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Cosmere Reading Order

Pick the path that matches where you are right now. Everything here is spoiler-free.

Beginner Path Stormlight First What Should I Read Next?

Beginner path

Best for: first-time Cosmere readers who want maximum payoff with minimum confusion.

  1. Mistborn Era 1

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

  2. Warbreaker

    Standalone. Recommended before later Stormlight books.

  3. The Stormlight Archive (main series)

    • The Way of Kings
    • Words of Radiance
    • Edgedancer (novella, optional but recommended)
    • Oathbringer
    • Dawnshard (novella, optional but recommended)
    • Rhythm of War

  4. Mistborn Era 2

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

  5. Elantris

    Standalone. Cosmere-relevant and worth reading.

  6. Short fiction and novellas

    Best after you have read a few major novels.

    • The Emperor’s Soul
    • Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell
    • Sixth of the Dusk
    • Arcanum Unbounded (collection, read story-by-story)

Stormlight-first path

Best for: readers who started with Stormlight and want the best experience without backtracking too much.

Quick guidance

  • If you are early in Stormlight, you can keep reading.
  • Reading Warbreaker before later Stormlight books is strongly recommended.
  • The novellas are optional on a first pass, but they add context and are short.

Suggested order

  1. The Way of Kings
  2. Words of Radiance
  3. Warbreaker (recommended)
  4. Edgedancer (optional but recommended)
  5. Oathbringer
  6. Dawnshard (optional but recommended)
  7. Rhythm of War
  8. Mistborn Era 1 (if you have not read it yet)
  9. Mistborn Era 2
  10. Elantris
  11. Short fiction and Arcanum Unbounded stories

Find your next Cosmere book

Best for: readers who have already read something and want a spoiler-free next step.

If you finished Mistborn Era 1

  • Read Warbreaker next, then start Stormlight
  • Or start Stormlight now and slot Warbreaker in soon

If you finished Words of Radiance

  • Warbreaker is your best side read before continuing
  • Then continue with Edgedancer (optional) and Oathbringer

If you finished the main Stormlight books

  • Start Mistborn Era 2 if you have read Era 1
  • If not, read Mistborn Era 1 first
  • Then explore Elantris and short fiction

If you prefer standalones

  • Warbreaker
  • Elantris
  • The Emperor’s Soul
  • Sixth of the Dusk

Completionist path

Best for: readers who want a comprehensive approach and enjoy deep connections.

This list is intentionally simple and avoids mixing in-by-publication details that can be confusing. It is still spoiler-free.

  1. Mistborn Era 1 (trilogy)
  2. Elantris
  3. Warbreaker
  4. The Stormlight Archive (with Edgedancer and Dawnshard in sequence)
  5. Mistborn Era 2 (quartet)
  6. Arcanum Unbounded stories and other short fiction

FAQ

Do I have to read everything to enjoy the Cosmere?

No. Every series is designed to work on its own. The shared universe connections are a bonus.

Is there one correct reading order?

No. The best order depends on your goals and what you have already read. The paths above are designed to fit common starting points.

Are these guides spoiler-free?

Yes. This site avoids plot details and major reveals. The goal is to help you choose what to read next with confidence.

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