what
is
the
cosmere?
The Cosmere is a vast, interconnected fictional universe created by Brandon Sanderson, where many of his fantasy books take place. While each series or book can be read independently, they share a deeper underlying lore, with common themes, magic systems, and even recurring characters who travel between worlds.
Over time, connections between books become more apparent, rewarding readers who explore the entire universe.
Kaladin Stormblessed and Syl - from Stormlight Archive
recommended order
Elantris (2005) - A great starting point, as it's a standalone novel and easy to understand.
Mistborn - First Era (Original Trilogy):
• The Final Empire (2006)
• The Well of Ascension (2007)
• The Hero of Ages (2008)
(Optional: The Eleventh Metal - prequel short story, best read after the trilogy)
The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive, 2010) - The most ambitious epic in the Cosmere.
Mistborn - Second Era (Wax & Wayne Quartet, lighter with a fantasy-western feel):
• The Alloy of Law (2011)
• Shadows of Self (2015)
• The Bands of Mourning (2016)
• Mistborn: Secret History (2016) - Must be read after The Bands of Mourning but enhances the entire Mistborn experience.
• The Lost Metal (2022)
Warbreaker (2009) - A standalone novel that strongly connects with The Stormlight Archive.
The Stormlight Archive (continued):
• Words of Radiance (2014)
• Oathbringer (2017)
• Rhythm of War (2020)
(+ Future books to come)
The Sunlit Man (2023) - Connects deeply with the larger Cosmere story and should be read after most other major books.
Extras (Short stories and novellas in the Cosmere)
• The Emperor's Soul (2012) - Set in the same world as Elantris.
• Arcanum Unbounded (2016) - A collection of Cosmere short stories and novellas, including The Eleventh Metal, Mistborn: Secret History, and others.
• Tress of the Emerald Sea (2023) - A lighthearted, whimsical story with deep Cosmere connections.
• Yumi and the Nightmare Painter (2023) - Another beautifully written standalone within the Cosmere.
• The Sunlit Man (2023) - A key book for deep Cosmere fans, revealing major insights into the overarching universe.
chronological - approximate in-universe timeline:
Elantris
The Emperor's Soul
Warbreaker
Mistborn - First Era
• (Optional: The Eleventh Metal - prequel short story)
Mistborn - Second Era
• Mistborn: Secret History (must be read after The Bands of Mourning, but it takes place throughout the series)
The Stormlight Archive (early books happen around the same time as Mistborn Second Era)
Tress of the Emerald Sea / Yumi and the Nightmare Painter
The Sunlit Man (Occurs relatively late in the Cosmere timeline)
