I have read very little of the Mistborn series (I think only the Alloy of Law) and something else I can't quite remember). I am assuming that all of the characters I am reading are callouts to other characters from various novels. As an outsider, reading this story was engaging, but probably lacked the emotional punch it might have had if I knew who any of these people were. Anywho, even with that, it was a well written story. I also appreciated that it was a novella with good pacing and a clear ending. So, even if you haven't read any of the Mistborn stuff, I think this will not disappoint you.