Cosmere Reading Guide!

[@johnkeller2669]

I’m really glad Elantris was my first Sanderson book and I highly recommend it for those who’ve never read any cosmere. Looking back now compared to the later books it’s definitely not as good but it made me appreciate the later series because I felt like I was watching Sanderson develop as a writer as each series I read after got better and better. My order has been Elantris, Mistborn original trilogy, Emperors Soul, Warbreaker, then Stormlight Archive.

[@PetrikLeo]

I think starting from Elantris, and if you end up enjoying it, would've been the better choice. As I said, if I could, I prefer reading in publication order. 😊 That being said, and I know this is hard to gauge now, I probably wouldn't have continued with Sanderson's books if I've read Elantris first instead of Mistborn; at least not anytime soon because I thought it was good but not something amazing.

[@jessezigg]

Found you on Goodreads a couple of years ago, and I love your videos! I appreciate your opinions and recommendations very much! Thank you so much for sharing with all of us.

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! Thank you so much for the kind words, too! 😊

[@aysseralwan]

In these 12 minutes, Sanderson probably finished a whole book 😂

[@PetrikLeo]

Probably twelve books. Oh look he just finished another one!!!

[@melissasullivan1658]

Ha! God, I wish. I have a few suggestions of Cosmere historical side books I require.... 🤔

[@saxybrit]

This cracked me up! 😂

[@PetrikLeo]

@@saxybrit it's the truth! 🤣

[@jayremaerevilla-lacandula730]

@@PetrikLeo hahahahahahahhh

[@ZamWeazle]

I really appreciate that you're not the kind of booktuber that will primarily just focus on the big guns of fantasy. Tbh while I'm not knocking them at all, loads of other channels will often focus on the more popular authors quite a bit. Thankyou for giving the less know authors some exposure. Your helping these guys get on our TBR, keeping the Libraries afloat and keeping my wallet light! 😂 Truth and Courage ⚔✊

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you for the kind words, Zam! Don't get me wrong, I love love all these popular fantasy series and the content many booktubers are making around them, but if I focus only on the popular ones, I can't make everyone suffer the endless TBR pile I have! 🤣 speaking of Truth and Courage... Next video will be a booktube review of The Shadow of the Gods! 😊

[@ZamWeazle]

@@PetrikLeo What a review?!! 😲😍 ...Amazing!! Well you obviously got your arc in at last! 😂 👍👍

[@melissasullivan1658]

Sanderson is a fantasy *master* in the industry. I promise you that ‘he’s kind of a big deal’. Sincerely, A raging superfan (clearly, ahem 😏)

[@PetrikLeo]

@@ZamWeazle Yes! Finished it last week! Soooo good! The physical ARC hasn't arrived, but I couldn't wait any longer and when the eARC arrived, I immediately read it! 😂

[@ZamWeazle]

@@PetrikLeo Can't wait for the review!!👍😍😍

[@missarchaeologist]

For anyone who would be interested, Brandon has a version of 'Warbreaker' where he annotated the writing process AND development of the book. It is absolutely brilliant; I enjoy peeking into his mind, all the choices and reasoning behind characters, scenes, plot, etc.

[@PetrikLeo]

Ah yes! I reread using this edition, it's really good and it helped writing craft, too!! 😊

[@narakudream]

I love your shirt! Law is the best!

[@PetrikLeo]

Law is one of my favorite characters from One Piece, which is a LOT of characters to be honest 😂

[@narakudream]

Petrik Leo thanks for replying! I’m a huge fan of your vídeos. Love your fantasy taste! TY for sharing your passion. True haha, One Piece had a huge cast of amazing characters, it would be cool of you talk one day about One Piece!

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! Ah that's super kind of you! I'm glad you enjoy my content. It won't be soon, but I'm sure I'll be putting some One Piece content in the future. There's no way I'll be able to not talk about it. I'm looking forward to rereading it again from the beginning! 😄

[@xxdnangelxx7]

Great guide! I only started reading Sanderson last year (the Mistborn trilogy) and realized I've been missing out on an amazing author all these years 😭. Now I need to get my hands on all his books.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Melissa! Ahh but now you've found out about his works! It's never too late, there's still plenty of time to catch up! Then we'll wait for the next book together! 😊

[@crystalsingh7325]

Thanks for being so unique Petrik! I have only read the Mistborn trilogy and loved it, so this video is a lot of help.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Crystal! 😊 So pleased this video is helpful to you, and that you loved Mistborn! It's a special series for me.

