I also heard about Brandon because of the WoT news, and like others here I immediately bought the first Mistborn book. It seemed interesting enough that I dropped what I was currently reading (Darknesses by L. E. Modesitt Jr., if you're curious) and started Mistborn. I agree with the topic: "wow, refreshing!" was my reaction, too. The book manages to be complex and satisfying without being too "deep" or "literary" (think Malazan Book of the Fallen books or the Hyperion series), making it a perfect recommendation for my wife, who enjoys fantasy/sf but doesn't want to kill herself trying to figure it all out.
I spent part of yesterday driving all over the place trying to locate Mistborn 2 (finally found it at Borders -- good job fantasy buyers there -- Powell's and B&N didn't have it).
Anyway, I think Brandon's a great new author, and I can only hope that his books make it into more bookstores. The fantasy reading public must be made aware of him, especially with WoT impending. Spread the word!