Cosmere Order: A Reading Guide to Brandon Sanderson's Books 2025

About Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson has become one of the most recognized authors in fantasy literature thanks to his masterful creation of the Cosmere, a shared literary universe that connects many of his sagas.

Each story has its own planet, unique characters, and distinctive magic system, but they are all tied together by an underlying plot and common cosmology. Although they can be read independently, follow a reading order can significantly improve the experience, allowing you to capture the references and events that connect this vast fictional universe.

Introduction to the Cosmere universe

The Cosmere is a work of great complexity that spans several solar systems, each with its own planet and culture. In this universe, Sanderson has created multiple magic systems that intertwine in ingenious ways. and contribute to an overall narrative that rewards the most attentive readers.

As you progress through the books, you will discover subtle and not so subtle connections that enrich the story, transforming reading into a deeper and more satisfying experience.

Read the Cosmere books in order?

You don't have to follow a strict order to enjoy Sanderson's works, but doing so can enrich your journey through the Cosmere. Recurring characters and magical elements are interconnected, and many stories reveal secrets that are only fully appreciated when all the details are known.

For this reason, we propose a suggested reading order that will help you unravel the great story that Brandon Sanderson has hidden through their sagas.

Following the recommended order also allows you to understand how they evolve. the main themes of the Cosmere, such as the fight for freedom, sacrifice, the nature of power and the duality between good and evil.

In addition, Sanderson It has characters that cross between series and events that affect multiple planets., making each book have a larger meaning within the overall context of the Cosmere.

Cosmere Recommended Reading Order

1. Elantris (2005)

Elantris is an excellent introduction to the Cosmere. The story takes place in Arelon, where the magical city of Elantris has fallen into decay due to a mysterious curse. This book lays the foundations of magic and divine nature which are later explored in other works. It also introduces some key concepts about investiture, a form of magical power that is central to the entire Cosmere.

Mistborn: Era 1

1. The Final Empire (2006)

Vin, a young thief, joins a rebel group led by Kelsier to defeat the immortal tyrant known as the Lord Ruler. This book introduces the magic system of Allomancy., one of the most iconic in the Cosmere, which relies on the consumption of metals to obtain extraordinary abilities.

2. The Well of Ascension (2007)

With the Lord Ruler defeated, Vin and his allies must fight to maintain political stability in a world in chaosThe novel explores feruchemy, another system of magic that focuses on the storage of physical and mental attributes.

3. The Hero of Ages (2008)

Vin and her friends face an apocalyptic threat as the secrets of the Cosmere begin to unravel. This book closes the first trilogy with a spectacular ending., revealing more about the nature of the Cosmere and laying the groundwork for future stories.

4. Legion and the Emperor's Soul (2012)

The Emperor's Soul is a short novel set on the same planet as Elantris, Sel. This story focuses on Shai, a forger with the ability to rewrite the history of objects and people. Although it is short, This work offers a deep perspective on the magic and culture of Sel and it's a great addition to the Cosmere reading order.

5. Warbreaker (2009)

Warbreaker presents a magic system based on color and breathing, known as biochemy. This novel subtly connects with The Stormlight Archive, so it's ideal to read it before diving into this series. Also, Characters like Vasher and Nightblood reappear in The Stormlight Archive, making the reading of Warbreaker enrich the understanding of these characters in a broader context.

Saga The Stormlight Archive

1. The Way of Kings (2010)

Kaladin, Shallan, and Dalinar are the protagonists in a world shaped by magical storms, where their fates intertwine in an epic struggle. This book establishes much of the lore of the Cosmere, introducing concepts like spren and storm-like investiture.

2. Radiant Words (2014)

Kaladin continues to develop as a character as Shallan reveals more about her past. The characters' personal storylines intertwine with the fight against the threat of the Parshendi and the dark forces manipulating Roshar.

3. Sworn (2017)

Alliances form as secrets of the Radiants and Roshar's ancient history are revealed. Shallan struggles to find her place in the world while the Fused, ancient enemies of humanity, re-emerge with devastating intentions.

4. The Rhythm of War (2020)

The war between humans and the Fused reaches a fever pitch. The main characters must make important decisions that will affect the fate of all Roshar. This book also introduces concepts such as Dawnshards, powerful artifacts that have great importance in the Cosmere.

