If you’ve been craving a fantasy series that’s rich in lore, packed with action, and filled with unforgettable characters, Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series is your next obsession. Set in a world ruled by ash and tyranny, Mistborn combines magic, rebellion, and philosophy in a way few other series do.
Who Is Brandon Sanderson?
Brandon Sanderson is a master of modern fantasy. After finishing Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time, he carved out his own place in the genre with the Cosmere, a shared universe where many of his series, including Mistborn, are set.
What Makes The Mistborn Series Unique?
What sets Mistborn apart in the fantasy genre is Brandon Sanderson’s revolutionary magic system Allomancy where characters ingest and “burn” metals to gain supernatural abilities.
Unlike traditional fantasy that leans on ancient prophecies and chosen heroes, Mistborn flips expectations with a gritty, heist-style narrative set in a world where the villain has already won. The story’s layered political intrigue, morally complex characters, and shifting power dynamics add depth and realism.
Combined with Sanderson’s masterful worldbuilding and unexpected plot twists, Mistborn delivers a fresh, cinematic experience that appeals to both new readers and seasoned fantasy fans.
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Mistborn Era 1 – The Original Trilogy of the Mistborn Series
This is where it all begins an epic tale of oppression, rebellion, and gods that bleed.
The Final Empire (2006)
Brandon Sanderson’s The Final Empire kicks off the Mistborn Era 1 with a gripping tale of rebellion, ash-covered skies, and a tyrannical immortal ruler.
Set in a world where “the bad guy won,” this novel introduces Allomancy, a unique magic system fueled by metals and follows the street-smart Vin as she joins a band of rebels led by the charismatic Kelsier.
Blending political intrigue, high-stakes action, and deep worldbuilding, this first book sets a powerful tone for the trilogy.
Key Characters Introduced
- Vin – Our underdog heroine with raw Allomantic talent.
- Kelsier – A charismatic Mistborn rebel leader.
- Sazed – A scholar with a deeper connection to the lore of the world.
The Final Empire - The Mistborn Series
The Well of Ascension (2007)
The Well of Ascension, the second series in Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn Era 1 trilogy, escalates the stakes after the Lord Ruler’s fall.
The tale combines political intrigue and epic fantasy, with Elend Venture striving to govern the newly freed city of Luthadel and Vin dealing with internal concerns and great exterior dangers.
As ancient prophecies resurface and trust dwindles, the characters face tragic decisions that transform their society, laying the groundwork for an explosive finale.
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The Well of Ascension - The Mistborn Series
The Hero of Ages (2008)
The Hero of Ages, the third novel in Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn Era 1, is a strong climax to his original trilogy. As the world approaches annihilation, Vin and Elend confront the reality about prophesy, sacrifice, and power.
This installment expertly connects previous riddles, exposing the underlying mythology of the magic system and the nature of Ruin and Preservation.
With emotional depth and colossal stakes, it solidifies Sanderson’s reputation for writing unforgettable endings.
The Hero of Ages - The Mistborn Series
Mistborn Era 2 – The Wax and Wayne Series
Set 300 years after the original trilogy, this era brings in a wild west vibe mixed with industrial-age steampunk.
The Alloy of Law (2011)
The Alloy of Law (2011) marks the beginning of Mistborn Era 2, shifting from high fantasy to a gun-slinging, industrial age setting.
Set 300 years after the original trilogy, it follows lawman Waxillium “Wax” Ladrian as he returns to Elendel, balancing noble duties with crime-fighting.
Blending Allomancy with early technology, Brandon Sanderson crafts a sharp, fast-paced narrative full of witty banter, mystery, and action introducing a lighter tone while expanding the rich cosmology of the Mistborn world.
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The Alloy of Law - The Mistborn Series
Shadows of Self (2015)
Shadows of Self (2015) continues Brandon Sanderson’s intriguing second Mistborn era, combining action-packed mystery with political intrigue.
This edition, set years after The Alloy of Law, increases the world’s moral complexity by pitting lawman Waxillium Ladrian against a clever antagonist linked to the city’s past and his own ideals.
The novel delves into identity, faith, and justice while expanding the magic system with imaginative Allomantic and Feruchemical combinations. It’s a clever, character-driven sequel that substantially increases the stakes.
Shadows of Self - The Mistborn Series
The Bands of Mourning (2016)
In The Bands of Mourning, Brandon Sanderson raises the stakes when lawman Waxillium Ladrian discovers a powerful old artefact said to offer the abilities of a Fullborn a Mistborn with Feruchemical powers.
This action-packed sequel broadens the Mistborn universe, combining steampunk themes with thrilling adventure and political intrigue.
