This Advice was Last Updated 10 months ago.
Our top 5 recommendations for the best Brandon Sanderson Books
Most fantasy authors try to create a fictional universe that can come to life while reading. However, no one compares to the true contemporary fantasy king, Brandon Sanderson ☍. He is undeniably the most consistent and prolific fictional author of our time.
He has managed to write more than forty excellent stories ☍ with elaborate plot settings and unique magical structures. The best Brandon Sanderson books will bring you uncountable hours of pure delight. Moreover, you can see yourself escaping into the beautiful fictional world he has created.
His fans consider him a rare talent, managing to captivate his readers with unique and mysterious stories. The best of his work has to be the Cosmere series. Further, with this, he managed to create a universe full of interesting characters and intriguing storylines.
The best books by Brandon Sanderson will leave you awestruck and mesmerized by the unique world he has formed. It is undoubtedly the best works of fiction and fantasy. If you continue reading, you will soon find out why.
Looking for more great book reviews ☍ ? Check out all our articles on this topic.
Please note that in this tutorial, we use affiliate links when promoting other products or services. They do not add any additional cost to you when you make a purchase. They are solely used to bring us a small commission and keep this site alive and free of annoying ads. We only recommend safe to buy and use products and services from reliable companies.
Brandon Sanderson has more than twenty-five published books in the fantasy fiction genre. Growing up in Nebraska, he was never a book lover. However, he found inspiration from the epic fantasy novel Dragonsbane.
Initially planning on studying Biochemistry, he could not resist his love for writing. Therefore, to follow his passion, he opted to study Literature in college. With his love for storytelling, he worked towards fulfilling his dreams.
He sold his first novel in May 2005 called Elantris, and gradually it was a huge success. His book was captivating enough to capture the love of a wide range of audiences. With ethical dedication in his stories, he eventually became a New York Bestseller!
His incredible writing talent manages to strike the perfect harmony in his stories. The best books by Brandon Sanderson have a balance between fun, magic, fantasy, and adventure. He seems to be pushing his stories to a more incredible fictional avenue with every new book he releases.
He rose to popularity when he started to write on the Wheel of Time series. He began to work on this popular fantasy book series following the unfortunate demise of Robert Jordan. Further, making his novels popular amongst new fans.
With his raw imagination and pure aptitude for writing, he raises questions about society, culture, and religion. Readers read chapter after chapter of his novels and find a unique take on characters, history, and more.
Looking for the best Brandon Sanderson books that will keep you invested in every page? Here are the top 10 best books by Brandon Sanderson that you enjoy reading.
Elantris: Tenth Anniversary Author’s Definitive Edition
This book focuses on a city called Elantris, populated by immortals with magical powers related to healing. These beings have a sacred transformation called the Shaod, which anyone can go through to become an Elantrian.
Ten years ago, from when we start the story, a disaster struck the Elantrian. Mysterious forces destroyed their magic and subjected them to a curse. Moreover, Elantris got sealed off from the world. Anyone affected by the Shaod is cursed with eternal pain, suffering and banished into the city.
Elantris is one of the most complex literary universes with details in modern fantasy. It is the first book in Sanderson’s Cosmere series. Moreover, if you are a fan of traditional fantasy with innovative twists, Elantris is the perfect book for you.
Warbreaker Paperback – International Edition
In this story, a young princess gets betrothed to a Godlike King. The King is from a neighboring, more hostile nation. Therefore, her elder sister vows to bring her beloved sibling back home.
Later, Sanderson reveals one of the most unusual twists in novel history. The King is not real; instead, he is a mere puppet. Further complicating things for the protagonists as they find themselves caught up in a conspiracy for power.
Ultimately, the sisters find an ally in a mysterious man. This man can use his magical energy to turn people into superhumans. Moreover, he has a sword that can talk! This part alone should intrigue you enough to read the book.
Steelheart (The Reckoners) Paperback
Sanderson usually focuses on fantasy ☍; however, he proved he could be a versatile writer by releasing Steelheart. This science fiction story revolves around an ordinary man trying to exact vengeance on the Epics. The Epics are ordinary people enhanced by a cosmic entity called the Calamity.
