There are numerous books that can scratch the itch left by Mistborn, but most don't contain every single strength of Sanderson's series. The best follow-up for each person will depend on what they appreciated about Vin and Elend's story and the Mistborn Era 2 books. Whether they want more heist novels, more intricate magic systems, or more political intrigue, there's something that will do the trick.

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With a first Mistborn movie now in development, many may want to experience the Mistborn story via the books before watching it on the big screen.

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10 The Gentleman Bastard Series By Scott Lynch

Why It's Perfect For Mistborn Fans: Follows An Orphan Training To Be A Thief, Features A Heist, Portrays Darker Parts Of Society

Scott Lynch's Gentleman Bastard series is an ideal follow-up to Mistborn, as its main character has a bit in common with Vin. Although magic isn't a major focus of The Lies of Locke Lamora and its sequels, the book follows the titular orphan as he learns to be a master thief. His training differs from the sessions between Kelsier and Vin, but those looking for a similar story setup would be smart to seek out Lynch's series. It also features a heist, which is an element of The Final Empire as well.

In addition to having story components in common with Mistborn, The Gentleman Bastard books aren't afraid to portray the darker aspects of society and humanity. One might even argue that they lean deeper into that darkness than Sanderson's work. With that in mind, anyone who enjoys the darker moments of Sanderson's series will be drawn to Lynch's world as well. Fans of The Gentleman Bastard series are still waiting on the fourth installment, but the order of the first three books is as follows:

9 Six Of Crows By Leigh Bardugo

Why It's Perfect For Mistborn Fans: It Features An Impossible Heist & A Lovable Crew

Six of Crows is aimed at a younger audience than Mistborn, so it reads a bit less mature. However, anyone looking for another series that features an impossible heist and a lovable crew will find both in Leigh Bardugo's duology. Both books are set in Bardugo's Grishaverse, with Six of Crows opening in the city of Ketterdam. It sees Kaz Brekker, the "bastard of the Barrel," as he puts together a team to infiltrate the impenetrable Ice Court. Their mission seems doomed from the start, much like Kelsier's in the original Mistborn book.

And like Kelsier's crew, Kaz's group goes forward with their heist despite the odds being stacked against them. This leads to some tense moments, great character interactions, and gripping action sequences. Plus, there's plenty of magic present in Bardugo's world, with the Grisha power system as well-crafted as Allomancy (though not quite so complex). All of these things make the Six of Crows duology an ideal follow-up to Mistborn. Here's how to read both installments in the correct order:

8 The First Law Trilogy By Joe Abercrombie

Why It's Perfect For Mistborn Fans: Character-Driven Storytelling, Power Struggles, Dark Themes

Joe Abercrombie's First Law trilogy is quite different from Mistborn, but it's often recommended for fans of Sanderson's work. That's because Abercrombie is a similarly talented fantasy writer — one who's unafraid to depict the darker parts of humanity. The First Law is a great entry point to Abercrombie's writing, and it starts strong with The Blade Itself. The series follows multiple perspectives, all of whom are navigating Abercrombie's fantasy world with their own goals and agendas. These storylines culminate in confrontations between various groups vying for power.

The character-driven nature of The First Law trilogy and its power struggles will appeal to anyone who enjoys fantasy, including those who appreciate those parts of Mistborn. Abercrombie's other books feature similar elements, so they'll have plenty to read through once they start. The First Law trilogy in order goes as follows:

7 The Lightbringer Series By Brent Weeks

Why It's Perfect For Mistborn Fans: Intricate Magic System, Power Struggles

Those looking for a magic system that's as detailed and impressive as Mistborn's should look no further than Brent Weeks' Lightbringer series. Lightbringer's magic system is called Chromaturgy, and it involves transforming light into a substance called Luxin. Its setup is every bit as complex as Allomancy, and it speaks to the greater intricacy of Weeks' world. The world-building alone makes the Lightbringer books worth picking up, particularly for those who appreciate Sanderson's novels. Its complex conflict is also perfect for those who enjoy the power struggles of Mistborn. Lightbringer unfolds in this order:

6 The Kingkiller Chronicle By Patrick Rothfuss

Why It's Perfect For Mistborn Fans: A Smart Magic System, Great World-Building, & Impressive Writing

The Kingkiller Chronicle is another beloved fantasy series on par with Mistborn, and Patrick Rothfuss' books often land among recommendations for fans of Sanderson's work. Unfortunately, they don't actually have a ton in common in of their plots. Starting with The Name of the Wind, The Kingkiller Chronicle tells the story of a man named Kvothe, who is telling the narrative to a scribe, making the entire series a tale within a tale. Kvothe recounts how he went from being a musician to a magic-wielding "Kingkiller."

