Brandon Sanderson

The Stormlight Archive (Cosmere)

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Adult

Tags: Epic Fantasy

The Stormlight Archive is Brandon Sanderson’s epic fantasy masterpiece, set on the storm-battered world of Roshar. Across sprawling continents and brutal wars, a broken world awaits salvation—or destruction—as ancient powers return, gods scheme, and ordinary men and women are called to bear extraordinary burdens. Told through interwoven perspectives, the saga follows a surgeon-turned-slave, a troubled assassin, a scholar hiding dark secrets, and a highprince tormented by visions, all drawn together as the long-forgotten Knights Radiant must rise again.

The Mistborn Saga, The Original Trilogy (Cosmere)

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Adult

Tags: Epic Fantasy

The Mistborn Saga begins with The Final Empire, a sweeping epic fantasy that flips the genre on its head: the Dark Lord already won. A thousand years later, ash falls from the sky, and the oppressed live under the iron fist of the immortal Lord Ruler. Into this world steps Vin, a street urchin who discovers she is a Mistborn—able to burn metals for extraordinary powers—and joins a ragtag crew determined to topple an empire. Across the trilogy, themes of rebellion, politics, trust, and sacrifice unfold as Vin, Elend, and their allies grapple not only with tyranny, but with forces of entropy and ruin threatening existence itself. Mistborn: Secret History expands the mythology, revealing hidden perspectives and the deeper secrets of Sanderson’s interconnected Cosmere universe.

The Mistborn Saga, The Wax & Wayne Series (Cosmere)

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Adult

Tags: Epic Fantasy

Set three centuries after the original Mistborn trilogy, the Wax & Wayne series blends fantasy with frontier grit and emerging modernity. Scadrial is experiencing its own industrial revolution—railroads, skyscrapers, electric lights, and democracy on the rise—yet Allomancy and Feruchemy still shape the world. At the center is Waxillium “Wax” Ladrian, a nobleman and lawman, who returns from the Roughs to Elendel only to find corruption, political turmoil, and conspiracies that reach into both church and state. Alongside his sharp-shooting partner Wayne, brilliant constable Marasi, and meticulous wife Steris, Wax confronts heists, terrorism, hidden powers, and ultimately, a god who seeks to unmake their world. Both detective story and epic fantasy, this quartet bridges the classic Mistborn world with the broader Cosmere.

Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Adult

Tags: Epic Fantasy

Arcanum Unbounded is Brandon Sanderson’s first collection of short fiction, gathering together nine novellas and stories set across the expansive Cosmere universe. From the award-winning The Emperor’s Soul to the Stormlight Archive novella Edgedancer, this anthology explores worlds both familiar and new—Elantris, Mistborn, Taldain, Threnody, and First of the Sun—complete with essays and illustrations that detail their planetary systems. With tales of adventure, mystery, and epic magic, this collection is both a perfect entry point for new readers and an essential companion for longtime fans of the Cosmere.

Elantris (Cosmere)

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Adult

Tags: Epic Fantasy

Once a radiant city of gods, Elantris fell into ruin when its divine citizens were struck by a curse that left them powerless, diseased, and imprisoned within their own walls. Ten years later, Prince Raoden is stricken and cast into Elantris, Princess Sarene arrives to a political marriage turned nightmare, and the devout priest Hrathen is tasked with converting—or destroying—the people of Arelon. Their intertwined stories reveal the mysteries behind Elantris’s fall and the fate of those trapped inside, in this standalone fantasy full of political intrigue, unique magic, and faith tested against corruption.

Warbreaker (Cosmere)

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Adult

Tags: Epic Fantasy

In the vibrant kingdom of Hallandren, where magic is fueled by color and a person’s very Breath, two sisters are thrust into roles that could change the fate of nations. Princess Vivenna is sent to marry the God King of Hallandren, only to have her younger, carefree sister Siri take her place. As Siri struggles to navigate a court filled with living gods, intrigue, and secrets, Vivenna sets out to rescue her—only to uncover truths that will challenge everything she believes. Alongside a mysterious, irreverent swordsman named Vasher and his sentient, sarcastic sword Nightblood, the sisters’ journeys weave together in a tale of politics, rebellion, and the cost of power.

