Diving into Brandon Sanderson’s worlds can feel like starting an epic quest without a map. If you're a newcomer, the best approach is to start with a standalone story or a finished series. Something like Mistborn: The Final Empire is perfect for getting a feel for his style before you even think about the wider, interconnected universe.
Your Journey Into Brandon Sanderson's Universe
Stepping into the massive literary world of Brandon Sanderson is an exciting moment for any fantasy reader. His books are legendary for their intricate magic systems, deep lore, and characters you won't soon forget, offering hundreds of hours of pure escapism. But let’s be honest—the sheer number of books can be pretty intimidating.
The biggest question is always: where do I even begin?
Unlike most authors, a huge chunk of Sanderson’s novels exist within a shared universe called the Cosmere. Think of it as a fictional galaxy, where each series is its own solar system. The stories are mostly self-contained, but they all share an underlying magical framework and a massive, overarching mythology. This means your reading order can actually enhance the experience, letting you spot hidden connections and have those awesome "aha!" moments over time.
Why A Reading Order Matters
Choosing a smart reading path isn’t about following strict rules; it’s about making sure you have the best possible time. A good reading order helps you in a few key ways:
Grasp Core Concepts: You’ll start with books that introduce the foundational ideas of the Cosmere’s magic in a way that’s easy to digest.
Avoid Spoilers: Some books contain subtle (and sometimes major) spoilers for others. A curated path protects the big reveals.
Appreciate the Connections: Following a recommended order lets you notice the subtle links between worlds exactly as the author intended.
Brandon Sanderson is one of the most prolific fantasy authors out there today. Since his debut novel Elantris in 2005, he has published a staggering 71 works. This includes 32 novels, 17 novellas, and countless short stories, many of which plug right into the Cosmere. Read the full statistics about his incredible output for more details. This guide is designed to cut through all that complexity and give you a clear map for your adventure.
The goal isn't to find the one "perfect" reading order, but to find the best starting point for you. Most fans agree that beginning with a more accessible series provides the best foundation for exploring the rest of his incredible universe.
This approach ensures your first steps into his worlds are confident and fun. Instead of being overwhelmed by dozens of titles, you can just focus on one amazing story at a time. For a comprehensive look at all his series, you might be interested in our complete guide to Brandon Sanderson's books in order. For now, let's stick to giving you a simple, effective path to launch your journey.
Quick Start Reading Path For Newcomers
To make things as simple as possible, here's a streamlined, three-step reading order designed for your first journey into Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere. This path is all about giving you a fantastic introduction without overwhelming you with the universe's deeper lore right away.
| Step | Book or Series | Why This Is The Best Starting Point |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mistborn: The Final Empire | This is the most recommended starting point. It’s a complete trilogy with a gripping heist plot, a unique magic system, and a perfectly satisfying conclusion. |
| 2 | Warbreaker | A fantastic standalone novel that introduces more Cosmere concepts in a self-contained story. It's also available for free on Sanderson's website! |
| 3 | The Way of Kings | Now you're ready for the big one. This is the first book in his epic magnum opus, The Stormlight Archive. Your experience from the first two steps will make this massive world much easier to dive into. |
Once you’ve tackled these, you'll have a solid foundation and a much better sense of where you want to go next in the Cosmere. You'll be ready for anything
Understanding The Cosmere: A Universe Of Stories
So, to figure out the best reading order for Brandon Sanderson, you first have to wrap your head around the Cosmere. What is it, exactly?
Think of it as a fictional galaxy. Many of Sanderson’s most popular books and series are like different planets within that galaxy. Each one has its own unique cultures, conflicts, and—most importantly—magic systems.
Just like the Marvel Cinematic Universe connects heroes from totally separate films, the Cosmere ties these seemingly unrelated stories together with an epic, overarching mythology. There’s a hidden framework of shared magical principles, a deep cosmic history, and even certain characters who "worldhop," popping up subtly in different novels.
This interconnectedness is what makes a Sanderson reading order so fun and rewarding. Following a specific sequence lets you piece together the bigger puzzle at your own pace. You get these incredible "aha!" moments when you spot a familiar face or a universal magical law at play on a brand new world.
The Hidden Connections (Without Spoilers)
Imagine you just finished the Mistborn series, which is set on the planet Scadrial. You learned all about its metallic arts and unique history. Then, you pick up The Way of Kings, set on the world of Roshar, and notice a peculiar character using phrases that sound strangely familiar from your time on Scadrial.
That’s not just a coincidence; it's a breadcrumb.
These moments are the real magic of the Cosmere. They aren't necessary to enjoy any single story—each series is absolutely designed to stand on its own—but they add a remarkable layer of depth for readers who know what to look for.
These connections are built on three main pillars:
Universal Magic Theory: A single, overarching set of rules governs all magic in the Cosmere, even though it manifests differently on each planet.
Worldhoppers: A handful of recurring characters travel between worlds, often in disguise, chasing their own mysterious goals.
The Overarching Plot: There is a grand, cosmic conflict happening in the background of all the books. It's a massive story that is slowly being revealed across dozens of novels.
The beauty of the Cosmere is that you don't need to understand these connections to enjoy the individual books. However, once you start seeing them, the entire universe opens up in a new and exciting way.
Why It Shapes Your Reading Path
Getting a handle on this concept is the key to choosing your journey. Reading in publication order lets you discover these secrets exactly as Sanderson revealed them to the world. A chronological order, on the other hand, follows the in-universe timeline of these cosmic events, which offers a totally different perspective.
The massive popularity of these interconnected stories has cemented Sanderson's place in modern fantasy. As of 2023, he has sold over 40 million copies worldwide. His groundbreaking 2022 Kickstarter for four "secret novels" became the most funded campaign in the site's history, raising over $42 million from about 185,000 enthusiastic backers. You can read more about this record-breaking achievement to see just how passionate his fanbase is.
Ultimately, grasping the concept of the Cosmere helps you understand the why behind our recommended reading paths. It changes the question from "Which book is next?" to "What piece of the puzzle do I want to uncover next?" This foundation gives you the power to choose an order that will deliver the most satisfying and immersive experience possible.
Choosing Your Ideal Cosmere Reading Path
Let's get one thing straight: there is no single "correct" reading order for Brandon Sanderson. Anyone who tells you otherwise is missing the point. It’s all about picking the journey that clicks with your own reading style. Over the years, fans have landed on a few tried-and-true strategies, and each one offers a completely different way to experience the Cosmere's sprawling secrets.
The path you choose will literally shape how you uncover the universe's hidden connections. Think of it like watching a complex TV show—some people are purists who watch in the original air date order, while others want to see the story unfold chronologically. Both ways work, but they create a totally different vibe.
So, let's break down the three most popular approaches. We'll get into the pros and cons of each to help you figure out which adventure is calling your name.
The Publication Order Experience
Reading the Cosmere books in the order they hit the shelves is the classic, purist approach. If you want to experience the universe exactly as Brandon Sanderson revealed it to the world, this is your ticket. You'll see his writing style mature and watch the Cosmere's lore deepen naturally, book by book.
Most importantly, this path guarantees a 100% spoiler-free journey. You'll hit every twist and revelation exactly when the author wanted you to. It's like watching a filmmaker’s career from their first indie short to their latest blockbuster—you get a special appreciation for how early ideas blossom into massive plot points down the line.
The only real catch? You'll be jumping between series. You might read the first Mistborn book, then hop over to the standalone Elantris, and then come back to Mistborn later. For some readers, that can feel a bit disjointed, especially if they prefer to stick with one world and one cast of characters at a time.
The Chronological Order Journey
For the lore-hounds out there who want to see events unfold according to the in-universe timeline, chronological order is a fascinating rabbit hole to go down. This path pieces together the grand history of the Cosmere from its earliest days, giving you a god-tier perspective on the cosmic conflict brewing in the background.
This approach creates some powerful moments of dramatic irony. You’ll know about ancient events or shady characters long before the protagonists in a later book do, which adds a whole new layer of tension to their story. It’s an analytical way to read, perfect for someone who loves assembling a massive, galaxy-spanning puzzle.
Heads up, though: this is not recommended for first-timers. It will absolutely spoil major plot points and often starts you with some of the most complex, lore-heavy novellas, which can be seriously overwhelming. Save this one for a reread, once you’ve got a handle on the individual stories.
