Brandon Sanderson, a renowned fantasy writer, has had an eventful year, featuring a record-setting Kickstarter campaign, the release of his first children’s picture book, and the much-awaited new installment in the “Stormlight Archive.”

The excitement around Sanderson has resulted in a boost in his popularity as more people explore series like “Mistborn” and “The Stormlight Archive.” Both series are part of Sanderson’s fictional universe known as “the Cosmere,” earning him significant praise and solidifying his position as a key figure in contemporary fantasy.

Sanderson is known for his frequent releases, often providing readers with several new titles each year, and for crafting detailed magic systems, intriguing characters, and elaborate worlds. As his fame increases, his dedicated fan base eagerly anticipates weekly updates about his projects, including an annual review called the “State of Sanderson.”

Thinking about diving into one of Sanderson’s books to see what the excitement is about? Here’s a handy guide to the author and his works.

Who is Brandon Sanderson? Essential information about the prolific fantasy writer

Since the release of “Elantris” in 2005, Sanderson, who is 48 years old, has received widespread acclaim and is considered one of the top fantasy writers of his generation.

While he is primarily known for his fantasy series, Sanderson’s extensive portfolio encompasses various genres, including science fiction, young adult fiction, and earlier this year, children’s literature.

In 2007, during his rise to fame, Sanderson was chosen to complete the “Wheel of Time” fantasy series after the passing of its original author, Robert Jordan.

Demonstrating his popularity, Sanderson has set Kickstarter records twice: first in 2022 by raising over $41.7 million for four unreleased books through his publishing company, Dragonsteel; and then in August with a tabletop game based on his works that accumulated $15.1 million, the highest for any game project to date.

Where should newcomers to Sanderson’s work begin? Insight into ‘Mistborn’

Given the extensive range of books Sanderson has written, newcomers might feel a bit overwhelmed.

However, both fans and Sanderson himself recommend starting with the original “Mistborn” trilogy.

This beloved series opens with a band of rebels opposing a malevolent ruler and is one of Sanderson’s most successful works. Remarkably, the first edition of “Mistborn” made its debut on the YSL News Best-selling Booklist for the first time 18 years after its launch.

Set in the dark world of Scadrial, the original “Mistborn” trilogy revolves around an enigmatic prophecy and follows strong allomancers who use metals to cast spells.

The initial “Mistborn” series comprises three novels:

• “The Final Empire”
• “The Well of Ascension”
• “The Hero of Ages”

Sanderson subsequently released four additional “Mistborn” novels set three centuries later, where the original characters have become legendary figures.

This second series, featuring Wax and Wayne, includes:

• “The Alloy of Law”
• “Shadows of Self”
• “The Bands of Mourning”
• “The Lost Metal”

Sanderson has plans for a third “Mistborn” era in the future. Additionally, “Mistborn: Secret History” is available as a companion novella to the original series, offering more lore and character details.

What exactly is the Cosmere?

The Cosmere is the term Sanderson uses to refer to the interlinked universe that encompasses most of his works.

Books set within the Cosmere share a common mythology. Even though each series, like “Mistborn,” can stand alone, the world in which its characters reside is part of a much larger narrative.

The world in which Sanderson’s works exist is the same as that of “The Stormlight Archive,” another distinct series he has created.

Yet, Sanderson emphasizes that being aware of this connection isn’t crucial for readers to appreciate any of his books.

Overview of ‘The Stormlight Archive’

Sanderson’s grandest endeavor, “The Stormlight Archive,” unfolds on Roshar, a world frequently besieged by furious storms.

The series commenced with “The Way of Kings” in 2010, narrating the adventures of various figures including warriors, scholars, monarchs, and assassins in a realm long neglected by a legendary group of protectors known as the Knights Radiant.

While presented through multiple viewpoints, “The Way of Kings” zeroes in on a young surgeon, Kaladin, who finds himself entangled in an enduring conflict against a mysterious group of warriors suspected of murdering a king. As the narrative progresses, the later volumes of “The Stormlight Archive” delve into the backgrounds of additional key characters.

‘Wind and Truth’ wraps up first section of ‘Stormlight’

“Wind and Truth,” the fifth installment in “The Stormlight Archive,” was released in December and marks the conclusion of the series’ first arc.

A summary of “Wind and Truth,” released by Tor Publishing Group under Macmillan Publishers, can be found on their website, but be careful about encountering spoilers.

The cover art, created by renowned artist Michael Whelan, is the first featuring Dalinar Kholin, one of the main characters, who is shown standing atop a magical tower as a fierce storm looms.

While Sanderson envisions “Stormlight” as a series of 10 books, he has indicated plans for an indefinite break to pursue other projects prior to embarking on the second arc.

‘Stormlight Archive’ reading sequence

“The Stormlight Archive” consists of five published volumes, each surpassing 1,000 pages, along with two shorter novellas.

Here’s the recommended reading sequence for the “Stormlight Archive” series:

• “The Way of Kings,” book one
• “Words of Radiance,” book two
• “Edgedancer,” a novella from “Stormlight Archive”
• “Oathbringer,” book three
• “Dawnshard,” another novella from “Stormlight Archive”
• “Rhythm of War,” book four
• “Wind and Truth,” book five

This year, Sanderson suggested that fans should first read the standalone novel set in the Cosmere universe, “The Sunlit Man,” which narrates the tale of a man escaping pursuers and finding himself on a fiery planet, before diving into “Wind and Truth.”

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