Mistborn is an excellent work of fantasy that combines some of the classic elements of fantasy with new concepts, intrigue, and, of course, action.  There is so much in this book for everyone. Lovers of fantasy, adventure, action, and even Jane Austen novels will love the unique combination of fantasy action and court intrigue, which keeps the plot moving along at a brisk pace while allowing the reader to puzzle out the plot’s mysteries on their own.  The basic concept is brilliant, as well as the characters, all of which have more than one dimension to them.  Overall, an extraordinary piece by Brandon Sanderson, who may very well join the ranks of great fantasy writers if he continues to produce works of art like Mistborn.

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: 17 mild obscenities; 2 deragatory names. 

Violence/Gore:  Dozens of characters are killed in numerous ways via beheading, torture, graphic torture, stabbing, shot through with coins, with some graphic description; adult regularly hits/beats a teenage girl.  There are several battle scenes involving non-life threatening injuries.  There are 2 graphic scenes of the aftermath of violent torture, and there are several characters/monsters that have spikes shoved into their head as part of a ritual.

Sex/Nudity: One character is a eunuch who becomes nude during a rescue attempt, and there are several references to lords sleeping with slave women, women of the street, and some references to prostitution; sexual innuendo; many characters are illegitimate children.

Mature Subject Matter:

Slavery, illegitmate children, theft, corruption, power, rebellion.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Some characters casually drink wine or brandy.