Brandon Sanderson Books: Where to Start
Your guide to starting Brandon Sanderson's expansive catalog.
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Brandon Sanderson is known for his intricate worlds and epic stories. If you're looking to dive in, here's a way to approach his novels.
Cosmere Novels
Many of Sanderson's books exist within a shared universe called the Cosmere. While they can be read individually, some readers enjoy experiencing them in a particular order. Standalone Cosmere novels like 'Tress of the Emerald Sea' (ref: 11), 'The Sunlit Man' (ref: 6), 'Yumi and the Nightmare Painter' (ref: 7), and 'Isles of the Emberdark' (ref: 4) offer entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series. 'Warbreaker' (ref: 1) is also a standalone Cosmere novel that introduces unique magic and world-building.
Mistborn Series
The Mistborn saga is a popular starting point. The original trilogy concludes in 'The Lost Metal' (ref: 9). If you've read the original trilogy, 'Mistborn: Secret History' (ref: 2) offers a deeper look at events from a different viewpoint.
The Stormlight Archive
This is Sanderson's most ambitious epic fantasy series. 'Wind and Truth' (ref: 3) is an installment within this series. Reading previous books in The Stormlight Archive is necessary to fully appreciate this novel.
Other Works
'Tailored Realities' (ref: 5) is a collection of short stories and a novella, providing glimpses into various worlds and ideas. 'The Frugal Wizards Handbook for Surviving Medieval England' (ref: 10) is a standalone time-travel adventure. For younger readers, 'The Most Boring Book Ever' (ref: 8) offers a playful, imaginative experience.
1. Warbreaker
This standalone novel offers a vibrant world where magic is a tangible commodity. It's suitable for readers who enjoy unique magic systems and intricate political plots.
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2. Mistborn: Secret History
This work revisits familiar events from the Mistborn series from a hidden vantage point. It's recommended for those already invested in the Mistborn world who want to explore its history further.
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3. Wind and Truth Book Five of the Stormlight Archive
This installment is part of a large-scale epic fantasy series. Readers should be familiar with the preceding books to follow the converging storylines and climactic confrontations.
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4. Isles of the Emberdark A Cosmere Novel
This novel takes you on an adventure across a star-filled expanse with unlikely allies. It's for readers who appreciate vast cosmologies and high-stakes journeys.
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5. Tailored Realities
This collection showcases a master storyteller's range through ten short fiction pieces and a new novella. It's ideal for those wanting to sample diverse futuristic and fantasy scenarios.
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6. The Sunlit Man A Cosmere Novel
An intergalactic fugitive faces survival challenges on a hostile planet in this standalone adventure. It appeals to readers who enjoy fast-paced action and personal journeys of redemption.
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7. Yumi and the Nightmare Painter A Cosmere Novel
This standalone novel pairs a duty-bound woman with an outcast artist in a world needing mending. It's for readers who enjoy intricate world-building and tales of unexpected connections.
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8. The Most Boring Book Ever
This picture book playfully pretends to be dull but delivers an imaginative adventure. It's perfect for young readers who enjoy unexpected twists and vibrant illustrations.
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9. The Lost Metal A Mistborn Novel
This is the concluding volume of a specific era within the Mistborn saga. It features intense action and large-scale conflicts for established fans of the series.
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10. The Frugal Wizards Handbook for Surviving Medieval England Secret Projects Brand
This standalone novel presents a puzzle-box adventure about a time traveler with amnesia. It's a good choice for those who like intricate plots and survival-focused fantasy.
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11. Tress of the Emerald Sea A Cosmere Novel
This fairy-tale-inspired standalone novel follows a young woman on a perilous quest across a magical sea. It's suited for readers who enjoy adventurous journeys and classic fantasy tropes.
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Common questions
- What is the Cosmere?
- The Cosmere is a shared universe where many of Brandon Sanderson's fantasy novels take place. While each series or standalone novel is generally self-contained, they share underlying magical principles and cosmic events that connect them.
- Where should I start with Brandon Sanderson?
- Many readers begin with the standalone Cosmere novels like 'Tress of the Emerald Sea' (ref: 11) or 'Warbreaker' (ref: 1). Alternatively, the original Mistborn trilogy, culminating in 'The Lost Metal' (ref: 9), is a popular entry point into his longer series.
- Do I need to read the books in publication order?
- Not necessarily. While publication order can offer insight into the author's development, many books, especially standalone Cosmere novels, can be enjoyed independently. For series like Mistborn or The Stormlight Archive, reading within that series' order is recommended.
- Are there books for younger readers?
- Yes, 'The Most Boring Book Ever' (ref: 8) is a picture book. Collections like 'Tailored Realities' (ref: 5) can also offer shorter, more accessible stories.
- What's the difference between a Cosmere novel and other books?
- Cosmere novels are set within a single, interconnected universe, sharing common metaphysical laws and sometimes characters or events. Other books may be part of different, unrelated worlds or stand entirely alone.
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