If you’re a fan of epic fantasy novels, you’ve probably heard of The Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson. This series is set in the Cosmere universe and tells the story of Roshar, a world of stone and storms. The series is planned to consist of ten novels, with four published novels and two novellas as of 2023 and a fifth novel set to release in December 2024.
If you’re new to the series, you might be wondering what the series is all about and what order to read the books in. The first novel, The Way of Kings, was published in 2010, and the most recent novel, Rhythm of War, was published in 2020.
However, the order in which you read the books can significantly impact your understanding and enjoyment of the series, especially when there are novellas to read.
It’s important to note that the Stormlight Archive series is part of a larger Cosmere universe, so there are connections and references to other books and series within the universe. However, it’s completely fine to read the books in the series before you explore other books by the author set in the same shared universe!
Beginner’s Guide to The Stormlight Archive Series:
If you are new to The Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson, you may be wondering where to start and in what order to read the books. Here is a beginner’s guide to help you get started.
Brandon Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archive series is a 10-part book series, out of which 4 books have been published, and a fifth one is coming out this year. Each of these books is over 1000 pages long, and they are still unputdownable.
As per the author, this 10-part series will be divided into 2 arcs, with the first 5 books featuring the first arc and the following 5 books showcasing the second arc. The author will start working on the second half after Mistborn Era 3 books are released.
The Stormlight Archive series is set in the world of Roshar, a land of storms and wars. The story follows several main characters, each with their own struggles. The series is known for its intricate world-building, unique magic system, and epic battles.
The first book in the series is The Way of Kings. It introduces the main characters and sets the stage for the rest of the series, giving a glimpse of the plot, the rich history, and the deep lore, and how the past affects the present and will have an impact on the future, too.
The main characters in the series include Kaladin, a former soldier turned slave who discovers he has unique powers; Shallan, a young woman with a traumatic past who studies to become a scholar and possesses the ability to create illusions; and Dalinar, a highprince who is struggling to hold his kingdom together in the face of betrayal and war.
The villains in the series are complex and multifaceted, with their own motivations and goals. They include the Parshendi, a race of humanoid creatures at war with the human kingdoms, and the Voidbringers, ancient beings who threaten to destroy the world of Roshar.
The Stormlight Archive series is part of Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere, a shared universe that includes several of his other series. While each series can be read independently, they are connected and share a common mythology and history. This adds an extra layer of depth and richness to the world of The Stormlight Archive and makes it a must-read for fans of epic fantasy.
How to Read The Stormlight Archive Series in Order?
The Stormlight Archive series is part of Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere, a shared universe for most of his adult fantasy books. While each series in the Cosmere can be read independently, they are all connected in some way.
To get the most out of The Stormlight Archive, we recommend reading the books in the following order:
All The Stormlight Archive Books in Order:
1. The Way of Kings
From the blurb:
“I long for the days before the Last Desolation.
The age before the Heralds abandoned us and the Knights Radiant turned against us. A time when there was still magic in the world and honor in the hearts of men.
The world became ours, and we lost it. Nothing, it appears, is more challenging to the souls of men than victory itself.
There are four whom we watch. The first is the surgeon, forced to put aside healing to become a soldier in the most brutal war of our time. The second is the assassin, a murderer who weeps as he kills. The third is the liar, a young woman who wears a scholar’s mantle over the heart of a thief. The last is the highprince, a warlord whose eyes have opened to the past as his thirst for battle wanes.
The world can change. Surgebinding and Shardwielding can return; the magics of ancient days can become ours again. These four people are key.
One of them may redeem us.
And one of them will destroy us.”
2. Words of Radiance
From the blurb:
“The Knights Radiant must stand again.
The ancient oaths have at last been spoken; the spren return. Men seek what was lost; I fear the quest will destroy them.
It is the nature of the magic. A broken soul has cracks into which something else can be fit. Surgebindings, the powers of creation themselves; they can brace a broken soul, but they can also widen its fissures.
The Windrunner is lost in a shattered land, balanced upon the boundary between vengeance and honor. The Lightweaver, slowly being consumed by her past, searches for the list that she must become. The Bondsmith, born in blood and death, now strives to rebuild what was destroyed. The Explorer, straddling the fates of two peoples, is forced to choose between slow death and a terrible betrayal of all she believes.
It is past time for them to awaken, for the Everstorm looms.
And the Assassin has arrived.”
2.5. Edgedancer
From the blurb:
“Three years ago, Lift asked a goddess to stop her from growing older–a wish she believed was granted. Now, in Edgedancer, the barely teenage nascent Knight Radiant finds that time stands still for no one.
