Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Mistborn Era 1 & Era 2.
Summary
Romance is far from the central focus of theMistbornbooks, butthe next series in Brandon Sanderson’s fantasy saga should break a strange romance trend from the previous two. Sanderson’s saga currently includes two eras:the originalMistborntrilogyand theWax & Wayne Series.The latter is set centuries after Era 1, and Sanderson plans to jump ahead in time again inthe nextMistbornbook. This means readers can expect significant changes to the setting, as well as a new cast of characters.
Such storytelling elements shift fromMistbornEra 1 to Era 2, but there are a few similarities between the series. Among them is a romance setup that doesn’t seem similar at first glance. However,MistbornEra 2 repeats a dynamic that appears inthe earlierMistbornbooks. This marks a bizarre trend for the series, and it shows up inother Sanderson booksas well. If the author wants to keep things fresh and unpredictable, he should really break this trend inMistbornEra 3.
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Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn Series Repeat A Weird Romance Trend
Both Eras Feature Love Triangles With Two Siblings In Competition
Vin and Elend’s relationship in theMistborntrilogy feels quite different from the romance between Wax and Steris in Era 2. However,both series repeat a romance trend before their endgame characters tie the knot. In each era, Sanderson introduces a love triangle that sees two siblings in competition with one another.The Well of Ascensionfinds Vin torn between Elend and his half-brother, Zane. While Vin doesn’t really have feelings for Zane, he pursues her — and comes to represent a life she considers choosing over her future with Elend.
In each era, Sanderson introduces a love triangle that sees two siblings in competition with one another.
InMistbornEra 2, both Steris and her half-sister, Marasi, have feelings for Wax for a time. Marasi eventually gets over her interest in Wax, and her sister goes on to marry him. Like the dynamic between Vin, Elend, and Zane,Era 2’s love triangle doesn’t last long or have massive impacts. But it is a bit odd thatMistbornrepeats this romantic subplot. And it’s one that shows up in other stories from Sanderston’s lineup, includingThe Stormlight Archiveand evenWarbreakerto some extent.
The Next Mistborn Series Should Break The Books' Romance Tradition
It Could Utilize Other Romance Dynamics & Tropes Instead
Although there’s nothing inherently wrong with repeating similar romance dynamics across series,it would be interesting if the nextMistbornseries broke the love triangle trend from the first two. With the characters, setting, and evenMistborn’s magic systemevolving over time, it feels necessary for the relationship dynamics to do the same. While relationships aren’t the focal point of a fantasy saga like this one, it’s important to keep things fresh. And utilizing new dynamics and tropes is one way to set the thirdMistbornera apart from the previous two.
With the characters, setting, and evenMistborn’s magic system evolving over time, it feels necessary for the relationship dynamics to do the same.
There are so many other relationship structures Sanderson’s next story could utilize, allowing him to move away from love triangles entirely. An even bigger surprise would be the nextMistbornseries forgoing romance altogether. But there’s no denying that such bonds strengthen a narrative, serving as a bright spot in an otherwise dark and high-stakes fantasy tale. Whatever route Sanderson decides to take in the upcomingMistbornbooks, the most important thing is ensuring the relationships don’t become stale or predictable.
The Mistborn Books Risk Becoming Predictable If They Continue This Trend
Era 3’s Leads Shouldn’t Face The Same Situations As Vin & Wax
FutureMistbornbooks will still be exciting, even if Sanderson continues to include love triangles with two competing siblings. However, repeating similar relationship dynamics from series to series risks character arcs becoming too predictable. Just as readers want to see new conflicts, villains, and settings, they want to chart new territory with the main characters.This meansMistbornEra 3’s leads shouldn’t be subject to the same situationsthat Vin and Wax faced. And considering the outcome of their love triangles was fairly obvious, it’s best to avoid repetition in the next chapter.
Of course, Sanderson’s plot twists never fail to surprise — and that would likely make up for any predictable outcomes on the relationship side of the series. But withMistbornEra 3 confirmed and the possibility of more books beyond that, there’s good reason to switch things up. Not only will it set future chapters of theMistbornsaga apart from what came before, but it will keep readers guessing, even when it comes to the smaller elements of the fantasy series. That’s a great way to keep them invested and impressed.