[@alexnieves]

Great video Petrik!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Alex!! 😁

[@paualamar]

I came up with my own Reading Order to help newcomers and avoid re-readings so it’s tailored so that you get every connection in one go. I don’t know where to put White Sand 1-3 either i guess if you have to introduce someone to the reading habit start with the comics, so it’s lighter on them... or not. If that’s not necessary you can skip this for now, I still have to read 2&3 then I’ll have a more definitive say Definitely Start with Mistborn 1 (for all the reasons everyone has already mentioned) Eleventh Metal (optional) Mistborn 2 & 3 Elantris Hope of Elantris (DO read End Notes) Emperor’s Soul Mistborn Secret History (Do NOT read End Notes) Stormlight Archive 1 & 2 Warbreaker Edgedancer Stormlight Archive 3 Dawshard Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell Stormlight Archive 4 Allomancer Jack (optional) Wax and Wayne 1-3 Sixth of Dusk

[@PetrikLeo]

That's not bad! I would put Warbreaker before Stormlight Archive 2, but other than that, it's all good! :)

[@amypink1111]

This made me LOL! Petrick says, "3 ways to start your voyage into the cosmere and says start anywhere except Way of Kings" Why did I laugh? That is exactly where I started. LOL This was before I knew anything about the cosmere and just started out of order. Keep up the good work, amy

[@PetrikLeo]

Hahaha thank you so much, Amy!! I think that can certainly happen! I mean, I started Mistborn with the same mindset! I didn't know it was part of anything back then! 😊

[@briek9482]

My husband started the cosmere with stormlight too. After much prompting to not he went for it 😅

[@thrawncaedusl717]

It is worth pointing out that Sanderson made Warbreaker freely accessible (legally), so if you’re uncertain about spending a lot of money on books, that can be a good starting point (though I am about halfway through and it does seem to be a step down from the best of his work).

[@PetrikLeo]

I honestly forgot about that!! Thanks for the reminder! 😊

[@aden.e]

all i have left is oathbringer and rhythm of war and honesty, im terrified to read them. i feel like after i read them the wait for book 5 will be so painfully

[@PetrikLeo]

Oh yes it will be painful... But it will be worth the painnn! xD

[@Yungshamgod]

Same. Got 200 pages into Oathbringer and realized I was rushing towards the end... So I took a break!

[@holybaldness8047]

Who is Brandon Sanderson???? HAHAHHAHAHA, anyway to hear people say your booktube is only for the popular authors, maybe because the books you have read and reviewed are the popular ones, for now, to some of uswho have been following you for so long, I have read some reviews of yours wherein you introduced new authors (Sarah Beth Durst, Christopher Paolini, without your goodreads reviews, I would not have known of these authors). So once again, terrific video, GOSH, THOSE BOOKS, I MEAN WOW, HARDBOUND!!!! Sorry just had to say that!!! Keep up the great videos and reviews!!!! Still waiting for your James Clavell first book review!!!!

[@PetrikLeo]

Hahaha! Nah, thankfully no one has said to me that I only review popular books! xD And thank you so much, I'll do my best. It might a while before I get back to James Clavell again, though! I'm so swamped right now!

[@mastersal4644]

I feel so smart because I also started with Mistborn. I feel validated by this video . Of course I did it inadvertently but I am calling it a win 😋 Great video

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Saleha! That's awesome! 😊

[@ellynbarclay3121]

Great guide! I started the same way and mistborn was actually my first ever adult fantasy. I then read elantris and alternated between era 2 and stormlight. Warbreaker was last as I couldn't get ahold of a copy. Mistborn is still some of the best adult fantasy I have read years later. But I agree some of Sanderson's best work was actually found in his short stories. Totally need a deeper insight into the world of the emporers soul story!