While The Kingkiller Chronicle's main story doesn't have much in common with Mistborn, there are more general similarities that make it a solid recommendation for fans. For one, Rothfuss' writing is witty and easy to fall into, meaning it will appeal to those who like Sanderson's wordplay. The books also feature great world-building and a solid magic system, just like Mistborn. Sadly, it's taking some time for the third Kingkiller Chronicle book to come out. Readers can check out the first two in the meantime:

5 An Ember In The Ashes Series By Sabaa Tahir

Why It's Perfect For Fans Of Mistborn: Similar Themes, An Oppressive Regime, A Central Romance That's Reminiscent Of Vin & Elend

An Ember in the Ashes digs into many of the same themes as Mistborn, as Sabaa Tahir's series is set in a corrupt empire and follows a young girl's attempts to tear it down. Comprised of four books, An Ember in the Ashes follows Laia, who becomes a resistance spy at Blackcliff Academy, the Martial Empire's military training institution. Laia is there to get information and save her brother, but she winds up befriending Elias, a soldier-in-training. As Elias starts to question his upbringing, he and Laia threaten to change the course of their world.

Similar to Mistborn, An Empire in the Ashes raises important questions about oppressive regimes and how they maintain their power. It also features a relationship that feels reminiscent of Elend and Vin's, as Laia and Elias are also from opposite sides of the conflict but willing to see each other as individuals. Their stories play out differently, but the dynamic is similar. Needless to say, An Ember in the Ashes should be a must-read for Mistborn fans. Here's how to read all four of Tahir's books in order:

4 Red Rising Saga By Pierce Brown

Why It's Perfect For Fans Of Mistborn: A Dystopian Setting, Themes Of Inequality & Revolution

Red Rising is more of a sci-fi book than a fantasy one, but Piece Brown's novel — and its many follow-ups — still bears similarities to Sanderson's Mistborn books. For one, the series tackles themes of oppression, inequality, and revolution. These topics will be familiar to fans of Vin and Kelsier's story, as Mistborn is all about overthrowing a corrupt regime. Red Rising alters the setup a bit, as its backdrop is a more futuristic one than Mistborn's. But it follows Darrow, who belongs to the lowest color-coded caste in Brown's society, as he attempts to take down the Gold caste from the inside.

Such a mission will appeal to those who enjoy following Kelsier's gang and their heist, as Darrow's goal is just as improbable — and just as driven by anger and justice. His story is immediately gripping, and it's still ongoing, with a final book planned. Those wishing to pick up Red Rising now can go through the current books in the following order:

3 The Farseer Trilogy By Robin Hobb

Why It's Perfect For Mistborn Fans: Epic Stakes, Political Intrigue, A Great Main Character

Robin Hobb's fantasy books are hailed as classics, and her first series — the Farseer Trilogy — is the perfect place to dive in. The beginning of Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings series, the Farseer Trilogy follows Fitz, the bastard son of a prince who's raised by his father's stableman. Although Fitz is ostracized from the court, he learns how to be an assassin from King Shrewd — and he's also capable of using magic dubbed the Skill. These talents come in handy when Fitz is dragged into political conflicts and forced to face threats to his kingdom.

While the Farseer Trilogy has major differences from Mistborn, the epic stakes and underdog story are noteworthy elements for fans of Sanderson's work. Fitz's upbringing doesn't quite match his epic destiny, something that can also be said about Vin. Additionally, Hobb's magic system and world-building is top-notch, and her story continues for multiple series, which will give Sanderson fans plenty more to read. The order of the Farseer Trilogy is:

2 The Poppy War Series By R.F. Kuang

Why It's Perfect For Mistborn Fans:

R.F. Kuang's The Poppy War and its two sequels make ideal next reads after Mistborn, though they take a darker and less hopeful stance than Sanderson's books, as they're based on tragic real-world history. Still, The Poppy War follows a young peasant girl who's accepted to the military academy of Sinegard, where she discovers that the gods are still alive. On its surface, this storyline feels somewhat similar to Vin's, though their arcs play out differently. The Poppy War's approach to warfare and its commentary on the horrors that result from it goes even further than Sanderson's books, making it a solid choice.

1 The Stormlight Archive By Brandon Sanderson

Why It's Perfect For Mistborn Fans: It's Set In The Same Cosmere, Features More Of Sanderson's Strengths

Those who have only read Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson can follow it up with his other works, starting with The Stormlight Archive. His other beloved fantasy series, The Stormlight Archive is part of the same connected universe as the Mistborn books: the Cosmere. It's also just as epic, complex, and expertly crafted as Mistborn, so there's no reason fans of one series won't enjoy the other. The Stormlight Archive takes place on a planet called Roshar and has an intricate plot that showcases Sanderson's strengths when it comes to world-building and lore. The series is ongoing and can be read as follows: