Jordan
The Eye of the World
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The Wheel of Time
Robert Jordan - 14 books
The epic fantasy series Sanderson finished after Jordan passed. Same massive scope.
epic fantasySee reading order→
Series - Books in order
Cosmere books in order
by Brandon Sanderson - 20 books - 2005-Present - Updated June 2026
The Cosmere is Brandon Sanderson's interconnected fantasy universe spanning multiple series and standalone novels. Each series has its own magic system and world, but they share a deeper cosmology that rewards careful readers. Most fans recommend starting with Mistborn: The Final Empire before tackling the larger Stormlight Archive.
Sanderson
Mistborn: The Final Empire
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1
Sanderson
Mistborn: The Final Empire
✦
1
Start with this book
Most readers should start with Mistborn: The Final Empire. It gives you the cleanest entry point before continuing through the full series order.Read on KindleListen on Audible
Buy on Amazon20 books - read in publication order
Show orderPublication order
Contains affiliate links| # | Book | Published | Rating | Where to read |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elantris Elantris | 2005 | 3.9 | |
| 2 | Mistborn: The Final Empire Mistborn: The Final EmpireStart | 2006 | 4.4 | |
| 3 | The Well of Ascension The Well of Ascension | 2007 | 4.3 | |
| 4 | The Hero of Ages The Hero of Ages | 2008 | 4.4 | |
| 5 | Warbreaker Warbreaker | 2009 | 4.2 | |
| 6 | The Way of Kings The Way of Kings | 2010 | 4.6 |
Showing 6 of 20 - the openers plus the key entries. See the full 20-book list →
Our recommended reading order
Start with Mistborn: The Final Empire. It is the best entry point: self-contained trilogy, clear magic system, and faster paced than Stormlight. After Mistborn Era 1, read Warbreaker, then start The Way of Kings.
Sanderson
Mistborn: The Final Empire
✦
Best book to start with
Mistborn: The Final Empire
Book #1, and still the best on-ramp. It sets up everything that makes this series work.
Similar series
If you love Cosmere, try these next.
Rothfuss
The Name of the Wind
✦
The Kingkiller Chronicle
Patrick Rothfuss - 3 books
Beautiful prose-driven fantasy with a unique magic system.
fantasy
Frequently asked questions
Start with Mistborn: The Final Empire, then the rest of Mistborn Era 1 (Well of Ascension, Hero of Ages). Then Warbreaker. Then The Stormlight Archive starting with The Way of Kings.
No. Each series is self-contained. The connections are Easter eggs for dedicated readers, not required knowledge.
About 20 novels and novellas as of 2026, with more planned. The Stormlight Archive alone will be 10 books when complete.
Contains affiliate linksUpdated June 2026