Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere is arguably probably the most bold interconnected fantasy universe on the market, and since these books have been a long time within the making, it’s not shocking to search out that they differ in high quality.

Certainly, books like The Manner of Kings and The Last Empire are separated by greater than only a star system inside this fictional world. Sanderson’s writing has undergone large shifts over time, often for the higher, and his storytelling chops get increasingly more intricate as we transfer ahead in what can solely be known as epic fantasy’s equal of the MCU.

Notice that this isn’t a Cosmere studying order advice, nor a fully goal rating of Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere novels — if that may even be potential. That is an outline of Sanderson’s two-decade profession, highlighting how the aspiring fantasy creator has developed right into a maestro of the style and what these developments have entailed. Right here follows each main launch within the Cosmere, ranked from worst to finest.

21. Elantris

Elantris was the first-published Brandon Sanderson novel. Going down within the titular metropolis of Elantris, this debut e book revolves round an ensemble of people became demigods, with the power to stay ceaselessly and heal no matter ailing afflicts regular folks. However catastrophe strikes when an unknown curse befalls Elantris and turns its populace into a bunch of the undead, unable to die and at all times in ache. Elantris could be very creative when it comes to worldbuilding, however Sanderson’s prose could be very tough. To this present day, I believe Sanderson’s first novel stays his worst, and will by no means be thought of a gateway into his Cosmere.

20. Dawnshard

Dawnshard is a Stormlight Archive spinoff centering round Rysn. It takes place after Oathbringer (the third Stormlight e book) and as such must be learn after that e book. Fan-favorite characters like Lopen and Navani Kholin seem on this novella, however I personally by no means discovered the Rysn interludes in the primary Stormlight Archive all that compelling, and positively not sufficient to warrant a novella of her personal.

19. White Sand

White Sand is a collection of graphic novels happening within the desert world of Taldain. It contains a distinctive magic system that includes sand, with the story following a Sand Grasp named Kenton. The White Sand world can function a fantastic palate cleanser, particularly after studying Sanderson’s chunkier novels like The Stormlight Archive that simply go above 1000 pages.

18. Edgedancer

Now if there ever was a personality needing a novella of her personal, it might be Elevate. The odd Reshi who consumes meals and turns it into Investiture to slip her method to mischief is without doubt one of the finest comedian reduction heroes in your entire Cosmere. Edgedancer takes place after Phrases of Radiance (the second Stormlight e book) and options Elevate as the primary character. It’s actually not amongst Sanderson’s finest works, however who cares about that whenever you’ve received Elevate operating, or slightly, sliding free in a narrative of her personal?

17. Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Assortment

Arcanum Unbounded is a must have for Cosmere stans as a result of it features a host of shorts and novellas detailing what occurs within the backdrop of a few of these primary tales. The Eleventh Metallic and Secret Historical past are each a part of this anthology e book, and so they give readers extra perception into what went down behind the scenes within the authentic Mistborn trilogy.

16. The Alloy of Regulation (Wax & Wayne #1)

Going down a few years after the primary trilogy, The Alloy of Regulation thrusts readers into the second Mistborn period, this time in a steampunk setting, and introduces them to Wax and Wayne. Given how brilliantly The Last Empire units up the Mistborn world, lots of readers have been partially underwhelmed by how The Alloy of Regulation picked up the narrative. However then once more, you’ll be able to’t at all times anticipate Sanderson to jot down acclaimed page-turners. In any case, even the Brando Sando machine is vulnerable to churning out mediocre books each every now and then.

15. The Sunlit Man

The fourth Secret Mission from Sanderson’s most-backed Kickstarter marketing campaign of all time, The Sunlit Man takes place within the house age of the Cosmere, greater than ten-thousand years following the Shattering of Adonalsium. It follows the story of an individual named Nomad, who has gained immortality and is escaping a mercenary band known as the Night time Brigade by hopping between Cosmere worlds. However there’s extra to this Nomad individual than meets the attention, and studying his true id will go away you completely flabbergasted.

14. Shadows of Self (Wax & Wayne #2)

Shadows of Self is the second e book within the Wax & Wayne collection, persevering with to chronicle the adventures of its titular characters on this planet of Scadrial. Shadows of Self is a big enchancment over Alloy of Regulation and truly units up an fascinating narrative for the subsequent two sequels. It additionally marks the primary time the place we see how know-how and magic work together throughout the Cosmere narrative.