The Epics gained nature-defying superpowers from this mysterious orbiting entity. Major twist? The Epics turned out to be evil beings, and they eventually enslaved humanity. Further, the book showcases the perfect representation of government recessions.
The protagonist has no meta powers that can help him go against these creatures. However, he is determined to stop them as he has a personal vendetta against these evil beings. The Epics killed his father.
Steelheart perfectly captures the essence of a true superhero. If you love superhero fiction, this book will steal your heart.
Arcanum Unbounded Paperback
Sanderson’s collection of short works contains nine stories of deep meaning. These stories perfectly capture his style of writing and understanding of the world he created. Arcanum Unbounded can be the perfect starting point for you to read before transitioning to the fascinating universe of Cosmere.
The story “Emperor’s soul” can be a fantastic read. It has a memorable narrative and an intriguing storyline. It follows a master forger proficient in forging magic whom you see get forced to craft a new soul for his brain-dead emperor.
This book is sure to keep you second-guessing every plot twist and unique character. While reading this, you will never get bored. Sanderson made sure of that.
Legion Hardcover
Legion follows the story of a rich man called Stephen Leeds ☍, who is brilliantly skilled at his work. He has a unique mental condition that helps him create different personalities. Further, these personas have their expertise and knowledge.
He has an army of imaginary experts that assist him wherever he goes. The story progressed when he got a photograph that contained an image from an impossible past. After that, he has to hunt down the inventor to get answers.
Suppose you are a fan of psychology and superhuman abilities. In that case, Legion is one of the best Brandon Sanderson books for you.
The Way of Kings: Book One of the Stormlight Archive (The Stormlight Archive, 1)
Roshar is a world of stone and storms. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain so frequently that they have shaped ecology and civilization alike. Animals hide in shells, trees pull in branches, and grass retracts into the soilless ground. Cities are built only where the topography offers shelter.
In this book, Sanderson details the story of the Knights Radiant ☍. They disappeared centuries ago, leaving their magical swords and armor behind. These mystical artifacts have helped men fight wars by turning them into invincible warriors when they wield them.
The story advances and explains a war on the Shattered Plains. It has everything from slaves with hatred towards their leaders to war chiefs having apocalyptic visions. Moreover, after ten years of writing, planning, and world-building, it is considered one of Brandon Sanderson’s best books in the market.
Being a fan of ambitious modern fantasy stories, you will love reading The Way of Kings.
The Rithmatist Paperback
More than anything, Joel wants to be a Rithmatist. Rithmatists have the power to infuse life into two-dimensional figures known as Chalklings. Rithmatists are humanity’s only defense against the Wild Chalklings. Having nearly overrun the territory of Nebrask, the Wild Chalklings now threaten all of the American Isles.
In Rithmatist, Sanderson builds an alternate magical dimension parallel to Earth. This alternate Earth has a type of chalk magic called the Rithmatics. The wielders of this magic use geometry to fight off Chalklings, who are wild monsters.
The story follows Joel’s dreams of becoming a Rithmatist and combatting the brutal monsters. However, he cannot do so and only watches the students who practice the magical art. He desperately yearns to learn the art of Rithmatics.
He gets his wish when the students unfortunately disappear. Joel gets tasked with helping in the investigations. Further, it leads to a discovery that may change this alternate Earth forever. This book is ideal for you if you are intrigued by magic and its mathematical aspects that seem logically sane.
Brandon Sanderson’s White Sand Volume 1
On the planet of Taldain, the legendary Sand Masters harness arcane powers to manipulate sand in spectacular ways. But when they are slaughtered in a sinister conspiracy, the weakest of their number, Kenton, believes himself to be the only survivor. With enemies closing in on all sides, Kenton forges an unlikely partnership with Khriss — a mysterious Darksider who hides secrets of her own.
Till today, this is the only graphic novel that Brandon Sanderson wrote ☍. The story of White Sand revolves around a set of people who can use magic to manipulate sand. Allying with a mysterious woman, Kenton starts a journey of self-discovery and gets subjected to an array of conspiracies.
