Read every series in the right order
Mistborn Books in Chronological Order – Complete Reading Guide
Table of Contents
When fantasy readers talk about inventive magic systems and unforgettable characters, one series is almost always mentioned: Mistborn. Brandon Sanderson’s breakout trilogy combines the intrigue of a heist, the scope of epic fantasy, and a revolutionary magic system that redefined the genre.
This guide to Mistborn books in chronological order covers the original trilogy (Era One), the essential novella, and all the extras fans might want to explore. Whether you’re a newcomer to the Cosmere or a longtime Sanderson fan, this breakdown will help you read the series in the order that makes the most sense.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Novels (Era One) | 3 (+ 1 companion novella) |
| Average Page Count | 650–750 per book |
| Total Word Count | ~750,000 words |
| Estimated Read Time | 75–85 hours (at 250 WPM) |
| Genre | Epic fantasy, heist fantasy |
| Difficulty | Moderate (layered but approachable) |
| Content Warnings | Violence, political oppression, grief |
| Ideal Age Range | 14+ (YA through adult) |
| Media Adaptations | Film in development; board games, card games, RPG; Fortnite crossover |
About the Book Series
Mistborn is set in a world where ash falls from the sky, mist blankets the night, and society is ruled by the immortal tyrant known as the Lord Ruler. At the heart of the story is Vin, a street urchin who discovers she is a Mistborn — able to ingest metals and unlock powers.
What makes Mistborn unforgettable?
- Allomancy: One of the most unique and logical magic systems in fantasy.
- Genre-blending: A heist novel wrapped inside epic fantasy worldbuilding.
- Cosmere ties: Key to Sanderson’s shared universe.
- High stakes: From rebellion against an empire to cosmic battles with gods.
Books at a Glance
| Book | Year | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|
| Mistborn: The Final Empire | 2006 | Buy on Amazon |
| Mistborn: The Well of Ascension | 2007 | Buy on Amazon |
| Mistborn: The Hero of Ages | 2008 | Buy on Amazon |
| Mistborn: Secret History (novella) | 2016 | Buy on Amazon |
Mistborn Books in Chronological Order
1. Mistborn: The Final Empire
A thousand years of tyranny end when Kelsier, a daring thief, assembles a crew to pull off the impossible: overthrow the Lord Ruler. Along the way, he recruits Vin, a street urchin who may be the most powerful Mistborn alive.
2. Mistborn: The Well of Ascension
With the empire in ruins, Vin and Elend must govern a fragile new world. Armies gather, alliances fracture, and the mysterious Well of Ascension may hold salvation—or doom.
3. Mistborn: The Hero of Ages
The end has come. Vin’s decision at the Well unleashed Ruin, a god intent on destruction. Earthquakes shake the land, ash chokes the skies, and only prophecy—if it can be trusted—offers hope.
4. Mistborn: Secret History
Running parallel to the trilogy, this novella explores hidden events and reveals what happened to Kelsier after The Final Empire. It reframes everything and should be read last.
Series Timeline & Character Development
The Mistborn trilogy is a three-act transformation story:
- Vin: From fearful orphan → budding Mistborn → savior of the world. Her arc embodies growth, trust, and sacrifice.
- Kelsier: From embittered survivor → revolutionary leader → posthumous legend shaping events beyond death.
- Elend Venture: From idealistic scholar → reluctant king → hardened emperor willing to make impossible choices.
- Sazed: From scholar and keeper of histories → disillusioned seeker → ascendant figure whose choice reshapes the future.
The progression of the trilogy widens scope:
- Book 1 = Overthrowing tyranny
- Book 2 = Building a society in the ashes
- Book 3 = Battling a god for the fate of existence
This layered approach is why Mistborn remains so beloved: every book expands the scale while deepening personal stakes.
Novels Sorted by In-Universe Events
- Mistborn: The Final Empire
- Mistborn: The Well of Ascension
- Mistborn: The Hero of Ages
- Mistborn: Secret History (parallel but to be read last)
Novels Sorted by Publication Order
- Mistborn: The Final Empire (2006)
- Mistborn: The Well of Ascension (2007)
- Mistborn: The Hero of Ages (2008)
- Mistborn: Secret History (2016)
Companion Works
Mistborn has spawned a surprising array of games and spin-offs:
- Mistborn Adventure Game (2011): A tabletop RPG by Crafty Games. Available in PDF, softcover, and hardcover, with expansions for exploring different eras.
- Mistborn: House War (2016): A cooperative board game where players control noble houses struggling to survive the chaos of the first book.
- Mistborn: The Siege of Luthadel (2019): Expansion to House War, allowing players to take sides in the infamous siege.
- Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game (2024): A card game by Brotherwise Games, praised for its thematic complexity.
- Video Games: Mistborn: Birthright was announced in 2012 but ultimately cancelled in 2017.
- Crossovers: In 2021, Mistborn crossed into Fortnite with Kelsier as a playable character.
Editions & Formats
- Collector’s hardcovers: Special editions with redesigned covers, maps, and bonus art.
- Paperback and mass market: Widely available, budget-friendly options.
- Audiobooks: Narrated by Michael Kramer, a fan-favorite voice also known for The Wheel of Time.
- Ebooks: Available on Kindle and other platforms.
Why Read Mistborn Books in Chronological Order?
The publication order mirrors the natural arc of the story and character growth. Secret History contains spoilers, so it should always be read after the trilogy. Reading in this order also ensures you experience Sanderson’s worldbuilding reveals exactly as intended.
Author Spotlight: Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson is a titan of modern fantasy. Beyond Mistborn, he is best known for The Stormlight Archive, Elantris, and Warbreaker, all part of his interconnected Cosmere.
- He famously completed The Wheel of Time after Robert Jordan’s passing.
- He launched the most successful Kickstarter in publishing history (the Secret Projects).
- His hallmarks include complex magic systems, satisfying plot twists, and massive interconnected lore.
Media Adaptations
Mistborn has had a bumpy adaptation history:
- Film Rights: Optioned in 2010 by Paloppa Pictures, then again in 2016 by DMG Entertainment. Brandon Sanderson himself began drafting a screenplay for The Final Empire in 2020. In December 2023, he revealed the project is currently “paused.”
- Video Game (Mistborn: Birthright): Announced in 2012 as a prequel action RPG. Delayed multiple times until its official cancellation in 2017.
- Board Games: Mistborn: House War (2016) and The Siege of Luthadel expansion (2019).
- Card Game: Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game (2024) received positive reviews for depth and theme.
- Crossover: In 2021, Fortnite introduced Kelsier, complete with Mistborn-themed cosmetics.
FAQs About The Mistborn Books in Chronological Order
Do I need to read Secret History?
No, but it adds crucial Cosmere context. Best after the trilogy.
Is Mistborn suitable for teens?
Yes. Recommended 14+ due to dark themes and violence.
Is Mistborn part of a bigger series?
Yes. It’s a cornerstone of Sanderson’s Cosmere universe.
Will there be more Mistborn books?
Yes. Era Two (Wax & Wayne) is complete. Era Three is planned.
Conclusion
The Mistborn books in chronological order showcase one of the most ambitious and satisfying fantasy trilogies of the 21st century. From Vin’s first steps into trust to the cataclysmic finale in Hero of Ages, Sanderson crafts a story about rebellion, survival, and the power of belief.
Have you read Mistborn? Which book left the biggest mark on you — the thrilling heist of The Final Empire, the political struggles of Well of Ascension, or the devastating payoff of Hero of Ages? Let us know your ranking in the comments.
