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Brandon Sanderson

Mistborn: Secret History

Quick Answer

Read "Mistborn: Secret History" as the 3rd book in the The Cosmere (Secret Projects) sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection" (Book 2)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 3rd installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2016
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson, "Mistborn: Secret History" is a companion story to the original Mistborn trilogy. Building upon the characterization, events, and worldbuilding of the original trilogy, this novella offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes at the fate of a certain reader-favorite character. Ten years in the making, "Mistborn: Secret History" might answer a few of your questions. The Cosmere The Mistborn series Mistborn: The Final Empire The Well of Ascension The Hero of Ages Alloy of Law Shadows of Self Bands of Mourning The Stormlight Archive The Way of Kings Words of Radiance Edgedancer (Novella) Oathbringer (forthcoming) Collection Arcanum Unbounded Other Cosmere Titles Elantris Warbreaker Rithmatist The Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians The Scrivener's Bones The Knights of Crystallia The Shattered Lens The Dark Talent The Reckoners Steelheart Firefight Calamity At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Next Recommended Book

Sunlit Man

Book #4 of 5 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

Medium Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for The Cosmere (Secret Projects) conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Mistborn: Secret History?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Mistborn: Secret History before Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection?

No. We recommend reading Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection first. Mistborn: Secret History is the 3th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Mistborn: Secret History required reading for the The Cosmere (Secret Projects)?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Mistborn: Secret History in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Mistborn: Secret History is Sunlit Man (Book #4).