Brandon Sanderson released the first Mistborn book, The Final Empire, in 2006, and the most recent book, The Lost Metal, in 2022. The Mistborn series includes seven books which are split into two separate "eras" or series. Both eras are connected by their setting, Scadriel, although they take place at different times. In the first era, the story sees Scadriel when it is covered in ash and mist, and a group of allomancers, who can use metal as magic, try to overthrow their oppressive leader. The second era takes place centuries later, and sees a "wild-West deputy" move to the big city to investigate mysterious kidnappings and robberies.

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How To Read All 7 Mistborn Books In Order

Mistborn Era One

Mistborn era one consists of three books, published from 2006 to 2008. These novels, in publication order, include The Final Empire, The Well of Ascension, and The Hero of Ages. As previously mentioned, Mistborn era one takes place in Scadriel when it is under the thumb of the powerful Lord Ruler. The series follows a young woman named Vin who discovers that she is a mistborn, an allomancer able to manipulate every kind of metal to enhance her abilities. Vin s up with a group of criminal allomancers to take down the Lord Ruler once and for all. However, their plan leads to a much bigger journey with dangerous consequences.

Mistborn era one should be read in the following order: The Final Empire, The Well of Ascension, and The Hero of Ages. This is the same as the publication order. In regard to Mistborn era one and era two, it is not necessary to read era one before era two. The eras are interchangable. However, if a reader was to read Mistborn era two before era one, it is likely that they would not be familiar with certain events or characters mentioned that were explored in era one. This will not ruin the reading experience by any means, but it is something to consider before diving in.

Mistborn Era Two

Mistborn era two contains four books published from 2011 to 2022. They include The Alloy of Law, Shadows of Self, The Bands of Mourning, and The Lost Metal. Mistborn era two takes place 300 years after the events of Mistborn era one. In particular, the story follows Waxillium Ladrian, who travels to the big city to look into a series of strange crimes. The series' historical backdrop is similar to that of the real world in the 20th century. Furthermore, it introduces a new aspect of the magic world called Twinborns, those who are born with both allomantic and feruchemical powers.

Once again, Mistborn era two should be read in publication order: The Alloy of Law, Shadows of Self, The Bands of Mourning, and The Lost Metal. Mistborn era two can be read before Mistborn era one, but there is no tried and true way to do it. If a reader chooses to read Mistborn era one first, then they will likely have a better understanding of the history mentioned in Mistborn era two. Either way, both series sufficiently describe the world, the magic system, and the current plot.

Brandon Sanderson's Other Cosmere Books & How They Connect To Mistborn

As previously mentioned, the Mistborn series is part of a greater fantasy universe called the Cosmere. Including the Mistborn series, there are three series, five standalones, and one book of collected stories that are part of the Cosmere. The Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere books are as follows: Elantris, the Mistborn series, Warbreaker, The Stormlight Archive, Arcanum Unbounded, Tress of the Emerald Sea, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, The Sunlit Man and White Sand. Once again, there is no particular order in which to read these books. Furthermore, it isn't necessary to read every book to understand the Cosmere. In general, readers may explore the Cosmere at their leisure.