Tress of the Emerald Sea (Cosmere)

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Adult

Tags: Romantasy

Tress has always lived a quiet, content life on her small island in the middle of an emerald-green spore ocean, collecting cups and listening to tales from her friend Charlie. But when Charlie is taken far away and falls into danger, Tress dares to leave her safe life behind. Stowing away on a ship of outlaws, she sets out across treacherous seas where spores can kill with a single drop of water, pirates roam freely, and the mysterious Sorceress of the Midnight Sea rules with dark power. Full of whimsy, adventure, romance, and heart, this standalone Cosmere novel blends fairy-tale charm with high-stakes fantasy in the spirit of The Princess Bride.

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter (Cosmere)

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Adult

Tags: Romantasy

On one world, Yumi is bound to a life of ritual, stacking stones to summon the spirits that sustain her people. On another, Painter roams the darkened streets, battling living nightmares with his brush yet never quite belonging. When their lives collide across worlds, the two must learn to understand one another, uncover the mystery that ties them together, and find a way to protect both realms. Poetic, romantic, and haunting, this standalone Cosmere tale explores love, identity, and sacrifice with dreamlike wonder.

The Sunlit Man (Cosmere)

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Adult

Tags: Sci-Fi Fantasy

Haunted by his past and pursued across the Cosmere by the relentless Night Brigade, Nomad has survived by running. But when his powers run dry, he is stranded on Canticle—a scorched world where survival depends on constant movement and rebellion simmers against a ruthless tyrant. With the rising sun threatening to burn all to ash, Nomad must choose between flight and fighting for a cause that could redeem his soul.

Isles of the Emberdark (Cosmere)

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Adult

Tags: Sci-Fi Fantasy

Set in the far-future of the Cosmere, Isles of the Emberdark follows Dusk—once a hunter of mystical Aviar birds on the deadly island of Patji—who must journey beyond a magical portal into the perilous emberdark to save his people from invading interstellar forces. Along the way, he teams up with Starling, a dragon trapped in human form fleeing debt and confinement, as they navigate dangerous politics, ancient magic, and the lingering threat of a god who could destroy everything. Equal parts science-fantasy, mythic adventure, and cosmic intrigue, this standalone novel expands the Cosmere into unexplored frontiers.

White Sand (Cosmere)

Genre: Graphic Novel

Audience: Adult

Tags: Epic Fantasy

On the planet of Taldain, the Sand Masters—mages able to manipulate sand with spectacular power—have long been a force of legend. When nearly all of them are wiped out in a brutal ambush, Kenton, the weakest of their number, finds himself unexpectedly thrust into leadership as the last surviving Sand Master. Surrounded by enemies, hunted by assassins, and opposed by political powers intent on erasing his order forever, Kenton must forge an uneasy alliance with Khriss, a mysterious Darksider scholar with secrets of her own. Together, they uncover conspiracies, navigate dangerous politics, and fight to preserve the Sand Masters’ legacy.

Originally released as a three-volume graphic novel series, White Sand brings one of Sanderson’s earliest Cosmere stories to life in a richly illustrated format, tying directly into the larger Cosmere universe.

Skyward (Cytoverse)

Genre: Science Fiction

Audience: Young Adult

The Skyward series follows Spensa, a determined young woman who dreams of becoming a starfighter pilot in a world where humanity is trapped underground and under constant attack from alien forces. Branded the daughter of a coward, Spensa must fight to prove her worth and uncover the truth behind her father’s mysterious death. Across four books (Skyward, Starsight, Cytonic, Defiant), she rises through pilot training, confronts intergalactic politics, explores strange realms like the Nowhere, and faces off against the ancient, world-destroying Delvers. Blending fast-paced space battles, snarky AI companions, and epic coming-of-age stakes, the series combines Sanderson’s trademark worldbuilding with the thrill of classic science fiction adventure.

