Where Should I Start With Your Books? 

Why am I watching this video having read almost all of Sanderson’s books? No idea, but still having a great time.

“I wrote 13 before I sold one.” God bless! That’s a man who’s doing the work for love, not money ( though I’m glad for you that the money came around eventually s well ). “A cross between oceans 11 and my fair lady in a world where the dark lord won,” is the best elevator pitch I’ve heard in a long time .

Mr. Sanderson, you’re a badass. The world is lucky to have you writing.

For me, it's hard to top Mistborn as the starting point. "A thousand years ago, the prophesied hero arose from humble beginnings to defeat the Deepness and save humanity. He failed." As soon as I read that on the back cover, I HAD to read that book and let me tell you, it's been one hell of a ride ever since.

Am currently in the middle of the Mistborn trilogy (Well of Ascension) Final Empire was the first of your books I've read, and it feels like a fabulous place to start. It's generated excitement not only to finish this series, but also to explore the rest.

Like a crazy person, I started with Stormlight having not read any fantasy fiction for about ten years. Probably the best decision I ever made ! It's incredibly immersive and rewarding storytelling.

The one thing I would say is read Stormlight after reading Mistborn, Elantris, and Warbreaker, I think it enhances the experience.

The way I pitched Stormlight to my close friend is by describing the world building. “There is a race of people with really incredibly long eyebrows”. That’s apparently all it takes.

Stormlight was my first epic fantasy and Sanderson book. It was...an experience. But it was a good one.

I started with Way of Kings, and it immeditely became my favourite book of all time.

His description of Skyward: "It's normal book sized" 😂

Everytime I watch Brandon talk about his books and what he loves to write I grow increasingly more sure of the fact that I hit jackpot by finding the Cosmere sagas and an author like him!

I started with Mistborn and happy I did. It established my trust in Brandon’s ability to finish stories strong. That was necessary for me to delve into the larger scale of stormlight archive. Then again I don’t mind long series. My wife on the other hand is not an avid reader and experience with fantasy was limited to Harry Potter. I had her read Warbreaker to get a feel for his writing without the intimidation of a long series. She loved it and is now curious about the others, something I hope for but did not expect.

As a general rule, you cant go wrong reading the books in order based on when you released them.

I started with the original Mistborn trilogy, loved them so much that I just decided to read Brandon's entire bibliography in release order 🙂

I started off with Mistborn, reaaaally good start to get into Brandon’s writings. The nobility theme, Sezad’s journal entries, the incredible world building. Just everythinh about it is fantastic.

I like to recommend Emperor's Soul first. I think it's a perfect snap shot of Sanderson writing. The length of others can be intimidating and reading Emperor's Soul convinced me the writing was good enough to invest my time in one of the longer stories.

Honorable Mention, The Reckoners Series, starting out with Steel Heart. Great Books i would love to see transform in to movies done right.

I started with Elantris, then moved on to the Stormlight Archive. Both are amazing! I'm looking forward to reading more.

The fact that it has no clear pitch is one of the things I really like about stormlight archive. It's just not easy to capture it in a few words based on preexisting tropes and archetypes.

For a second I thought this video was gonna be Brandon asking me where he should start with reading my books... even though I haven't written any books.... obviously I didn't read the title correctly lol

I started Way of Kings first. For me, it was the PERFECT mix of knowing whats happening and not knowing what the hell is going on.

I started with Stormlight (Way of Kings, Words of Radiance, Oathbreaker) and then branched out to ther rest of the cosmere and, while I don't regret it, now that I've reread it while being more 'invested', if I had read it after Mistborn, Elantris and Warbreaker, Stormlight would've blown my mind.

I love your honesty. Not many authors will admit how much they've grown.

I started with The Way of Kings and finished it in just two and a half weeks. It really meshed with me, personally. I very quickly went through Words of Radiance and Oathbringer at a similar pace. I am now reading the Final Empire, and basically plan to read as much of your work as I can before I move on to the Wheel of Time. I think that if somebody is going to like your writing then they'll be able to start with anything. While I am no good at such things, I suppose I would describe Stormlight as an epic wartime fantasy that explores the ideas of broken honor (sometimes literally), redemption, and what it means to have true purpose.

Constantly love going to local libraries and Sandersons works are always checked out and waiting lists for them. When you ask about them the librarians already know who he is... "oh yes I'm sure we have lots of his stuff but if you don't see it on the shelf its because he is so popular." I've got most of his books myself of course but sometimes my kids are reading my copies so I have to try the library. It still amazes me how Brandon Sanderson is the total king of Fantasy writing by far. It isn't even close anymore, as much as I love other writers stuff... please I need more Dresden Files novels now!... but no one can put out books as fast and as original and amazing new stuff that he does.

