Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn books will continue into future timelines, but there's one prequel story I'm desperate to see the author write — even though I already know the ending. Sanderson's world-building and character writing are impressive feats in Mistborn, as the author paints a vivid image of everyone and everything he introduces. Both Mistborn eras weave complex narratives with multiple storylines, and there are plenty of characters Sanderson could explore in further depth. I'd even love to spend more time with the ones who have satisfying arcs, as most of them have interesting pasts.

This is especially true of Sanderson's first Mistborn series, which builds its rebellion on the backs of characters wronged by the Final Empire. They all have good reasons to despise the Lord Ruler and his minions, and their backstories shape them into the crew introduced in The Final Empire. Several of their experiences would make compelling spinoff books or novellas. However, there's one prequel, in particular, that I want to see Sanderson write — even if most of its major points are covered in the original Mistborn trilogy.

I Really Want A Mistborn Prequel About Kelsier (Despite Knowing His Ending)

Kelsier is undoubtedly the highlight of the first Mistborn book, and I want to see his backstory that's described in The Final Empire. Vin meets Kelsier when he's a powerful Mistborn, but her mentor doesn't start out that way — something Mistborn Era 1 highlights. Kelsier doesn't "snap" until he and Mare are captured by the Lord Ruler's forces and sent to the Pits of Hathsin. It's there that Kelsier obtains his Mistborn powers, though his crimes against the FInal Empire stretch further back. Kelsier's thieving starts well before he's caught, and his upbringing gives him every reason to defy the Final Empire.

Although I know where Kelsier ends up after his backstory, I'd love to read more about his early life and awakening.

Kelsier and Marsh are both half-noble, half-skaa, and Sanderson reveals that their father killed their mother — and attempted to do the same to them. Unfortunately, the early days of Kelsier's life aren't detailed that thoroughly. And even his adventures with the crew and his fateful trip to Hathsin would be more interesting if turned into a full-scale narrative. Although I know where Kelsier ends up after his backstory, I'd love to read more about his early life and awakening. His story would be one of the most gripping Mistborn prequels for Sanderson to write for a few reasons.

Why Kelsier's Story Would Make Such A Compelling Mistborn Prequel

His Perspective Remains 1 Of The Most Compelling

Kelsier makes an instant impression when The Final Empire introduces him, and he has one of the most compelling perspectives in the first Mistborn book. Kelsier is a visionary in The Final Empire, but he's driven by justice and revenge more than compassion. Still, Kelsier understands the value of friendship and sacrifice, and he has good in him — even if it's balanced by a darker side. Kelsier's duality makes him an intriguing character to follow, and his tragic backstory and kinder moments push readers to root for him. He's an ideal antihero, and his early end left me wanting more of him.

The fact that Kelsier is so likable, despite his flaws, makes me believe he's capable of carrying a prequel. However, this isn't the only reason I want to dig into his backstory. Kelsier's narrative in the Mistborn trilogy raises questions about his upbringing, like why he doesn't snap as early as Marsh and why his relationship with Marsh is so taut. I want to know more about what makes Kelsier tick, turning him into the character we know and love. Since he becomes one of the most powerful Mistborn, I also want to see him obtain and mold his powers.

Brandon Sanderson's Story Left Me Wanting More Again

Sanderson's short story, "The Eleventh Metal," depicts Kelsier's training, offering some insight into how he hones his Mistborn abilities. But while "The Eleventh Metal" serves as a Kelsier prequel of sorts, his training with Gemmel only makes me want to learn more about his past. "The Eleventh Metal" is a great start, but it's only a snapshot of Kelsier's life before The Final Empire. I'd love to see Sanderson go beyond that, detailing his progression from a boy whose father tries to kill him to the "Savior" introduced in The Final Empire.

Since Kelsier is such a gripping character to follow, I'll admit that "The Eleventh Metal" just made me more desperate for a full-length Kelsier prequel.

Since Kelsier is such a gripping character to follow, I'll admit that "The Eleventh Metal" just made me more desperate for a full-length prequel centered on him. Readers' time with him in this story feels short-lived, just like his arc in the original Mistborn trilogy. It's a great reminder of why Kelsier is such a beloved character, but it left me wanting more again. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would jump at the opportunity to read a full-length Mistborn prequel about Kelsier, even knowing what becomes of him.