[@PetrikLeo]

Ah that's wonderful, Ellyn! Glad to hear that you agreed regarding Mistborn, too. I am hugely bias towards it due to my history with the trilogy! 😆 I love love The Emperor's Soul and Dawnshard, I heard there will be a sequel to The Emperor's Soul one day, hopefully it will be as good or better! 😊

[@ellynbarclay3121]

@@PetrikLeo honestly can't wait for that. But I get very hyped for every Sanderson release. Thankfully they come very often

[@TheBookCure]

Sanderson is a modern author I haven't read much from. I started with Warbreaker, which I liked, so I don't know why I haven't felt compelled to continue. Everyone loves SA so much that I know I have to get to it! I am going to try again with Mistborn this year, I think. This was a great overview; thanks for making it! :)

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Sarah! Glad you enjoyed it! If you've read Warbreaker, I think reading Mistborn or the first three books in The Stormlight Archive should (hopefully) work out well for you!! 😊

[@mikan1592]

Thank you for the guide! Also, nice shirt you got there 😎

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! Ahhh someone who read One Piece!! 👍👍

[@TheBookishMom]

I have had White Sands on my list to pick up for some time now! I need to get to them

[@PetrikLeo]

Just don't expect too much from them, I hope you'll love it more than I did! 😊

[@ddrcc22]

The heart's crew jolly roger! Very cool shirt haha I just started reading Final Empire and I'm both excited and intimidated by the road ahead! Thanks for the recommendations! This guide will be very helpful in my journey c:

[@PetrikLeo]

Ahhh yesss! Trafalgar Law approved this comment! 😊 You're so welcome, I'm glad this video will be helpful to you! There's so many amazing adventure in the Cosmere waiting for you!

[@thepapertraveler1122]

Thanks for this video! I’m planning on starting reading his Cosmere books this summer and I found this video very helpful. I’ve only read one of his YA books (Skyward)in the past so I’m excited to start his Cosmere adventure!

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! I'm so happy that this is proving to be helpful to you and other readers! 😊 Let me know once you've started your Cosmere adventure!

[@robynlouise1624]

I only discovered Brandon Sanderson last year, and I am now reading Words of Radiance, I also loved The Way of Kings. I don't know how I didn't pick up any of his books earlier!

[@PetrikLeo]

Woohoo!! Words of Radiance is mindblowlingly amazing!! 😊 Enjoy, Robyn!!

[@robynlouise1624]

@@PetrikLeo Thanks Petrik, good video it is a useful guide to refer to.

[@TheSassyLibraryFox]

YES! This is exactly what I needed because I'm planning to start with his books soon. *lol* Thanks for reading my mind! XD

[@PetrikLeo]

Hahaha! What a coincidence! I hope this will be helpful to you then! 😊

[@sirbooksage]

I'm wrapping up my read of Bujold's Vorkosigan Saga and plan on starting my Cosmere read in July so this video is great!

[@PetrikLeo]

Wow, Vorkosigan Saga is a long series! I hope you'll enjoy Cosmere when you get to it! :)

[@cipriansirbu3699]

I read The Cosmere last year,beginning with:Elantris,Warbreaker,Mistborn Era I,Mistborn Era II,Mistborn Secret History,Stormlight Archive.Stil have to read The Emperor's Soul.I loved them all.

[@PetrikLeo]

I highly approve this reading order!! 😍😍👍

[@shannonquinn]

I started Sanderson's adult works this year, starting with Elantris because I wanted to start with his "worst" work. I LOVED it! I then read the Mistborn trilogy, and if it only gets better, I am in for a real treat.

[@PetrikLeo]

That's even better! I have a feeling that if you love Elantris, you're going to love the rest of the Cosmere books even more. I didn't recommend Elantris because I don't want readers to feel put off by it then stop reading other Sanderson's books! 😂

[@joerosa9017]

More videos like this, please 🤗

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Joe! I'll do my best! 😊😊

[@priyankaghosh312]

Was tossing with the idea of picking up Stormlight archive for a long time, I am convinced, will try to finish books released in cosmere so far before we get 10 more books lined up to be read

[@PetrikLeo]

Definitely read Stormlight once you're in the mood for it! Book #10 in The Stormlight Archive will probably be released in 2045... xD

[@saxybrit]

This was great! Please do a ranking video - will def watch it! I started with Warbreaker, then Elantris, then read The Emperor’s Soul and Hope of Elantris. My plan is to read Mistborn Era 1 this year, then reread Warbreaker before reading Way of Kings, slotting Mistborn Era 2 throughout the Stormlight Archive. I’m going to spread them out so by the time I finish RoW, book 5 will be coming out. That’s my sneaky plan anyway! Will also mean Wax & Wayne 4 will be out by the time I get there. Wish me luck 😅😂