I haven't been able to properly sit down and read a book in years, I've tried here and there but only got a chapter or two in before setting it down. When I discovered your Stormlight Archives series in August I could not put it down, it reignited my love for reading and I started the second book last week. I love the characters, the writing is wonderful and the world is so expansive, unique and interesting. You've done an amazing job with that series and I'm so glad it got me back into reading, even though it's the only thing I'll read right now, it's a start to waking up the bookworm within.

it's doesn't matter which book you're gonna start, you're gonna fall in love with Brandon's books right away!

I started with Mistborn. My wife has a tradition of purchasing me a new book for Christmas. She got me the paper-back Mistborn Trilogy I want to say in 2012. I had never heard of Sanderson. I waited to start reading the series until I had the flu one day. I was amazed and spent the day reading. Since then I've read everything with the exception of the Infinity Blade and MTG tie-in books.

I need a sequel to The Rithmatist!! I started out with storm light and then got hooked to everything Sanderson! I’ve read everything but the alcetraz series. This man is so talented my favorite author ever for this variety, excellent worlds and characters, and HIS SPEED! This man is a machine pumping out so many books. Can’t wait for the next story you’ll tell Brandon!

I started reading the Way Of Kings, and I have to say, every page is insane. I mean, holy crap.

I haven't read any of his books and Mistborn sounds incredible. Such an interesting concept, a thousand years after the protagonist of another story failed, a team consisting of different specialists gets together to accomplish the task.

I started with the Stormlight Archive and am currently reading Elantris and loving it. Warbreaker is next on my list, and then Mistborn. Would also love to squeeze White Sand in there somewhere.

I started with Skyward and was completely hooked with Brandon Sanderson. Then I went with Mistborn.

Mistborn was the way for me, highly recommended. Got hooked ever since

I would read EVERYTHING you publish even if its your shopping list I love you Branderson

I started at Mistborn and ready enjoyed it! But having read The way of Kings and its continuations, I must say that your writing style improved immensely and your character writing became incredibly good! Your work brought me some great entertainment, so thank you Brandon!

I started with stormlight first and got hooked. When your talking about making sure readers know you can finish/end a book all I heard was journey before destination.

“It is normal book sized” Lol I love that description!

My start was with Wheel of Time. From there, I learned that your writing was incredible. I went straight from that to Way of Kings/Stormlight (my absolute favorite series in all of literature). Since then I have read almost all of the Cosmere books and currently am impatiently waiting for my preorder of Rhythm of War to arrive.

My first was steelheart !!! It's been forever since I've read it and it's so different from everything else but it's great!!

I started with Steelheart. It was amazing. I can't wait to read Mistborn because epic fantasy is my favourite genre and Brandon Sanderson is my new favourite author, but I'm currently working my way through Elantris first. It's funny - when I read the Reckoners trilogy I had no idea about his cosmere books.

Can I just mention how grateful I am for Brandon's existence? Because I certainely am

i just started elantris today, and it is the very first book of yours im reading. i love it so far and i feel like i can imagine elantris right in front of my eyes

As much as I love Stormlight (Oathbringer's climax is one of the best moments in any medium ever), I think the most well written things in the Cosmere are "Warbreaker" and "The Emperor's Soul". They're both so underappreciated for their beauty. Love em.

The thing about starting with Mistborn, is you get to see so many themes of Brandon's writing play out in a really satisfying way. Then... you go over to Stormlight and see some of those same themes play out in a more dynamic and thoughtful way, over even more time. I've since gone back and read Elantris and, while I don't think it's as engaging as the two Epic stories he's still in the process of telling, it was really fun to explore another world that is incredibly fleshed out and satisfying in an isolated story. Personally, I would recommend; Mistborn era 1 all the way through, then Stormlight all the way through (or as much as has been released when you read this), then while you're waiting for another entry in those first two, take a look at Elantris and Warbreaker to get your fix! P.S. Mistborn era 2 is super crazy fun, but each book is far shorter and should be treated as an action-packed treat when you want to unwind and just devour a book in a world that makes you feel at home.

My attempt at pitching stormlight: In a world where its nations are constantly at war, how does it react when hit by supernatural forces and a supernatural enemy? Join Kaladin, a surgeon turned soldier, Dalinar, a warlord turned diplomat, and Shallan, a shut-in scholar turned thief as they try to adapt to and protect the volatile world of Roshar.

I remember when I first started reading Sanderson's books. Every time I went to the store I looked at The Way of Kings, but I honestly thought it just didn't look appealing 😂 I finally bought it after the 20th time looking at it, and I have never been happier with a book in my entire life! Right away I was sucked in and mesmerized. Thank you so much for writing it!

