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! 👇

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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[jturner]

My first brandon book wasnt even Brandon's book seires it was the Wheel of Time ... but it made me love his work!!

[IdonotwantaUtubename]

The Way of Kings was my first introduction to your work. The world-building, the imagination, the characters, and the epicness of the story are next level!

[Justin.Danford]

The Emperor’s Soul remains to this day my favorite of his works and one that I believe will go beyond his legacy and be defined as a classic.

[HoopsAficionado]

Mistborn was the first book of your's that I read. Quickly moved on to The Way Of Kings. Deep end all the way.

[crystalsotelo]

My first was Warbreaker! Was absolutely blown away by it. The plot twists had me sucked in! If that ever got a sequel I would purchase right away! After that I dove into mist born!

[jazzm]

I went entirely out of order (knowingly and partially because of what and when things were available at my library)! Elantris, Way of Kings, Words of Radiance, Oathbringer, War Breaker, Rhythm of War, The Last Empire, Dawnshard, The Well of Ascension, Edgedancer, The Hero of Ages. It’s kind of like becoming best pals with Hoid and then him pretending he doesn’t recognize you when you see him passing on the sidewalk. 😂

[chyzanne]

I started with Elantris!! Blew my mind and totally ignited my love and obsession for Brandon’s books!

[gatsuyatsu]

Way of kings, I haven’t read Mistborn yet but I’m half way through and I can see that you’re cooking, I’m so excited for the pay off

[Drekromancer]

If you're trying to dive into the Cosmere, I think Mistborn is the best place to start. It's a very cool, self-contained story, but it also serves as an excellent introduction to some of the wider forces operating in the Cosmere. With that knowledge base under you, you have a much better point of reference for the rest of the Cosmere.

[SirSquittles]

I picked up a copy of The Way of Kings on a late night Walmart trip in 2011 or so, when I was 11. My mom and I would take Amtrak back home to Michigan for my winter and summer breaks from school. I had always been an avid reader, but the minute I cracked that book when we boarded that train.. I was hooked. I finished it in no time, and spent the rest of that summer checking every Sando book I could get my hands on out from the local library. An amazing author, and I hope to continue to read his stories for many more years to come.

[kristaolsen]

Tress is a great read for most ages, too! My 10 year old absolutely loved it

[aubriperez]

I read the Mistborn series in 2022! Sadly I hardly read ANY books in 2023, so 2024 I am jumping into the Stormlight Archives! I started Way of Kings a couple of days ago and I’m hooked! 😍 Thanks Brandon! 😊🙏🏼

[Poppacap]

Mistborn was my first book. Loved it immediately and never looked back.

[amee]

I started this year with Mistborn, it was incredible! Kick started me back into my reading habit

[Eluarelon]

my first one was actually his first one, Elantris. And I still think it is an awesome introduction to his work and style

[Gronmin]

My first Sanderson book was The Way of Kings, felt like there wasn't direction at the start but by the end it got an emotional reaction from me that no piece of media has. Incredible book, worth every moment

[WhoGuyThat]

I've slowly eased myself in with Elantris and Warbreaker, jumping into Mistborn tomorrow!!

[garyhuntress]

I'm half way through The Way of Kings. I like it a lot. I promised my son I would read it before he passed away.

[SoSo-nkfh]

Thank you! I have heard of Brandon Sanderson from my father but I never read any of his works. I’m not an avid reader to begin with but recently I took interest and bought Elantris. My very first Sanderson book. I was told it’s an enjoyable book and so I decided with this. I’m enjoying it so far.

[Trethan]

One underrated place to start is STEELHEART!

It’s where I started. And since it’s the first of a straightforward trilogy that’s not in the cosmere it doesn’t feel like a big commitment to people that are unsure.

Also the Reckoners series needs WAY MORE LOVE from this fanbase. It’s so good.