Why Mistborn Era 3’s Timeline Surprised Me and Why That’s Beneficial

The timeline for the upcoming Mistborn Era 3 has taken a turn that I hadn’t entirely anticipated, yet it may ultimately enhance the overarching narrative. Brandon Sanderson plans to expand the saga of Scadrial with at least two more eras following the existing Mistborn series. The next installment, titled Mistborn: Ghostbloods, is set for release in December 2028. While this date is still distant, it provides ample opportunity for fans to ponder the potential storylines. Fresh insights were shared by the author in his recently published State of Sanderson blog entry, stirring excitement within the community.

As a devoted fan of the Cosmere universe, I have a profound fondness for the original Mistborn trilogy. It reignited my passion for reading as an adult, evoking the same enchantment I felt with the Harry Potter series during my childhood. However, my connection with Era 2 wasn’t as strong; the tone and aesthetic didn’t resonate with me, and I found it challenging to bond with the characters as I did with Vin, Sazed, and Kelsier. I hold high hopes for the Ghostbloods trilogy, and the recent updates have certainly piqued my interest.

The Time Skip Between Mistborn Era 2 and Era 3 is Shorter Than Anticipated

Expect a Time Jump of Approximately 50 Years

The covers of Shadows of Self, Mistborn: The Final Empire, and The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson — Custom Image by Yailin Chacon

The previous time jump between Mistborn eras one and two spanned over three centuries. While I admire Sanderson’s ability to evolve the world through advancements in technology and culture, the expansive gap often left me reminiscing about the connections to the original era. In his latest announcements, Sanderson revealed that Mistborn: Ghostbloods “will follow, as the title indicates, the Ghostbloods and their activities on Scadrial roughly fifty years after the conclusion of Era Two.”

This new perspective significantly alters my expectations. Originally, I thought the time jump would be closer to eighty years, but reducing it to fifty opens new narrative possibilities. We can anticipate quicker technological progress, which will drive forward the evolution of Scadrial’s society, while maintaining some continuity with the previous era. Although fifty years may not seem substantial, it is crucial in setting the stage for the new narrative landscape, and I am genuinely thrilled about what this means for the story.

The Timeline of Mistborn Era 3 Creates a Smooth Transition into Ghostbloods’ Setting

Scadrial Will Be More Familiar Than in the Previous Era Jump

Vin holding knives in front of the first Mistborn book — Custom image by Milica Djordjevic

The Lost Metal, along with intriguing technological intersections with the magic used in the Mistborn series. Additionally, when we left Scadrial, tensions were rising between the northern and southern regions, hinting at a conflict that might escalate into a cold war during the new trilogy.

Sanderson has consistently excelled in world-building, effectively weaving past concepts into the narratives of technological advancements. That said, encountering a drastically changed setting can be disorienting for readers. Maximizing familiarity through established characters is essential in easing this transition. Retaining some recognizable figures, alongside Kelsier and Harmony, will significantly help in acclimatizing fans to new elements of the story.

The Unexpected Timeline of Ghostbloods Paves the Way for Era 2 Crossovers

The Possible Return of Era 2 Protagonists’ Offspring in Ghostbloods

The covers of Shadows of Self and The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson — Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

The fifty-year gap following Wax & Wayne’s story provides fertile ground for crossover potential. In the series, we encountered characters who were descendants of figures from the original trilogy, alongside immortal beings who remained. The previous time leap limited these interactions, but Ghostbloods opens the door to deeper connections. While Wax and Steris will most likely be long gone, we may encounter someone like Marasi Colms as an elderly figure—offering a bridge between generations. These lineage connections could be even more pronounced through their descendants living in this new era.

Kelsier is also poised to play a significant role in this upcoming saga, reinforcing connections for readers. While I am eager to meet new characters, the presence of familiar ones with links to the past will enrich the narrative experience. It’s this interplay of legacy and continuity that transforms the world of Scadrial from a mere setting to a beloved tapestry of interwoven stories—an aspect that drew me into the series in the first place.

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