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Dive into the Mistborn Series: The Perfect Reading Order

November 3, 2023 by Jessi Filed Under: Fantasy Book Recommendations 3 Comments

Ever been flustered figuring out the sequence of an epic series like Mistborn? You’re not alone, my friend! We are going to break down the Mistborn reading order to make it easy on you though.

mistborn reading order

Order of Mistborn Books

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge into Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series. Fantastic choice! I remember when I first stumbled upon these books; the intricate magic system, the jaw-dropping twists, and let’s not even talk about the end of the first book (no spoilers here!). But, with any series this epic, the order matters. Let me share the perfect Mistborn reading order, ensuring you won’t miss a beat.

Mistborn books in order

Order of Mistborn Books
  • The Final Empire
  • The Well of Ascension
  • The Hero of Ages
  • The Alloy of Law
  • Shadows of Self
  • The Bands of Mourning
  • Mistborn: A Secret History
  • The Lost Metal

Honestly, there you have it! The super simple breakdown of the Mistborn series reading order. That will give you the best experience.

Start with Mistborn Era 1, then move into Mistborn Era 2. The only thing that can move around a little is Mistborn: A Secret History.

How many Mistborn books are there?

Altogether, there are seven Mistborn books. There are three books in Mistborn Era 1 and four in Mistborn Era 2. There is also one short story, Mistborn a Secret History, that is required reading for this subsection of the Cosmere.

Mistborn: A Secret History

Mistborn: A Secret History is one of Brandon Sanderson’s short stories in the Mistborn world. This is in the Arcanum Unbounded, and while it isn’t necessary, it opens up the world and answers many questions.

That being said, you should NOT read it until you have completed at least the entirety of Mistborn Era 1. It has significant spoilers for the first three books packed into short pages.

While the official Cosmere reading order recommends waiting until after you have read Bands of Mourning, I personally think as long as you have read Era 1, you will be fine. I personally didn’t notice any spoilers for Mistborn Era 2 within Mistborn: A Secret History.

Mistborn books in order

Is Mistborn YA?

No, Mistborn is an adult fantasy series. While at one point, it was marketed to a YA audience with some not-too-great covers, it is an adult book. One of our protagonists is young so it can be confusing, but just because there is a teenage protagonist does not mean a book is YA.

Does Mistborn have Romance?

Yes! Mistborn does have a romance, but it is not the central focus of the series. The romance in Mistborn is great, but it is such a small part of the side plot that it isn’t really something to take into account when you are thinking about picking the series up.

What Should I Read After Mistborn?

Now that you have read the Mistborn series, what should you read next? Well, are you looking for more Cosmere books? Check out Warbreaker or STormlight Archives next!

If you want to take a break from this universe and try something different, you can try these books to read if you love Mistborn.

Mistborn Series Reading Order

Dive into the Mistborn Series The Perfect Reading Order

Wrapping up our Mistborn journey, it’s clear that diving into this series in the right order enhances the experience tenfold.

Remember those times when we accidentally picked up a sequel before the original and ended up scratching our heads? Yep, we’ve all been there! With a series as intricate and brilliantly woven as Mistborn, every detail counts.

So, as you turn each page, relish the unfolding mysteries and captivating arcs, knowing you’re experiencing Sanderson’s magic just as it was intended.

Happy reading, and may the mists always guide you!

Jess-- The Bookish Mom
Jessi

Book lover, coffee addict, mom of dragons (aka rambunctious kids). I share book recs, mom life survival tips, and the occasional existential crisis.

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  1. Finished Mistborn? Here Are Books You'll Love Just as Much says:
    November 3, 2023 at 8:06 pm

    […] this post, I’ve compiled a treasure trove of books to read if you love Mistborn. Whether you’re drawn to its unique magic system, the layered plot, or the character […]

    Reply
  2. Popular Fantasy Books You Need to Read - The Bookish Mom says:
    November 1, 2024 at 2:48 pm

    […] “Mistborn: The Final Empire” by Brandon Sanderson is a popular fantasy novel that has captivated readers with its unique magic system and thrilling plot. It takes place in a world where ash falls from the sky and a tyrannical ruler, the Lord Ruler, oppresses the people. However, a group of rebels, led by the charismatic Kelsier, plots to overthrow him. […]

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  3. 10 Fantasy Books for Beginners says:
    December 30, 2024 at 3:16 pm

    […] whole interconnected universe called the Cosmere waiting to be devoured. Brandon Sanderson crafted Mistborn as a portal to epics like Warbreaker, Elantris, and the Stormlight Archive – each bursting […]

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