Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere: Complete Reading Order and Where to Start

Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere is the most ambitious shared universe in fantasy publishing — over 20 books across multiple series, all set in the same universe, all connected by an overarching mythology that rewards long-term readers. Apple TV+ acquired the rights to the entire Cosmere in early 2026, making this the ideal moment to understand it.

What Is the Cosmere?

The Cosmere is a shared universe of planets, each with its own magic system, history, and characters. The connections between series — initially subtle Easter eggs — become increasingly significant in later books. A character called Hoid appears in every Cosmere book. The underlying physics (Shards of Adonalsium, Investiture, the Spiritual Realm) tie everything together.

You do not need to understand the Cosmere to enjoy any individual series. Each series works as standalone epic fantasy. The inter-series connections are rewards for committed readers, not requirements for new ones.

The Complete Cosmere Series

Mistborn Saga

Era 1 — The Original Trilogy:

1. The Final Empire (2006) — Start here for new readers

2. The Well of Ascension (2007)

3. The Hero of Ages (2008)

Era 2 — The Wax and Wayne Series: 4. The Alloy of Law (2011)

5. Shadows of Self (2015)
6. The Bands of Mourning (2016)
7. The Lost Metal (2022)

Era 3 (planned for 2028–2030) — not yet published.

The Stormlight Archive

1. The Way of Kings (2010)

2. Words of Radiance (2014)

3. Oathbringer (2017)

4. Rhythm of War (2020)

5. Wind and Truth (2024) — completes the first five-book arc

Elantris and Sequels

• Elantris (2005) — Sanderson’s debut; Cosmere entry point for completists

• The Hope of Elantris (short story)
• The Emperor’s Soul (2012) — novella; widely considered excellent standalone

Warbreaker

• Warbreaker (2009) — standalone; connects to Stormlight Archive

Tress of the Emerald Sea

• Tress of the Emerald Sea (2023) — standalone novella set in the Cosmere; lighter in tone

The White Sand graphic novels

• Three volumes; set in the Cosmere; not essential for main series

The Recommended Reading Order

For new readers (essential):

1. The Final Empire (Mistborn #1)

2. The Well of Ascension (Mistborn #2)

3. The Hero of Ages (Mistborn #3)

4. The Way of Kings (Stormlight #1)

5. Words of Radiance (Stormlight #2)

After that: Continue Stormlight, then Era 2 Mistborn alongside later Stormlight books — by Oathbringer and The Bands of Mourning, the Cosmere connections become significant.

Warbreaker should be read before Words of Radiance (Stormlight #2) as a character from Warbreaker appears.

The Emperor’s Soul can be read at any point — it’s short and excellent and standalone.

Mistborn or Stormlight First?

This is the most common Cosmere question. The answer for almost all readers: Mistborn first.

The Final Empire is approximately 650 pages and is the most accessible Sanderson entry point. It demonstrates his magic systems, plotting, and character work efficiently. The Way of Kings is 1,000 pages and more demanding — it’s a better read once you know Sanderson’s style.

The exception: if you’re already a confident epic fantasy reader who can handle a slow build, The Way of Kings is the more ambitious and ultimately more rewarding series.

The Novellas: Do I Need Them?

Several novellas sit between the main novels:

• Edgedancer — between Stormlight Books 2 and 3; recommended before Oathbringer
• Dawnshard — between Stormlight Books 3 and 4; recommended before Rhythm of War

These are not strictly required but add significant context and are enjoyable in themselves.

The Apple TV+ Adaptation

Apple TV+ announced a deal to adapt the Cosmere universe in early 2026. No specific adaptation details had been announced at time of writing, but the deal covers the full universe — meaning Mistborn, Stormlight Archive, and other series are all in consideration.

This makes right now the ideal time to start: the books are complete enough to read across multiple series, and the adaptations will inevitably send new readers to the source.

Where to Start

Read The Final Empire (Mistborn Book 1). It’s Sanderson’s most consistently recommended entry point for good reason: a heist fantasy set in a world where a tyrant has ruled for a thousand years, with an inventive magic system and a plot that rewards patience. If you finish it and want more, you’ll have years of reading ahead of you.