13. Rhythm of Warfare (The Stormlight Archive #4)

The fourth Stormlight Novel entertained a painfully sluggish tempo and featured a ton of filler subplots. That’s to not say Rhythm of Warfare isn’t necessary or any good. In truth, if this e book had been 300-400 pages shorter, I’d’ve cherished each second of studying it. However because it stands, Rhythm of Warfare might be the weakest novel in Sanderson’s so-called Magnum Opus.

12. Yumi and the Nightmare Painter

The story takes place on the planet Komashi, the place the shard of Virtuosity has shattered herself. Our favourite world-hopper and storyteller Hoid is trapped on Komashi, and he tells readers the story of Yumi, a extremely highly effective particular person on this world, and Nikaro, who’s a nightmare painter contracted by the federal government to cease the nightmares launched from the Shroud. The epic issue takes a again seat for this specific outing, as a result of Yumi and the Nightmare Painter is, at its coronary heart, a romantic story.

11. The Misplaced Metallic (Wax & Wayne #4)

The Misplaced Metallic introduced the story of Waxillium Ladrian and Wayne to a satisfying conclusion. Whilst you’d usually be hard-pressed to rank any of the Wax & Wayne books greater than the primary Mistborn period, the top of this saga will convey you to tears, and that could be a testomony to Sanderson’s skill to jot down compelling characters and fascinating narratives, even when at occasions it’d really feel like issues can’t presumably come so neatly collectively.

10. The Last Empire (Mistborn #1)

The primary e book within the Mistborn trilogy and the story that made Sanderson’s title, The Last Empire takes readers to the planet Scadrial, the place a tyrannical god-emperor known as the Lord Ruler is presiding over a world getting ready to disaster. The Last Empire tells the story of a band of misfit rebels as they attempt to convey collectively the slave class to topple this invincible, immortal god-emperor. Many followers and Sanderson himself suggest The Last Empire as an entry level into the Cosmere narrative.

9. The Bands of Mourning (Wax & Wayne #3)

As talked about earlier, the second Mistborn period, extra generally often called the Wax & Wayne collection, fails to soar to the identical heights as the unique trilogy, however there’s an exception to this rule, and that exception is The Bands of Mourning. There’s a lot sensible character work underlying this second-to-last chapter within the story, and the occasions that lead as much as the finale will go away you enthralled. Each Brandon Sanderson fan ought to learn the second Mistborn period, if for nothing apart from experiencing the sheer awesomeness of The Bands of Mourning and The Misplaced Metallic.

8. Tress of the Emerald Sea

Tress of the Emerald Sea was the primary Secret Mission to be launched following Sanderson’s Kickstarter marketing campaign. The novel began as a private reward to Sanderson’s spouse, however when the e book was completed and skim by her, she satisfied Sanderson to launch it. Now, Tress of the Emerald Sea is among the many creator’s finest revealed novels, with many followers even placing it of their prime 5 Cosmere listing. Hoid is again, and this time he tells a narrative that occurred in years long gone. Tress of the Emerald Sea is intimate, heartfelt, honest, and a fantastic learn total, even should you don’t perceive the apparent Cosmere references sprinkled all through the e book.

7. The Emperor’s Soul

The Emperor’s Soul received the Hugo Award for finest novella in 2013. This brief story revolves round a thief named Shai, who will get caught throughout her newest hustle. Shai additionally practices magical forgery, which is handy for her on this case, as a result of the emperor has been left brain-dead following an assassination try. The monarch’s advisors petition Shai to forge a brand new soul for the emperor and earn her freedom. Shai and Gaotona, one of many emperor’s advisors, analysis his life and attempt to perceive the place a person of beliefs went flawed, all in an try to reconstruct his soul in 100 days.

6. The Nicely of Ascension (Mistborn #2)

Whereas The Nicely of Ascension will not be an action-heavy e book, it does pack lots of philosophical dilemmas into its narrative. How do folks sort out the socio-economic issues of an empire that’s steadily burning within the fires of greed and hatred? Is there a case to be made for democracy? What does it imply to select up the mantle of a pacesetter? And the very best factor about The Nicely of Ascension is the mind-numbing twist on the finish of the e book. I’ve been bamboozled by tales and books and narratives extra occasions than I can rely, however the second Mistborn e book will at all times have a particular place in my coronary heart.

