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. Mistborn novels' shorter lengths allow for more compact, direct arcs, with main characters Vin and Waxillium having the most time spent on them. As the heroes of their respective sagas, they're well-constructed and complete protagonists.

In contrast, The Stormlight Archive meanders 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's longer form, slow-burn narratives, and use of flashbacks provide for more fulfilling main character moments, like Dalinar swearing his Third Ideal in the climax of Oathbringer or Kaladin leading Bridge Four at the end of The Way of Kings.

Kelsier's Crew Vs. Bridge Four: Which Fantasy Epic Has The Best ing Characters?

ing Characters In Mistborn & The Stormlight Archive Are Vital To Their Worlds' Immersion

In epics like Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive, ing 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 Archive wouldn't be the same without Moash and Elhokar, just as Mistborn would suffer without Marsh and TenSoon. Ultimately, the ing cast in The Stormlight Archive is bigger and offers more diversity, and the duration of time spent with them allows for more distinct characterization and individual purpose.

In of ing 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 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 the most powerful Mistborn characters and 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 that the original Mistborn trilogy 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.

Again, The Stormlight Archive benefits 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 supercontinent into a landmass that differs vastly from East to West, with areas like the Shattered Plains and Shinovar offering great variety. In 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

The Mistborn magic system is 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 various Knights Radiant powers in The Stormlight Archive are crucial to different characters' arcs, but it's not as fundamental an aspect of the series as the magic in Mistborn.

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 of Mistborn and The 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 that Mistborn holds over The Stormlight Archive is that it has two successfully completed arcs, while much of the letter's lasting success is contingent on Wind and Truth tying matters together.

Ultimately, a critical thing to note is that Mistborn is 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 Archive is a significant undertaking, as the 1,001-page count of The Way of Kings takes some time to unravel, relying on the audience to bear with chapters full of world-building to eventually deliver on its excitement. Mistborn deserves praise for its accessibility, but The Stormlight Archive is 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 Archive is 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, as The Stormlight Archive immerses its audience in a truly connective, visceral experience compounded by carefully plotted structure and elaborate characterization.

Mistborn is 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 original Mistborn trilogy 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 Archive is a definitive modern fantasy epic, compared to The Lord of the Rings and A Song of Ice & Fire in its scale and sophistication.