cosmere reading order
cosmere reading order

Cosmere Reading Order: The Best Way to Read Brandon Sanderson’s Books

Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere universe is one of the most intricate and well-developed fantasy settings in modern literature. With multiple series, interconnected worlds, and deep lore, it can be overwhelming for new readers to decide where to start. Should you read by release order, chronological order, or thematically? Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages. In this guide, we’ll break down the best Cosmere reading order based on different preferences while keeping things spoiler-free. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fantasy reader, this guide will help you navigate Sanderson’s epic universe with ease.

Where to Start? The Best Cosmere Reading Order for Beginners

If you’re new to the Cosmere, you might wonder where to begin. With multiple series like Mistborn, The Stormlight Archive, Elantris, and Warbreaker, choosing the right starting point can make a huge difference in your experience.

Most fans recommend starting with either Mistborn: The Final Empire or Elantris because they introduce the key themes and magic systems of the Cosmere without overwhelming the reader. Others suggest The Stormlight Archive, but it’s a much bigger commitment due to its massive book length.

To help you decide, let’s break down the different ways to approach the Cosmere reading order.

Reading by Release Order: The Way Fans Experienced It

Many longtime fans of Brandon Sanderson recommend reading the books in the order they were released. This allows you to experience the Cosmere the way it was introduced to the world. You’ll discover hidden connections and Easter eggs as Sanderson gradually expands his universe.

The release order is as follows:

  1. Elantris (2005)
  2. Mistborn: The Final Empire (2006)
  3. Mistborn: The Well of Ascension (2007)
  4. Mistborn: The Hero of Ages (2008)
  5. Warbreaker (2009)
  6. The Way of Kings (2010) (The Stormlight Archive #1)
  7. The Alloy of Law (2011) (Mistborn Era 2 begins)
  8. Words of Radiance (2014) (The Stormlight Archive #2)
  9. Shadows of Self (2015) (Mistborn Era 2 #2)
  10. Bands of Mourning (2016) (Mistborn Era 2 #3)
  11. Edgedancer (2016) (A Stormlight Archive Novella)
  12. Oathbringer (2017) (The Stormlight Archive #3)
  13. Dawnshard (2020) (A Stormlight Archive Novella)
  14. Rhythm of War (2020) (The Stormlight Archive #4)
  15. The Lost Metal (2022) (Mistborn Era 2 #4)

Sanderson also released several short stories and novellas that expand the Cosmere, such as Arcanum Unbounded, which compiles many of these into one volume.

Pros of Release Order

  • You experience the story exactly as Sanderson intended, gradually uncovering the Cosmere’s secrets.
  • Each book expands on the previous ones, making connections feel rewarding.
  • You avoid spoilers that might come from reading in chronological order.

Cons of Release Order

  • Some of the early books, like Elantris, are not as polished as Sanderson’s later works.
  • The Stormlight Archive books are extremely long, which may be intimidating for new readers.
  • The Mistborn series jumps between different eras, which can be confusing if you don’t follow it properly.

Reading by Chronological Order: Following the Timeline

If you prefer to read stories in the order they occur within the Cosmere’s timeline, you can follow a chronological reading order. However, be aware that this may lead to some spoilers for later books.

Chronological Order of the Cosmere

  1. Elantris (Set thousands of years before Mistborn)
  2. The Emperor’s Soul (Novella set in the same world as Elantris)
  3. Mistborn Era 1 (The Final Empire, The Well of Ascension, The Hero of Ages)
  4. Warbreaker
  5. The Stormlight Archive (The Way of Kings, Words of Radiance, Oathbringer, Rhythm of War, plus novellas)
  6. Mistborn Era 2 (The Alloy of Law, Shadows of Self, The Bands of Mourning, The Lost Metal)

While this reading order follows the timeline, some of the books contain references to earlier works that may not be as impactful if read too soon.

Pros of Chronological Order

  • You experience events in the order they happen in the Cosmere.
  • It provides a clear timeline for worldbuilding and events.
  • Some connections between books become clearer earlier on.

Cons of Chronological Order

  • Spoilers! Some books were written with previous books in mind, and reading in chronological order can reveal secrets too soon.
  • Certain books are better enjoyed with background knowledge from earlier releases.
  • The quality of writing varies (Elantris is a good story, but Sanderson’s later works are much stronger).

Best Starting Point: Mistborn or The Stormlight Archive?

For new readers, the best starting points are usually:

  • Mistborn: The Final Empire – A fast-paced, action-packed fantasy novel with an easy-to-understand magic system. It introduces many Cosmere concepts and is highly recommended for first-time readers.
  • The Way of Kings – A grand, epic fantasy with deep worldbuilding. While some consider it Sanderson’s best work, it’s much longer and requires more patience.

If you want a shorter standalone introduction, you can also try Warbreaker or Elantris, though they are not as strong as Mistborn or The Stormlight Archive.

Complete Cosmere Reading Order (With No Spoilers!)

To make things simple, here’s a non-spoiler reading order:

Best Books to Start With

  • Mistborn: The Final Empire
  • The Way of Kings
  • Elantris
  • Warbreaker

Expanding the Cosmere

  • Mistborn Era 1 (The Well of Ascension, The Hero of Ages)
  • Mistborn Era 2 (The Alloy of Law, Shadows of Self, The Bands of Mourning, The Lost Metal)
  • The Stormlight Archive (Words of Radiance, Oathbringer, Rhythm of War, plus novellas)

Deep Dive into the Cosmere

  • The Emperor’s Soul
  • Edgedancer
  • Dawnshard
  • Arcanum Unbounded

Do You Need to Read Every Cosmere Book?

No, you don’t need to read every book to enjoy the Cosmere. While they are interconnected, most books work as standalone stories or within their series. However, if you love hidden connections, Easter eggs, and deep lore, reading the entire Cosmere is a rewarding experience.

The Bottom Line

The best Cosmere reading order depends on your personal preference. If you want to experience the books as fans did, follow the release order. If you prefer to follow the in-universe timeline, go with the chronological order (though it has spoilers). Most new readers should start with Mistborn: The Final Empire or The Way of Kings, depending on whether they prefer a fast-paced adventure or an epic saga.

Whichever path you choose, you’re in for an unforgettable journey through one of the greatest fantasy universes ever created. Enjoy your Cosmere adventure!

Anderson
Anderson is a seasoned writer and digital marketing enthusiast with over a decade of experience in crafting compelling content that resonates with audiences. Specializing in SEO, content strategy, and brand storytelling, Anderson has worked with various startups and established brands, helping them amplify their online presence. When not writing, Anderson enjoys exploring the latest trends in tech and spending time outdoors with family.