5. Warbreaker

Sanderson is without doubt one of the most prolific writers alive, however regardless of publishing greater than 30 novels, he’s nonetheless principally recognized for a choose few. Warbreaker is certainly one of them, detailing the story of two sister princesses, Vivenna and Siri, after they get embroiled in a political battle between their nation of Idris and the rival kingdom of Hallandren. Warbreaker additionally marks the debut of a outstanding Stormlight character and has been well-received by followers and critics alike. And the very best half? You possibly can head over to Sanderson’s official web site proper now and skim Warbreaker without spending a dime.

4. Oathbringer (The Stormlight Archive #3)

The third Stormlight Novel facilities across the origin story of one of many protagonists, Dalinar Kholin, a.okay.a. Blackthorn. It additionally contains the largest battle towards the Voidbringers because the Knights Radiant come collectively to thwart their assault on one of many Rosharan international locations. If we contemplate The Stormlight Archive to be at the start a e book about ethical philosophy, then Oathbringer is the place that time reaches a robust crescendo.

3. The Hero of Ages (Mistborn #3)

The end result of the primary Mistborn period occurs in The Hero of Ages. Having discovered the buried reality about their world, Vin, Elend, and the remainder of the gang must race towards probably the most primordial power in existence to save lots of Scadrial from devastation. The Hero of Ages is a good e book, and past that, a testomony to Brandon Sanderson’s skill to weave a really complicated narrative collectively. Nearly each plot thread from the trilogy has a satisfying payoff in The Hero of Ages, and each character finds their decision to at least one diploma or one other by the top of the e book. Mistborn actually has its ups and downs, however learn all three books and you start to grasp why folks typically convey up its title when speaking about the very best fantasy books in historical past.

2. Phrases of Radiance (The Stormlight Archive #2)

The second Stormlight Archive e book continues Kaladin Stormblessed’s story within the warfare camps. Shallan Davar can be becoming a member of the frontlines to analyze the Voidbringers, whereas Dalinar Kholin struggles to kind an alliance with the Highprinces and defeat the Parshendi as soon as and for all. Issues come to a head when the Alethi plan a decisive offensive towards the Parshendi, little figuring out that the unusual marbled creatures have plans of their very own. Irrespective of how far Sanderson goes, Phrases of Radiance will stay certainly one of his finest books. (It’d curiosity you to know Phrases of Radiance can be the highest-rated e book on Goodreads, adopted by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Leigh Bardugo’s Crooked Kingdom.)

1. The Manner of Kings (The Stormlight Archive #1)

I’ve zero doubts that The Manner of Kings is a literary achievement that will probably be studied a few years from now. Establishing one of the vital bold and imaginative fantasy worlds ever tried, The Manner of Kings got here out in 2010 and commenced The Stormlight Archive in earnest, introducing us to unforgettable characters like Kaladin Stormblessed, Shallan Davar, and Dalinar Kholin. Kaladin’s character arc and backstory, Dalinar’s struggles along with his unsettling visions, the trials of Bridge 4, and in the end, the build-up to the ultimate battle on the Shattered Plains and its aftermath, are all a masterclass in very good storytelling. The Manner of Kings is, undoubtedly, Sanderson’s crowning achievement as a fantasy creator.

Forthcoming works set within the Cosmere

The following Stormlight e book is popping out on December 6, 2024. Titled Wind and Reality, this fifth installment will conclude the primary Stormlight arc. Sanderson will observe that up with one other secret undertaking known as Isles of the Emberdark. Then we’ll be off to the third Mistborn period, set within the post-industrial interval, equal to our personal Nineteen Eighties.

After we’re completed with the third Mistborn collection, Cosmere stans can anticipate to see one or two sequels for Elantris, adopted by the second Stormlight Archive arc, spanning one other 5 books. Sanderson will in all probability launch a few spinoff novels and novellas alongside the way in which too, after which, your entire Cosmere will come collectively for a definitive conclusion within the fourth science fiction-themed Mistborn period.