Hi Brandon. First of all, thank you for your books! Your stories are really helping me a lot struggling with my current difficult life. I also think you should include “The wheel of time” into your recommendations. I just started your first book in the series “The gathering storm” and it is amazing. I don’t want this story to reach the end. Thanks from Spain, we really appreciate you here. Jose

I love the way of kings, it was the first book I read of yours and binged the series and then only had to wait a month for the latest to come out. I love how calidins life is never on easy mode. He's always struggling.

My first Sanderson book was Skyward. I am now in The Well Of Ascension. In my third Sanderson book and I have no regrets. Buying the Mistborn box set was the most clever impulsive I have ever made. Skyward is a incredible sci fi book, one of my favorites from the genre. But Mistborn? I know I will forever love this series and I can’t wait for Christmas because I am buying the box set for Stormlight. I can’t wait! I truly recommend his book to everyone. His stories are so intricate and complex yet accessible to everyone. This man is a literary genius!

Started with The Way of Kings. Basically, I was bullied into reading it by my brother and LOVED IT! Totally recommend starting there if you are down for the commitment.

My order was Elantris, Warbreaker, first Mistborn trilogy and now the stormlight archives. I would really recommend it.

I really like listening to you describe your own books. I think the base that you write a book from isn't always how we as readers see it once it's the final product.

What I love about his books is that the plot twist is never just "oh, look... He was a ghost all along", but more like "wait, what? holy crap.... Literally nothing is what *anybody* thought it was"

The second set of mystborn books is some of the best books I've ever read. Thank you, Brandon!

I've recently discovered your books and thoroughly enjoying them! Funnily enough I started with the two Skyward books(huge scifi fan), then I discovered you wrote epic fantasy (for most its probably the other way around). Finished Elantris and am now reading The Final Empire on kindle and The Way of Kings on audible while commuting. Awesome stuff and I like this youtube channel, rare for an author to share so much behind the scenes and their thoughts about writing, let alone tips and faqs. Keep it up!

Read Skyward in a big gulp - amazing and I can’t wait for the third one. Jumped to the Way of Kings next -holy sh*t it is stunning. I am just in awe of your talent sir.

I love Alcatraz. It was my first Sanderson book and it’s hysterical.

I started with Mistborn and thought those were the best books I had ever read. Then I read Way of Kings and no book has ever pulled on every emotion I have like that. In my opinion, the Stormlight Archive is unparalleled. Just beyond incredible.

As someone who discovered brandon recently, I fell in love with him BECAUSE of the wheel of time. I went straight from wheel of time to way of kings and I feel as though that was a fabulous transition. However. After reading oathbringer I felt that I did not know enough about the universe and that I needed a basis of knowledge to truely understand what was happening and going to happen in rythm of war. That being said I believe that mistborn is the natural starting place for new readers. I feel as though it is a powerful “hook” and teaches you about how investiture works with no uncertain terminology or guessing on the part of the reader

For me I started with the steelheart series.

I like how you give great pitches of the stories without even touching on the amazingly detailed and well designed magic systems. Just thinking about the idea of bonds and surges and shards of Stormlight makes me excited without even getting into the incredible story that uses it.

I started with the Skyward series two weeks ago, and I've already read all 3 main novels and one of the novellas. I can't wait for the next one! It was so good. M-Bot is one of my favorite characters of all time. And I want my own Doomslug. I've thoroughly enjoyed this series so much. I can't wait to finish the novellas, and I'm anxiously awaiting the fourth book. I'm planning on reading Mistborn next as my introduction into the Cosmere.

He‘s so awesome! I just read Mistborn, and I fell in love with him. 💜

In Turkey, we can't even START Cosmere Series because of Publishers House. And If you see your books, I think you'll don't read. Why? Translation period, type size, letter quality... You write a Stormlight Archive book approximately 3 years, Publishers House translate it approximately 2 years. So, what should we do now?

I watched a lot of your lectures. You, sir, are a master of your craft and a treasure. Thank you.

I'll pitch Stormlight for you: "Read it. You will not be disappointed!"

I favor Mistborn as the place to begin! It's where I started and gives a beautiful introduction to Mr. Sanderson's writing style and the concepts of the Cosmere.

Mistborn: The Final Empire was my first book of yours and I loved it instantly.

The Way of Kings was my first book. Listened to it in Audible. Gave it three chances. The first two times didn't get into. 10 hours in I was hooked and it is now considered my favorite book. I've now read 90% 9f Sanderson's books working yoward 100% but dude keeps pushing them out can't keep up!

As a wise man said. Start at the beginning! Read Elantris and move forward from there and you can really see how much Brandon's writing skills improve and how he develops characters and story telling aspects. Not saying Elantris was bad, in fact it's one of my favorites.

I started with “The Stormlight archive” i’m bout to finish the second book “Words of Radiance” and i’m hooked, definitely buying all his work

I've always told people to start with The Emperor's Soul, because it is outstanding, self-contained, and short. 4 hour audiobook, by the end of which they'll either be a fan of yours, or they'll know that your style doesn't work for them and won't need to try anything else.

