Brandon Sanderson has crafted some of the most imaginative worlds in fantasy fiction. His unique approach to storytelling, magic systems, and character arcs has earned him a massive following. With a catalog so rich and deep, new readers sometimes face a challenge: where to start? And alongside his literary success, there’s growing interest in his financial achievements too.
Below is a clear reading order for his most popular books and a look into his net worth and the growth of his writing empire.
Reading Brandon Sanderson: Suggested Order
1. Elantris (2005)
This was the novel that put him on the map. It introduces readers to a standalone world full of political conflict, a cursed city, and divine powers that have faded. While not as expansive as his later works, it remains a brilliant entry point.
2. Mistborn Trilogy (Era 1)
- The Final Empire
- The Well of Ascension
- The Hero of Ages
Set in a world covered in ash and ruled by an immortal tyrant, this trilogy flips traditional fantasy roles. The story follows a young woman with hidden power and a crew of rebels trying to overthrow the Lord Ruler. These books strike the perfect balance between character and action.
3. Mistborn Era 2 (Set 300 years later)
- The Alloy of Law
- Shadows of Self
- The Bands of Mourning
- The Lost Metal
This second arc blends western-style adventure with urban mystery. Technology advances, but magic hasn’t faded. It’s best read after Era 1 to catch the references and evolution.
4. Warbreaker (2009)
This standalone tale focuses on kingdoms on the brink of war, sisters caught in political turmoil, and magic powered by colors and breaths. Though self-contained, it connects subtly to Sanderson’s larger universe — the Cosmere.
5. The Stormlight Archive
- The Way of Kings
- Words of Radiance
- Edgedancer (novella)
- Oathbringer
- Dawnshard (novella)
- Rhythm of War
This is Sanderson’s most ambitious project. Each entry reaches epic lengths and depth. The Stormlight Archive isn’t a quick read, but fans rank it among the best modern fantasy series. Themes of trauma, leadership, and transformation carry through vast battlefields and complex politics.
6. Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection
This anthology gathers short stories and novellas set across different worlds from the Cosmere. It’s a good companion to his full-length works and adds new layers to existing characters and settings.
7. Skyward Series (Sci-Fi)
- Skyward
- Starsight
- Cytonic
- Defiant
A switch from fantasy, this young adult science fiction series focuses on survival, space dogfights, and identity. It brings fast pacing and a relatable heroine to the front line.
8. The Reckoners Trilogy (Superhero Fantasy)
- Steelheart
- Firefight
- Calamity
In a world where those with powers become tyrants, a team of ordinary people fights back. Action-packed and accessible, this series mixes comic-book vibes with Sanderson’s trademark twists.
Net Worth of Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson’s career success is no accident. With millions of books sold worldwide, contracts with major publishers, and highly anticipated film/TV adaptations in the works, his financial standing continues to climb.
As of recent estimates, Sanderson’s net worth exceeds $30 million. This figure includes:
- Revenue from book sales (domestic and international)
- Royalties from translations in over 30 languages
- Earnings from audiobooks (where he enjoys strong performance)
- Rights sold for screen adaptations
- Kickstarter campaigns
In 2022, Sanderson launched a record-breaking Kickstarter to publish four secret novels. The campaign raised over $41 million, shattering all previous publishing records. It showed the power of direct audience connection and marked a turning point for independent author income.
On top of this, his company, Dragonsteel Entertainment, helps manage merchandising, special editions, and reader events — diversifying his revenue streams even further.
Why His Books Attract Readers Worldwide
Readers appreciate Sanderson for more than just imaginative settings. His consistency, writing pace, and commitment to finishing long-running series help build trust.
Each world brings:
- Fresh magic systems that feel logical
- Characters with deep emotional arcs
- Ethical dilemmas mixed with thrilling plots
- Interwoven universes that reward loyal fans
He also teaches writing at BYU, inspiring the next generation of authors and building a reputation as a mentor, not just a creator.
Books on the Horizon
Sanderson remains a fast writer. Upcoming entries in the Stormlight Archive and new projects teased during his Kickstarter rollout keep fans excited. He’s also working closely with studios to adapt Mistborn and Stormlight into films and TV.
FAQs About Brandon Sanderson Best Books in Order for Reading
-
What book should a new reader start with?
Mistborn: The Final Empire is a great choice. It’s accessible and delivers everything readers love about fantasy.
-
Do the books need to be read in Cosmere order?
Not required. Each series can stand alone, but reading them in order gives a fuller experience of recurring themes and cameos.
-
Is Brandon Sanderson self-published?
Mostly traditionally published, but he also self-publishes select works through Dragonsteel Entertainment, especially special editions and Kickstarter-funded projects.
-
Are his books suitable for teens?
Yes. While complex, his content is generally clean. Skyward and The Reckoners are particularly teen-friendly.
-
What’s his next big release?
The fifth book of the Stormlight Archive is highly anticipated and expected to be released soon, based on his public writing schedule.
Brandon Sanderson continues to shape modern fantasy through powerful storytelling and a loyal reader base. His net worth and catalog reflect not just volume, but quality and vision. For those seeking a long journey across worlds, Sanderson’s shelves are ready.
