How to Read Brandon Sanderson Books in Order

Petik.net - Brandon Sanderson is one of the most prolific and popular fantasy authors of our time. He has written over 40 books, spanning multiple series, genres, and worlds. His books are known for their intricate magic systems, epic plots, and diverse characters. But with so many books to choose from, where should you start? And how should you read his books in order?

In this article, we will give you some tips and recommendations on how to read Brandon Sanderson books in order. We will cover his main series, standalone novels, novellas, and short stories, as well as his shared universe, the Cosmere. Whether you are a new reader or a longtime fan, we hope this article will help you enjoy his books to the fullest.

The Cosmere

One of the most unique aspects of Brandon Sanderson's books is that many of them are set in the same universe, called the Cosmere. The Cosmere consists of several planets, each with its own magic system, history, and culture. Some of these planets are the settings for his main series, such as Mistborn, Stormlight Archive, and Elantris. Others are the settings for his standalone novels, novellas, and short stories, such as Warbreaker, Emperor's Soul, and Sixth of the Dusk.

The Cosmere is not just a backdrop for his stories, but also a source of mystery and intrigue. There are hidden connections, secrets, and easter eggs that link his books together. There are also characters who travel between the planets, such as Hoid, the mysterious storyteller who appears in almost every book. There is also a larger plot that involves the gods of the Cosmere, called Shards, and their conflicts and alliances.

However, you don't need to know anything about the Cosmere to enjoy his books. Each book and series can be read and understood on its own, without any prior knowledge. The Cosmere is more like a bonus for the attentive and curious readers who want to dig deeper and discover more. If you are interested in learning more about the Cosmere, you can check out his website, his wiki, or his fan forums.

Reading Order

There is no definitive or official reading order for Brandon Sanderson books. You can start with any book or series that appeals to you, and read them in any order you like. However, some books and series are better suited for beginners, while others are better suited for advanced readers. Some books and series also have spoilers for other books and series, so you might want to avoid them until you have read the previous ones. Here are some general guidelines and suggestions on how to read his books in order.

Beginner Books

If you are new to Brandon Sanderson or fantasy in general, you might want to start with some of his beginner-friendly books. These are books that are relatively short, easy to read, and have a simple and straightforward plot. They are also standalone novels, meaning they don't have any sequels or prequels, so you don't have to commit to a long series. Here are some of his beginner books:

Elantris: This is his first published novel, and the first book set in the Cosmere. It tells the story of a man who catches a terrible magical disease, and is thrown into a prison city for those with that disease. He tries to unravel the world's magic system, which is now non-functional, and potentially the source of the disease, while surviving in terrible circumstances and trying to bring civilization back to those locked in the city with him.
Warbreaker: This is another standalone novel set in the Cosmere. It tells the story of two sisters, one who is sent to marry a god-king in a foreign land, and one who tries to rescue her. It features a magic system based on color and breath, a talking sword, and a mysterious mercenary.
Steelheart: This is the first book in the Reckoners trilogy, which is not set in the Cosmere, but in a near-future Earth where some people have gained superpowers, but become evil and tyrannical. It tells the story of a young man who joins a group of rebels who fight against the superpowered oppressors, known as Epics. It is a fast-paced and action-packed book, with a lot of humor and twists.

Intermediate Books

If you are familiar with Brandon Sanderson or fantasy in general, you might want to try some of his intermediate books. These are books that are longer, more complex, and more challenging than his beginner books. They are also part of a series, meaning they have sequels or prequels, so you have to commit to a longer story. Here are some of his intermediate books:

Mistborn: This is his most popular and acclaimed series, and the second series set in the Cosmere. It tells the story of a young woman who is recruited into a gang of thieves, trained to use magic and to imitate a noblewoman, and then used in a plot to try and rob and overthrow the immortal emperor of the world. It is a heist story, a fantasy story, and a political story, all in one. It has two sub-series, the original trilogy, and the second era, which is set hundreds of years later in a more industrialized and westernized world.
The Rithmatist: This is the first book in a planned series, which is not set in the Cosmere, but in an alternate version of America where some people can use magic based on chalk drawings, called Rithmatics. It tells the story of a young boy who is fascinated by Rithmatics, but can't use it himself, and who gets involved in a mystery involving a serial killer who targets Rithmatists. It is a mystery story, a school story, and a fantasy story, all in one.
Skyward: This is the first book in a planned series, which is not set in the Cosmere, but in a sci-fi world where humans are trapped on a barren planet, constantly attacked by alien ships, and fight back using their own starfighters. It tells the story of a young girl who dreams of becoming a pilot, but faces many obstacles and challenges along the way. It is a coming-of-age story, a war story, and a sci-fi story, all in one.

Advanced Books

If you are an expert in Brandon Sanderson or fantasy in general, you might want to try some of his advanced books. These are books that are very long, very complex, and very challenging, even for his standards. They are also part of a series, meaning they have sequels or prequels, and are part of a larger story arc. Here are some of his advanced books:

The Stormlight Archive: This is his magnum opus, and the third series set in the Cosmere. It tells the story of a world that is ravaged by massive storms, where different nations and factions vie for power and survival, and where ancient secrets and mysteries are slowly revealed. It features a large cast of characters, each with their own backstory, personality, and arc. It also features a complex magic system, a rich history and lore, and a stunning worldbuilding. It is planned to be a 10-book series, with two 5-book arcs, and each book is over 1000 pages long.
Legion: This is a series of novellas, which is not set in the Cosmere, but in a modern-day world where a man has a unique mental condition that allows him to create multiple personalities, each with their own skills and knowledge, and use them to solve various problems and mysteries. It is a psychological story, a detective story, and a sci-fi story, all in one. It has three novellas, and a collection that includes all of them.
Arcanum Unbounded: This is a collection of novellas and short stories, all set in the Cosmere, and featuring various characters, settings, and events from his other books. It is a supplement for his fans who want to explore more of the Cosmere, and learn more about its secrets and connections. It also includes essays and illustrations that explain more about the Cosmere and its planets.

Conclusion

We hope this article has given you some guidance and inspiration on how to read Brandon Sanderson books in order. Whether you are a beginner, an intermediate, or an advanced reader, there is a book or series for you. Brandon Sanderson is a master of fantasy, and his books will take you on amazing journeys and adventures. Happy reading!