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Brittany! Will do!! 😁 Oh that's a very solid plan! I wish you the best of luck reading through them all. Lost Metal come out next year, I'm so excited for it! 😊

[@85dresden]

Would love to see a ranking video of the Cosmere novels but would truly love to see you do one for The Dresden Files.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Alvin! Oh Dresden Files as well!? Interesting, 17 books to work with! I'll work on them one day! 😊

[@ThisIsJaysWorld]

This was very helpful thank you. I haven't read any Brandon Sanderson yet, but I want to be caught up by the time book 5 of The Stormlight Archive cones out. I'll probably start that early next year or late this year because Malazan, Dresden, and Discworld are currently dominating 2021 for me.

[@PetrikLeo]

Oh boy, this is a HEAVY reading year for you with those three big series! Definitely leave Brandon for next year then, and as you said, you just might be on time before Stormlight 5 comes out! 😀

[@quinnmorrow7179]

Great video! Me: is Petrik going to mention White Sand? Oh, he didn't. I'll have to ask him if he has read it. I know he likes manga. ....waits 5 minutes... Oh! He did read it, and he hated it 😂 I agree! The art, the transitions, everything. BUT I do think it was really interesting to see the Sand come into play in RoW. I agree that RoW really vamped up the connections in the Cosmere. Crazy good!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Quinn!! Yeah... I wish White Sand was done better, it's good to see its connection in Rhythm of War, but man not sure it was worth reading that graphic novel for that! 😂 Anyway, the connections in Cosmere are all so connected now, can't wait to see what Lost Metal will bring!

[@henryb3066]

I started The Final Empire last week and I’m about halfway through right now. Ive had the first SA book for a month now but held off because I heard it’s better to start with Mistborn. I’m really enjoying Mistborn so far, so I don’t regret it but I can’t wait to start Stormlight Archive in probably a year. Just have to finish all his other novels haha.

[@PetrikLeo]

Great choice to start your adventure with Cosmere! And there's no need to rush. The Cosmere isn't finishing anytime soon anyway. 🤣

[@TheHikingReader]

This seems very helpful! Emperor's Soul was the first Sanderson book that I read then I moved onto Final Empire. I did pick up most of the books you mentioned in this video, just have a lot of reading to go still. And I don't usually jump from one to the next in the series. I'm always mixing in other authors, series and genres as I go as well. I guess I could say I have TBR ADD. LOL

[@PetrikLeo]

TBR ADD is so valid! I think Emperor's Soul is a fantastic place to start with Sanderson's book. And I hope you'll enjoy his other books. He's one of my favorite authors! 😄

[@Anushka_MM]

Thank you for making this video! I started with Elantris and then moved onto Mistborn. I’m on The Well Of Ascension now and I think after this trilogy I might go to Warbreaker before starting the second era Mistborn. I’m hoping to catch up with everything by the time the 5th SA book comes out 😁

[@PetrikLeo]

Yay!! You're welcome, Anushka! I am so glad to hear that this video is helpful. Also, good luck and I hope you'll have a great time reading all of these books by Sanderson! 😁

[@adamcrawford6421]

Hey Petrik, great video as always. If you're ever struggling with video ideas (I know its probably the opposite and you're too busy) I would love to see talk about some of your favourite manga series. It would be cool if you could do a top 10 manga and then compare each of the picks to a similar fantasy series.

[@PetrikLeo]

Hey, thank you, Adam!! Favorite manga series is one of the most requested videos, and I'm still in the process of creating one. It's more difficult than I expected it would be because I didn't have a Goodreads or spreadsheet to keep track of all the manga I've read, and I want to be accurate as possible. That said, I think I'll end up creating one next month with caveat that there are, without a doubt, plenty of manga I've forgotten to put into account to the list. 😊

[@adamcrawford6421]

@@PetrikLeo Sounds great! I'm fairly new to reading manga myself so I am looking forward to your list.

[@AbbySalter]

I feel like I’ve read quite a bit of Sanderson but I still have so much to go!! I keep planning on reading emperors soul but for some reason haven’t yet.

[@PetrikLeo]

It will never end, Abby, I haven't finished all of his books, too. 🤣 Emperor's Soul is amazing! I hope you'll love it when you get to it!

[@trill_nathan]

The only adult fantasy I had read before Stormlight was the Witcher so I never knew about the reputation Way of Kings had of being difficult to get into. I really got lucky because I loved it and immediately read the rest of the Cosmere after

[@trill_nathan]

Also I am definitely interested in a Cosmere ranking video!

