Mistborn

I just read the fantasy books, Mistborn the Final Empire and its sequels by Brandon Sanderson. I really liked them, would anyone suggest something similar in terms of magic system, writing style and such?

I thought the series was magical, although the world it painted wasn't too convincing and seemed kind of bland and pasted together. The characters, and the whole magic of it were great. If anyone's read this could you recommend some more?

Have you heard of Elizabeth Moon's Paksenarrion or Mary Gentle's Ash? They both have heroines who are/become mercenaries, but there's no dark lords.