As a fellow admirer of Brandon Sanderson’s work, I can appreciate the thoughtful dilemma you face regarding whether to start your journey with the Mistborn trilogy before diving into the Stormlight Archive. Both series are monumental in their own right, showcasing Sanderson’s masterful world-building, intricate magic systems, and complex characters. Your question taps into a key consideration for many readers: How does the sequence of engaging with these works influence the depth and richness of the experience?

Starting with Mistborn can indeed provide a valuable foundation. The trilogy introduces one of Sanderson’s most innovative and nuanced magic systems, Allomancy, which not only captivates but also serves as a powerful narrative vehicle to explore themes of power, morality, and resistance. Witnessing Vin’s transformation from a distrustful street urchin to a heroic figure grappling with immense power and ethical dilemmas can heighten your sensitivity to similar struggles faced by characters in Stormlight. Mistborn’s tighter, more focused plot arc also eases the reader into Sanderson’s style without the sprawling scope found in Stormlight.

Stormlight Archive, on the other hand, is a sprawling epic with a more complex and layered narrative structure. Its world is vast, and the magic system-Surgebinding-is multifaceted and deeply tied to the history and theology of Roshar. Readers come into Stormlight knowing that many thematic elements build upon the philosophical questions of identity, leadership, and redemption that Mistborn also touches upon. Having Mistborn as a reference might amplify your appreciation for how Sanderson evolves these themes on a grander, more epic scale.

However, it’s worth noting that each series stands well on its own. Stormlight Archive is designed to be accessible even if you haven’t read any of Sanderson’s other work. Many readers enter the series fresh and find it to be a mesmerizing experience without prior context. Conversely, some find beginning with Stormlight first gives a grand introduction to Sanderson’s storytelling ambition, making a subsequent return to Mistborn feel like discovering a hidden gem of intimate character storytelling within the same universe of profound ideas.

In conclusion, your choice might depend on what you’re hoping to gain. Starting with Mistborn can set a strong thematic and narrative foundation, enriching your comprehension of the Stormlight Archive’s broader complexity. But reading them in the opposite order offers a thrilling contrast in scale and style that can deepen your admiration for Sanderson’s craft. Either way, you’re in for a remarkable adventure through some of the finest fantasy literature crafted in recent times. Enjoy your journey!