What is the Cosmere?

The Cosmere isn't just a collection of fantasy novels—it's Brandon Sanderson's interconnected universe where multiple series take place on different planets, all secretly linked by an overarching story. While each series stands alone perfectly, readers who pay attention will spot characters crossing between worlds, shared magic systems rooted in the same fundamental forces, and a hidden conflict spanning millennia. According to Sanderson's official explanation, the Cosmere will eventually span 30-40 books.

Think of it like the Marvel Cinematic Universe for epic fantasy. You can watch Iron Man without seeing Thor, but when you realize they're connected, everything becomes richer. That's the Cosmere experience—except instead of post-credit scenes, you get subtle character cameos, mysterious worldhoppers, and magic systems that follow consistent universal laws. For a deeper dive into the magic systems, check out The Coppermind Wiki, the fan-maintained encyclopedia of all things Cosmere.

Which Brandon Sanderson Reading Order Works Best?

For Complete Beginners: Start with Mistborn

If you've never touched a Sanderson book, The Final Empire (Mistborn #1) offers the perfect entry point. Why? It's shorter than Stormlight Archive, has a complete trilogy arc that wraps up satisfyingly, and introduces you to Sanderson's signature magic system approach without overwhelming complexity. You can explore the complete Mistborn series reading order on our dedicated page.

After finishing the original Mistborn trilogy, you'll understand Sanderson's writing style, his approach to plot twists (there's always another secret), and whether you want to commit to the larger Cosmere. Plus, Mistborn's magic system—Allomancy—remains one of the coolest in all of fantasy.

For Fantasy Veterans: Dive into Stormlight

Already crushed Wheel of Time? Devoured Malazan? Then you might want to start with The Way of Kings. Yes, it's 1000+ pages with a slow burn opening, but if you're used to epic fantasy's demands, The Stormlight Archive delivers the most ambitious storytelling in the Cosmere. If you're comparing it to other epics, our complete guide to starting book series can help you decide.

Just remember to squeeze in Warbreaker before Words of Radiance. Trust me on this one—you'll appreciate certain reveals way more. It's free on Sanderson's website, so there's really no excuse to skip it.

For Completionists: Publication Order

Want to experience the Cosmere exactly as it unfolded? Publication order lets you watch Sanderson grow as a writer and see the Cosmere connections develop naturally. You'll start with Elantris (his first published Cosmere novel), work through Mistborn Era 1, then alternate between series as they were released.

This path means you'll catch every reference and Easter egg as intended, though Elantris shows its age compared to his later work. Still, there's something special about reading everything chronologically by release date.

What Kind of Cosmere Character Are You?

A quick, spoiler-free vibe check. Pick honestly!

1. Pick a core trait:
2. Choose your battlefield:
3. Your ideal power vibe:

Breaking Down Each Cosmere Series

Mistborn Era 1

3 books~30 hours

A thieving crew plans the ultimate heist: overthrowing an immortal emperor. Features one of fantasy's best magic systems where people ingest and burn metals for superhuman abilities. The trilogy gets progressively more cosmic in scope, transforming from heist story to world-ending epic.

  • The Final Empire
  • The Well of Ascension
  • The Hero of Ages

The Stormlight Archive

4 books + 2 novellas~150+ hours

Sanderson's magnum opus set on a storm-ravaged world where warriors absorb Stormlight to gain magical abilities. Deeply explores mental health, trauma, and redemption while delivering spectacular battles and world-shaking revelations. Each book is massive but rewards patient readers.

  • The Way of Kings
  • Words of Radiance
  • Edgedancer (novella)
  • Oathbringer
  • Dawnshard (novella)
  • Rhythm of War

Mistborn Era 2

4 books~40 hours

Set 300 years after Era 1, magic meets the Wild West as lawman Waxillium Ladrian solves crimes in an industrializing world. Lighter in tone but deceptively important for Cosmere-wide implications. The Lost Metal especially connects to the broader universe.

  • The Alloy of Law
  • Shadows of Self
  • Bands of Mourning
  • The Lost Metal

Standalone Novels

2 major books~25 hours

Elantris: Sanderson's debut about a cursed city and broken magic. Rougher than his later work but contains important Cosmere elements.

Warbreaker: Princess sisters navigate political intrigue in a world where breath animates objects. Essential reading before Stormlight Archive book 2.

Hidden Connections Between Series (Spoiler-Free)

Part of the Cosmere's magic comes from discovering connections yourself, but here are spoiler-free hints about crossovers to watch for:

Worldhoppers

Certain characters appear across multiple series. Pay attention to mysterious figures who seem to know more than they should, especially those interested in investigating or collecting things.

Shared Terminology

Words like "Investiture," "Cognitive Realm," and "Shards" appear across series. These aren't coincidences—they're describing universal Cosmere concepts.

Letters and Epigraphs

Those chapter epigraphs in Stormlight Archive? Some are letters between characters from different planets. Once you've read more series, revisiting these becomes a treasure hunt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to read everything to understand the Cosmere?

Absolutely not. Each series is written to stand completely alone. The connections are bonuses for dedicated readers, not requirements. You could read only Stormlight Archive or only Mistborn and have a complete, satisfying experience.

What about the non-Cosmere Sanderson books?

Books like Skyward, The Rithmatist, and Alcatraz aren't part of the Cosmere. They're great stories but won't connect to Mistborn or Stormlight. The Reckoners series (starting with Steelheart) is YA superhero fiction that's perfect for younger readers or anyone wanting a faster pace. Check out all of Brandon Sanderson's books to see both Cosmere and non-Cosmere works.

Should I read the novellas and short stories?

The novellas (Edgedancer, Dawnshard, Emperor's Soul) add valuable context and are generally worth reading. Arcanum Unbounded collects most Cosmere short fiction with behind-the-scenes essays about each planet. Read it after you've finished most series to avoid spoilers.

Is there a wrong order to read these books?

Not really, though I'd avoid starting with Rhythm of War or The Hero of Ages (for obvious reasons). Some fans even started with book 2 of a series by accident and still loved the experience. The main thing is just to start somewhere.

How connected are these books really?

Right now? Maybe 5-10% of content involves Cosmere-wide elements. Sanderson has stated this percentage will increase dramatically as we approach the Cosmere's endgame (planned for Mistborn Era 4). For now, connections are easter eggs, not essential plot points.

What if I don't like Sanderson's first book I try?

Try a different series. Sanderson's writing varies significantly between series. Mistborn is fast-paced and plot-twisty. Stormlight is slow-burn and character-focused. Warbreaker is standalone and political. Emperor's Soul is a compact, beautiful novella. One might click even if another doesn't.

Pro Reading Tip

Keep a notebook or use the Coppermind Wiki while reading. Jotting down character names and locations that seem suspicious pays off big time when you spot them three series later. The "wait, isn't that...?" moments are half the fun.