Reading chronologically is like having a historian's view of the Cosmere. You see the cause and effect across millennia, but you sacrifice the on-the-ground surprise of discovering the past alongside the characters.
The Series-First Approach
This is, hands down, the most popular and user-friendly way to tackle the Cosmere. The idea is simple: pick a series, like Mistborn or The Stormlight Archive, and read all the books in that series before jumping to another.
This method really gives you the best of both worlds. You get the immense satisfaction of finishing a complete story arc with characters you've come to know and love. It lets you fully immerse yourself in a single world and its magic system without getting sidetracked.
Its biggest selling point is its simplicity and narrative payoff. Once you finish the Mistborn Era 1 trilogy, for example, you have a complete, rewarding experience under your belt. From there, you can dive into Warbreaker or start the epic journey of The Stormlight Archive, fully prepped for a new adventure. This is the most balanced and accessible Brandon Sanderson reading order for the vast majority of fans.
To help you decide, here’s a quick breakdown of how these three paths stack up against each other.
Comparing Cosmere Reading Approaches
| Reading Approach | Best Suited For | Key Advantages | Potential Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Publication Order | First-time readers and purists who want the author's intended experience. | Absolutely no spoilers. You see the universe and lore evolve naturally. | Requires jumping between different series, which can feel disjointed. |
| Chronological Order | Experienced fans on a re-read who want to understand the deep history. | Provides a unique, historical perspective on the Cosmere's overarching plot. | Major spoilers for first-timers. Can be confusing and front-loads heavy lore. |
| Series-First Approach | Newcomers and readers who prefer contained stories and strong character arcs. | Easy to follow and provides satisfying narrative closure for each series. | You might miss some subtle, early cross-series connections. |
Ultimately, there's no "wrong" choice here. The best approach is the one that gets you excited to turn the page. Whether you prefer the purist's path, the historian's deep dive, or the satisfying arc-by-arc journey, a massive and incredible universe is waiting for you.
The Mistborn Series Reading Order
If you ask a dozen Sanderson fans where to start with the Cosmere, you’ll probably get a dozen different answers. But one recommendation pops up more than any other: the Mistborn saga. And for good reason. It’s a self-contained epic that perfectly showcases Sanderson’s genius for intricate magic systems and jaw-dropping plot twists.
This is the ideal entry point. You don’t need to know a single thing about the wider Cosmere to dive in, and by the end, you get a complete, deeply satisfying story. The magic system, Allomancy—where people get powers by "burning" metals inside their bodies—is one of Sanderson's most iconic creations and a perfect introduction to his style.
Starting with Era 1: The Original Trilogy
Your journey begins with what fans call Mistborn Era 1. The story drops you into a dark, ash-choked world where a thieving crew plans an impossible heist: overthrowing the immortal tyrant who has ruled for a thousand years. The trilogy is legendary for its tight plotting and twists that will leave you reeling.
The reading order here is as straightforward as it gets:
- The Final Empire: This is your setup. It introduces the key players, the grim world of the Final Empire, and the rules of Allomancy, all wrapped in a thrilling heist plot.
- The Well of Ascension: This sequel deals with the messy aftermath of the first book. The world opens up, the political maneuvering gets intense, and the mythology goes much, much deeper.
- The Hero of Ages: An explosive finale that masterfully ties together every dangling thread and mystery from the previous books into a powerful, unforgettable conclusion.
Once you finish The Hero of Ages, you've experienced a complete epic. For a more detailed breakdown, we have a dedicated guide to the Mistborn Era 1 series here.
Continuing with Era 2: The Wax and Wayne Series
After you've recovered from the first trilogy, you can jump forward a few centuries into Mistborn Era 2. Known as the Wax and Wayne books, this series is a whole different beast. Imagine the world of Mistborn evolving into an industrial age with trains, electricity, and six-shooters. It’s a brilliant blend of fantasy and classic western.
Here’s how to read this next arc:
- The Alloy of Law
- Shadows of Self
- The Bands of Mourning
- The Lost Metal
This series has a fresh cast, following a frontier lawman who can use two magic systems and his hilariously eccentric partner as they solve crimes in a booming metropolis. The tone is faster and funnier, offering a fascinating look at how society and magic adapt over generations.
