Mistborn
Reading Order.
Start Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson with "The Lost Metal", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.
A high fantasy series detailing the world Scadrial, centered around the metal-based magic Allomancy and Feruchemy, divided into different Eras.
Reader's Guide
This series spans 6 main titles released between 2022 and 2017. For the best experience, we recommend following the Publication Order below to preserve key plot reveals.
Short Answer:
Start with "The Lost Metal"
To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.
Community Consensus
"The overwhelming consensus for new readers is to start with the Mistborn Era 1 trilogy (The Final Empire). This series is highly recommended because it is a complete story, easier to get into, and considered a more exciting introduction to Brandon Sanderson's writing style. Many users specifically advise against starting with Elantris (his first published novel) due to its comparative weakness, which might dissuade new readers. The Stormlight Archive is generally recommended later, often after reading Warbreaker, as it is complex and lengthy."
Start with Mistborn: The Final Empire. If planning to read everything, read in publication order, but be warned that this means starting with Elantris.
At a Glance
- First Book:The Lost Metal
- Latest Book:Brandon Sanderson's Fantasy Firsts : (The Way Of Kings, Mistborn: The Final Empire, Rithmatist, Alcatraz Vs. The Evil Librarians)
- Timeline:2022 - 2017
Why This Order Is Confusing
Many reading lists for Mistborn 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.
Can I skip the short stories?
Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Mistborn. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.
I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?
Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "The Lost Metal" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.
Why do people disagree on the order?
Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.
Recommended Reading Order Strategy
The authoritative way to read the "Mistborn" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.
Complete Series Reading Order
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View on Amazon →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to skip books in the Mistborn series?
We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.
What is the best order to read Mistborn?
The final answer for the best experience is to start with "The Lost Metal" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Brandon Sanderson intended.
Can I read Mistborn books in any order?
No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.
Are there spin-offs or companion books?
Yes, the Mistborn universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.