If you have never read Brandon Sanderson before, the Stormlight Archive is one of the best entry points in all of modern fantasy. If you are already a fan and want to read everything, this guide covers both paths.
Reading the Stormlight Archive Alone
The Stormlight Archive stands completely on its own. You do not need to read any other Sanderson book first. The four published main books read in order:
- The Way of Kings (2010)
- Words of Radiance (2014)
- Oathbringer (2017)
- Rhythm of War (2020)
- Wind and Truth (2024)
Read them in publication order. Each one builds directly on the last.
The Novella: Edgedancer
Edgedancer is a novella following Lift between Oathbringer and Rhythm of War. It is short (200 pages), excellent, and best read after Words of Radiance but before or during Oathbringer. It is not required but it deepens Oathbringer significantly.
Reading the Full Cosmere
The Cosmere is Sanderson’s shared universe containing all of his fantasy novels. They are all standalone series but they share an underlying cosmology, magic system rules, and recurring characters. Stormlight connects most directly to:
- Warbreaker — Read before Oathbringer. Two major Warbreaker characters appear in Stormlight 3 in ways that are more satisfying if you know who they are.
- Mistborn: The Final Empire — No spoilers for Stormlight but Cosmere lore starts making more sense once you read this.
- Elantris — First published Sanderson novel. Short, good entry point, but not required before Stormlight.
The Recommended Reading Order
For someone who wants to read everything Cosmere in the optimal order:
- Elantris
- Mistborn: The Final Empire
- The Well of Ascension
- The Hero of Ages
- Warbreaker
- The Way of Kings
- Words of Radiance
- Edgedancer
- Oathbringer
- Mistborn: The Alloy of Law
- Rhythm of War
- Wind and Truth
Where to Start If You Have Never Read Sanderson
Start with The Way of Kings directly. It is long (1,000 pages) but it is the book that makes people into lifelong Sanderson readers. The other option is to start with Mistborn (shorter, faster paced) and then come to Stormlight. Both paths work.
FAQ
Do I need to read the Cosmere before Stormlight Archive?
No. The Stormlight Archive is completely self-contained. You will miss some cross-series references if you have not read other Cosmere books, but none of them are required to understand or enjoy Stormlight. The story, characters, and world are fully accessible to first-time Sanderson readers. Many people read Stormlight first and then explore the rest of the Cosmere afterward.
Should I read Warbreaker before Oathbringer?
Yes, if you plan to read Warbreaker at all. Two major Warbreaker characters appear prominently in Oathbringer. Their presence is not spoiled by reading Warbreaker first, and knowing their backstory makes their Stormlight arc significantly more satisfying. If you never plan to read Warbreaker, skip it without worry.
Is Wind and Truth the last Stormlight book?
Wind and Truth (2024) ends the first arc of the Stormlight Archive. Sanderson has planned ten books total divided into two five-book arcs. The second five-book arc is planned but not yet written. The first arc tells a complete story. The second arc will follow a time skip and some character changes, functioning as a sequel series within the same world.
How long does it take to read all five Stormlight books?
The five main Stormlight Archive books total approximately 5,200 pages. At an average reading pace of 250-300 pages per day, the full series takes roughly 17-21 days of reading time. Most readers spread it across 6-18 months. Many describe the reread as faster because the foreshadowing and hidden details become visible the second time through.
Get a personalized recap before any Stormlight book
Hidden details in every Stormlight book
Start with The Way of Kings on Amazon
The Way of Kings is the perfect entry point. Available in print, Kindle, and audiobook.
The Stormlight Archive audiobooks — narrated by Michael Kramer & Kate Reading — are 40–57 hours each. The best use of a commute in fantasy history.