As Wax confronts his history and encounters new opponents, the novel expands the lore of Scadrial, making The Bands of Mourning a watershed moment in the Wax and Wayne epic.
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The Bands of Mourning - The Mistborn Series
The Lost Metal (2022)
Era 2 of the Mistborn epic came to a gripping end in November 2022 with Brandon Sanderson’s The Lost Metal, the fourth and last volume of the Wax and Wayne arc.
The story culminates in high-stakes battles, continuing the experiences of Waxillium Ladrian, Wayne, and Marasi among rising gods, political intrigue, and potent new metallic magic.
The story concludes Era 2 while setting the stage for future Mistborn stories with Wayne’s ultimate sacrifice to prevent catastrophe, family reunions, and wider Cosmere ties.
The Lost Metal - The Mistborn Series
Future of Mistborn Series - Upcoming Eras
Sanderson plans four total eras of Mistborn, each with a distinct setting and tone.
Era 3 (Contemporary Setting)
Similar to our 1980s to early 2000s, Era 3 of the Mistborn epic will plunge into a modern, current world with skyscrapers, technology, and monitoring.
According to Brandon Sanderson, this era will focus on Allomantic agents navigating political machinations and combine aspects of spy thriller and detective noir.
As cutting-edge technology develops, the metallic arts will also, resulting in fascinating conflicts between magic and modernity. High stakes international tension, complex worldbuilding, and deeper lore are all part of this anticipated period.
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Era 4 (Space Age Era)
With its futuristic, spacefaring setting where Scadrial’s magic meets cutting-edge science, Era 4 of Mistborn looks to be the most ambitious yet.
Brandon Sanderson has alluded to a cosmic story in which interplanetary travel is accompanied by the evolution of Allomancy, Feruchemy, and Hemalurgy. This time period will probably connect to the wider Cosmere realm, fusing the mythology of Mistborn with more general galactic wars.
Fans can anticipate an unprecedented daring blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and philosophical depth as Scadrial ascends into the stars.
Mistborn Novellas and Companion Stories
Mistborn: Secret History
Mistborn: Secret History is a significant companion novella that runs parallel to the original trilogy, providing a behind-the-scenes look at key events and people, particularly Kelsier.
Brandon Sanderson’s novella reveals secret truths about the Cosmere universe and expands on the lore of Mistborn. While it is best read after The Bands of Mourning to avoid major spoilers, it adds greatly to the reader’s understanding of the series’ metaphysical themes and Kelsier’s continued influence beyond death.
Where It Fits Chronologically
The Mistborn novellas and companion works complement and expand on the main trilogies, expanding the Cosmere realm. Mistborn: Secret History runs alongside the original trilogy, providing behind-the-scenes information.
The Eleventh Metal is a prelude to The Final Empire, whereas Allomancer Jak and the Pits of Eltania is set during the Wax and Wayne era. Though not required to follow the main plot, these novellas provide depth, context, and hidden layers for die-hard fans and Cosmere explorers.
How to Read Mistborn in Order
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Publication Order:
- The Final Empire
- The Well of Ascension
- The Hero of Ages
- The Alloy of Law
- Shadows of Self
- Bands of Mourning
- Mistborn: Secret History
- The Lost Metal
Chronological Order:
Same as above, except insert Mistborn: Secret History between Hero of Ages and Alloy of Law if you want an uninterrupted narrative.
Connection to the Cosmere Universe
What is Cosmere?
The Cosmere is a vast interconnected universe created by Brandon Sanderson, linking many of his fantasy series through shared lore, magical principles, and recurring characters.
Mistborn is a central part of this universe, with its events, gods, and world deeply tied to the larger Cosmere narrative through hidden clues and crossover elements.
Crossover Characters and Lore
The Mistborn series is deeply interwoven with Brandon Sanderson’s larger Cosmere universe, a shared multiverse that links many of his novels. Crossover characters like Hoid an enigmatic, world-hopping storyteller subtly appear across multiple
Cosmere books, including Mistborn. These appearances provide hints about broader events and hidden connections between worlds like Scadrial, Roshar, and Nalthis. Lore elements such as Shards, Investiture, and the influence of mysterious beings like Harmony and Autonomy expand the narrative far beyond Mistborn’s surface story.
For dedicated readers, these crossovers enrich the lore and offer a treasure trove of hidden meanings and speculative threads to explore.
Conclusion
The Mistborn series isn’t just a story, it’s an experience. From ash-covered alleyways to futuristic worlds, Brandon Sanderson crafts a journey that’s emotionally resonant, intellectually stimulating, and flat-out entertaining. Whether you’re a fantasy newbie or a seasoned reader, Mistborn deserves a spot on your shelf and your heart.
