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Reading Order

Mistborn Reading Order

Mistborn is Brandon Sanderson's beloved fantasy series spanning multiple eras in a world where ash falls from the sky and mists rule the night. Here's the complete Mistborn reading order, including the upcoming Era 3.

Where to start

Start with Mistborn: The Final Empire (Era 1, Book 1). Each era can technically stand alone, but they connect in the broader Cosmere universe — read Era 1 first for the best experience.

Complete Mistborn Book List

  1. 1

    Mistborn: The Final Empire

    Brandon Sanderson·2006·Era 1, Book 1 — start here
    Buy
  2. 2

    The Well of Ascension

    Brandon Sanderson·2007·Era 1, Book 2
    Buy
  3. 3

    The Hero of Ages

    Brandon Sanderson·2008·Era 1, Book 3 — concludes Era 1
    Buy
  4. 4

    The Alloy of Law

    Brandon Sanderson·2011·Era 2, Book 1 — set 300 years later
    Buy
  5. 5

    Shadows of Self

    Brandon Sanderson·2015·Era 2, Book 2
    Buy
  6. 6

    The Bands of Mourning

    Brandon Sanderson·2016·Era 2, Book 3
    Buy
  7. 7

    The Lost Metal

    Brandon Sanderson·2022·Era 2, Book 4 — concludes Era 2
    Buy

  8. Mistborn Era 3 Book 1

    Upcoming
    Brandon Sanderson·TBA·Era 3 — forthcoming, set in a modern industrial world
    Coming Soon

Mistborn — Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to read Mistborn Era 1 before Era 2?

Era 2 (Wax & Wayne) is set 300 years after Era 1 and spoils major Era 1 plot points. Read Era 1 first for the best experience and to understand the Allomancy magic system.

Is Mistborn part of the Cosmere?

Yes — Mistborn is one of the core series in Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere, a shared universe of interconnected fantasy worlds. You can read Mistborn without reading other Cosmere books, but fans who read the full Cosmere will notice connections.

When is Mistborn Era 3 coming?

Brandon Sanderson has confirmed Era 3 will be set in a modern/industrial world. No official release date has been announced. Follow Brandon Sanderson's website for updates.

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