Brandon Sanderson is one of the GOATs of fantasy writing. From him finishing The Wheel of Time for Robert Jordan to smashing world records for Kickstarter campaign, Branderson’s style of electric writing, well-developed characters and incredible worlds make him a delight to read. But, with some many books up his sleeve it’s hard to know what order to read Brandon Sanderson. This post runs through the best Brandon Sanderson read order with a few hints and tips along the way.
Best Place To Start Your Brandon Sanderson Reading Order?
Let’s start with the book that truly made Sanderson a household name: Mistborn. This trilogy of books is the perfect starting point for anyone new to Sanderson’s work. It introduces you to his unique writing style, fascinating characters, and intricate magic system known as Allomancy. You’ll follow the protagonist, Vin, as she navigates a world ruled by an evil empire and discovers her own powers as a Mistborn. After finishing the trilogy, you can also dive into the standalone novel, Alloy of Law, which takes place in the same world but several hundred years later.
Pro Tip: This Mistborn Box Set is amazing value for money!
Next up, for what order to read Brandon Sanderson, we have The Stormlight Archive: Sanderson’s other epic fantasy series. This one is a beast, with each book weighing in at over a thousand pages. The series builds a rich and complex world, filled with magic, politics, and war, all while introducing a diverse cast of characters with their own struggles and motivations. You’ll be hooked from the first sentence of The Way of Kings, and with four novels and two novellas, it’ll keep you busy for some time.
Best Brandon Sanderson Series
Some Branderson fans may string me up for this. But, for me, The LightBringer Series is his absolute standout work. It’s worth reading alone for the unique magic system the world is built on. If you’re wanting the best place to start reading Brandon Sanderson why not begin with his pinnacle work!
The LightBringer Series is set in a unique world ruled by powerful magic wielders known as Chromaturgists. The story follows the journey of the series’ protagonist, Gavin Guile, a powerful Prism who can wield all the colors of magic. Amidst the political turmoil and impending war, Gavin artfully navigates the dangerous waters of power, power-hungry Chromaturgists, and the mysteries of his own magic.
What sets this series apart is its intricate world-building, layered characters, and well-crafted magic systems. Each book in the series is a captivating page-turner that leaves the reader yearning for more. The twists and turns of the plot are gripping, and the mystery surrounding the magic system continues to keep readers engaged to the end.
The LightBringer Series is one that every fantasy fan should indulge in. It’s rich in detail, complex in plot, and full of surprises. Brace yourself for an unforgettable ride, where the lines between good and evil blur, and magic has consequences. Don’t miss out on this epic series that is sure to captivate your imagination from start to finish!
Taste the dark rainbow here starting with the Black Prism.
Best Brandon Sanderson Standalone Novel
If you’re in the mood for a standalone novel, I highly recommend Elantris. This book was Sanderson’s debut novel, but don’t let that fool you; it’s a masterpiece. It takes place in a world where magic is controlled by the Aons, symbols that can be drawn to create spells. The story follows three main characters: Raoden, a prince cursed with an incurable disease; Sarene, a princess and political genius; and Hrathen, a high priest tasked with converting the people of Arelon to his religion. With political intrigue, magic, and a dash of romance, Elantris is a must-read for any Sanderson fan. It could also be a very logical place to start your Brandon Sanderson read order.
Brandon Sanderson Reading Order For Superhero Fans
Last but not least, we have the Reckoners trilogy. This series takes place in a dystopian version of Earth where superpowered humans known as Epics rule over the rest of us. David, the main character, joins forces with a rebel group called the Reckoners. Their mission: take down the Epics and save humanity. The series moves at a fast pace, packs a punch with thrilling action. It delivers constant twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Plus, the ending will leave you satisfied and wanting more, which is always a good sign for a trilogy.
And there you have it, folks. The ultimate guide for what order to read Brandon Sanderson’s books in. Whether you’re new to his work or a longtime fan, I hope this guide helps you navigate his many books and series.
There’s no wrong order to read Brandon Sanderson in, but if you want to get the full Sanderson experience, I recommend to start with his fantasy epics:
- Mistborn Series
- The Lightbringer Series
- The Stormlight Archive
May the Sanderstorm never end!
