Read Brandon Sanderson Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

Brandon Sanderson is one of the most prolific and celebrated authors of modern fantasy literature, known for his intricate world-building, complex magic systems, and epic storytelling. His works, which blend elements of high fantasy, science fiction, and deep philosophical musings, have captivated readers worldwide. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just beginning to explore his works, understanding the order in which to read his books can enhance your experience and provide a deeper appreciation of his interconnected universes.

This guide will dive into Sanderson’s extensive bibliography, explain the various series he has written, and provide a clear reading order for those interested in diving into his world. We’ll also explore why his works are so beloved by readers and whether it’s necessary to read his books in a specific order to fully enjoy them.

List Of Brandon Sanderson Books In Order

Elantris (2005)	Details
The Emperor’s Soul (2012)	Details
Mistborn: The Final Empire (2006)	Details
Mistborn: The Well of Ascension (2007)	Details
Mistborn: The Hero of Ages (2008)	Details
Warbreaker (2009)	Details
The Stormlight Archive: The Way of Kings (2010)	Details
The Stormlight Archive: Words of Radiance (2014)	Details
The Stormlight Archive: Edgedancer (2016)	Details
The Stormlight Archive: Dawnshard (2020)	Details
The Stormlight Archive: Oathbringer (2017)	Details
The Stormlight Archive: Rhythm of War (2020)	Details
Mistborn: The Alloy of Law (2011)	Details
Mistborn: Shadows of Self (2015)	Details
Mistborn: The Bands of Mourning (2016)	Details
Mistborn: The Lost Metal (2022)	Details

More On Brandon Sanderson Books In Chronological Order

1. Elantris (2005)

Okay, so this is where it all began for Sanderson in the Cosmere, and honestly, it’s such a classic underdog story with a magical city at its core. Imagine a city of gods that suddenly crumbles into a land of the cursed-people who were once radiant and powerful now decayed and shunned. You follow multiple POVs as they try to survive and unravel political intrigue. It’s heartfelt, clever, and you can really feel Sanderson’s knack for worldbuilding starting to shine.

2. The Emperor’s Soul (2012)

This is technically a novella, but don’t let the short length fool you-it’s brilliantly tight and smart. It’s set on the same world as Elantris but far away, focusing on a master forger who can rewrite the history of objects to change their reality. It’s got this super satisfying cleverness, like you’re watching a magical puzzle get solved with style and wit. Very introspective, with lots of ’aha’ moments.

3. Mistborn: The Final Empire (2006)

Ah, now we’re really getting into Sanderson’s big league. This is the start of the original Mistborn trilogy. You’ve got a world ruled by a seemingly immortal tyrant, ash falling from the sky, and a street-smart heroine named Vin who discovers she can ingest metals for magical powers. It’s dark, thrilling, and Sanderson just keeps pulling the rug out from under you while building such a rich, immersive world.

4. Mistborn: The Well of Ascension (2007)

Book two! Now things get even more politically intense. Vin and her crew are trying to figure out how to govern a city under constant threat while weird mystical forces start creeping in. Sanderson really expands the magic system and world lore here, so you start seeing the bigger Cosmere picture. And let me tell you, the tension and twists will make you pace back and forth.

5. Mistborn: The Hero of Ages (2008)

The epic conclusion to the original Mistborn trilogy. Everything you thought you knew about the world gets flipped upside down. The story gets huge in scale with apocalyptic stakes and mind-blowing reveals. Vin and her friends face moral dilemmas, desperate battles, and the kind of emotional punches that leave you staring at the ceiling thinking about it for hours. It’s classic Sanderson payoff territory.

6. Warbreaker (2009)

Now this one’s fun-it’s lighter in tone compared to Mistborn, but the magic system is genius. People literally sell parts of their biochromatic energy to animate objects or even resurrect the dead. You follow two princesses, a mysterious bodyguard, and a twisty political plot that keeps you guessing. Plus, the dialogue is witty and playful, which is a nice change of pace from the doom-and-gloom epicness of Mistborn.

7. The Stormlight Archive: The Way of Kings (2010)

Oh boy, welcome to the big leagues. This is the first book in Sanderson’s massive Stormlight Archive series. It’s huge-giant characters, giant stakes, giant worldbuilding. You have knights, magical swords, political intrigue, and a shattered continent. The multiple POVs are so well done that you feel like you’re actually living in this world. It’s immersive, epic, and, honestly, almost overwhelming in the best way.

8. The Stormlight Archive: Words of Radiance (2014)

Book two, and yes, it lives up to the hype. The battles get bigger, the magic system deepens, and the character arcs start delivering emotional payoffs that are just *chef’s kiss*. You feel like you’re watching people grow and struggle in a very real way-even though they’re in a world with floating cities and mystical swords. There’s a lot of heartbreak and triumph, and the plot twists are so sneaky you’ll reread passages just to catch them all.