[@PetrikLeo]

@@trill_nathan Oh that's great! Yeah, I think it differs for many readers, but I did heard from several people already that starting from The Way of Kings was a bit too difficult for them. I will definitely do one as soon as I can!! Thank you so much for the interests! 🤗

[@thebookishelephant1667]

Hey Patrick my first ever non academic book was warbreaker then I tried reading mistborn final empire but dnf and then read way of kings which I was doubtful I could finish but I did and pretty easily then I tried final empire again and dnfd again now reading words of radiance

[@PetrikLeo]

This probably just mean that Mistborn series isn't for you, I'm glad that you loved The Stormlight Archive though! 😊

[@thebookishelephant1667]

@@PetrikLeo yes but the lore seems to attract me every time so I watched summary video and now hopefully gonna start the 2nd book in the series

[@gillayson7872]

The notification came in late 😢 I started this year reading the emperor's soul. I hope he expands this novella. Read elantris and warbreaker during the 1st 2 months of the year as well. And i'm adoring his books. Will be doing mistborn this march 😊

[@PetrikLeo]

Don't be sad! It seems like KZbin is on a bit of an error with the view count and notifications today. And that's good, let me know what you think of Mistborn! 😊

[@thatsci-firogue]

I started with Emperor's Soul and then Way of Kings... I'll be reading Warbreaker and Oathbringer after I've read the Mistborn trilogy which I'm hoping to read after I'm caught up on the Age of Madness.

[@PetrikLeo]

Awesome. Make sure to read Words of Radiance first if you havent before you get to Oathbringer! 😊

[@thatsci-firogue]

@@PetrikLeo Words of Radiance was my favourite fantasy book I read last year. It was so amazing

[@PetrikLeo]

@@thatsci-firogue yeahhh. That book is a masterpiece, Sanderson at his best!

[@tehj2d2]

Yes, Sanderson is a machine. Cool to see another fan of both the Cosmere and One Piece. Trafalgar’s one of my favorites :)

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Jason! Glad to see another One Piece fans! I have so many favorite characters in One Piece 😂 and Trafalgar is definitely one of my favorites!

[@bramvandenheuvel4049]

Lol, I accidentally almost exactly followed your reading order. Mistborn 1 Elantris Warbreaker Most of Arcanum Unbound White Sand Mistborn 2 (wrapping up BoM) And Stormlight Archive to follow.

[@PetrikLeo]

Niceeee! pretty close!! 😂

[@nathanshack8876]

Would love to see a ranking video!

[@PetrikLeo]

Will do, Nathan!! 😊

[@thesmuli83]

Hi PL. Good tutorial video.Cosmere universe is really interesting.I wonder if I should read Elantris and Warbreaker this year ..I have saved both books on a rainy day😂

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you!! Warbreaker is a better book, imo! So it's up to you which one you want to start first. For rainy days, Elantris might be a better choice. Warbreaker's setting felt more tropical!

[@melissasullivan1658]

^ Agreed. I’d call Elantris ‘Sanderson Lite’.

[@noname3609]

Super helpfull guide.I want to read Warbreaker in original than Elantris in my native language.After that mistborn trilogy + Alloy of Law and after that SA SAGA. 😀

[@PetrikLeo]

Yesss! That's a great idea. Enjoy, and let me know how it goes! 😊

[@noname3609]

@@PetrikLeo Almost 1 year later im done with Elantris,Mistborn era 1,Warbreaker and Stormlight Archive and I absolutely enjoyed my journey.I take a small break now as im reading the wheel of time. 😄

[@reginad91]

White sand was the only thing by sanderson i really really did not like at all😅🙈 great video! I‘m slowly making my way through the cosmere. Started with mistborn, then elantris, emperor‘s soul and parts of the archanum unbounded, forced myself through white sand and am currently reading warbreaker 😊

[@melissasullivan1658]

I’m not a comic person which is why I keep avoiding it. Good to know I’m not the only one, but I would still like to understand their powers as I think it’ll help understand who folks are in Stormlight.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! And you're not the only one, Regina, White Sand is really... underwhelming. 😂 That's a great progress btw! Once you're done with Warbreaker, you can read either Mistborn Era 2 or The Stormlight Archive, woohoo!!!