Crucial Reading Tip: The placement of the novella Mistborn: Secret History is a hot topic among fans. To avoid spoiling a major twist in Era 2, the safest and most common recommendation is to read it after finishing The Bands of Mourning.
The Essential Novella: Mistborn: Secret History
Mistborn: Secret History is a game-changer. It’s a companion story that runs parallel to the original trilogy, showing you what was happening behind the cosmic curtain from a completely different, Cosmere-aware viewpoint. It’s packed with huge revelations that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew.
Reading it after The Bands of Mourning preserves a critical plot twist in that book while letting the reveals in Secret History hit with maximum impact. It's the story that truly connects the Mistborn saga to the grander Cosmere narrative, making it an absolute must-read for anyone continuing the journey.
Conquering The Stormlight Archive Reading Order
If Mistborn is the perfect entry point, The Stormlight Archive is the main event. This is Brandon Sanderson’s magnum opus—a sprawling epic fantasy that’s bigger, denser, and more ambitious than almost anything else on the shelves today. Its sheer size can be intimidating, but trust me, conquering it is one of the most rewarding experiences in modern fiction.
Getting the reading order for Brandon Sanderson’s flagship series right is crucial. The core story unfolds across massive novels, but two key novellas slot in between them. Think of them as essential episodes in a prestige TV series; skipping them leaves noticeable gaps and robs you of vital context.
The Main Novels and Novellas
Here is the definitive reading path for The Stormlight Archive. Following this sequence ensures you experience every reveal and character moment exactly as intended, turning a great read into an unforgettable one.
- The Way of Kings (Book 1)
- Words of Radiance (Book 2)
- Edgedancer (Novella 2.5)
- Oathbringer (Book 3)
- Dawnshard (Novella 3.5)
- Rhythm of War (Book 4)
This structure is designed to flow perfectly. The novellas aren't optional side quests; they're foundational bridges between the epic installments. Edgedancer explores a character who becomes surprisingly important in Oathbringer, while Dawnshard sets up major cosmic concepts that pay off big time in Rhythm of War.
For a more granular look at each entry, you can also check out our dedicated guide to The Stormlight Archive series order.
Why the Novellas Are Essential
It's easy to look at a reading list and think about skipping the shorter books to get to the next thousand-page epic. Don't do it. In this series, that would be a huge mistake. The novellas are where Sanderson fleshes out secondary characters and deepens the world's lore in ways the main books just don't have time for.
Take Edgedancer, for example. It follows the character Lift. Reading her story after Words of Radiance transforms her from a quirky side character into a protagonist with real depth and purpose, making her role in Oathbringer far more impactful. Likewise, Dawnshard is a focused adventure that uncovers secrets about the very fabric of the Cosmere, providing "aha!" moments that reframe events in Rhythm of War.
Key Reading Tip: Always read the novellas in their designated slots. Edgedancer fits between books 2 and 3, and Dawnshard sits perfectly between books 3 and 4. Reading them out of order can lead to spoilers and diminish their narrative power.
By following this carefully structured path, you ensure every piece of the puzzle falls into place at the right moment. This approach transforms the daunting task of reading The Stormlight Archive into a manageable and incredibly fulfilling journey through one of fantasy's greatest modern epics.
Exploring Sanderson's Non-Cosmere Worlds
While the Cosmere usually steals the spotlight, Brandon Sanderson's imagination stretches far beyond that single, interconnected universe. He's also crafted several fantastic series that exist entirely on their own, offering complete, self-contained experiences.
These non-Cosmere worlds are perfect when you want a break from the grander epic, or if you simply prefer stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end. They really showcase his versatility as an author, jumping from high fantasy to thrilling sci-fi and even action-packed superhero tales. Each series brings a fresh setting and a unique magic system (or its tech equivalent), proving his masterful storytelling isn't confined to just one galaxy.
So, whether you're in the mood for an adventure among the stars or a post-apocalyptic battle against supervillains, there’s a standalone Sanderson series waiting for you.