Kenton was the youngest and weakest of the sand manipulators. So, he remains the only survivor when his friends get suddenly slaughtered. Further, there are enemy schemes all around him. Will he be able to overcome the dark secrets and live up to his true potential?
This graphic novel will help you get into the Cosmere universe. White Sand has three lengthy volumes that will keep you busy for hours.
Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians (Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians, 1)
Alcatraz vs. The Evil Librarians follows the story of Alcatraz Smedry. When he turns thirteen, he receives a mysterious bag of sand from his parents. However, it gets stolen by an evil cult proving that the sand is not ordinary.
This cult of the evil Librarian aims to protect the world by hiding the truth. Now it falls on the protagonist’s shoulders to stop them. However, the only talent he possesses is to break things.
This book is filled with humor and hysterical aspects that make it Sanderson’s more simple work. You can read this if you are into a quick and enjoyable book having wit and laughter.
Mistborn: The Final Empire (Mistborn, 1)
Mistborn follows a superhuman who changes his ways of thievery to help free people from Lord Ruler’s domination. The Lord Ruler has ruled over the world with terror and power, completely depleting it of its resources. The protagonist turns his talents into trying to topple the regime.
It is one of the best books by Brandon Sanderson. The narrative perfectly reflects his ability to create magic systems with unique world-building. He is a genius at creating a fantasy world that seems pretty natural when you read it.
You can start your journey into the Cosmere universe with the Mistborn series.
Looking for the bestsellers? Here are the top 3 bestselling stories amongst the best books by Brandon Sanderson that you can read.
Elantris
Brandon Sanderson’s debut novel has an unusual mix of mystery, philosophy, romance, religious conflicts, magic, politics, and much more. Elantris is free from the general fantasy genre cliché and explores real-world problems in the fictional universe. Moreover, the story has engaging characters who are wonderfully written and given robustness.
The story revolves around Prince Raoden and Princess Sarene. After magic disappears, a curse befalls the Godlike inhabitants of Elantris. Moreover, their lives deteriorated, and they became powerless after they lost their magic.
Despite being tortured for ten years, their souls were unable to die. The curse inexplicably falls on Prince Raoden of Arelon. The story will take you on a journey of discovery as Raoden tries to fight his imprisonment in Elantris.
Raoden does not surrender to his grim fate. Instead, he struggles to build a society with the fallen. He strives to bring back the city’s glory by unlocking secrets and restoring the magic. Raoden is betrothed to Princess Sarene of Arelon’s new capital, Kae.
Raoden gets banished without a word; therefore, the princess believes him to be dead. She is declared a widow. So, she has to protect the kingdom from malicious forces who want to attack during this time of vulnerability.
It is when Sanderson uses his continuous narrative to explain her true wit and political power. As you read the story, you will be amazed by this standalone epic fantasy. If you search for a classical fantasy with twists, then Elantris is just the novel for you.
Mistborn: The Final Empire
Brandon Sanderson’s second fantasy novel has an eerie feel to it. The story revolves around Kelsier, who is pit against the immortal Skaa. You will find that setting misty and ashy, proving that the world is dying. Moreover, it has a haunted feel to it, along with hints of conspiracy and espionage.
Kelsier refers to as the Survivor of Hathsin. He can fuel himself with superhuman powers through Allomancy. Further, he acquired this at Lord Ruler’s prison. He uses the ability to assemble a group of rebels to destroy the nobility.
He wanted to overthrow the Lord Ruler and the empire. You can feel his determination while reading the book. Further, he takes the help of Vin, who is a street urchin. Vin holds the same Mistborn abilities and magical powers that Kelsier has.
Together they infiltrate the society of the Great Houses. Vin falls in love with a philosopher prince called Elend Venture. From there, the story takes a turn as you see a coming-of-age story of Vin along with her discovery of magical potential.
Sanderson intricately combines this into a theme of revolt against political oppression. Therefore, you can call it a fight for freedom story. He uses vivid descriptions of disfigurements and features an array of characters.
