How to use this page
- If you are new to the Cosmere, start with the beginner path below or the beginner guide.
- If you already started with Stormlight, use the Stormlight-first section.
- Use the "find your next book" section if you have already read something and want the spoiler-free next step.
Beginner path
Best for first-time Cosmere readers who want maximum payoff with minimum confusion.
Mistborn Era 1
Optional standalone after Era 1: Tress of the Emerald Sea is a good palette cleanser here. Light Cosmere connections, accessible early. Amazon
Warbreaker (recommended before later Stormlight)
Warbreaker
AmazonThe Stormlight Archive
- The Way of Kings (2010) Amazon
- Words of Radiance (2014) Amazon
- Edgedancer (2016, optional novella) Amazon
- Oathbringer (2017) Amazon
- Dawnshard (2020, optional novella) Amazon
- Rhythm of War (2020) Amazon
- Wind and Truth (2024) Amazon
Optional after Stormlight: Yumi and the Nightmare Painter can be read after Rhythm of War or Wind and Truth. Amazon · The Sunlit Man is best after Wind and Truth - the most Cosmere-connected of the Secret Projects. Amazon
Mistborn Era 2
- The Alloy of Law (2011) Amazon
- Shadows of Self (2015) Amazon
- The Bands of Mourning (2016) Amazon
- The Lost Metal (2022) Amazon
Note: Mistborn: Secret History is included in Arcanum Unbounded. Read it after The Bands of Mourning and before The Lost Metal. It is spoiler-heavy - do not read it early.
Elantris and short fiction
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, keep reading. Read Warbreaker after Words of Radiance. The novellas are optional but short and worth it if you want maximum context.
- The Way of Kings (2010) Amazon
- Words of Radiance (2014) Amazon
- Warbreaker (2009, strongly recommended) Amazon
- Edgedancer (2016, optional novella) Amazon
- Oathbringer (2017) Amazon
- Dawnshard (2020, optional novella) Amazon
- Rhythm of War (2020) Amazon
- Wind and Truth (2024) Amazon
For detailed checkpoint guidance and what to read after Stormlight, see the full Stormlight-first path →
Find your next Cosmere book
Already read something? Here is the spoiler-free next step based on where you are.
- Read Warbreaker next, then start Stormlight
- Or start Stormlight now and slot Warbreaker in after Words of Radiance
- Warbreaker is your best side read before continuing
- Then Edgedancer (optional) and Oathbringer
- Mistborn Era 2 if you have read Era 1
- Mistborn Era 1 if you have not
- Then Elantris and short fiction
- Warbreaker
- Elantris
- The Emperor's Soul
- Tress of the Emerald Sea
- Yumi and the Nightmare Painter (after Stormlight)
- The Sunlit Man (after Wind and Truth)
Completionist path
Best for readers who want a comprehensive approach and enjoy deep connections between books.
Mistborn Era 1
Tress of the Emerald Sea can be read here as an optional standalone.
Elantris + White Sand Vol. 1 (graphic novel)
Warbreaker
Stormlight Archive (with Edgedancer and Dawnshard in sequence)
Yumi and the Nightmare Painter can be read after Rhythm of War or after Wind and Truth.
The Sunlit Man
Best after Wind and Truth. Most Cosmere-connected of the Secret Projects.
Mistborn Era 2
Read Mistborn: Secret History (in Arcanum Unbounded) after The Bands of Mourning, before The Lost Metal.
Arcanum Unbounded stories and remaining 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, not a requirement.
What are the Secret Projects?
The Secret Projects are three standalone Cosmere novels published in 2023-2024: Tress of the Emerald Sea, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and The Sunlit Man. They are self-contained stories with Cosmere connections that grow stronger the more you have read. Tress is accessible early; Yumi and Sunlit Man are better after Stormlight.
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 the most common starting points.
Is this page spoiler-free?
Yes. All recommendations avoid plot details and major reveals. The goal is to help you choose what to read next with confidence.