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Mistborn Era 1 (Cosmere)

by Brandon Sanderson

3 books Started 2006 Latest 2008
Publication Reading Order

The Mistborn Era 1 (Cosmere) is a Fantasy / Science Fiction series by Brandon Sanderson, made up of 3 books published between 2006 and 2008. It begins with The Final Empire (2006), and is best read in publication order. The most recent entry is The Hero of Ages (2008), spanning 2 years of storytelling.

3books
2years active
~1yrs between books
2008latest release

Mistborn Era 1 (Cosmere) series: frequently asked questions

What order should I read the Mistborn Era 1 (Cosmere) series?

Start with The Final Empire (2006), the first book in the Mistborn Era 1 (Cosmere) series by Brandon Sanderson. Follow the books in publication order for the best reading experience.

How many books are in the Mistborn Era 1 (Cosmere) series?

There are 3 books in the Mistborn Era 1 (Cosmere) series by Brandon Sanderson, published between 2006 and 2008.

What is the first book in the Mistborn Era 1 (Cosmere) series?

The first book in the Mistborn Era 1 (Cosmere) series is The Final Empire, published in 2006 by Brandon Sanderson.

What is the latest book in the Mistborn Era 1 (Cosmere) series?

The most recent book in the Mistborn Era 1 (Cosmere) series is The Hero of Ages (2008) by Brandon Sanderson.

Brandon Sanderson is one of the most popular modern fantasy authors, known for his intricate magic systems and interconnected storytelling. Born in 1975 in Lincoln, Nebraska, he is the creator of the Cosmere—a shared universe spanning multiple series. His best-known works include Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive, widely considered one of the defining epic fantasy series of its generation. Sanderson was also chosen to complete The Wheel of Time after the death of Robert Jordan, writing the final three books in the series.

View all Brandon Sanderson series →

About the Mistborn Era 1 (Cosmere) series

Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn (Era One) is the perfect entry point to his interconnected Cosmere universe — and one of fantasy's great "what if the prophesied hero failed?" premises. In a world of ash and mist ruled by an immortal god-emperor, a street thief named Vin discovers she is a Mistborn, able to fuel magic by "burning" ingested metals.

Sanderson's signature is precise, rule-based magic with airtight payoffs, and the Allomancy system here is his most beloved. The original trilogy is also a tight heist-and-revolution story with one of fantasy's most satisfying plot reveals.

Read the trilogy in order — "The Final Empire," "The Well of Ascension," "The Hero of Ages." It stands completely on its own, but it's also the ideal launchpad into the wider Cosmere.