Welcome to The Reading Rift! This is Reading Recaps, where we dive deep into epic stories one chapter at a time. In this season, we’re entering Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere, beginning with Mistborn Era 1.

I’m Bec, and I’ve been reading Sanderson for over a decade.

And I’m Lydia—your resident newbie, romance-lover, and chaos bringer.

(Bec) I’ll be guiding Lydia (and you!) through the Cosmere as we break down the chapters, explore the magic system, and laugh at Lydia’s deeply incorrect predictions. Don’t worry—no spoilers beyond the chapters we discuss. Today we’re covering the Prologue and Part 1 of Mistborn: The Final Empire.

In this episode, we break down:

✨ The ash-covered world and ominous Final Empire

✨ Kelsier the Survivor, rebellious chaos gremlin of our hearts

✨ Vin’s trauma, trust issues, and awakening as a Mistborn

✨ Allomancy explained—steel, iron, pewter, tin, and more

✨ The crew: Ham, Breeze, Clubs, Dockson, Marsh, Sazed, and a very confused Vin

✨ The epigraphs—and which ones Lydia thinks might secretly spoil the entire series

✨ Themes from Part 1:

• Prejudice—natural or taught?

• Isolation vs vulnerability •

What do you believe—and why does it matter?

• Fighting darkness by protecting your mind

Plus: Lydia’s unhinged predictions, including:

🔥 The mists are a metal you can burn

🔥 Or… the mists make the skaa hopeless

🔥 Vin is 100% the savior of the world

🔥 Kelsier has plans nobody sees coming (probably true tbh)

If you're reading along for the first time or revisiting a Cosmere classic, you’ll be right at home.

About This Episode This is a spoiler-safe deep dive only up to the end of Part 1. If you’ve read through chapter 8, you can safely listen along. New readers and longtime fans are welcome!

💬 Join the Rift Community Tell us below: What was your initial reaction to the mists, Vin, and Kelsier when you first read Mistborn? We want to hear your theories, your nostalgia, and your favorite moments.

📚 What’s Next? Part 2 drops next Thursday! Subscribe & turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next chapter-by-chapter breakdown.