The Complete Cosmere Reading Order

The definitive guide to reading Brandon Sanderson's interconnected fantasy universe. 22 books spanning Mistborn, Stormlight Archive, and the secret projects — ordered for maximum impact, with notes on fan favorites and why each book sits where it does. Whether you're starting fresh or planning a reread, this is the way.

22 books in this list

  1. Elantris by Brandon Sanderson — Start here for the classic entry point. Elantris was Sanderson's debut novel — a standalone that introduces his signature magic system design. A great warm-up before diving deeper.
  2. Mistborn: The Final Empire (Mistborn, #1) by Sanderson, Brandon — ⭐ Fan favorite. The book that made Sanderson a household name. An ingenious heist story set in a world of ash and mist, with one of the most beloved magic systems in fantasy. Many readers' #1 Cosmere pick.
  3. The Well of Ascension (Mistborn, #2) by Brandon Sanderson — The political intrigue deepens as Vin navigates court life and siege warfare. Slower-paced than book one, but the payoff is massive.
  4. The Hero of Ages (Mistborn, #3) by Brandon Sanderson — One of the most satisfying trilogy endings in all of fantasy. Everything clicks into place in ways you won't see coming. Bring tissues.
  5. Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson — Read this before Words of Radiance — trust us. A free standalone novel that introduces characters and magic you'll encounter again in Stormlight. Lighthearted and fun.
  6. The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive, #1) by Sanderson, Brandon — ⭐ The big one. Stormlight Archive is Sanderson's magnum opus, and this 1,000+ page epic kicks it off with breathtaking worldbuilding. Kaladin's journey is unforgettable.
  7. Words of Radiance (The Stormlight Archive, #2) by Brandon Sanderson — Many fans consider this the best Stormlight book. Shallan's story hits its stride, Kaladin levels up, and a certain Warbreaker character shows up. You'll know when you see it.
  8. Edgedancer by Brandon Sanderson — A novella set between Words of Radiance and Oathbringer. Short but essential — follows Lift, one of the most fun characters in the Cosmere.
  9. Oathbringer (The Stormlight Archive, #3) by Sanderson, Brandon — Dalinar's backstory is revealed, and it's devastating. The climax of this book — "the most important words a man can say" — is peak Sanderson.
  10. Dawnshard by Brandon Sanderson — Another novella bridging Stormlight books. Follows Rysn on a nautical adventure with major Cosmere implications. Quick, fun read.
  11. Rhythm of War (The Stormlight Archive, #4) by Brandon Sanderson — The most emotionally heavy Stormlight book. Sanderson tackles mental health with care and depth. Navani finally gets her time to shine.
  12. The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson — Welcome to Mistborn Era 2 — set 300 years later with a Western/detective vibe. Lighter and faster than Era 1. Wax and Wayne are instantly lovable.
  13. Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson — The stakes ramp up as Wax confronts his past. The action sequences in this one are cinema-worthy.
  14. The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson — The Era 2 story hits full stride. Packed with twists and deeper Cosmere connections. Read Secret History right after this one.
  15. Mistborn: Secret History by Brandon Sanderson — ⭐ A fan-favorite novella that recontextualizes everything from Mistborn Era 1. Best read after Bands of Mourning. "There's always another secret."
  16. The Lost Metal (Mistborn, #7) by Sanderson, Brandon — The grand finale of Era 2. Ties together threads from both Mistborn eras and drops major Cosmere revelations. An emotional, satisfying conclusion.
  17. Tress of the Emerald Sea (Hoid's Travails, #1) by Brandon Sanderson, Howard Lyon — ⭐ A secret project that became a sensation. A fairy-tale adventure narrated by Hoid himself. Charming, witty, and full of Cosmere easter eggs. Many readers' surprise favorite.
  18. Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson — A beautiful story about art, identity, and connection across worlds. Lighter on action, heavier on heart. The Cosmere's most romantic book.
  19. The Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England by Brandon Sanderson — The oddball of the secret projects — a portal fantasy with humor and heart. Not essential for the Cosmere plot, but a delightful palate cleanser.
  20. The Sunlit Man by Brandon Sanderson, Ernanda Souza, Nabetse Zitro, Kudriaken — A high-octane chase across the Cosmere. Fast-paced and packed with connections to other series. Best appreciated after reading most of the above.
  21. Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson — ⭐ The epic conclusion to Stormlight Archive's first arc. Everything Sanderson has been building toward across the entire Cosmere converges here.
  22. Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection by Brandon Sanderson — A collection of novellas and short stories from across the Cosmere, with essays explaining the universe's cosmology. Perfect capstone — read last for maximum "aha" moments.