Reading orders / Mistborn
Mistborn reading order
Era one: The Final Empire, The Well of Ascension, The Hero of Ages. Era two, set 300 years later: The Alloy of Law, Shadows of Self, The Bands of Mourning, The Lost Metal. Read era one first.
- The Final Empire2006Era one. The best single entry point to the whole Cosmere.
- The Well of Ascension2007
- The Hero of Ages2008
- The Alloy of Law2011Era two. Same world, 300 years on, frontier western tone.
- Shadows of Self2015
- The Bands of Mourning2016
- The Lost Metal2022
Why the order is argued about
Era two reads as a sequel series rather than a continuation, and the genre shifts hard toward frontier mystery. Some readers stop after The Hero of Ages, which is a complete and satisfying trilogy ending. That is a legitimate place to stop.
If you are starting the Cosmere at large, The Final Empire is the consensus first book. It is short, self-contained, and sets up the mechanics the rest of the universe runs on.
Settling in for all 7? A page marker you do not mind losing track of helps. We like these handmade stained glass bookmarks, and Brandon Sanderson's site is worth a look for release news.
Questions readers ask
Is era one a complete story?
Yes. The Hero of Ages closes the trilogy. Era two is optional.
Is Mistborn the best Cosmere starting point?
For most readers, yes. The Final Empire is the usual recommendation.
What about Secret History?
A novella best read after The Bands of Mourning. It spoils era one heavily.