Stepping into the World of Scadrial
Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series stands as a true cornerstone of modern fantasy literature. It is celebrated for its intricate, metal-based magic system, known as Allomancy, and its deep, character-driven narrative that spans centuries.
For many new readers, navigating the full saga can feel a little overwhelming. The books are intentionally divided into distinct “Eras,” each set hundreds of years apart, but all connected within Sanderson’s larger Cosmere universe.
Understanding the correct **Mistborn books in order** is crucial. Following the intended sequence allows one to fully appreciate the overarching story and the subtle connections that bind the Cosmere together.
Mistborn Era 1: The Original Trilogy
The first trilogy is the essential starting point for anyone looking to dive into the world of Scadrial. It introduces a world under the tyrannical rule of the Lord Ruler and follows the journey of the thieving crew led by Kelsier and Vin.
This trilogy is a complete, self-contained story, making it the perfect entry point for any fantasy reader.
The Final Empire (Book 1)
This is where the grand adventure begins. It brilliantly sets the stage, introducing the core concepts of Allomancy and Feruchemy, and establishing the desperate, ash-covered world where hope is a dangerous commodity.
The Well of Ascension (Book 2)
The second book deals with the immediate, chaotic aftermath of the first. It focuses heavily on political intrigue, siege warfare, and the heavy burden of leadership, deepening the lore and expanding the scope of the magic system.
The Hero of Ages (Book 3)
The conclusion to the Original Trilogy is an epic, world-shattering finale. It masterfully resolves the initial conflict while simultaneously setting the stage for everything that follows, delivering a truly satisfying payoff and incredible world-building.
Mistborn Era 2: The Wax and Wayne Series
Set approximately 300 years after Era 1, this series is a fascinating shift in tone and setting. The world is now undergoing an industrial revolution, and the narrative blends high fantasy with a Western-style, detective mystery.
It follows the adventures of the “Twinborn” lawman Waxillium Ladrian and his witty, street-smart partner Wayne, exploring how the magic has evolved with the technology.
The Alloy of Law (Book 4)
This book serves as a fantastic bridge, introducing the new setting, characters, and the evolved magic systems. It is a faster-paced, more action-oriented story that feels distinct from the first trilogy, yet deeply connected.
Shadows of Self (Book 5)
The second book in Era 2 delves deeper into the characters’ complex pasts and the political landscape of the bustling city of Elendel. It raises the emotional stakes and begins to reveal the deeper, more personal conflicts facing the protagonists.
The Bands of Mourning (Book 6)
A grand adventure that takes the characters out of the city and into the wider, more mysterious world of Scadrial. It explores ancient mysteries and further connects the Era 2 narrative to the powerful legacy of the Original Trilogy.
The Lost Metal (Book 7)
The final installment of the Wax and Wayne series brings Era 2 to a thrilling close. This is a significant book for the entire Cosmere, tying up many loose ends and providing major revelations about the larger universe that surrounds Scadrial.
The Essential Novellas: Filling in the Gaps
Two shorter works are considered crucial for a complete understanding of the Mistborn saga, though their placement in the reading order is often a lively topic of debate among fans.
The Eleventh Metal (Prequel Short Story)
This short story is a prequel to *The Final Empire*, offering a brief but insightful glimpse into Kelsier’s early life and training. It can be read before Era 1 or after, but it is not essential for the main plot to make sense.
Mistborn: Secret History (Companion Novel)
This novella runs parallel to the events of the Original Trilogy, offering a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on the events of Era 1. Its recommended placement is the most contentious point for first-time readers.
The Great Debate: When to Read Secret History?
The recommended placement for *Mistborn: Secret History* is the single most common question for new readers. There are two main schools of thought, and both have valid reasoning.
The **fan-recommended order** for first-time readers is to read *Secret History* **after** *The Bands of Mourning* (Book 6 of Era 2). This is because *Secret History* contains a major reveal that is explicitly spoiled in *The Bands of Mourning*.
Reading it later preserves the surprise in the Era 2 book, which is the preferred experience for most long-time fans. The **chronological order** places *Secret History* immediately **after** *The Hero of Ages* (Book 3), but this is generally advised against for a first read.
Looking Ahead: Mistborn Era 3 and Beyond
The Mistborn saga is a massive undertaking, planned as four distinct Eras. Each Era will be separated by centuries and will feature different levels of technological advancement, showing the world’s evolution.
Era 3 is expected to be a 1980s-style trilogy focusing on a computer scientist and a “Sleepless” creature. Era 4 is planned as a science fiction space opera, which will ultimately bring the entire Cosmere narrative to a close.
These future books promise to continue the evolution of Scadrial and solidify its vital place in the wider Cosmere universe.
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking
Whether you choose the strict chronological path or the fan-recommended route for *Secret History*, the Mistborn series offers one of the most rewarding reading experiences in modern fantasy. The depth of the world, the complexity of the characters, and the sheer scope of the narrative make it a journey that readers will not soon forget.
To begin your adventure, simply start with *The Final Empire*. Following the correct **Mistborn books in order** will ensure you are captivated from the very first page to the final, epic conclusion.
