Cecily Zamora
Deciding between reading the Mistborn trilogy or The Wheel of Time (WOT) first is a difficult choice. On the one hand, Mistborn is a quick read with great fight scenes, a magic system, and a strong ending. On the other hand, WOT is a classic fantasy series with excellent world-building and lore. While Mistborn is almost YA, WOT is a longer series with 14 books. Reading the books in sequential order is recommended, but it doesn't matter which Cosmere series you start with. If you're looking for a fast-paced, magic-filled adventure, start with Mistborn. If you want to dive into a well-built fantasy world with a classic feel, go for WOT.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Read Mistborn first | Enhances enjoyment of Alloy of Law |
| Better understanding of magic systems | |
| Better understanding of the development of civilization | |
| Better understanding of the history and magic system from Era 1 | |
| Better understanding of inside jokes and easter eggs | |
| Read First Law first | Darker and deeper characters |
| Better dialogue | |
| Character-driven story | |
| Gritty and complex character relationships |
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What You'll Learn
- Reading order: some say reading Mistborn first enhances enjoyment of The First Law
- Tone: Mistborn is almost YA, The First Law is grim-dark
- Characters: The First Law has better-developed characters, Mistborn's are two-dimensional
- Plot: Mistborn has the best plot twists, The First Law can drag
- Worldbuilding: The First Law has the best writing and classic fantasy feel
Reading order: some say reading Mistborn first enhances enjoyment of The First Law
There are differing opinions on whether to read Mistborn or The First Law first. Some sources suggest that reading Mistborn first enhances the enjoyment of The First Law. This is because Mistborn is a more traditional epic fantasy story with a unique world and magic system, while The First Law is a non-standard epic fantasy story with grey, deeper characters and better dialogue. Reading Mistborn first can provide a foundation for understanding the world-building and magic systems in The First Law, which can improve the reading experience.
On the other hand, The First Law is praised for its strong characters, dialogue, and complex and changing character relationships. It offers a non-standard take on fantasy, set in a traditional fantasy world. If you are looking for well-developed characters and a story driven by character arcs, starting with The First Law might be a better option.
Additionally, some readers suggest that Mistborn gets less enjoyable after the first book, while The First Law maintains its quality throughout the trilogy. This is something to consider if you are looking for a consistently engaging read.
Ultimately, the decision on which series to start with depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer traditional fantasy stories with a focus on world-building and magic systems, starting with Mistborn might be the best option. However, if you are looking for a more character-driven story with unique twists on traditional fantasy tropes, The First Law could be a better choice.
It is worth mentioning that both series are well-loved by readers and offer distinct reading experiences. Many recommend reading both, regardless of the order, as they are considered to be excellent examples of fantasy literature.
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Tone: Mistborn is almost YA, The First Law is grim-dark
When it comes to tone, Mistborn and The First Law offer very different reading experiences. Mistborn is often described as having a young adult feel to it. It has a dark setting, but it doesn't have the same emotional intensity as The First Law. The First Law, on the other hand, is what is known as '"grimdark" fantasy. It is intense and gritty, with a focus on flawed and selfish characters. That being said, it is also described as having a rather light tone and is considered a fun read with good pacing and action scenes.
The First Law is set in a traditional fantasy world and has been praised for its unique and well-developed characters. One reader commented that they found the characters to be "instantly attachable". The series has also been described as gritty, intense, and a "masterclass of writing for action".
Mistborn, on the other hand, is praised for its world-building and plot. It has a magic system and a heist-novel structure that some readers prefer over The First Law's grittiness and complex character relationships. One reader commented that they found Mistborn to be too generic, struggling to invest in a story that felt like it had been done many times before.
Both series have their dedicated fans, and it really depends on what you are looking for in a book. If you want something with a lighter tone and a focus on world-building and magic systems, Mistborn might be the better choice. If you are looking for something darker with complex characters and intense action, The First Law could be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and you may find that you enjoy both series for their unique strengths.
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Characters: The First Law has better-developed characters, Mistborn's are two-dimensional
When it comes to character development, The First Law and Mistborn offer distinct approaches. The First Law trilogy, written by Abercrombie, stands out for its intricate character development. The narrative centres on the intersecting stories of six point-of-view characters, each with their own unique backgrounds and motivations. For instance, Logen Ninefingers is a warrior with a fearsome reputation, who falls out with the power-hungry Bethod and embarks on a journey of his own. Another key character, Sand dan Glokta, leads an Inquisition investigation, uncovering corruption and navigating complex political dynamics. The First Law trilogy delves into the complexities of its characters, exploring their flaws, internal conflicts, and evolving relationships as they navigate the trilogy's conflicts.
On the other hand, Mistborn: The Original Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson has been praised for its world-building and magic system but receives mixed reviews for its character development. While it features a sturdy group of characters, some readers find them somewhat two-dimensional. The story primarily revolves around Vin, a female protagonist who evolves into a powerful force within the narrative. She starts as an infiltrator, adopting the guise of a noblewoman, and transforms into a "Badass Action Girl". Kelsier, another central character, is a wily Mistborn rebel leader who becomes a God-like figure to the Skaa people. While Vin and Kelsier showcase character growth, some readers find the supporting cast less developed in comparison.
The First Law's character-driven narrative gives depth to its cast, exploring their inner conflicts and complexities. In contrast, Mistborn's characters sometimes take a back seat to the intricate world-building and magic system, resulting in a more plot-driven narrative. The First Law's characters feel more like flawed, complex individuals, whereas Mistborn's characters occasionally lean towards fantasy tropes, with the protagonist Vin embodying the "Guile Hero" and "Badass Action Girl" archetypes.