9. The Stormlight Archive: Edgedancer (2016)

This is a novella set between Words of Radiance and Oathbringer. It focuses on Lift, a quirky, food-obsessed character who steals the show. It’s lighthearted compared to the main novels, but it gives depth to the side characters and shows more of the magic system in action. Basically, it’s like a little snack of Stormlight goodness to tide you over.

10. The Stormlight Archive: Dawnshard (2020)

Another novella, but important worldbuilding-wise. It introduces key elements that will become huge in later Stormlight books. It focuses on a new adventure at sea and deepens your understanding of the mysteries of Roshar. Think of it as a tight, exciting interlude with big implications for the main series.

11. The Stormlight Archive: Oathbringer (2017)

The third Stormlight book, and it’s *massive*-both in size and emotional impact. Sanderson dives deep into the pasts and psyches of his main characters while juggling massive battles and political intrigue. The stakes feel incredibly personal yet world-shattering at the same time. By now, you’re so invested in these characters that every triumph and heartbreak hits like a punch to the chest.

12. The Stormlight Archive: Rhythm of War (2020)

Book four, and honestly, Sanderson just keeps getting better at juggling epic storytelling with intimate character moments. There’s so much magic, intrigue, and heart here, it’s almost exhausting-but in a wonderful way. You’ll laugh, cry, and probably close the book wondering how anyone could craft such a complex world and still make it feel relatable.

13. Mistborn: The Alloy of Law (2011)

Okay, time jump! This is the start of the Mistborn Wax and Wayne series, set about 300 years after the original trilogy. Imagine a Wild West vibe mixed with Allomancy magic. It’s got heists, shootouts, and witty banter between the hero and his sidekick. Sanderson really leans into fun, adventurous storytelling here while still respecting the original series’ mythology.

14. Mistborn: Shadows of Self (2015)

Second book in the Wax and Wayne series. The stakes get higher, the crimes get trickier, and the social commentary is sharper. Sanderson continues blending detective story tropes with magic, and the interplay between characters is pure entertainment. You’re rooting for them, laughing at their antics, and marveling at the cleverness of the magic all at once.

15. Mistborn: The Bands of Mourning (2016)

Book three in the Wax and Wayne series, and yes, it’s as fun as it sounds. There’s exploration, heists, mystery, and plenty of clever magical twists. It has that satisfying mix of humor and high-stakes adventure that keeps you turning pages late into the night. You start seeing threads connecting back to the bigger Cosmere too.

16. Mistborn: The Lost Metal (2022)

The fourth book in the Wax and Wayne series and the latest so far. It ties up major plotlines while teasing the next era of Mistborn stories. The story delivers clever twists, fun character interactions, and more intricate magic than ever. It’s a blast, and you can really feel Sanderson having fun with the universe while wrapping things up neatly.

Background On Brandon Sanderson Books

Brandon Sanderson made a significant impact on the fantasy genre with his debut novel Elantris (2005), which introduced readers to his unique approach to magic and world-building. However, it was his Mistborn series (2006) that truly catapulted him into the spotlight. The series is renowned for its innovative magic system, where characters can ingest and "burn" various metals to gain extraordinary powers. The series also introduces a dark, dystopian world ruled by an immortal tyrant, setting the stage for deep philosophical themes on power, trust, and rebellion.

Sanderson’s most famous work, however, is the Stormlight Archive, an epic fantasy series set in the world of Roshar. The first book, The Way of Kings (2010), was hailed as a masterpiece and launched a saga that spans multiple books, with plans for more in the future. The Stormlight Archive is perhaps the clearest example of Sanderson’s ambition, blending vast political intrigue, numerous character arcs, and a complex, evolving magic system that has captivated fantasy lovers.

Sanderson’s works are marked by a shared universe known as the "Cosmere," a multi-dimensional web of interconnected worlds and stories. While each series and book can typically be read independently, they all exist within the same universe, with recurring themes, characters, and even subtle references that tie the books together.

Beyond his fantasy works, Sanderson has also written The Reckoners series, a science fiction series that takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where people with superpowers wreak havoc on humanity. Additionally, his Skyward series, a young adult science fiction series, explores themes of space exploration and identity.

As one of the most successful and influential authors of the 21st century, Sanderson’s works have sold millions of copies worldwide and garnered a dedicated fan base. His writing style is known for its clear prose, fast-paced plotting, and character-driven storytelling.

Reading Order Explained

When it comes to reading Brandon Sanderson’s books, the question often arises: Is there a specific order in which to read them?

The answer depends on what you’re looking for. Sanderson’s works are divided into separate series, many of which are connected by the broader Cosmere universe. Some readers may choose to tackle the Cosmere books in the order they were published, while others might prefer to read them in a way that unveils the Cosmere gradually.

For those who are new to Sanderson, it is highly recommended to start with one of his more accessible series before delving into the more intricate and expansive Stormlight Archive or Mistborn. Below is a suggested reading order for those looking to dive into Sanderson’s world.