The Reckoners Series
Imagine a world where superheroes are real—but instead of saving humanity, they’ve enslaved it. That’s the electrifying premise of The Reckoners, a young adult series that flips the superhero genre completely on its head.
The story follows a gutsy group of ordinary humans who hunt down and assassinate these godlike tyrants, known as Epics. This series is pure, high-octane fun, jam-packed with explosive action and clever twists. It's a fantastic choice if you're looking for a fast-paced read with a totally unique hook.
Book 1: Steelheart
Book 2: Firefight
Book 3: Calamity
The Skyward Series
For science fiction fans, the Skyward series is an absolute must-read. The story drops you into a future where the last remnants of humanity are trapped on a desolate planet, constantly under attack by mysterious alien forces.
We follow a young pilot named Spensa whose dream is to become a starfighter pilot and prove her courage, despite her father being branded a coward. It’s a classic coming-of-age story set against a backdrop of exhilarating space combat and deep-space mysteries. The character development and world-building are incredible and will keep you hooked from the very first dogfight.
The main series reading order is:
- Skyward
- Starsight
- Cytonic
- Defiant
Heads up: there's also a companion trilogy of novellas called Skyward Flight (which Sanderson co-authored with Janci Patterson). These novellas fill in some crucial story gaps and are best read between Cytonic and Defiant.
These non-Cosmere series are an excellent way to experience Brandon Sanderson's writing without committing to the sheer vastness of his interconnected universe. Each one offers a complete and satisfying narrative arc, making them perfect entry points or refreshing breaks for any fan. They really stand as a testament to his ability to craft compelling stories in any genre.
Answers To Common Reading Order Questions
Even with a detailed map, stepping into a universe as massive as the Cosmere can bring up a few last-minute questions. Think of this as your final checklist before you crack open that first book and embark on an epic adventure.
Our goal here is to clear up any lingering confusion so you can start your journey with total confidence.
Which Brandon Sanderson Book Should I Read First?
The near-unanimous recommendation from longtime fans is Mistborn: The Final Empire. It’s the perfect showcase of everything that makes Sanderson great. You get a unique magic system, a thrilling heist plot, and a self-contained trilogy that delivers an incredibly satisfying payoff.
If you'd prefer a lower-commitment entry point, the standalone novels Warbreaker or Elantris are fantastic choices. Warbreaker is especially strategic because Sanderson offers it for free on his website, and it has direct, rewarding connections to The Stormlight Archive. Reading it first makes for a great warm-up before tackling that massive series.
Is It Okay To Start With The Stormlight Archive?
You absolutely can start with The Way of Kings, but it's generally not recommended for your first trip into the Cosmere. The Stormlight Archive is Sanderson’s most ambitious work, packed with enormous world-building and a sprawling cast of characters.
Starting here is like diving headfirst into the deep end of the pool. It’s doable, but most readers find the experience more manageable—and ultimately more rewarding—if they begin with a more contained story like Mistborn. This approach lets you get a feel for his style and introduces key Cosmere concepts gently, preparing you for Stormlight’s epic scale.
Starting with a more accessible series like Mistborn doesn't just ease you in; it enhances your future reading. The foundational knowledge you gain makes the intricate connections and epic scope of The Stormlight Archive feel earned and even more impressive.
Where Do The Novellas and Arcanum Unbounded Fit?
Arcanum Unbounded is a collection of short stories and novellas from all over the Cosmere. The best way to use it is as a companion guide. Don't read it cover-to-cover at the start; instead, dip into it as you finish the related books.
A good rule of thumb is to read each short story after finishing the main novel or series it connects to. For example:
Read Edgedancer after Words of Radiance (Stormlight #2).
Read Dawnshard after Oathbringer (Stormlight #3).
The most crucial placement is for Mistborn: Secret History. To keep the main series completely spoiler-free, you should read it after finishing The Bands of Mourning (Mistborn Era 2, book 3). This timing perfectly enriches the main plot without ruining some major reveals in the Wax and Wayne books. If you have more questions like these, you can explore our detailed reading order FAQ guide for even more answers.
Tags: reading order brandon sanderson, cosmere reading order, brandonsanderson, stormlight archive, mistborn series