Where to Start: A Beginner's Guide to Brandon Sanderson (2024 Edition)

New to Brandon Sanderson and wondering where to start? Look no further than Brandon's personal recommendations. From epic fantasy to literary novellas to space operas, there’s something for everyone.

Which of Brandon’s novels did you start with? Let us know in the comments! 👇

(0:00) - Where to start:

Whimsical and humorous fairytale (standalone)

Action-packed Sci-Fi space opera

Fast paced, heist-focused, epic fantasy

Epic war narrative (for fans of “The Wheel of Time” or “Game of Thrones"

A literary novella (ideal for sampling Brandon’s style)

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[theshawdoian]

I started with way of kings and it is probs 1 of my greatest joys to read. It got me back into reading and thank you for writing that great book

[ninakrishnamurthy]

Gotta say, it’s really cool of Brandon to do something like this. I’m working my way through the Cosmere by publication order (just finished Warbreaker), but that’s mainly because I’m a crazy person who’s already fully committed and I want to see the evolution of Brandon’s style. I know my way is not the best way, so I love the fact that I can just show people this video to get them started. 😊

[mafergarcia]

I started with Mistborn 10 years ago, read it in my first language, and right now Im reading it for the fifth time because once in a while I feel the urge of living the story one more time. Mistborn has a special place in my heart 🫶🏼 Thank you Brandon Sanderson for your amazing work.

[Rahzma]

I actually started with The Way of Kings. A few years ago I honestly had never heard of you. I've been going to my local library for years and the librarian knows exactly what I love to read though, and recommends new ones to me all the time. One day she pulled that one down for me, and since then you have legitimately become my favorite author. So much so, that your books are the first that I want to actually own instead of just borrowing. I'm slowly getting there. I plan to eventually get every one. The only series I've read not part of the Cosmere is the Reckoners, and I enjoyed those quite a bit too. There's an energy to your writing that I love. You have such amazing detailed worlds, but you never drown us in them, just let it all take shape naturally while moving the story forward. Thank you for being such an amazing storyteller.

[NaiveA-wmvj]

I'm so glad The Emperor's Soul was mentioned. It wasn't my first of his works, but I think it is the most concise and poignant showcase of Sanderson's style. The characters' inner worlds, the magic system, and the plot all push and pull on one another in meaningful, believable ways in his stories, and The Emperor's Soul condenses this all into a small, powerful, and emotional package.

The only thing it's missing is an otherworldly weather phenomenon, but maybe that's what happens when most of it takes place in a single room.

[rons]

Many years ago I emailed Brandon and said that if he managed to finish Wheel Of Time successfully (I was heavily invested in those books), I would try one of his other books. He was kind enough to reply and he also completed WoT in a very satisfactory manner.

So, I picked up Mistborn and began reading. I got thru about 2/3 of it before stopping. It felt heavy and more political than anything and I was done. I honestly didn't connect with any of the characters.

However, I still haven't completed my end of the deal, so I think I will try Tress of the Emerald Sea, which I'd never heard of until this video.

[StorytellerTreehouse]

I started with Way of Kings not knowing ANYTHING about Brandon Sanderson back when they used to do "free ebook" promotions. I started reading it on a plane trip to a conference and ended up not getting any sleep that whole weekend because I was busy devouring the book every second I had away from my conference ^.^'

[joshk]

Emperor's soul is actually my first recommendation to people if I'm unsure they'd be willing to commit to The Final Empire or The Way of Kings. It's a perfect little microcosm of everything I love about Brandon's work wrapped up in an amazing short story that's easy for people to pick up and test the waters with low commitment.

[janiethereader]

My first book by Brandon Sanderson was Tress of the Emerald Sea, and it had me utterly enchanted. I read it a few months ago, and I've already done a re-read 😂 I'm so excited to read more of his books!!

[northyhobbies]

I only started your work in 2023 and can't believe I waited this long, binged all of mistborn era 1 and 2, then a bunch of standalones, then stormlight archives. What a great ride. Thank you for the worlds you create.

[dallenpowell]

The Emperor's Soul is my favorite Brandon Sanderson story. It's beautifully written, deeply philosophical, and inspiring in it's message. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't read it yet.

[InsomniacsAnonymous]

I started from the Way of Kings, and while it remains my favorite series I don’t typically suggest people start there unless they’re ready for the long haul. I like recommending Elantris to people since it’s Sanderson’s first published book, but I view Mistborn as the best starting point of any of them. I believe Steelheart is another excellent starting point as well.

[rde]

I started with Way of Kings, absolutely no regrets. Barely knew anything about it but I wanted a good fantasy book that is as long as possible. I had a job that allowed me to spend 4+h a day listening to audiobooks/music while I worked and I only got one free book a month with the audible subscription, so I needed to make it count. Was absolutely loving it after a bit of a slow start and was thrilled to find out, that there are multiple equally long books to follow WoK

[ghanshyamsingh]

This guy knows how to do social media among a lot of authors who are trying at it, very charismatic and always open to learning from other creators on the platform... he is so Coooollll! ☺💙👍

[sophiebannan]

My first was Tress of the Emerald Sea just a few days ago! I fell in love instantly, I loved it so much I finished it and flipped back to the start!

[Spoonishpls]

Both Tress and Yumi are great starting places and have brought in a lot of new readers. Yes there are Easter Eggs, but if you haven't read anything else, you'll not notice nor be confused

[jeanmariepilario]

Tress changed my life! I read Mistborn trilogy first but wow Tress came into my life when I didn’t believe in myself as an adult. An inspiring read.

[muldel]

Started the way of kings last week, I just finished part 2 and is being one of the best experiences in my life

[littlecrawley]

A few months ago i started my Cosmere journey with Warbreaker. now i was never really much of a reader but somehow i finished it in only 3 nights and i loved it! Even now some moments of that book still stick with me. Got the way of kings right after finishing warbreaker and i can already tell i am in for a treat! Thank you, Brandon for all your hard work!

[Bombvial]

Just started Way of Kings the other day and already 200 pages in. I'm absolutely loving it and I will update when I finish it!