What this page is for
- You want a great Cosmere experience without juggling too many books.
- You want guidance that works even if you stop and return later.
- You want to avoid spoilers while still getting good timing on key side reads.
The recommended beginner order
Best for: most readers on a first Cosmere journey.
-
Mistborn Era 1
This is the easiest entry point and teaches you how Sanderson builds long payoffs.
- The Final Empire
- The Well of Ascension
- The Hero of Ages
-
Warbreaker
Standalone. Recommended before you go deeper into Stormlight.
-
The Stormlight Archive
This is the centerpiece series. The novellas are optional but helpful.
- The Way of Kings
- Words of Radiance
- Edgedancer (novella, optional but recommended)
- Oathbringer
- Dawnshard (novella, optional but recommended)
- Rhythm of War
-
Mistborn Era 2
Great after you have read Stormlight and want more Cosmere connections.
- The Alloy of Law
- Shadows of Self
- The Bands of Mourning
- The Lost Metal
-
Elantris and short fiction
Best once you have read a few major books and want to explore more worlds.
- Elantris
- The Emperor’s Soul
- Sixth of the Dusk
- Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell
- Arcanum Unbounded (collection, read story by story)
Choose your beginner style
If you want an even simpler path, pick one of these styles and follow it.
I want the simplest possible route
- Mistborn Era 1
- Stormlight main books
- Everything else later if you want more
This is the lowest friction option.
I want the best timing for connections
- Mistborn Era 1
- Warbreaker
- Stormlight with Edgedancer and Dawnshard in sequence
- Mistborn Era 2
This is the best overall payoff path.
I prefer standalones first
- Warbreaker
- Elantris
- The Emperor’s Soul
- Then start Mistborn Era 1
Great if you like shorter commitments.
I started with Stormlight already
- That is fine. You can keep reading.
- Read Warbreaker at the recommended time.
- Use the Stormlight-first page for checkpoints.
Common beginner questions
Do I need to read Mistborn before Stormlight?
No. Stormlight works on its own. Mistborn is recommended because it is a smooth entry point and sets you up for later connections.
Are the novellas required?
No. They are optional on a first pass. If you enjoy extra context, read Edgedancer after Words of Radiance and Dawnshard after Oathbringer.
Is this page spoiler-free?
Yes. This site avoids plot details and major reveals.