While both series offer compelling narratives, The First Law's character development is more nuanced and intricate, with a focus on character-driven storytelling. Mistborn, on the other hand, excels in world-building and magic systems, but its characters may feel slightly less three-dimensional in comparison. Ultimately, readers seeking rich and complex character studies might find The First Law more satisfying, while those prioritising imaginative world-building and magic might prefer Mistborn.
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Plot: Mistborn has the best plot twists, The First Law can drag
When it comes to the plot, Mistborn and The First Law have some notable differences. Mistborn, a fantasy novel written by Brandon Sanderson, is known for its well-crafted plot twists, immersive world-building, and a magic system called Allomancy that plays a central role in the story. The world of Mistborn is dystopian, with ash constantly falling from the sky, brown plants, and supernatural mists that cloak the landscape every night. The story revolves around Vin, a street urchin who discovers she is a "Mistborn," a rare individual with access to powerful Allomantic abilities. She joins a crew of rebels led by Kelsier, a half-skaa thief, who aims to overthrow the tyrannical "Lord Ruler" and his "Final Empire." The plot unfolds as Vin develops her powers, spies on the nobility, and participates in the rebellion.
On the other hand, The First Law, written by Joe Abercrombie, is praised for its intense grittiness, unique characters, and well-written action sequences. It is set in a fantasy world called the Circle of the World, reminiscent of early modern Europe. Magic once existed in this world but is now fading away, with most people no longer believing in it. The plot of the original trilogy involves three major powers: The Union, the Gurkish Empire, and the North, recently united under King Bethod. The story follows a variety of characters as they navigate wars, political conflicts, and personal struggles. While The First Law trilogy has its intense moments and unique character arcs, some readers have found certain parts of the plot to drag, especially in the first book, which feels like a lengthy prologue.
In terms of plot twists and pacing, Mistborn seems to have an edge over The First Law. Mistborn's plot is often described as tightly written, with well-crafted foreshadowing and twists that keep readers engaged. The First Law, while having its intense moments, might feel slower at times, especially for readers who are not as invested in the characters or the world-building. However, it's important to note that both series have their strong points, and personal preferences may vary.
While Mistborn excels in its plot twists and magical elements, The First Law offers a more character-driven narrative with intricate relationships and dynamic action scenes. The world-building in both series is impressive, but Mistborn's magic system and dystopian setting might appeal more to readers who enjoy high fantasy and imaginative world-building. On the other hand, The First Law's grittier and more realistic portrayal of a fantasy world, along with its complex characters, could be more engaging for readers who appreciate deep character exploration and political intrigue.
Ultimately, the decision to read Mistborn or The First Law first depends on your personal preferences. If you're looking for a plot-driven fantasy epic with magic, twists, and a fast-paced narrative, Mistborn might be the better choice. However, if you prefer character-driven stories with intense action and unique characters, The First Law could be a more enjoyable experience. Both series have their strengths and weaknesses, and many readers recommend reading both eventually to experience the best of both worlds.
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Worldbuilding: The First Law has the best writing and classic fantasy feel
The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie is an epic fantasy set in a world reminiscent of early modern Europe, on the brink of an industrial revolution. The world is inhabited by both demons and humans, with the former banished to the Other Side by the half-demon, half-human Euz. Euz also left behind the First Law: "It is forbidden to touch the Other Side directly". The world is populated by a diverse range of characters, including mercenaries, monarchs, and magicians. The Union, a powerful kingdom, is one of the three major powers in the series, alongside the Gurkish Empire and the North. The Union is in a constant state of war, with a dysfunctional government that manoeuvres it into useless conflicts.
The First Law trilogy is considered to be a gritty modern fantasy with brilliant writing and characterisation. Abercrombie's writing has been described as "technically dazzling", with each word feeling necessary to the plot. The dark humour in the books helps to balance out the gruesome content, which includes scenes of domestic violence, attempted rape, and blackmail. Abercrombie has also been praised for addressing the lack of female representation in the original trilogy by adding more female POV characters in subsequent books.
The worldbuilding in The First Law is intricate and well-crafted, with a rich history and mythology that informs the present-day setting. The world is called the Circle of the World, and it once had magic as a central force, but now it is fading, with most people no longer believing in it. The Union, the central realm, is made up of several provinces, including Angland, the Midderlands, Dagoska, Starikland, and the city of Westport in Styria. The Gurkish Empire to the south of the Union is similar to the large Middle-Eastern empires of antiquity. The North, inhabited by barbarous, warmongering tribes, is a constant threat to the Union.
The First Law series has all the hallmarks of classic fantasy, with its epic scope, intricate worldbuilding, and diverse cast of characters. Abercrombie's writing and worldbuilding have been praised as some of the best in the fantasy genre, making The First Law a compelling and immersive reading experience.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not necessary to read the Mistborn trilogy before The Alloy of Law, but it will enhance your enjoyment of The Alloy of Law if you do. Reading the trilogy first will give you a better understanding of the magic systems and inside jokes in The Alloy of Law.
It depends on what you are looking for. If you want something similar but not exactly the same, go for Mistborn. If you want something different in terms of tone and themes, try First Law.
First Law has the best writing, characters, and audiobook narrator, but it is super depressing and the plot can drag. Wheel of Time has the best world-building and lore, a "classic fantasy feel", and a great online community, but the characters are annoying and it is very long. Mistborn has the best magic system and plot twists and is the fastest read, but the characters are two-dimensional and the writing is not as good.
