Read All the Brandon Sanderson Books in Order
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Read The Cosmere Books in Order
- The Final Empire (2006)
Buy on Amazon - The Well Of Ascension (2007)
Buy on Amazon - The Hero Of Ages (2008)
Buy on Amazon - The Way Of Kings (2010)
Buy on Amazon - Warbreaker (2009)
Buy on Amazon - Words Of Radiance (2014)
Buy on Amazon - Elantris (2005)
Buy on Amazon - Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection (2016)
Buy on Amazon - Edgedancer (2016)
(incl. in Arcanum Unbounded)
Buy on Amazon - Oathbringer (2017)
Buy on Amazon - Dawnshard (2020)
Buy on Amazon - White Sand (2016)
Buy on Amazon - Rhythm Of War (2020)
Buy on Amazon - The Alloy Of Law (2011)
Buy on Amazon - Shadows Of Self (2015)
Buy on Amazon - The Bands Of Mourning (2016)
Buy on Amazon - The Lost Metal (2022)
Buy on Amazon - Tress Of The Emerald Sea (2023)
Buy on Amazon - Yumi And The Nightmare Painter (2023)
Buy on Amazon - Wind And Truth (2024)
Buy on Amazon - The Sunlit Man (2023)
Buy on Amazon - Isles Of The Emberdark (2025)
Buy on Amazon
Read The Alcatraz vs. The Evil Librarians Books in Order
- Alcatraz vs. The Evil Librarians
Buy on Amazon - The Scrivener’s Bones
Buy on Amazon - The Knights Of Crystallia
Buy on Amazon - The Shattered Lens
Buy on Amazon - The Dark Talent
Buy on Amazon - Bastille Vs. The Evil Librarians
Buy on Amazon
Read The Reckoners Books in Order
- Steelheart
Buy on Amazon - Mitosis
Buy on Amazon - Firefight
Buy on Amazon - Calamity
Buy on Amazon - Lux
Buy on Amazon
Note: Publication years may differ, as this reading order list prioritizes the best reading experience over release dates.
Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson is one of the most influential and productive fantasy authors of the modern era. Known for his clear storytelling, innovative magic systems, and unmatched consistency, Sanderson has reshaped how epic fantasy is written, published, and consumed. From finishing one of fantasy’s most iconic series to building his own massive shared universe, his career is often cited as a model for both creative ambition and professional discipline.
Early Life and Education
Brandon Sanderson was born on December 19, 1975, in Lincoln and grew up in a household that encouraged reading and imagination. As a teenager, he discovered fantasy novels and quickly became an obsessive reader. Authors like Robert Jordan, Anne McCaffrey, and Isaac Asimov played a major role in shaping his tastes.
Unlike many writers who drift toward literature gradually, Sanderson knew early that he wanted to write fantasy for a living. He began writing novels in his teens and continued relentlessly through college, producing multiple complete manuscripts before any were published.
Sanderson attended Brigham Young University, where he studied English with an emphasis on creative writing. While at BYU, he took a fantasy writing class taught by author David Farland, which helped him refine his craft and better understand the business side of publishing.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Sanderson’s path to publication was long and disciplined. Before selling his first novel, he wrote more than a dozen full-length books, most of which were rejected. Rather than becoming discouraged, he treated rejection as part of the process and continued improving.
His first published novel, Elantris (2005), marked his official debut. While not an instant blockbuster, the book earned strong reviews and quickly established Sanderson as a fresh voice in epic fantasy. Readers praised its logical magic system, political intrigue, and hopeful tone.
This debut was followed by Mistborn: The Final Empire, which became his true breakout success. Mistborn introduced readers to Sanderson’s signature style: tightly constructed magic systems, cinematic action, and carefully planned plot twists. The success of Mistborn cemented his reputation and laid the foundation for his future work.
Finishing The Wheel of Time
One of the defining moments of Sanderson’s career came when he was chosen to complete The Wheel of Time, following the death of its creator, Robert Jordan.