Mistborn is a thrilling fantasy adventure story with touches of political rivalry, love, and exotic mutants. You will be intrigued by the action scenes and the raw stereotype possessed by the nobles.
Are you looking for fantasy novels that is a head-turner with love heists and meta abilities? Mistborn is the perfect book for you.
Warbreaker
Brandon Sanderson writes about unpredictable loyalties with this powerful story. It is an epic story dealing with dangerous and dark magic. Further, the standalone novel will intrigue you with its unique narrative.
The story revolves around two sisters and their fight against political espionage. Long ago, the King of Idris made a treaty. To honor that, he has to bethrow one of his daughters to Susebron, the God King of Hallandren.
The King hated to part with Vivenna, his beloved eldest daughter. Therefore, he sent his youngest, Siri. She is a seventeen-year-old tomboy, thus having a hard time making sense of her situation.
To Siri’s dismay, some schemers take advantage of her naiveness. Further, Vivenna joins Idrian operatives in hopes of rescuing her sister. On the other hand, Vivenna realized her true magical potential.
This book will make you question the role of the undead Returned Gods. With Warbreaker, Brandon Sanderson creates a masterpiece with believable yet complex characters. He uses thoughtful and ironic humor to make you laugh. Furthermore, the extraordinary narrative makes it an entertaining story.
Understanding the true essence of the best Brandon Sanderson books by reading a series in the correct order is crucial. Many readers tend to read the Cosmere books in the exact order it was published. So, here is the best order to read Brandon Sanderson books:
Sanderson Universe Reading Order
The best way to indulge in the Sanderson universe is with the book series order. This way, you will have an assorted arraignment that is in perfect order. Reading the books in this order will help you follow the set of characters in a uniform manner.
Take your time to go through the list before buying the best books by Brandon Sanderson. Moreover, we have mentioned all spin-off novellas that contribute to the main storyline.
You can start off reading this epic fantasy with the first book Elantris which got released in 2005. Further, you can choose to read the short story on Brandon Sanderson’s official website, The Hope of Elantris (2006).
We suggest following it with The Emperor’s Soul, a story taking part in the same universe. However, reading this is not necessary as it does not contribute much to the main storyline.
The Mistborn has a unique plot and fantasy elements that will keep you amazed throughout the series. Eleventh Metal got released as a prequel novella to the first Mistborn book, so you may choose to skip it.
You can follow this order to read the Mistborn series:
- Eleventh Metal ☍
- The Final Empire ☍
- The Well of Ascension ☍
- The Hero of Ages ☍
- Mistborn: Secret History ☍ (this is a companion story that contributes to the storyline)
- The Alloy of Law ☍
- Shadows of Self ☍
- The Bands of Mourning ☍
Infused with elements of epic fantasy, you can read the Stormlight Archive series in the following order.
There is only one novel in this series, The Rithmatist. This book can be an excellent read for you if you like to know how magic and math complement each other.
- Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians ☍
- The Scrivener’s Bones ☍
- The Knights of Crystallia ☍
- The Shattered Lens ☍
- The Dark Talent ☍
Short Stories
You can read these books if you like fantasy short stories.
If you are not interested in reading a whole series and still want to enjoy the Cosmere universe, we have suggestions. These Brandon Sanderson best books do not require prior knowledge of the series. Therefore, you can read these books in any order.
- Mistborn: The Final Empire
- The Way of Kings
- Elantris
- Warbreaker
- The Emperor’s Soul
Endnotes
The best Brandon Sanderson books will amaze you with their characters and stories. Moreover, his compelling work in this genre has made him highly famous amongst fantasy enthusiasts. From novellas to series novels, the Brandon Sanderson best books deserve a place in your library.
You can follow this article to fully indulge in the world of best books by Brandon Sanderson. Further, to get the true essence of the Cosmere reading order universe, you can follow our best order to read this Brandon Sanderson book guide.
These books will give you joy and a way to escape into a reality that only exists in the Sanderson universe. It is a great way to start your journey into the world of fantasy or rekindle your love for fiction. Moreover, the story will keep you entertained throughout your reading.