[@PetrikLeo]

@@melissasullivan1658 It's such a shame because the magic in the series is pretty cool. I hope Sanderson will re-polish it one day to be republished in prose form! 😊

[@reginad91]

@@PetrikLeo i have era 2 already on my shelf ready to read 😊 my dad just finished it and really liked it, so i‘m optimistic that i‘ll like it, too 😊

[@PetrikLeo]

@@reginad91 Wait, your dad is reading Sanderson's books, too!? That is so cool!! You can discuss it together with him!! 😊

[@muttineni03]

I would definitely love a ranking video, am almost done with Hero of ages, book gets very interesting after about 40% and I might read Emperor's soul next, but I really want to start reading SA as I've got all 4 books in Hardcovers, but am really intimidated but it's grand scale lol

[@melissasullivan1658]

If you want to cry, you should read Mistborn: Secret History. :)

[@muttineni03]

@@melissasullivan1658 Petrik said not to read secret history untill Mistborn era2 ?

[@PetrikLeo]

@@muttineni03 Hero of Ages ending is sooooo incredible! I think reading Emperor's Soul after that would be a great choice; it's short anyway. If you want, you can read Way of Kings first, then Warbreaker, then back to Stormlight Archive again. Do note that Stormlight Archive is massive, though! But I think you can do it, his writing is very absorbable! 😊 And yeah, I personally recommend Mistborn: Secret History after Bands of Mourning.

[@muttineni03]

@@PetrikLeo I've read Warbreaker as my first Sanderson book, I loved it, am really intimidated by Stormlight archive I don't know why maybe because of its scale, I'll probably start reading Way of kings after am done with Of Blood and Bone by John Gwynne really looking forward to sail back to Banished lands again haha

[@PetrikLeo]

@@muttineni03 I'm sure you can do it!! Reading it after Of Blood and Bone is a great decision! So happy that you loved The Banished Lands! 😊

[@justinthyme2666]

I started on Final Empire under your recommendation, and Sanderson's as well. He stated it could easily be a stand alone, if you preferred. It's not taken off for me yet and I only get through 20-30 pages a day. A few days into it The Emperor's Soul audiobook became available at the library. It's actually almost 4 hours long, although I increase the speed slightly usually. Anyway, Soul has become one of my favorite stories in the last year or so. Does he have any other stand alone stories, novels or novellas, anything like Soul?

[@PetrikLeo]

The Final Empire worked really well as a standalone, too! I think reading the The Emperor's Soul novella is much faster than the audiobook unless you increased the speed. 😂 Unfortunately, I don't think Sanderson has any standalone short stories/novellas in Cosmere as good as that!

[@EhsJaySaunders]

I've been wondering if I should try out White Sand in the graphic novel or Graphic Audio format...maybe I'll try the latter, if the graphic novel is so lackluster?

[@PetrikLeo]

The graphic audio are generally super highly praised, I think trying that one might be a better option than reading this, tbh... xD

[@cynthiaholmes5124]

I have already read warbreaker it was great but right now at the library all copies of mistborn era 1 are checked out and so is the first stormlight archives book 😥😓😢

[@PetrikLeo]

Arghhh I hope they will be available at your libraries soon!!!

[@tangd4357]

And then there's me who's reading the Cosmere ass-backwards starting with The Stormlight Archives 😂 To be fair, I tried the Mistborn trilogy and it just wasn't grabbing me. Then I heard someone say if you like old school fantasy from the 80s and such, then try reading the Stormlight Archives...and I fell in love with TWoK! After reading what's out in the SA and while waiting for the next, I will try Mistborn again. Hopefully I will get on better with it the second time around.

[@PetrikLeo]

If Mistborn isnt for you, no need to force it!! This guide is for thosr who wants to read everything in Cosmere, after all! Glad you enjoyed Stormlight Archive though! 😊

[@xeroeddie]

I'm just now discovering contemporary fantasy authors. I love The Lord of the Rings and A Song of Ice and Fire but that's about it when it comes to high fantasy. There're so many books I want to read in different genres and not just fictional literature, so my instrinct is to read the best books by Sanderson (and other fantasy authors) first to see if I get hooked. Unless other books are mandetory for starting on a particular series I would rather just dive into the good stuff first. With limited time that is what suits me best I think. But I appreciate your suggestions, and for people that want to read everything from Sanderson this is probably a really good order. :-)

[@PetrikLeo]

Of course! Do whatever you think is best for you! 😊 This video is just my guide after all!

