The Lost Metal

★ 9.50 / 8

Return to #1 New York Times bestseller Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn world of Scadrial as its second era, which began with The Alloy of Law, comes to its earth-shattering conclusion in The Lost Metal.

For years, frontier lawman turned big-city senator Waxillium Ladrian has hunted the shadowy organization the Set—with his late uncle and his sister among their leaders—since they started kidnapping people with the power of Allomancy in their bloodlines. When Detective Marasi Colms and her partner Wayne find stockpiled weapons bound for the Outer City of Bilming, this opens a new lead. Conflict between Elendel and the Outer Cities only favors the Set, and their tendrils now reach to the Elendel Senate—whose corruption Wax and Steris have sought to expose—and Bilming is even more entangled.

After Wax discovers a new type of explosive that can unleash unprecedented destruction and realizes that the Set must already have it, an immortal kandra serving Scadrial’s god, Harmony, reveals that Bilming has fallen under the influence of another god: Trell, worshipped by the Set. And Trell isn’t the only factor at play from the larger Cosmere—Marasi is recruited by offworlders with strange abilities who claim their goal is to protect Scadrial…at any cost.

Wax must choose whether to set aside his rocky relationship with God and once again become the Sword that Harmony has groomed him to be. If no one steps forward to be the hero Scadrial needs, the planet and its millions of people will come to a sudden and calamitous ruin.

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Updated 03/30/2025

Category: Fantasy, High Fantasy

Release date: November 15, 2022 (Tor Books)

Brandon Sanderson

Few modern fantasy authors have reshaped the genre quite like Brandon Sanderson. Renowned for his intricate worldbuilding, innovative magic systems, and compelling character arcs, he has captivated millions of readers worldwide. His work blends epic storytelling with meticulous attention to detail, making his novels both immersive and intellectually engaging.

Breaking onto the scene with Elantris, he quickly gained recognition, but it was Mistborn: The Final Empire that solidified his place among the genre’s greats. The trilogy introduced a unique alchemical-inspired magic system, Allomancy, and a cast of unforgettable characters navigating a world of oppression and rebellion. His ability to craft deep, well-structured narratives continued with The Stormlight Archive, a sweeping epic that has drawn comparisons to some of fantasy’s most revered sagas.

The Mistborn Saga

The Mistborn Saga by Brandon Sanderson is an extraordinary fantasy series that has captivated readers with its complex magic system, intricate world-building, and unforgettable characters. Set in a unique world where ash falls from the sky and mist dominates the night, the saga combines elements of epic fantasy, political intrigue, and personal redemption, making it a must-read for fans of rich, immersive storytelling.

At the heart of Mistborn is a world ruled by the immortal and oppressive Lord Ruler, where the oppressed "skaa" struggle for freedom. The first trilogy follows Vin, a young street urchin who discovers she possesses powerful Allomantic abilities. Alongside a group of skilled rebels, including the charismatic Kelsier, Vin embarks on a daring mission to overthrow the tyrannical regime. The first series is filled with thrilling heists, heart-pounding battles, and intricate plots as Vin’s journey leads her to uncover deeper secrets about her world and her powers.

The magic system in Mistborn is one of its most distinctive features. Allomancy, Feruchemy, and Hemalurgy are the three primary forms of magic, each with its own rules and complexities. These systems are not only crucial to the plot but also contribute to the depth and originality of the world-building, offering readers an entirely new and fascinating experience.

The Mistborn Saga is broken into multiple series, each expanding on the rich universe that Sanderson created. The original trilogy, known as the Mistborn Trilogy or The Final Empire Trilogy, consists of The Final Empire, The Well of Ascension, and The Hero of Ages. These novels follow Vin and her companions as they face increasing challenges, unravel ancient prophecies, and battle formidable enemies in their quest for freedom. The first trilogy concludes with an epic resolution that forever changes the course of history in their world.

After the original trilogy, Sanderson introduced The Wax and Wayne Series, set hundreds of years after the events of Mistborn. This series introduces new characters, including Waxillium "Wax" Ladrian, a lawman with unique abilities, and Wayne, his witty and loyal companion. Set in a world that blends fantasy with elements of a western, this series explores themes of duty, power, and the consequences of change. The Wax and Wayne books—The Alloy of Law, Shadows of Self, The Bands of Mourning and The Lost Metal—offer a unique take on the Mistborn universe, blending fast-paced action with deeper philosophical musings.

The Mistborn Saga has received widespread critical acclaim, praised for its innovative magic system, compelling characters, and intricate plots. It has developed a loyal fanbase and is widely regarded as one of the standout series in modern fantasy. The saga’s success can be attributed to Sanderson’s masterful world-building, his knack for creating dynamic and evolving characters, and his ability to weave complex moral dilemmas into a gripping narrative.

Whether you’re a fan of high-stakes adventures, intricate world-building, or thought-provoking themes of power and resistance, The Mistborn Saga offers a deep and satisfying reading experience. With multiple series exploring different aspects of the same universe, it’s a fantasy epic that continues to captivate readers and expand its reach within the genre.

The Mistborn Saga consists of seven primary books, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of six more books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Main series Cosmere