Like Brandon Sanderson? Best order to read 'Mistborn' and 'Stormlight Archive'
Since his debut novel "Elantris" hit bookshelves in 2005, Sanderson has risen to widespread acclaim and is regarded as one of the most prolific fantasy authors of his generation.
Fantasy author Brandon Sanderson has had quite a year – from a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign, to his debut children's picture book, to the highly-anticipated release of his latest "Stormlight Archive" book.
The hype surrounding Sanderson has led to a surge in his popularity as more readers find their way to series like "Mistborn" and "The Stormlight Archive." Both series, set in Sanderson's fictional shared universe he's dubbed "the Cosmere," have garnered the author widespread acclaim and helped cement his status as the face of modern fantasy.
Sanderson's prolific output – fans can usually expect multiple titles from him every year – is matched by his penchant for creating complex magic systems, compelling characters and intricate worlds. And as his renown has grown, Sanderson's legion of loyal fans eagerly await every weekly update about what he's working on, as well as a year-end report officiously stylized as the "State of Sanderson."
Thinking about picking up one of Sanderson's books to see what all the buzz is about? Here's a guide to the fantasy author and his work.
Who is Brandon Sanderson? What to know about the prolific fantasy author
Since his debut novel "Elantris" hit bookshelves in 2005, Sanderson, 48, has risen to widespread acclaim and is regarded as one of the most respected fantasy authors of his generation.
And though he is known for his fantasy series, his massive body of work spans a variety of genres, including science fiction, young adult and – as of earlier this year – children's literature.
Amid his rise to prominence, in 2007, Sanderson was selected to finish the "Wheel of Time" fantasy series following author Robert Jordan's death.
A testament to his popularity, Sanderson has twice shattered Kickstarter records: First in 2022 when he raised more than $41.7 million for four secret books published through Dragonsteel, his publishing company; and again in August when a tabletop game based on his books raised $15.1 million, the most for any games project.
Where should new Sanderson readers start? What to know about 'Mistborn'
Because Sanderson has authored so many books, new readers may feel a little out to sea.
Fortunately, Sanderson fans and even the author himself largely agree on the best entry point to his work: The original "Mistborn" trilogy.
The series, which begins with a group of outcasts fighting against an evil tyrant, is one of Sanderson's most popular – in fact, the first "Mistborn: book recently hit the Paste BN Best-selling Booklist for the first time, 18 years after its release.
Set on the grim planet of Scadrial, the original "Mistborn" trilogy is framed around a mysterious prophecy and follows powerful allomancers who can wield metals to perform magic.
The original Mistborn series included three books:
Sanderson then followed it up with four more Mistborn books set 300 years later on the same technologically-developed planet where the original cast of characters are now regarded as legends.
The Wax and Wayne saga includes:
Sanderson is planning a third era of Misborn books in the future. "Mistborn: Secret History" is also available as a companion novella to the original series and includes more lore and character background.
What is the Cosmere?
The Cosmere is the name Sanderson gave to the interconnected universe in which most of his books are set.
Sanderson Cosmere-set books are interconnected and share a creation myth. So, just because one series like "Mistborn" can be read as self-contained stories, the planet its characters inhabit is in the same universe as the planet on which an entirely different series like "The Stormlight Archive" is set.
However, Sanderson insists that readers don’t always need to be aware of that fact to enjoy a book.
What to know about 'The Stormlight Archive'
Sanderson's most ambitious work, "The Stormlight Archive," is a sweeping epic set on Roshar, a planet regularly under assault by violent storms.
Beginning with 2010's "The Way of Kings," the series follows the exploits of warriors, scholars, kings and assassins in a world seemingly abandoned centuries prior by a renowned order of protectors known as the Knights Radiant.
While told from multiple perspectives, "The Way of Kings" is largely focused on a young surgeon named Kaladin, who becomes embroiled in a protracted war against a group of strange warriors believed to be behind an assassination of a king. As the plot develops, subsequent books in "The Stormlight Archive" explore the backstories of other prominent characters.
'Wind and Truth' concludes first half of 'Stormlight'
"Wind and Truth," the fifth book in "The Stormlight Archive, was released in December and serves as the conclusion to the first arc – also the first half – of the series.
A synopsis for "Wind and Truth" – published by Tor Publishing Group, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers – is available on Macmillan's website, but be wary of spoilers.
The book's cover, the last from well-known artist Michael Whelan, is the first in the series to feature Dalinar Kholin, one of the series main protagonists, who is depicted standing atop a mystical tower as a devastating storm approaches.
While Sanderson envisions "Stormlight" as a 10-book series, the author has said he plans to take an indefinite hiatus to focus on other projects before writing the second arc.
'Stormlight Archive' reading order
"The Stormlight Archive" contains five published books, each exceeding 1,000 pages, and two smaller novellas.
Here's a look at the official reading order of the "Stormlight Archive" books:
- "The Way of Kings," book one
- "Words of Radiance," book two
- "Edgedancer," a "Stormlight Archive" novella
- "Oathbringer," book three
- "Dawnshard," a "Stormlight Archive" novella
- "Rhythm of War," book four
- "Wind and Truth," book five
In a video earlier this year, Sanderson recommended that before fans read "Wind and Truth," they read the standalone Cosmere-set novel, "The Sunlit Man," about a man fleeing pursuers who ends up on a fiery planet.
Looking for your next great read? Paste BN has you covered.
Taste is subjective, and Paste BN Books has plenty of genres to recommend. Want a buzzy new literary fiction title? Read our review of “Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney. Are mysteries your thing? Try these titles similar to "Verity" by Colleen Hoover or see if you’re brave enough for one of our favorite horror novels. Or if you want something with lower stakes and loveable characters, see if a "cozy mystery" or "cozy fantasy" book is for you.
Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for Paste BN. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com