Summary
The Final Empire, the first novel in Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy, catapulted the author to fantasy stardom upon its release in 2006. Set in a dystopian world where ash constantly falls from the sky and an immortal tyrant rules with an iron fist, the book introduces readers to a unique magic system called Allomancy, where certain individuals can gain supernatural abilities by ingesting and “burning” metals. Sanderson’s masterful world-building, intricate plot, and innovative approach to fantasy tropes won the novel widespread critical acclaim. The Final Empire made TIME magazine’s list of the 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time.
Plot
In The Final Empire, the first book of Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy, readers are introduced to a world of ash and mist ruled by the immortal Lord Ruler. For a thousand years, the oppressed skaa have lived under his tyrannical reign. The story begins when Kelsier, a half-skaa thief who discovers he has powerful Mistborn abilities, devises a plan to overthrow the Final Empire.
Kelsier recruits a skilled crew of Allomancers, individuals who can gain supernatural abilities by ingesting and “burning” certain metals. Among his recruits is Vin, a street urchin who learns she, too, is a Mistborn. As Vin trains to develop her powers, she infiltrates the nobility as part of Kelsier's scheme, posing as Valette Renoux at high-society balls. There, she meets and falls for Elend Venture, heir to a powerful noble house.
The crew's plan involves inciting a war between the noble houses and raising a skaa army. Their efforts, however, are met with setbacks, including a devastating attack on their recruited soldiers. The turning point comes when Kelsier confronts the Lord Ruler in Luthadel's city square, resulting in Kelsier's martyrdom. His death sparks a skaa uprising, fulfilling his true plan of becoming a symbol of hope for the oppressed.
In the aftermath, Vin faces the Lord Ruler armed with the mysterious Eleventh Metal. She discovers the Lord Ruler's true identity as Rashek, an ancient Terrisman who usurped the power of the Hero of Ages. In a climactic battle, Vin manages to separate the Lord Ruler from his power source, allowing her to defeat him. As the Final Empire crumbles, Elend Venture steps up to establish a new, democratic government in Luthadel, setting the stage for the challenges to come in the trilogy's subsequent books.
Themes
Oppression and rebellion against tyranny
Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely
The importance of hope and belief in the face of adversity
Trust and betrayal in relationships
The ethics of leadership and revolution
Class struggle and social inequality
Personal growth and discovering inner strength
Setting
The Final Empire is set in a dystopian world called Scadrial, where ash constantly falls from the sky and supernatural mists shroud the landscape every night. This bleak environment has persisted for a thousand years, ever since the Lord Ruler ascended to godhood and remade the world. The story takes place primarily in Luthadel, the capital city of the Final Empire.
Society in the Final Empire is strictly divided between the nobility and the oppressed peasantry known as skaa. The nobility are believed to be descendants of those who helped the Lord Ruler achieve godhood, while the skaa are brutally subjugated. This stark social stratification forms the backdrop for the novel's exploration of class struggle and revolution.
At the heart of the setting is the magic system of Allomancy, which allows users to gain supernatural abilities by ingesting and “burning” specific metals. Allomantic potential is largely concentrated in the nobility, though some skaa possess these powers due to interbreeding. This magical element adds depth to the world and plays a crucial role in the plot as characters seek to master and exploit these abilities in their quest to overthrow the Final Empire.
Characters
Vin: A teenage street urchin who discovers she is a Mistborn. Wary and distrustful due to her harsh upbringing, Vin joins Kelsier's crew and learns to master her powers of Allomancy. She poses as a noblewoman to spy on the upper class and falls in love with Elend Venture. Vin ultimately confronts and defeats the Lord Ruler.
Kelsier: A charismatic Mistborn thief who leads the rebellion against the Final Empire. After escaping the Pits of Hathsin and discovering his powers, Kelsier assembles a skilled crew to overthrow the Lord Ruler. He becomes a martyred symbol of hope for the skaa, the oppressive peasantry population. Kelsier's death sparks the rebellion that topples the Final Empire.
Elend Venture: A young nobleman and heir to the powerful House Venture. Idealistic and scholarly, Elend advocates for social reforms and falls in love with Vin. He becomes the leader of Luthadel after the fall of the Final Empire.
Lord Ruler: The immortal tyrant who has ruled the Final Empire for a thousand years. Possessing both Allomancy and Feruchemy, he presents himself as a god but is revealed to be the Terrisman Rashek who usurped the power of the Well of Ascension.
Sazed: A Terrisman Keeper and member of Kelsier's crew. He possesses Feruchemical abilities and vast knowledge of pre-Empire religions and cultures. Sazed serves as Vin's faithful protector and mentor.
Breeze: A Soother Allomancer in Kelsier's crew who can manipulate emotions. Witty and fond of wine, he helps recruit skaa for the rebellion.
Ham: A Thug Allomancer who enhances his physical abilities by burning pewter. He trains the skaa army and enjoys philosophical debates.
Dockson: Kelsier's oldest friend and the crew's organizer. He lacks Allomantic abilities but is crucial in coordinating the rebellion's logistics.
Clubs: A Smoker Allomancer who can hide the use of Allomancy. He owns a shop that serves as the crew's base of operations.
Spook: Clubs's nephew and the youngest crew member. A Tineye Allomancer who can enhance his senses.
Marsh: Kelsier's brother who infiltrates the Steel Ministry. He becomes a Steel Inquisitor but ultimately aids Vin against the Lord Ruler.
Quick facts
The Final Empire, published in 2006, is the first book in Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy.
Sanderson began writing the novel while trying to get his debut novel Elantris published.
The magic system of Allomancy was inspired by Sanderson's desire to create a magic system that felt like a superhero's power.
The book's setting was partially inspired by the concept of a “dark lord” winning and ruling for 1000 years.
Vin, the main character, was originally written as a male protagonist in early drafts before Sanderson changed her to female.
The Final Empire is part of Sanderson's larger Cosmere universe, connecting it to his other works.
An audiobook version narrated by Michael Kramer was released in 2011.
In 2016, DMG Entertainment secured the rights for a film adaptation, with F. Scott Frazier signed as screenwriter in 2017.
The Final Empire was nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Best Book Award for Epic Fantasy.
TIME magazine included The Final Empire on its list of the 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time.
About the Author
Brandon Sanderson (1975-) is a prolific American author of fantasy and science fiction, best known for his expansive Cosmere universe. He began his writing career in the early 2000s and quickly gained recognition for his innovative magic systems and intricate world-building. His notable works include the Mistborn series, The Stormlight Archive series, and the completion of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series.
Sanderson's writing is characterized by his “Laws of Magic,” which emphasize the importance of well-defined magical systems in fantasy storytelling. He has also popularized the concepts of “hard” and “soft” magic, providing a framework for understanding how magic functions within fictional worlds. His ability to craft complex, interconnected narratives has earned him a dedicated fanbase and numerous literary awards.
In addition to his adult fantasy novels, Sanderson has authored several young adult series, including The Reckoners and Skyward. He is known for his engagement with fans through regular updates, podcasts, and online writing classes. In 2022, Sanderson made headlines with a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign for four secret novels, demonstrating his immense popularity and the strength of his connection with readers.
Beyond his writing, Sanderson is an adjunct faculty member at Brigham Young University, where he teaches creative writing. He is also involved in various charitable endeavors through The Lightweaver Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife Emily.