Elantris (2005)

Although not part of a series, Elantris is Sanderson’s debut novel and provides an excellent introduction to his writing style. The book explores themes of power, religion, and personal redemption in the city of Elantris, where a once-glorious civilization is now cursed. While it’s not as complex as some of his later works, it showcases Sanderson’s talent for world-building and character development.

Mistborn Series (2006-2008)

Starting with Mistborn: The Final Empire, this trilogy is a cornerstone of Sanderson’s early success. Set in a world where ash falls from the sky and mist dominates the night, the series follows Vin, a young woman who discovers she has extraordinary powers related to metals. The Mistborn trilogy offers a mix of action, political intrigue, and philosophical themes of power and rebellion. The series also features one of the most unique magic systems in modern fantasy.

• Mistborn: The Final Empire
• Mistborn: The Well of Ascension
• Mistborn: The Hero of Ages

After finishing the trilogy, you can explore Mistborn: Secret History (2016), which provides important backstory and context for the series.

The Stormlight Archive (2010-Present)

The Stormlight Archive is a monumental undertaking that spans multiple books. Each book in this series is longer than the average fantasy novel and deals with intricate political and social structures, as well as a deep and evolving magic system. The series is often described as the pinnacle of Sanderson’s literary career and a defining work of epic fantasy in the 21st century.

• The Way of Kings
• Words of Radiance
• Edgedancer (novella)
• Dawnshard (novella)
• Rhythm of War

Though it is possible to dive into Stormlight without having read other Cosmere books, it’s best enjoyed if you have some background on the broader universe. Sanderson himself has suggested that The Way of Kings and subsequent books in the series are a great entry point into the Cosmere.

The Cosmere Side Novels And Short Stories

After delving into Stormlight Archive and Mistborn, you might want to explore some of Sanderson’s Cosmere side novels and short stories. These include works like Warbreaker (2009), which introduces another magic system tied to the Cosmere, and The Emperor’s Soul (2012), a novella that focuses on a unique form of magic known as Forgery.

• Warbreaker (2009)
• The Emperor’s Soul (2012)
• Secret History (2016, part of the Mistborn universe)

These books are often self-contained but will provide greater depth when you start to piece together the connections between different worlds in the Cosmere.

The Reckoners Series (2013-2016)

This science fiction series is unrelated to the Cosmere but still demonstrates Sanderson’s talent for writing complex characters and exploring deep themes. Set in a world where humans with superpowers (known as Epics) dominate the Earth, the Reckoners series focuses on a group of rebels fighting back against the tyrannical Epics.

• Steelheart
• Firefight
• Calamity

Skyward Series (2018-Present)

Sanderson’s Skyward series is a YA space opera that explores themes of identity, legacy, and what it means to be a hero. Set in a world where humanity is trapped on a planet under constant attack by alien forces, Skyward follows a young girl named Spensa as she dreams of becoming a pilot in the defense force. This series is fun, fast-paced, and more accessible for younger readers, though it still contains many of the signature elements that make Sanderson’s work so compelling.

• Skyward
• Starsight
• Cytonic

What I Like About The Series?

One of the things I find most appealing about Brandon Sanderson’s books is his ability to create intricate and imaginative worlds that feel both vast and personal. His magic systems are consistently inventive, often being tied to the natural world or deeply connected to the personal growth of the characters who wield them. For instance, in Mistborn, the idea of burning metals to access unique powers is not just a cool fantasy gimmick but also an integral part of the story’s themes of class, control, and revolution.

Additionally, Sanderson’s characters are often morally complex. They struggle with their own flaws, make difficult decisions, and undergo genuine growth throughout their journeys. Whether it’s the determined Vin in Mistborn or the morally conflicted Kaladin in The Stormlight Archive, Sanderson gives his characters depth and emotional resonance.

Another strength is Sanderson’s pacing. Even in his longer works like The Way of Kings, he maintains a careful balance between action, character development, and world-building. This allows readers to become fully immersed in his worlds without feeling overwhelmed by exposition.

Should You Read Brandon Sanderson Books In Order?

It’s not strictly necessary to read all of Brandon Sanderson’s books in order. Many of his series stand on their own, and you can enjoy them without needing to follow a specific timeline. However, if you’re diving into his Cosmere works, it’s certainly recommended to read in the suggested order, especially if you want to appreciate the overarching connections between the books.

For example, reading Mistborn first gives you a great foundation for the Cosmere, and the Stormlight Archive will be more rewarding if you understand the larger universe Sanderson has built.

If you’re new to Sanderson and don’t mind a bit of overlap, beginning with Elantris or Mistborn is a solid way to dive into his world. If you’re particularly interested in the Cosmere’s grand design, starting with The Stormlight Archive can give you a sense of the epic scale of Sanderson’s writing.