpar female representation in Era 1, even if the more recent books don’t have a female protagonist like Vin.

Sanderson makes up for her subpar female representation in Era 1, even if the more recent books don’t have a female protagonist like Vin. They impress with the likes of Marasi and Sterishowever, both emphasize how much the author’s writing about women has improved over time. They’re not the only female characters to appear Born from the mists Era 2 too, and this makes the second series seem more believable than the first. It also does Born from the mistsRomances are more enjoyable.

2

Brandon Sanderson’s characters and relationships feel more developed in Era 2

The author’s writing improves as his scope narrows


Mistborn Era 2 Shadows of Himself Brandon Sanderson

It’s not just women who do better in Born from the mists Era 2; in general, the characters and their relationships seem significantly more developed in the later series. This can be attributed to two different things. For one thing, Sanderson’s art has evolved over time, and it’s clear that his dialogue and character writing have improved from series to series. The moment he started Born from the mists In Era 2, he demonstrated more mastery over these details, making it much easier for readers to immerse themselves in the characters’ personal lives.

Additionally, the smaller scope of Born from the mists Era 2 allows more time to focus on character details and relationships. There are a lot of supporting characters in the original trilogy, but there’s just too much going on to give them all the attention they deserve. While big players like Vin, Kelsier, and Elend get in-depth characterization, characters like Dockson, Yeden, and even the series’ main villains aren’t necessarily developed enough.

1

Cosmere connections are clearer in Era 2

Brandon Sanderson Links Mistborn to His Big Franchise


Covers of Elantris, Tress of the Emerald Sea and The Way of Kings
Custom image by Yailin Chacon
Original cover art for The Way of Kings by Michael Whelan

Sanderson’s Cosmere connects many of his books, and both Born from the mists series are included in its larger universe. However, one would not realize that Era 1 has links to his other novels on first reading. Connections to the Cosmere are much more obvious in Born from the mists Era 2allowing those familiar with Sanderson’s other works to really notice them. Hoid’s reappearance in Era 2 will give readers a clue as to the fact that there is something bigger at play with his character. And Shards also draw Born from the mists in other Sanderson stories.

All Cosmere Books by Brandon Sanderson

Release year(s)

Elantris

2005

Age of the Mistborn 1

2006-2008

Warbreaker

2009

The Stormlight Archive

2010-present

Age of the Mistborn 2

2011-2022

White Sand

2016

Unlimited Arcane

2016

dawnshard

2020

Emerald Sea Tree

2023

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter

2023

The man illuminated by the sun

2023

Although these connections have technically been present since the beginning of Born from the mists saga, It’s much easier to see how these topics come together when reading Era 2. Mistborn: Secret History — which ideally should be done in the middle of Era 2 — will also shed new light on the events of Era 1. All of this makes Born from the mistsThe second series feels more interconnected and completely planned out than the first, even if that’s not necessarily the case. Again, this is the benefit of Sanderson’s career progress in the years between Era 1 and Era 2.

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