The Stormlight Archive is the crown jewel of Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere universe. It’s also one of the longest and most complex fantasy series ever written, so new readers constantly ask the same question: what order should I read the Stormlight Archive books?
The short answer: start with The Way of Kings and read them in publication order. But there is more to it than that — especially if you want to fit the novellas in correctly and understand where Stormlight fits within the larger Cosmere.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Stormlight Archive reading order, including whether to read the novellas, how to approach the series as a Cosmere newcomer, and what order to tackle the books in 2025.
The Stormlight Archive Books in Order (Main Series)
There are five main Stormlight Archive novels, with books 1 through 5 constituting the first arc. Brandon Sanderson has confirmed a planned second arc of five more books (6 through 10), though no release dates have been announced yet.
- The Way of Kings (2010) — 1,007 pages
- Words of Radiance (2014) — 1,087 pages
- Oathbringer (2017) — 1,243 pages
- Rhythm of War (2020) — 1,232 pages
- Wind and Truth (2024) — approximately 1,300 pages
With Wind and Truth released in November 2024, the first arc of the Stormlight Archive is now complete. This is a natural stopping point and a satisfying conclusion to the stories of Kaladin, Dalinar, Shallan, and Szeth.
Stormlight Archive Complete Reading Order (Including Novellas)
If you want the full experience including the shorter works that add important context, here is the recommended reading order:
- The Way of Kings
- Words of Radiance
- Edgedancer (novella) — Optional but highly recommended. Follows Lift between books 2 and 3.
- Oathbringer
- Dawnshard (novella) — Recommended before Rhythm of War. A short read that sets up events in book 4.
- Rhythm of War
- Wind and Truth
If you are in a hurry, you can safely skip Edgedancer and Dawnshard on your first read-through. Sanderson includes enough recap in the main novels that you will not feel lost. But both novellas are excellent, and Edgedancer in particular is a fan favorite.
Where to Start: Is The Way of Kings Really 1,000 Pages?
Yes. The Way of Kings is genuinely one of the longest books you will ever read — over a thousand pages of epic fantasy. But here is what most readers discover after finishing it: it does not feel long.
The first 200 to 300 pages are intentionally slow. Sanderson is building a world unlike anything you have encountered before: Roshar, a planet with continent-sized storms that reshape the landscape, where stone and rock have replaced trees and soil as the primary surface material. The alien geography, magic system, and social structures take time to establish.
By page 400, most readers report they cannot put the book down. By the end, many immediately start Words of Radiance.
Tip for new readers: commit to reaching Part 3 of The Way of Kings before deciding whether to continue. The payoff happens there, and it is worth the investment.
Do I Need to Read the Cosmere in a Specific Order?
No. The Stormlight Archive is an excellent entry point to the Cosmere. You do not need to have read Mistborn, Elantris, or Warbreaker first.
However, there are rewards for readers who have read other Cosmere books before or alongside Stormlight:
- Warbreaker — Reading this before Oathbringer reveals a significant character connection that is somewhat spoiled by reading out of order.
- Mistborn: The Final Empire — Not required, but there are subtle Cosmere crossovers that become meaningful by Rhythm of War and beyond.
- Elantris — Low priority for Stormlight readers. Minor Cosmere connections only.
If you want the full Cosmere experience, the most common recommendation among fans is: read The Way of Kings first, then Warbreaker, then continue with Words of Radiance and beyond.
Stormlight Archive vs. Mistborn: Which Should You Read First?
This is the most common question Sanderson newcomers ask. The honest answer depends on what kind of reader you are:
- Read Mistborn first if you prefer a faster pace, a tighter plot, and a standalone trilogy before committing to 5,000+ pages.
- Read Stormlight first if you love world-building, do not mind long books, and want to experience Sanderson at his most ambitious.
Mistborn: The Final Empire is about 600 pages — shorter and faster than The Way of Kings. Many readers use it as a test run to see if they like Sanderson’s writing style before committing to Stormlight. Both series are set in the Cosmere and share subtle connections, but neither requires the other.
How Many Stormlight Archive Books Will There Be Total?
Brandon Sanderson has confirmed that the Stormlight Archive will consist of 10 books total, split into two arcs of five books each. Wind and Truth (2024) concludes the first arc.
The second arc (books 6 through 10) will feature a time skip of approximately 10 years and will shift focus somewhat, though the main characters will remain present. No release dates have been announced for book 6 as of 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Stormlight Archive reading order?
The Stormlight Archive reading order is: The Way of Kings (2010), Words of Radiance (2014), Oathbringer (2017), Rhythm of War (2020), and Wind and Truth (2024). The novellas Edgedancer and Dawnshard fit between books 2-3 and 3-4 respectively.
Do I need to read Edgedancer before Oathbringer?
No, but it is recommended. Edgedancer is a short novella that follows the character Lift. You can read Oathbringer without it, but reading Edgedancer first enhances your understanding of a key scene in book 3.
Is Wind and Truth the last Stormlight Archive book?
Wind and Truth is the last book of the first arc (books 1 through 5). Brandon Sanderson has confirmed a second arc of five more books (6 through 10) is planned, making Wind and Truth the midpoint of the overall series, not the final book.
Can I start the Stormlight Archive without reading other Cosmere books?
Yes. The Stormlight Archive is fully self-contained as an entry point. You will miss some Easter eggs and cross-series connections, but the story is completely comprehensible without prior Cosmere reading.
How long does it take to read all Stormlight Archive books?
At an average reading pace, the five main Stormlight Archive novels total approximately 50 or more hours of reading. Most dedicated readers complete each book in 2 to 4 weeks. The full series can realistically be read in 3 to 6 months at a moderate pace.
Where to Buy the Stormlight Archive
All five books are available in hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and Kindle formats:
- The Way of Kings on Amazon
- Words of Radiance on Amazon
- Oathbringer on Amazon
- Rhythm of War on Amazon
- Wind and Truth on Amazon
The audiobooks narrated by Michael Kramer and Kate Reading are considered among the best fantasy audiobooks ever recorded. If you spend time commuting, the audio versions are exceptional. The series is also available through Kindle Unlimited — check current availability as this can change.
The Way of Kings is the perfect entry point. Available in print, Kindle, and audiobook.