Jordan’s widow and editor, Harriet McDougal, selected Sanderson based on his writing style, public admiration for the series, and a heartfelt eulogy he wrote for Jordan. Sanderson went on to complete the final three volumes:
- The Gathering Storm
- Towers of Midnight
- A Memory of Light
The task was monumental. The Wheel of Time had millions of devoted fans, and expectations were extremely high. Sanderson’s work was widely praised for respecting Jordan’s vision while bringing the series to a satisfying conclusion. This achievement elevated Sanderson from a rising star to a central figure in modern fantasy.
Building the Cosmere
Perhaps Sanderson’s most ambitious project is the Cosmere, a shared universe that connects many of his epic fantasy series. Each story takes place on a different planet, with its own culture and magic system, yet all follow the same underlying rules.
Major Cosmere works include:
- Mistborn
- The Stormlight Archive
- Warbreaker
- Elantris
What makes the Cosmere unique is its long-term planning. Sanderson has publicly outlined decades-long story arcs, treating the universe almost like a carefully structured blueprint. Readers can enjoy each series on its own, but those who read widely are rewarded with hidden connections, recurring characters, and deeper lore.
Writing Style and Philosophy
Sanderson is best known for his hard magic systems, where supernatural abilities operate under strict rules. Rather than using magic as a convenient solution, he designs systems with limitations, costs, and consequences. This approach makes his stories feel fair and intellectually satisfying.
Other hallmarks of his writing include:
- Clear, accessible prose
- Strong pacing and structure
- Hopeful themes despite dark stakes
- Logical worldbuilding
- Carefully earned plot twists
Sanderson is also famous for what fans call the “Sanderson Avalanche”—a rapid escalation near the end of his books where multiple plot threads collide in dramatic fashion.
Work Ethic and Productivity
Few authors match Sanderson’s productivity. He maintains a disciplined writing schedule and regularly publishes multiple books per year without sacrificing quality. He is transparent about his process, often sharing word counts, progress updates, and behind-the-scenes planning with fans.
This openness has earned him deep trust among readers. Fans know that when Sanderson announces a project, he will deliver—and usually on time.
Teaching and Community Impact
Beyond writing novels, Sanderson has made a significant impact as a teacher and mentor. His creative writing lectures at Brigham Young University are freely available online and are widely regarded as some of the best resources for aspiring fantasy writers.
He also runs a successful podcast, participates in conventions, and frequently answers reader questions. His willingness to engage directly with fans has helped shape a uniquely positive and supportive fantasy community.
Record-Breaking Kickstarter and Publishing Influence
In 2022, Sanderson launched a surprise Kickstarter campaign to publish four secret novels he had written during the pandemic. The campaign shattered records, becoming one of the most successful Kickstarter projects of all time.
This event demonstrated:
- The strength of Sanderson’s direct relationship with readers
- The viability of alternative publishing models
- A shift in how authors can interact with audiences
It also solidified his role as not just an author, but a leader in the evolving publishing landscape.
Personal Life
Brandon Sanderson lives in American Fork with his wife and children. He is open about balancing family life with a demanding writing career and often credits his support system as essential to his success.
Despite his fame, Sanderson is widely described as approachable, thoughtful, and grounded—qualities that resonate strongly with his readers.
Legacy and Influence
Brandon Sanderson’s influence on fantasy is difficult to overstate. He has:
- Revitalized epic fantasy for a new generation
- Proven that long-form storytelling can still thrive
- Set new standards for transparency and reliability
- Inspired countless new writers
Whether through the Cosmere, The Stormlight Archive, or his educational work, Sanderson has reshaped expectations of what a fantasy author can be.
Final Thoughts
Brandon Sanderson’s story is one of patience, discipline, and vision. He did not become successful overnight, nor did he rely on trends or shortcuts. Instead, he built his career one carefully crafted story at a time.
For readers, his books offer consistency, depth, and hope. For writers, his career offers a blueprint for sustainable creative success. Few authors have managed to balance ambition and accessibility so effectively—and fewer still continue to do so at such a remarkable scale.