Although the young Azish emperor granted her safe haven from an executioner she knows only as Darkness, court life is suffocating the free-spirited Lift, who can’t help heading to Yeddaw when she hears the relentless Darkness is there hunting people like her with budding powers.
The downtrodden in Yeddaw have no champion, and Lift knows she must seize this awesome responsibility.”
3. Oathbringer
From the blurb:
“A new storm has come.
Ash and red lightning sweep the land, awakening our ancient enemies. The Unmade – shadows of the Enemy’s soul – stir, while the eyes of men open. This was is not, and never was, what they thought it to be.
We may soon hold Surges again, for Radiance has returned to some and shines toward others. The Captain, broken by loss, seeks reconciliation. The Spy, broken by cruelty, seeks completion. The Stonewalker, broken by oaths, seeks truth. The Traitor, broken by ambition, seeks freedom.
And finally the King. Broken by war, he seeks the past. That which was abandoned. That which he must not know.
For those secrets will crush him as they did the knights who came before.”
3.5. Dawnshard
From the blurb:
“When a ghost ship is discovered, its crew presumed dead after trying to reach the storm-shrouded island Akina, Navani Kholin must send an expedition to make sure the island hasn’t fallen into enemy hands. Knights Radiant who fly too near find their Stormlight suddenly drained, so the voyage must be by sea.
Shipowner Rysn Ftori lost the use of her legs but gained the companionship of Chiri-Chiri, a Stormlight-ingesting winged larkin, a species once thought extinct. Now Rysn’s pet is ill, and any hope for Chiri-Chiri’s recovery can be found only at the ancestral home of the larkin: Akinah.
With the help of Lopen, the formerly one-armed Windrunner, Rysn must accept Navani’s quest and sail into the perilous storm from which no one has returned alive.
If the crew cannot uncover the secrets of the hidden island city before the wrath of its ancient guardians falls upon them, the fate of Roshar and the entire Cosmere hangs in the balance.”
4. Rhythm of War
From the blurb:
“There are secrets we have kept for so long. Watching. Sleepless. Eternal. And soon, they will no longer be ours.
The One Who is Three seeks the captured soul, but does not know it. The imprisoned spren, so long ago forgotten. Can she free her own soul in time to find knowledge? The knowledge that damns all people of Roshar?
The Fallen Soldier caresses and loves the spear, even as it gouges his own flesh. He steps ever forward, ever into the darkness, without light. He can bring none with him, but that which he can kindle himself.
The Broken Sister sees her mistakes, and thinks she is one herself. She seems so far from her ancestors, but does not realize they carry her upon their soldiers. Toward victory, and toward that most important silence.
And the Mother of Machines, most important of them all, dances with liars at a grand ball. She must unmask them, find their hidden truths, and present them to the world. She must admit that the worst lies have been the ones she tells herself.
If she does, our secrets will finally become truths instead.”
About the Author, Brandon Sanderson:
Brandon Sanderson is an American author of fantasy and science fiction. He was born in 1975 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Sanderson is a prolific writer, having published over 30 novels and novellas. He is best known for his work on the Cosmere universe, a series of interconnected novels and stories that take place in a shared universe.
Sanderson’s writing career began in earnest in 2005 when he published his debut novel, “Elantris.” The book was well-received by critics and readers alike, and it helped establish Sanderson as a rising star in the fantasy genre. Since then, Sanderson has published several other fiction series, including the Mistborn series, The Stormlight Archive series, The Reckoners series, the Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series, and more.
However, Sanderson’s most famous work is undoubtedly The Stormlight Archive series. The series is planned to consist of ten novels, with four published novels and two novellas as of 2024.
Sanderson is known for his intricate world-building, detailed magic systems, and complex characters. He is also known for his prolific writing speed, often publishing multiple books in a year.
Apart from working on multiple projects, he is also quite active on social media, giving fans updates on his personal and professional life and sharing updates on his upcoming books. He also frequently interacts with his fans on social media and at conventions.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have reached the end of our beginner’s guide to The Stormlight Archive series. We hope you found this guide helpful in navigating the complex world of Roshar and the Cosmere universe.
By following the suggested reading order, you can fully immerse yourself in the world of the Stormlight Archive and enjoy the series to its fullest potential. Remember to take your time and savor each book, as they are all masterfully crafted and full of intricate details.
If you are a fan of epic fantasy novels, then The Stormlight Archive is a must-read series. The worldbuilding, character development, and intricate plotlines will keep you engaged from start to finish. Plus, with the upcoming release of Book 5, now is the perfect time to dive into the series and catch up before the next installment.
So, pick up the first book and start reading The Stormlight Archive series in order to get ready for the upcoming book, which will be released later this year!
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