What is the best Brandon Sanderson book?

Epic doorstoppers and lean novellas, dark heist fantasy and cosmic adventure, magic systems that would make a physicist jealous — his catalog spans worlds within worlds. Pick your favorite!

1

The Way of Kings

The epic first book of the Stormlight Archive, introducing the world of Roshar with towering worldbuilding and unforgettable characters.

1000pts

2

The Final Empire

The gripping first Mistborn novel set in an ash-covered world where a crew of thieves plans to overthrow a god-emperor.

874pts

3

Wind and Truth

The fifth and final book of the first Stormlight Archive arc, resolving decade-spanning storylines with epic confrontations.

749pts

4

Shadows of Self

The second Mistborn Era 2 book exploring Waxillium Ladrian's grief and a city gripped by political violence.

702pts

5

Skyward

A young adult sci-fi adventure about a girl determined to become a starfighter pilot on an alien planet besieged from above.

642pts

6

The Hero of Ages

The jaw-dropping conclusion to the original Mistborn trilogy delivering cosmic stakes and one of fantasy's best endings.

562pts

7

Warbreaker

A standalone Cosmere novel featuring breath-based magic, divine intrigue, and two sisters in a richly imagined theocratic city.

562pts

8

The Sunlit Man

A fast-paced Cosmere adventure following a fugitive hopping between dying worlds, perfect for longtime fans.

562pts

9

Oathbringer

The third Stormlight Archive entry that expands the world with continent-spanning stakes and heartbreaking character arcs.

449pts

10

The Well of Ascension

The second Mistborn novel expanding the political and magical world after the Lord Ruler's defeat with complex new threats.

449pts

11

Elantris

Sanderson's debut Cosmere novel set in a once-magical city whose inhabitants are cursed into undead torment.

449pts

12

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter

A Cosmere novella blending Japanese-inspired aesthetics with body-swap romance and beautiful illustrations.

449pts

13

The Alloy of Law

The start of Mistborn Era 2, set 300 years later in a Western-inspired setting combining gunfights and allomantic powers.

449pts

14

Rhythm of War

The fourth Stormlight Archive book exploring mental health, ancient secrets, and a brutal siege with deep emotional resonance.

281pts

15

Tress of the Emerald Sea

A charming Cosmere novella told in the style of a classic fairy tale, praised for its wit and accessibility to new readers.

281pts

16

Words of Radiance

The second Stormlight Archive book, widely considered a high point of the series with its stunning revelations and battles.

0pts

17

The Emperor's Soul

Award-winning Cosmere novella about a forger who must recreate an emperor's soul, lauded for its elegant concept and execution.

0pts

18

The Lost Metal

The satisfying conclusion to Mistborn Era 2 tying together threads across the entire Cosmere in a thrilling finale.

0pts