Saga Mistborn: Era 2

1. Alloy of Law (2011)

Set 300 years after the events of the first trilogy, Era 2 takes place in a world in the midst of the industrial revolution. Waxillium Ladrian, A former sheriff of the Misty Lands, returns to the city of Elendel to solve a series of mysterious crimes. The combination of magic and technology in this era shows the evolution of the world of Scadrial.

2. Shadows of Identity (2015)

Wax and his partner Wayne face political threats and hidden conspiracies as they try to protect Elendel. This book delves into the social and political tensions that have developed as technology and magic coexist.

3. Bracers of Mourning (2016)

The search for mythical artifacts, known as the Bracers of Mourning, takes Wax and his crew on adventures that reveal more about Scadrial's past and its connection to the Cosmere. The adventure becomes increasingly dangerous and the secrets discovered change their understanding of the world.

4. The Lost Metal (2022)

In the conclusion of Wax and Wayne's saga, secrets from the past and repercussions from the future converge, revealing truths that will transform the world of Scadrial and its place within the Cosmere.

Other Cosmere Books

White Sand (2016-2020)

This graphic novel series explores a desert planet where the magic of sand manipulation plays a major role. Although it is not essential to understanding the main story of the Cosmere, offers additional perspective on the diversity of magical systems. White Sand It also introduces Khriss, a scholar who will become one of the main figures in the Cosmere, providing context to the magic systems of different worlds.

Shadows by Silence in the Woods of Hell (2014)

This short story takes place on the planet Threnody. While it is a standalone story, it offers a unique and dark atmosphere that adds more depth to the Cosmere. It is recommended to read it to get a more complete perspective of the diversity of worlds and cultures within the Cosmere.

Shard of Dawn (2020)

This short story is set between Sworn in and The Rhythm of War. Expands the story of the Stormlight Archive and provides crucial details about the Cosmere. The story follows Rysn, a merchant who embarks on a mission which will lead her to discover one of the Dawnshards, incredibly powerful artifacts that have the potential to alter the balance of the Cosmere.

Arcanum Unlimited (2016)

This anthology contains several stories set in the Cosmere, including The Emperor's Soul, Shadows by Silence in the Woods of Hell, Edge Dancer (related to The Stormlight Archive), and Mistborn: Secret History (a complement to the first era of Mistborn). It is an essential read for those who wish to explore further. delve into the details of the Cosmere and discover parallel stories that enrich the universe.

Cosmere Release Order

For those who wish to follow the author's evolution, here is the chronological order of publication of the Cosmere books:

• Elantris (2005)
• Mistborn: Era 1 (2006-2008)
• Warbreaker (2009)
• The Stormlight Archive (2010-2020)
• Mistborn: Era 2 (2011-2022)
• The Emperor's Soul (2012)
• Shadows by Silence in the Woods of Hell (2014)
• White Sand (2016-2020)
• Arcanum Unlimited (2016)
• Dawnshard (2020)

How to Get Started with the Cosmere?

Reading the Cosmere books in the recommended order will allow you to appreciate the complexity of the magic systems, the evolution of the characters, and the building of connected worlds. If you prefer a tour that helps you discover how everything connects, this reading order is the best option.

The Cosmere is a unique journey, filled with secrets, mysteries, and revelations that only Brandon Sanderson could offer. Dive into this universe and prepare for an epic fantasy experience like no other. Each book is an essential piece of a puzzle that transcends worlds and challenges the imagination.Discover the Cosmere order and enjoy every moment of this fascinating literary journey!

Cosmere Order FAQ

Is it necessary to read the Cosmere in a specific order?

It is not necessary, but following a recommended order enriches the experience and helps to capture the interconnected details.

Which Brandon Sanderson book should I read first?

Elantris It's a good starting point, as it introduces some of the basic concepts of the Cosmere.

What is Investiture in the Cosmere?

Investiture is a form of magical energy that appears in every system in the Cosmere. Each planet has its own way of accessing this energy, whether through Allomancy, Biochem, or Storms, among others. It is the element that connects all magical systems and allows characters to perform incredible feats.

How do the characters connect between the books?

Some characters, known as “Cosmere travelers,” appear in multiple books. Hoid is the most famous example: he’s a character who plays a major role in multiple Cosmere books, acting as a connecting thread between different plots and offering clues about the larger story Sanderson is telling.

Readers' Note: