Mistborn
Mistborn is an epic fantasy saga set on Scadrial. Its seven core novels are split into the Original Trilogy and the Wax and Wayne sequence, which begins three hundred years later. Start with The Final Empire, read the core novels in publication order, and treat Mistborn: Secret History as an optional companion rather than a numbered main novel.
Start with The Final Empire and read the seven core novels in publication order: the Original Trilogy first, then Wax and Wayne. Read Mistborn: Secret History after The Bands of Mourning for the spoiler-safer default, or after The Hero of Ages if immediate Era One context matters more.
Best Book to Start With
Start with The Final Empire. It opens the Original Trilogy and is the first book in the seven-novel core route.
Reading Order Notes
Recommended: Use the complete publication order for a first read. Read the Original Trilogy before Wax and Wayne; place Mistborn: Secret History after The Bands of Mourning for the spoiler-safer route.
Publication Order: Publication order and story chronology are the same for the seven core novels. Mistborn: Secret History is optional and has two useful placements.
Chronological Order: A separate chronological route is unnecessary. The core novels already move from the Original Trilogy into Wax and Wayne in story order.
Reading Orders
Books in Series
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I start Mistborn?
Start with The Final Empire, then continue through The Well of Ascension and The Hero of Ages before beginning Wax and Wayne.
When should I read Mistborn: Secret History?
After The Bands of Mourning is the spoiler-safer default. Reading it immediately after The Hero of Ages keeps the Original Trilogy fresh, but reveals a minor element from The Bands of Mourning.
Do I need to read other Cosmere books before Mistborn?
No. Mistborn works as its own reading path. Other Cosmere series can add background connections, but none is required before The Lost Metal.
