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Quick answer: If you loved Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson, try The Way of Kings and Elantris by Brandon Sanderson, The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch, Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, The Black Prism by Brent Weeks and The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.
Mistborn is often the book that turns readers into Brandon Sanderson fans. Its heist plot, rule-based magic and surprising ending have made it a modern classic. The books below share its clever magic systems, heist crews, oppressed worlds and big twists. Most are suitable for teens and adults.
Table of Contents
Why Readers Love Mistborn
Mistborn: The Final Empire asks what happens after the Dark Lord wins. In a world of ash and mist ruled by an immortal emperor, a street thief named Vin learns Allomancy, the art of burning metals for power, and joins a crew planning the ultimate heist. Brandon Sanderson’s magic system is famous for its clear rules and creative fights, and his twists are legendary. If you loved the heist, the magic or the big reveals, these books fit.
How We Chose These Books
Every pick below shares at least one thing readers loved about Mistborn: its characters, its mood, its setting or the questions it raises. We mixed well-known favorites with a few less obvious choices, and we noted the genre and who each book suits best in the table, so you can scan for the right fit before you read the blurbs.
We kept every description spoiler-free and flagged mature content where it matters, since some of these books are written for adults and others suit teens. If you’re not sure where to start, the tips near the end of this list match each pick to what you loved most. The FAQ at the bottom answers the questions readers ask most often.
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Genre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Well of Ascension | Brandon Sanderson | Fantasy | Continuing the trilogy |
| The Way of Kings | Brandon Sanderson | Epic fantasy | Sanderson’s big epic |
| Elantris | Brandon Sanderson | Fantasy | Sanderson’s first novel |
| Warbreaker | Brandon Sanderson | Fantasy | Color-based magic |
| The Lies of Locke Lamora | Scott Lynch | Fantasy | Heists and con artists |
| Six of Crows | Leigh Bardugo | YA fantasy | Heist crews |
| The Black Prism | Brent Weeks | Fantasy | Color magic systems |
| The Name of the Wind | Patrick Rothfuss | Fantasy | Rule-based magic |
| Skyward | Brandon Sanderson | YA science fiction | Sanderson for teens |
| Tress of the Emerald Sea | Brandon Sanderson | Fantasy | A lighter Cosmere adventure |
| Red Rising | Pierce Brown | Science fiction | Rebellion against tyrants |
| The Poppy War | R. F. Kuang | Fantasy | Powerful heroines |
| Kings of the Wyld | Nicholas Eames | Fantasy | Fun crews |
| The Shadow of the Gods | John Gwynne | Fantasy | Epic battles |
| A Darker Shade of Magic | V. E. Schwab | Fantasy | Parallel worlds |
1. The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson
Vin and her friends try to rule after the revolution. The sequels deepen the story.
2. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
A war-torn world of highstorms and magic oaths. It’s long and incredible.
3. Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
A prince wakes up cursed in a fallen magical city. It’s a standalone set in the Cosmere.
4. Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson
Two princesses are caught in political schemes in a land where color fuels magic.
5. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
A gang of thieves runs elaborate cons in a dangerous city.
6. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Six outcasts attempt an impossible heist on a fortress. It’s a teen favorite.
7. The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
An emperor who can split light faces war and a son he didn’t know existed.
8. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
A legendary wizard tells his life story, from street orphan to university student.
9. Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
A girl dreams of becoming a starfighter pilot to defend her people.
10. Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
A young woman sets out across seas of spores to rescue the boy she loves. It’s a charming, funny standalone.
11. Red Rising by Pierce Brown
A miner infiltrates the cruel elite of Mars to bring them down.
12. The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang
A war orphan discovers dangerous shamanic powers at a military academy.
13. Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames
A retired band of mercenaries reunites for one last job. It’s hilarious.
14. The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
Norse-inspired fantasy following three characters in a world where gods are dead.
15. A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab
A magician who can travel between parallel Londons teams up with a thief.
How to Pick Your Next Read After Mistborn
- Stay in the Cosmere. Elantris, Warbreaker and The Way of Kings.
- Want more heists? The Lies of Locke Lamora and Six of Crows.
- Want magic systems? The Black Prism and A Darker Shade of Magic.
- Reading as a teen? Skyward and Six of Crows.
- Want humor? Kings of the Wyld.
- Finish the trilogy. The Hero of Ages ending is unforgettable.
Related: books like The Name of the Wind and best fantasy books for book clubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I read after Mistborn?
Finish the trilogy, then try The Way of Kings, The Lies of Locke Lamora or Six of Crows.
Which Sanderson book should I read after Mistborn?
The Way of Kings, Elantris and Warbreaker are popular next choices.
Is Six of Crows like Mistborn?
Both feature a heist crew and clever plans, though Six of Crows is young adult.