Skyward Flight (Cytoverse)

Genre: Science Fiction

Audience: Young Adult

The Skyward Flight collection expands Brandon Sanderson’s Skyward universe with three novellas—Sunreach, ReDawn, and Evershore—co-written with Janci Patterson. Told from the perspectives of Spensa’s fellow pilots FM, Alanik, and Jorgen, these stories take place alongside the events of Starsight and Cytonic. As Spensa ventures beyond their world, her team faces mounting challenges back on Detritus: awakening the cytonic Taynix slugs, navigating fragile alliances, mastering unpredictable powers, and uncovering galactic secrets that may tip the balance in humanity’s war for survival. Together, these companion tales offer a deeper look at Skyward Flight, the bonds of friendship, and the costs of leadership.

Defending Elysium (Cytoverse)

Genre: Science Fiction

Audience: Young Adult

Set centuries before Skyward, Defending Elysium introduces the origins of cytonic powers and humanity’s first contact with alien species. When faster-than-light communication draws extraterrestrial attention to Earth, the mysterious “Phone Company” rises to power, controlling all communication between humans and aliens. Jason Write, one of its agents, operates in the shadows—above the law and entrusted with secrets that could reshape humanity’s future. But when a missing scientist reappears with no memory and a Varvax ambassador is murdered, Jason is pulled into a dangerous conspiracy that may decide whether Earth is ready to join the galactic stage.

The Reckoners

Genre: Science Fiction

Audience: Young Adult

Tags: Dystopian Sci-Fi

In a world transformed by the mysterious appearance of the red star Calamity, humans gifted with extraordinary powers—called Epics—use them not for good, but for domination and destruction. Society has collapsed into chaos under their rule. Yet a secretive band of ordinary humans, known as the Reckoners, dedicates itself to studying these Epics, discovering their weaknesses, and bringing them down.

The series follows David Charleston, a young man whose father was murdered by the invincible Epic Steelheart. Driven by vengeance, David seeks to join the Reckoners and ultimately becomes central to their fight against the most powerful Epics of all. Through battles across shattered cities and against seemingly unstoppable foes, the Reckoners uncover the truth about the source of the Epics’ powers—and whether redemption is possible.

The saga spans the main trilogy (Steelheart, Firefight, and Calamity), a short story (Mitosis), and a continuation with a new cast in Lux.

Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Middle Grade

Brandon Sanderson’s Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series is a humorous, fast-paced fantasy adventure that flips the classic library trope on its head. The story follows Alcatraz Smedry, a seemingly unlucky foster kid who discovers he’s part of a family of freedom fighters resisting the secret world domination of the Evil Librarians. Alongside quirky allies (and plenty of exploding teddy bears), Alcatraz navigates magical glass-based powers, labyrinthine libraries, and epic battles against bookish villains. Told with snarky narration and playful meta-commentary, this series mixes absurd humor with clever worldbuilding, appealing to both kids and adults who enjoy lighthearted fantasy with a wink.

The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England

Genre: Science Fiction

Audience: Adult

Tags: Historical Fantasy

In this inventive standalone from Brandon Sanderson, a man awakens in what appears to be medieval England—without memories, allies, or answers. Pursued by people from his own time, he must navigate a strange new world, piecing together fragments of a destroyed survival guidebook that may hold the key to his identity and his future. Blending speculative science fiction with historical adventure and Sanderson’s trademark wit, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England is a quirky, fast-paced tale of survival, discovery, and unexpected connections.

The Rithmatist

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Young Adult

The Rithmatist is Brandon Sanderson’s inventive young adult debut, blending mystery, magic, and strategy in a world unlike any other. Joel, the son of a chalkmaker at the prestigious Armedius Academy, longs to become a Rithmatist—a rare individual who can bring chalk drawings to life and defend humanity against deadly Wild Chalklings. But when Rithmatist students begin vanishing under mysterious and violent circumstances, Joel and his eccentric friend Melody are drawn into an investigation that uncovers shocking truths about Rithmatics, their world, and Joel’s own destiny.

