4.5✨ ( )

Be warned: Secret History contains HUGE spoilers for the original Mistborn trilogy and very minor spoilers for Bands of Mourning. Definitely do not read before finishing the original trilogy.

My mind is blown. It's amazing how much was going on behind the scenes during the time of the original Mistborn trilogy. I think I have even more questions now than answers. I really hope additional Secret Histories are written some day. I want the rest of the story! ( )

The Survivor, the man whose sacrifice led to the downfall of the Lord Ruler and freedom for the oppressed skaa on Scadrial, died in the first book of the original Mistborn trilogy. Mistborn: Secret History by Brandon Sanderson follows Kelsier after death during the events of the climax of the first novel and then Well of Ascension and The Hero of Ages.

Throughout the original trilogy, the reader knew Vin’s life was being influenced by greater forces that were playing out on a different plain or Realm and in this novella the reader learns that Kelsier prevented himself from going to the Cosmere’s afterlife (the Beyond). Then we follow Kelsier through the background events of the next two books from the Well of Ascension to the final showdown as the Hero of Ages emerges. The supernatural elements of the Cosmere are explained, especially those specific to Scadrial, and other characters from the Cosmere appear for knowledgeable readers through are also intriguing introductions for beginning readers. Absolutely this should be read only after finishing the Mistborn trilogy.

Mistborn: Secret History is exactly that, the now revealed background events that affected Vin’s story in the original trilogy. ( )

... There's always another secret. ( )

* Please don't read this review if you haven't read the Mistborn trilogy, although in that case, you should not be reading this book either*
This book satiated a longing I hadn't known I had. Kelsier's sudden death in book 1 had left me a bit bereft. Also, a lot of things about Ruin and Preservation, which were left to imagination and deduction, were explained here. Why the mists stabbed Elend, why Vin had a love/hate relationship with them, these were just a few of the things that suddenly made a whole lot more sense. And Kelsier, oh this book does justice to his character. Only he could have managed to hold on longer and help the world even after death. Nice! ( )