Mistborn Era Three has been teased by the series' author, Brandon Sanderson. The next installment of the fantasy universe will see characters old and new take part in an adventure set fifty years after the events of Era Two. The great thing about Mistborn is that even though time has progressed and the story has moved on from the original trilogy, each Era is deeply connected. There are many ways that characters can return, thanks to the brilliantly crafted magic system. Though Sanderson wove many complex stories and relationships throughout both Mistborn Eras, there's still more to discover.

The book is highly anticipated, and Sanderson has made it clear that the next trilogy will see the return of some fan-favorite characters. Since Sanderson has been planning these novels since he first started the series, there's a good chance that a few of the underdeveloped plot points from Era One could be fleshed out in Era Three. While the protagonists of each trilogy are compelling, the secondary main characters are just as interesting and deserve to have their stories told by Sanderson before Mistborn Era Three ends.

Brandon Sanderson Teased Kelsier & Marsh Returns In Mistborn Era 3

There's reason to believe these brothers will be back in action

The covers of Mistborn: The Final Empire and The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson
Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

In State of Sanderson, Sanderson's blog where he keeps readers updated on his projects, the writer refers to "the return of some familiar (somewhat spike-filled) characters from Era One." It's impossible not to assume that he's referencing Kelsier and Marsh, two of the best characters from Era One. Kelsier and Marsh are half-noble and half-skaa brothers with a tragic backstory. After discovering that their mother is Skaa, their father executes her and attempts to do the same to the young men. Vin learns about some of this background when she meets Kelsier, who becomes a powerful Mistborn.

Though the brothers are far from perfect and go about their quests with very different styles of resistance, they're excellent foils.

Though the brothers are far from perfect and go about their quests with very different styles of resistance, they're excellent foils. It makes sense that Sanderson would circle back to their storyline, as they play huge roles in Mistborn Era One and the fight against the Final Empire. Two of the more tragic figures in the books, Kelsier and Marsh, pay huge prices for their abilities, as Kelsier snaps and becomes Mistborn after a devastating loss. Additionally, Marsh was controlled by Ruin for a long time in Era One in the wake of his sacrifices to become an Inquisitor.

A Kelsier & Marsh Reunion Could Give Readers A Mistborn Era 1 Story We Never Got

Their next storyline will give more context to their relationship

While it would be great to get a prequel series about Kelsier, revisiting his and Marsh's story will be a great way to continue the books. Though their backstories are explained somewhat in Mistborn Era One, Kelsier and Marsh don't get enough time together as a pair. Seeing them together, unpacking everything that's happened and their brushes with death, would be a great way for Sanderson to address the tension between them, resolving their resentments and anxieties. Though they can't go back in time, the brothers can look toward the future.

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Sanderson's Mistborn Era Three could top the original trilogy because Sanderson plans to write all the books at once, ensuring they are as connected as possible. The fact that Kelsier and Marsh will likely make their return in the next trilogy also bodes well for the future of the series. It's largely agreed upon that Era One is the best of the franchise, and the lore-filled relationships, like that between Kelsier and Marsh, are a large part of this. It's not surprising that so many critics and fans have been hoping for more storylines revolving around the brothers.

Why Kelsier & Marsh Must Confront Each Other Before Mistborn Is Over

The brothers must air their grievances in this new era of Mistborn

Book covers from the Mistborn series
Custom image by Yeider Chacon

Though the brothers experience the same trauma at a young age, they handle their grief differently and take different paths to oppose the Final Empire. Kelsier's elevation to the level of a religious figure and his going out of his way to outdo his more reserved brother are constant sources of tension between them. Additionally, the fact that both men were in love with Mare, but Kelsier was the love of her life, combined with her tragic fate, adds a layer of resentment and sadness that's impossible to ignore. With the brothers still around, there's a lot more to unpack.

It's hard to pick sides when it comes to Kelsier and Marsh, as they both have their strong and weak points. Sanderson's writing style is adept at making his characters as nuanced as possible. He ensures that readers understand the characters's perceptions and motivations, no matter how misguided they might seem. Whether they forces or are at odds in Mistborn Ear Three, the pair will have to confront the ways they've hurt each other. It's relationships like that between Kelsire and Marsh that make Mistborn so compelling to read.

Mistborn: The Final Empire (2006) Book Cover
Created by
Brandon Sanderson
Character(s)
Vin, Kelsier, Sazed, Marsh, Elend Venture, Waxillium "Wax" Ladrian, Wayne, Steris Harms

The Mistborn series, created by Brandon Sanderson, is a high-fantasy saga set in the world of Scadrial, where magic is powered by metals through a system called Allomancy. The series focuses on political intrigue, heists, and the battle between good and evil. The first trilogy, Mistborn: The Final Empire, follows the struggle to overthrow a tyrannical ruler, the Lord Ruler. Later books in the series, including Era 2, take place hundreds of years after the events of the original trilogy, expanding the story into new settings with new characters, all while maintaining connections to the original storyline.

Books:

Mistborn: The Final Empire (2006)
Mistborn: The Well of Ascension (2007)
Mistborn: The Hero of Ages (2008)
Mistborn: The Alloy of Law (2011)
Mistborn: Shadows of Self (2015)
Mistborn: The Bands of Mourning (2016)
Mistborn: The Lost Metal (2022)