[@xeroeddie]

@@PetrikLeo Yeah, and a really fine guide. My problem is that I have so many things I want to read. But the way I see it is, if I fall in love with Stormlight Archives, I can always go back and read his other series. Love your channel by the way. So many good book suggestions. ☺️

[@TwilightBizarre]

Would you say reading just some of the books/series is fine? I don't have too much time to hunt for every tiny short story at the moment, and some premises don't capture me (they might after I learn I like his writing style). I'm thinking about just reading the Stormlight Archive (and I guess the 2 short stories?). I figure by the time I get to them and read those chunkers, the 5th book might be out so I'll be done with that half and free haha

[@melissasullivan1658]

Stormlight is some serious reading. It’s great by itself, don’t get me wrong, but intellectually I think it’s more work than all his other Cosmere books combined (so far). In fact, if you just did Warbreaker, Elantris and some side books (Libby/Overdrive have 95% of them in their catalog), you’d get a better understanding of how intricate the universe is than by reading Stormlight by itself, and frankly it would take way less time. I also enjoy those a-ha moments when I finally figure out a connection. Then you can geek out on the Coppermind site and it’s like hunting Easter eggs. Well, crap. Now I kinda want to read them all over again. 😭 Oddly, I didn’t feel Mistborn help me understand Cosmere anymore from my rereads, which is why I left it out. Maybe I’m reading it wrong.

[@PetrikLeo]

Its definitely possible! If you want to try only the standalone book, I suggest The Emperor's Soul or Warbreaker. They should give you an idea of Sanderson's style, and both of them doesn't end on a cliffhanger. But if you want to try from his best work immediately, Mistborn trilogy or The Stormlight Archive should be your choice. Note that Stormlight isn't finished yet, and reading it without reading all his other books will make you miss on a lot of amazing Easter Eggs, but in general it has a self-contained main storyline! 😊

[@atila9488]

Oh damn I started with the Way of kings from Stormlight Archive. Is it that bad ? 😮

[@PetrikLeo]

Not bad, I just personally think none of the other series live up to the quality of Stormlight Archive. So it might be like going backward in quality hahaha. If yoy enjoy it already, and you don't feel intimidated or confused by the large size, nothing wrong with going through the other series any way you like it. It's just my recommendation for readers to read from the most accessible and less intimidating series to the biggest and relatively challenging series.

[@atila9488]

@@PetrikLeo Thank you very much for your super duper fast reply much appreciated ! 😇 I discovered your channel few weeks ago and I really like your reviews and how explain everything Thanks again and Hi from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[@PetrikLeo]

@@atila9488 you're welcome! Thank you for the kind words, too. Switzerland is one of my bucket list of place to visit. Someday!! 😁

[@niebieskie2]

With as much sanderson content I watch I did not know white sands is part of the cosmere!

[@PetrikLeo]

It's often overlooked, but yeah it is part of the Cosmere! There's part of it mentioned in Rhythm of War, too! 😊

[@niebieskie2]

@@PetrikLeo you learn something new every day!

[@melissasullivan1658]

“It’s not that complicated” you should know that I just made this face: 🤨 Dude, it required its own Wiki to keep everyone straight. 😂 Ps. Don’t ever tell Sanderson this but I cannot get through the second Mistborn series. I’m hoping the third has characters that I actually like.

[@PetrikLeo]

Just the reading order. Not the details... that's another story! 😂 Oh really? I enjoyed the second Mistborn series! I get that it's one of his least liked series among the fans, though!

[@melissasullivan1658]

I wonder if it’s because the first Mistborn characters were so...well adjusted and supportive maybe. I feel like there’s both an emotional and magical disconnect but I can’t put my finger on it. It felt like he was writing it because he had to, whereas the first one feels of love and passion for the story.

