A Guide to Brandon Sanderson: Best Series for New Readers

Brandon Sanderson is a prominent author in the fantasy genre, renowned for his intricate world-building and striking magic systems. If you're a new reader looking to explore his works, starting with the right series can significantly enhance your reading experience. In this guide, we'll discuss the best series to begin with, based on popularity, narrative complexity, and thematic richness.

Mistborn Trilogy: A Great Starting Point

The Mistborn series is a fantastic starting point, especially if you're reading Brandon Sanderson's works for the very first time. This trilogy—consisting of Mistborn: The Final Empire, Mistborn: The Well of Ascension, and Mistborn: The Hero of Ages—introduces readers to Sanderson's unique magic systems, intricate plots, and well-developed characters. The series sets the stage for the grandeur and complexity that appear in later works.

Mistborn: The Final Empire lays the foundation by building a compelling world and introducing the key elements of the magic system. Mistborn: The Well of Ascension expands on these concepts, pushing the story forward with increasing stakes. Finally, Mistborn: The Hero of Ages resolves many of the storylines and introduces new elements that will serve as foreshadowing for his later series.

Elantris: A Standalone Read

Elantris is a standalone novel that offers a taste of Sanderson's style and themes without being part of a larger series. This novel is set in a distinct universe where a prince faces an impossible choice. It serves as an excellent introduction to the author's storytelling techniques and world-building skills. Elantris is often recommended for those who prefer a more contained and focused narrative.

The Stormlight Archive: An Advanced Journey

For those who have familiarized themselves with some of Sanderson's earlier works, the Stormlight Archive series offers a more expansive and intricate world. The first book, The Way of Kings, introduces readers to an epic fantasy setting with a vast array of cultures, magic, and political intrigue. This series is highly rewarding but requires a bit more patience due to its depth and complexity.

While The Way of Kings is a brilliant debut, it might be overwhelming for new readers who are not familiar with the author's work. Therefore, it is often recommended to start with the Mistborn trilogy and move on to Elantris before diving into The Stormlight Archive.

Personal Experience

I started my journey with the Stormlight Archive. I was recommended this series by a friend on Goodreads, and it changed my life. In February 2016, I had not heard of Brandon Sanderson before. By the end of October, I had finished all of his books, including the Wheel of Time series. I even read Arcanum Unbound the day it released in November. Essentially, Brandon Sanderson became the central focus of my year.

Given my experience, if you're a new reader and you chose to start with The Stormlight Archive, it is advised to have read the Mistborn trilogy first. This will ensure you understand the references and Easter eggs that are abundant in the series. Alternatively, for a less complex and more immediate introduction, consider starting with Mistborn and then moving on to Elantris. Believers will attest that this is the way to truly enjoy Brandon Sanderson's genius.

Conclusion

Brandon Sanderson offers a rich tapestry of stories within his expansive universe. Whether you're a new reader or a long-time fan, starting with the Mistborn trilogy and gradually moving to Elantris can help you better understand and appreciate the depth of his storytelling. From there, you can explore the Stormlight Archive and other series, becoming a part of his fantastical world.