Mistborn Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Mistborn books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!

About the Mistborn Series

Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series is more than just a set of fantasy books—it’s a carefully woven tale of power, rebellion, sacrifice, and transformation set in a world unlike any other. Known for his role in completing Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series, Sanderson has since become a household name in modern fantasy literature. And while he’s penned many successful titles over the years, Mistborn continues to stand out as a fan favorite—and for good reason.

At the heart of Mistborn lies a world called Scadrial, a bleak and ash-covered land ruled for a thousand years by an immortal tyrant known only as the Lord Ruler. The people here live under constant oppression, and society is divided into two distinct classes: the nobility, who live in privilege and luxury, and the skaa, the working class who are treated as little more than slaves. This division isn’t just political or social—it’s magical.

What makes the world of Mistborn truly unique is Allomancy, a rare magical ability that allows users to harness the powers of metals. Those who possess this gift can ingest specific metals to enhance their strength, senses, or even control the emotions of others. But not everyone who has Allomantic abilities is equal. Some can only use one metal—they’re called Mistings. Others, the rarest and most powerful, can use them all. They are called the Mistborn.

The story begins with a man named Kelsier, a former prisoner and thief who discovers he is a Mistborn. With his newfound abilities and deep hatred for the Lord Ruler, he gathers a crew and sets out to spark a revolution. But Mistborn: The Final Empire doesn’t just give us one hero. It also introduces us to Vin, a young skaa girl with a painful past and extraordinary Allomantic powers. As the series progresses, Vin becomes the true heart of the story, growing from a distrustful street urchin into one of the most powerful and beloved characters in fantasy fiction.

As you move through the trilogy—The Well of Ascension and The Hero of Ages—you’ll find that the stakes grow higher with every chapter. Sanderson doesn’t just rely on epic battles or magical systems to drive the plot. He explores deep questions about leadership, faith, and the consequences of power. Each twist and turn feels earned, and the ending of the original trilogy is widely praised as one of the most satisfying conclusions in fantasy literature.

But the story doesn’t stop there. Sanderson expands the universe with Mistborn: The Alloy of Law, set 300 years after the original events. This sequel introduces a new era—one with trains, guns, and evolving magic—yet still connects beautifully with the past. It’s a brilliant example of how fantasy worlds can evolve and grow just like the real one.

Beyond the main characters, Mistborn also offers a rich cast of magical creatures. You’ll encounter kandra, intelligent shape-shifters bound by contracts; mistwraiths, eerie beings that consume bones to take form; and koloss, massive, violent creatures bred for war. Each species adds layers of depth and mystery, keeping the reader constantly curious about what lies beyond the next page.

What sets Sanderson apart is his ability to build a magic system that feels both logical and limitless. He’s a master world-builder, but also a writer who understands human emotion. Through Vin’s vulnerability, Kelsier’s charisma, and the moral dilemmas each character faces, readers are drawn into a story that feels both epic and deeply personal.

For fantasy fans and newcomers alike, the Mistborn series is a must-read. It’s gripping from the very first page and only becomes more complex and rewarding as you dive deeper. Whether you’re here to follow the revolution, uncover ancient secrets, or just fall in love with unforgettable characters, there’s something in Mistborn for everyone.

And with talks of film adaptations and even a video game on the horizon, there’s no better time to explore this iconic series. As the mist creeps in and secrets unfold, one thing becomes clear: in the world of Mistborn, nothing is ever quite what it seems.