[@cynthiaholmes5124]

Is there anyway I could since both stormlight archives series and mistborn era 1 books aren't available at my library to just read mistborn era 2 I have already read warbreaker

[@PetrikLeo]

Although you can, I really don't recommend doing that because Mistborn Era 2 spoiled pretty much what happened at the end of Mistborn Era 1. :/

[@charlesgabriel5569]

As someone who just could not get into the mistborn trilogy ( I know I am in the minority !).. I do hope The Stormlight Archives can be read on its own. It seems to be his best work so definitely want to start with it soon

[@PetrikLeo]

Definitely can! My friend, Jimmy from Fantasy Nuttwork, didn't like Mistborn trilogy but absolutely loved The Stormlight Archive. You will miss a lot of amazing Cosmere Easter Eggs if you read only The Stormlight Archive, but if you couldn't get into Mistborn, it's doubtful that you'll read them long enough to get all the Easter Eggs anyway. Give it a try, if The Way of Kings still doesn't work for you, then Sanderson probably isn't for you, and that's okay! 😊

[@charlesgabriel5569]

@@PetrikLeo That's good to know ! I'm following Jimmy's channel as well ☺ Looking forward to read 'The Way of Kings'

[@soulaimaneagalf5264]

Question. Can't i just start with Stormlight after reading Mistborn era 1? I will read Mistborn era 2, the stand alones and Arcanum unbounded eventually but i want to read Stormlight first

[@PetrikLeo]

Yes, definitely possible! I do honestly think you have to read Warbreaker first before the second book of Stormlight Archive, though! Other than that, you should be good!

[@bradkrick8254]

I started with Way of kings, then Warbreaker, the WoR, edgedancer, Oathbringer, Elantris, novellas and emperors soul, Mistborn 1-3, Dawnshard rhythm of war, and working on Mistborn era 2 now and secret history. Felt like this worked. Don’t put off stormlight. It’s so much better than Mistborn.

[@PetrikLeo]

Hmm I don't know, I wouldn't recommend that. It worked for you, and that's good. But I've heard from quite a lot of people who started Sanderson's books by reading The Way of Kings and felt it's too difficult/slow that they ended up not reading any of his other books. I'm sure it will work for you and many other readers, too, though! And yes, I do agree The Stormlight Archive is much better than Mistborn, it is my favorite ongoing series after all!😊

[@bradkrick8254]

Yea. I found Mistborn much more dry and not sure I would have stayed with Sanderson honestly if I started with those. I love the way of kings opening but I don’t mind a slow burner mystery. That’s my thing. Definitely need to read everything before RoW though for best enjoyment.

[@PetrikLeo]

@@bradkrick8254 Yup! I totally understand how that works! I know a friend of mine who disliked Mistborn but love Way of Kings. It's not possible to actually create the most correct reading order because everyone's taste is different and there are a lot of books in Cosmere. xD

[@andygraf4997]

Petrik:I don't think Sanderson is going to publish much in the Cosmere in the next three years. BrandoSando: Hold my beer

[@PetrikLeo]

I've been proven SO WRONG 🤣🤣🤣

[@guiyerod444]

Law!

[@PetrikLeo]

ROOOM!

[@wjamimah7772]

Mistborn got me enamored with adult fantasy too.

[@PetrikLeo]

Woohoo!! Same as me then! 😊

[@Drizzt-113]

I heard from a friend of mine that you can start reading Stormlight Archive without reading Sanderson's previous books and finished The Way of Kings, was that a bad idea?

[@PetrikLeo]

Not a bad idea, but it's epic in scope and many readers prefer to get used to Sanderson's style first before diving into the big/best one. Plus, it's better to read Warbreaker first before Words of Radiance and Oathbringer. 😊

[@Drizzt-113]

@@PetrikLeo Thank you very much, I'll definitely read Warbreaker before I start Words of Radiance

[@jessezigg]

End 2023, have you read any of Sanderson's middle grade novels?

[@PetrikLeo]

Still not yet. Unless you count Frugal Wizard! 😂

[@PamsShenanigans]

OH NO. I started with TWOK HAHA! It's what I'm reading now

[@PetrikLeo]

Oh whoops!!! Hopefully it will work out well for you, Pam! 😁

[@elessar6950]

Is that Law's flag or am I just tripping?

[@PetrikLeo]

Definitely not tripping. Indeed it is. Good catch! 😊👍

[@illuminatelair8084]

I wish sanderson would just focus exclusively on stormlight....i have little interest in the other side stories/projects.

[@PetrikLeo]

Yeah! I said this occasionally, too, and I'm sure it is the one thing that most of his fans would prefer if possible. But Sanderson himself has mentioned he needs to recharge by writing other stuff so he can write The Stormlight Archive as best as he can! We'll just have to be patient! 😊