Dark One: Forgotten

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Adult

Tags: Dark Fantasy

Dark One: Forgotten is an audio drama set in Brandon Sanderson’s Dark One universe. When investigative journalist Christina Faron begins looking into a string of mysterious, unsolved murders, she uncovers disturbing connections between the killings and the life of Paul Tanasin—a young man destined to become a figure of destruction known as the Dark One. Told through transcripts, audio recordings, and case files, this layered narrative blurs the line between true-crime podcast and dark fantasy, pulling listeners into a world where hidden destinies and chilling secrets intertwine.

Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds

Genre: Science Fiction

Audience: Adult

Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds collects Brandon Sanderson’s three science fiction thrillers about Stephen Leeds, a man whose extraordinary genius comes with a price. Able to master any skill in hours, Stephen’s mind creates vivid hallucinatory companions—his “aspects”—to embody and manage this knowledge. With his eccentric team of imaginary experts, he takes on high-stakes cases: recovering stolen technology, unraveling deadly conspiracies, and confronting mysteries that blur the line between reality and delusion. This edition includes Legion, Legion: Skin Deep, and the never-before-published conclusion Lies of the Beholder.

Firstborn

Genre: Science Fiction

Audience: Adult

Firstborn is a fast-paced space opera short story by Brandon Sanderson. Dennison Crestmar, the younger son of a High Duke in the vast interstellar Empire, is expected to follow in the footsteps of his brilliant older brother, a legendary military strategist. Yet Dennison has failed every test of leadership and tactics, earning only disappointment and ridicule. But when the Empire’s wars place him in an unexpected position of consequence, Dennison discovers that even the “lesser” son may hold the key to victory—and that there is more to destiny than glory on the battlefield.

Perfect State

Genre: Science Fiction

Audience: Adult

Tags: Dystopian Sci-Fi

Perfect State is a standalone science fiction novella by Brandon Sanderson that explores questions of identity, free will, and reality. In a distant future where most people live in personalized simulated worlds designed to suit their personalities and desires, Kairominas is the undisputed emperor of his realm. He has conquered nations, defeated gods, and bent reality to his will. Yet when he’s forced by the governing AI to meet another “Liveborn” (a rare human like himself who isn’t just a simulation), Kairominas finds himself in a situation where power, control, and even his sense of self are challenged. What follows is a story that blends virtual worlds, social commentary, and sharp twists.

Snapshot

Genre: Science Fiction

Audience: Adult

Snapshot is a fast-paced sci-fi detective thriller novella by Brandon Sanderson. In a near-future world where technology allows law enforcement to recreate entire days in perfect detail, detectives Anthony Davis and Chaz enter a simulated city of twenty million people to investigate crimes from the real world. The dupes they interact with have no future once the simulation ends, but the crimes they uncover—and the orders they are given to ignore—force them to confront chilling moral dilemmas. When Davis and Chaz stumble upon the aftermath of a horrifying mass murder, the investigation pushes them into dangerous territory where survival is no longer guaranteed.

Wheel of Time

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Adult

Tags: Epic Fantasy

After the passing of Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson was chosen to complete the legendary Wheel of Time series based on Jordan’s extensive notes. Sanderson brought the epic to its long-awaited conclusion with the final three volumes: The Gathering Storm, Towers of Midnight, and A Memory of Light. These novels carry forward the journeys of Rand al’Thor, Egwene al’Vere, Mat Cauthon, Perrin Aybara, and countless others as the Pattern weaves toward the ultimate confrontation between Light and Shadow. Filled with sweeping battles, intricate prophecies, and emotional character arcs, Sanderson’s work honors Jordan’s vision while bringing the saga to a satisfying, climactic end.

The Most Boring Book Ever

Genre: Picture Book

Audience: Children's

From bestselling author Brandon Sanderson and acclaimed illustrator Kazu Kibuishi comes a delightfully misleading tale that insists it’s boring—while delivering the opposite. Readers are warned to stick to mundane tasks like homework and sitting in chairs, but hidden within its pages is a rollicking adventure filled with dragons, marauding airships, and wild imagination. Blending humor, misdirection, and vibrant illustrations, this playful book invites kids to revel in the excitement hiding just beneath the surface of “boring.”