OMG I almost forgot how awesome Skyward was. Can't wait for the next book!

Baby Brandon writing is so CUTE! Elantris is my favorite. Didn’t start there but I wish I had. I admit that the writing is clunky, but the story is magnificent.

Another recommendation here for starting with Mistborn! The trilogy was very satisfying and made me feel confident about putting in the time to read The Way of Kings (and subsequent Stormlight books). The Stormlight Archive is now my favorite fantasy series, but I don't think I would've read it without first reading something that felt more manageable. Everything I've read by Sanderson has been great and he is correct that you can see him grow in his skills over time. It's a cool thing to witness and experience!

I started with Way of Kings (audiobook), and it's still my favorite. BUT, I did have to listen to the first three chapters twice, because so much was going on, and there were like a hundred people. For that reason, I always recommend folks to start with Mistborn/The Final Empire. It's easier to get started with, it's a great story, and if you're not really into the Cosmere afterwards, it is still a good standalone story. :) After WoK and then The Final Empire, I just knew I had to go back and start over from Elantris, to get the Full Experience. Cosmere is just sooooo goooood.

I randomly found the first of your Stormlight books in a shop and decided to give it a go, knowing nothing. Three weeks later i was through book 1, 2 and halfway through book 3. I love your style of writing. Stormlight has become my favorite series/books, and I am excited to start reading your other series. I am so glad i found your books by accident.

I was so glad to see this video pop up! I've had a bad day and this video instantly made it better. :)

Didn't trust you, didn't know you to be 100% honest. Started with Way of Kings and was blown away! I now have multiple series from you and you are definitely my favorite author by far, I can't wait for the story to continue but no rush, I will be here. Thanks, Brandon!

I would love to see your thoughts on the Time magazine 100 best fantasy books of all time. I thought it was interesting that they included Mistborn instead of The Way of Kings.

Personally, I started with The Way of Kings. Holy crap, best book I've ever read. Finished it in like 4 days on vacation, and as we were getting home I immediately went to the library to get Words of Radiance.

I first read Stormlight.

I'm a carpenter, working in a secluded wood shop in rural Brazil (I'm a Canadian, but I spend my winters building houses here), and I listen to audiobooks while I work. I only heard about Brandon Sanderson after seeing a random youtube video about the best fantasy/ sci-fi series, and he nothing but glowing compliments for Brandon's work. I'll be giving it a try tomorrow, and I'm excited.

*Cries in rithmatics* When are we getting a rithmatist sequel? It ended on a cliffhanger and it's been YEARS since i've even heard mention of it :(

I’m here after reading elantris, it’s my first brandon sanderson novel and I can’t wait to explore the rest of his cosmere universe!!!!!

This is my 4 step plan for new readers: 1. Warbreaker: get a quick taste for Brandon's work (could go with Elantris here but it's been a while since I read it I can't tell for sure if it works as well) 2. Mistborn : now that you are in the door time to see the intricate storytelling of a Brandon epic. 3. Stormlight archive: after mistborn, you are hooked now and you will go through SA books so fast 4. Other brandon works: well now you are stuck with the rest of us waiting for the next SA book, you will read anything with Brandon's name on it hehe!

Started with Stormlight 1 and 2. Then went to Mistborn. Totally enjoyed the whole journey.

I've read Stormlight first...and immediately bought 10 more Sanderson's books.

The Emperor's Soul was my introduction to Brandon. I didn't even read much fantasy, it was just offered cheap as an Audible deal of the day, and I grabbed it. And here I am now, devouring his entire backlog of books. I think it was great intro to his universe- very quick but impactful.

Steelhart basically sounds like a YA version of the Boys.

Started on Reckoners, then Stormlight, Mistborn, Wheel of Time, Elantris, Skyward, Whitesand. Currently re doing Stormlight to get to the 4th one.

If a separate guy wrote way of Kings, Mistborn and Skyward/steelheart they'd be my three favourite authors.

I started with The Stormlight Archive and I am HOOKED.

Obviously Mistborn: secret history is by far the best starting point.

started off with Steelslayer afte my librarian recommending me it in a book bundle, and wow it was a great place to start. im an older teen, and just getting back into heavy reading after years of pause, so complex fantasys don't usually seem like something I could grasp easily, but now im excited to try after finishing FIrefight and looking at your other series!

Talking about "What if the Dark lord won?" - Tyranny videogame did it well.

Comparing Mistborn to My Fair Lady is something I never would have thought to do, but it somehow works. Also, I'm constantly blown away by how he does these videos without cuts. I guess he is a professor, so it makes sense!

Go rogue, start with Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell.