I was told that if I wanted to start reading Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere books, then this would be the best one to start with. And now that I'm about 10+ books in, I have to agree.
This is the first of three that should be read in order in the Mistborn saga and it is full of world building that will aid you in understanding the many worlds of the Cosmere and Sanderson's story telling style. You are immediately tossed into a world of two cultures or groups at odds with one another. They are not yet at war, but there is a rebellion building.
I loved the way the story develops with a girl thief who is part of this lower class thought not to have powers discovering that not only does she have them, but she has all of them. She could be the key to saving a kingdom, and eventually their world.
I will also say, out of all 10+ books of his I've read this year, all in the Cosmere collection, these were not my favorite... that sounds like I didn't like them. Au contraire! I loved them! I just really, really, really loved some of his books after this where you see his more corky characters like Hoid.
I would highly recommend the Mistborn Saga and at least seven other Cosmere books that follow.