Read All the Cosmere Books in Order
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Read Cosmere Books in Order
- The Final Empire (Mistborn) (2006)
Buy on Amazon - The Well Of Ascension (Mistborn) (2007)
Buy on Amazon - The Hero Of Ages (Mistborn) (2008)
Buy on Amazon - The Way Of Kings (Stormlight Archive) (2010)
Buy on Amazon - Warbreaker (Cosmere Standalones) (2009)
Buy on Amazon - Words Of Radiance (Stormlight Archive) (2014)
Buy on Amazon - Elantris (Cosmere Standalones) (2005)
Buy on Amazon - Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection (2016)
Buy on Amazon - Edgedancer (Stormlight Archive) (2016)
(Included in Arcanum Unbounded)
Buy on Amazon - Oathbringer (Stormlight Archive) (2017)
Buy on Amazon - Dawnshard (Stormlight Archive) (2020)
Buy on Amazon - White Sand (Graphic Novels) (2016)
Buy on Amazon - Rhythm Of War (Stormlight Archive) (2020)
Buy on Amazon - The Alloy Of Law (Mistborn) (2011)
Buy on Amazon - Shadows Of Self (Mistborn) (2015)
Buy on Amazon - The Bands Of Mourning (Mistborn) (2016)
Buy on Amazon - The Lost Metal (Mistborn) (2022)
Buy on Amazon - Tress Of The Emerald Sea (Cosmere Standalones) (2023)
Buy on Amazon - Yumi And The Nightmare Painter (Cosmere Standalones) (2023)
Buy on Amazon - Wind And Truth (Stormlight Archive) (2024)
Buy on Amazon - The Sunlit Man (Cosmere Standalones) (2023)
Buy on Amazon - Isles Of The Emberdark (Cosmere Standalones)
Buy on Amazon
Note: Publication years may differ, as this reading order list prioritizes the best reading experience over release dates.
Cosmere Series by Brandon Sanderson
The Cosmere is one of the most ambitious and carefully planned shared universes in modern fantasy. Created by Brandon Sanderson, the Cosmere is not a single series, but a vast interconnected universe that spans multiple planets, magic systems, cultures, and storylines—all linked together behind the scenes.
At first glance, many Cosmere books feel like standalone fantasy novels or self-contained series. But as readers go deeper, subtle connections begin to appear: recurring symbols, mysterious travelers, shared magical rules, and long-running cosmic forces that tie everything together. This layered approach allows new readers to start almost anywhere, while rewarding longtime fans with deeper meaning and hidden lore.
What Is the Cosmere?
The Cosmere is a shared fictional universe where most of Brandon Sanderson’s epic fantasy stories take place. Each major series is set on a different planet, with its own culture and magic system, yet all of these worlds exist within the same universe and follow the same underlying rules of magic and physics.
Important things to know about the Cosmere:
- Each planet has a unique magic system
- Magic follows consistent, logical rules
- Gods exist, but they are not all-powerful
- Some characters can travel between worlds
- Events in one series can affect another—sometimes subtly, sometimes significantly
You do not need to understand the Cosmere to enjoy individual series. Many readers start with one set of books and only later realize how large the universe truly is.
Brandon Sanderson’s Approach to Worldbuilding
One reason the Cosmere stands out is Sanderson’s methodical approach to storytelling. He is famous for designing hard magic systems, where powers have clear rules, costs, and limitations. This makes magic feel earned rather than convenient.
Across the Cosmere:
- Magic is tied to natural laws
- Power always comes with a price
- Characters must learn and adapt
- Clever use of rules often matters more than raw strength
This consistency allows readers to trust the story. When something extraordinary happens, it feels believable within the logic of the world.
Major Cosmere Series and Worlds
Although the Cosmere includes many books, most fall into a few major storylines. Below are the key pillars of the Cosmere universe.
Mistborn Series (Scadrial)
The Mistborn series is often recommended as the best entry point into the Cosmere. It is set on the planet Scadrial and features one of Sanderson’s most famous magic systems: Allomancy, where characters ingest and “burn” metals to gain powers.
The series is divided into eras:
- Era One follows a dark, oppressive empire and a rebellion against a god-like ruler
- Era Two jumps forward in time to a more industrial world with lawmen, politics, and evolving technology
Mistborn combines action, political intrigue, and deep character development, while also laying important groundwork for the wider Cosmere.
The Stormlight Archive (Roshar)
The The Stormlight Archive is the centerpiece of the Cosmere. Set on the storm-ravaged planet Roshar, this series is massive in scope, length, and ambition.
Key features include:
- Ancient magical orders
- Living weapons and armor
- Massive world-ending threats
- Deep themes of trauma, leadership, and redemption
The Stormlight Archive is planned as a ten-book series, split into two major arcs. These books are best read once readers are comfortable committing to long, complex fantasy novels.
Elantris (Sel)
Elantris was Sanderson’s debut novel and is set on the planet Sel. It focuses on a once-glorious magical city whose inhabitants are cursed with immortality and decay.
While simpler than later Cosmere works, Elantris introduces:
- Early Cosmere concepts
- Political intrigue
- Themes of faith, identity, and perseverance
It also has strong ties to later stories set on Sel.
Warbreaker (Nalthis)
Warbreaker is a standalone Cosmere novel and another popular starting point. Set on Nalthis, it features a magic system based on Breath, color, and intention.
Warbreaker is known for:
- Court intrigue and betrayal
- Sisters with opposing worldviews
- A vivid, colorful magic system
- Strong crossover connections to The Stormlight Archive
Sanderson has made Warbreaker freely available online, further increasing its popularity.
Arcanum Unbounded and Short Fiction
The Cosmere also includes novellas and short stories collected in Arcanum Unbounded. These stories expand the universe by:
- Filling in historical gaps
- Exploring side characters
- Revealing important lore
Some stories are best read after specific novels, while others work as introductions to new worlds.
The Hidden Thread: Worldhoppers and Lore
One of the most exciting aspects of the Cosmere is the presence of worldhoppers—characters who can travel between planets. Some appear openly, others in disguise, and many are easy to miss on a first read.
There are also larger forces at work:
- Fragmented gods known as Shards
- Ancient conflicts spanning millennia
- A mysterious figure appearing across multiple series
These elements create a long-term narrative that unfolds slowly over dozens of books.
Reading Order: Where Should You Start?
There is no single “correct” reading order for the Cosmere, but common starting points include:
- Mistborn: The Final Empire
- Warbreaker
- Elantris
Readers who enjoy epic fantasy often move on to The Stormlight Archive after gaining some Cosmere familiarity. Completionists may eventually follow a more detailed Cosmere-wide reading order to catch every connection.
Who Is the Cosmere For?
The Cosmere is ideal for readers who enjoy:
- Deep, logical worldbuilding
- Long-term storytelling
- Interconnected series
- Complex magic systems
- Emotional character arcs
It may feel overwhelming at first, but the universe is designed to be entered gradually.
Why the Cosmere Matters in Modern Fantasy
Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere represents a shift in how fantasy can be written: not as isolated series, but as a carefully planned universe where stories build on one another over decades.
Few authors attempt something this large—and fewer still execute it with consistency and clarity. The Cosmere rewards casual readers and dedicated fans alike, making it one of the most influential fantasy projects of the 21st century.
Final Thoughts
The Cosmere is not just a collection of fantasy books—it is a living, expanding universe. Whether you read one series or dive into every corner of it, the Cosmere offers rich storytelling, unforgettable characters, and a sense of discovery that grows with each book.
For readers willing to invest the time, the Cosmere delivers something rare: a fantasy world that truly feels infinite, yet carefully, brilliantly designed.