I'd say if you're someone who who knows you're into massive sprawling epic fantasy series, don't hesitate about just jumping in with Stormlight Archive as a starting point. I had several false starts with mistborn and it was never quite what I was looking for at the time, but now having read Stormlight and understanding what Sando can do I fully intend to go back and read it. As for warbreaker, by the end of the book I honestly hated it, I can honestly not understand why people always reccomend it as a starting point because I know if I started with it I would never have even considered trying Stormlight.
I always wanted to try his books and this summer I finally started with The Way of Kings. And it was *chef kiss* since I had a week long off-the-grid vacation I finished the book in just one week. The characters, plot, magic system, writing style... *another chef kiss*
a small correction: the books don't all take place in the same solar system! the cosmere is a shared universe, so each story is set on its own planet in its own solar system.
Non-native English speaker here. I tend to read English books because it's one of the very few ways in which I get to practice the language. I am currently reading Mistborn, which I like, but thank you for pointing out that Warbreaker is available for free! Here in Italy finding English books is a huge pain in the ass. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Perfect timing! I’m halfway through my first Brandon Sanderson book, Mistborn book 1, The Final Empire! So excited to embark on this Brandon Sanderson journey!
My most favourite Sanderson till now is one of his novella, The Emperor's Soul (haven't read Stormlight yet). I also think it's the best starting point for a beginner.
The stormlight archive is soooo good! The characters change so much during the series and I have a different favorite character for each book. Great video btw
I would agree with the whole “don’t start with Mistborn thing. Also, Sazed is in all 3 books of the trilogy and shows up briefly in at least the first 3 alloy of law books (i haven’t read the 4th yet but I assume he shows up there too)
i wanted to read something by sanderson for a while but never knew where to start / was too overwhelmed by all of his very long books and then i got recommended THE EMPEROR'S SOUL. it's just a novella but i thought it was a great introduction into what everyone tells you is so great about him. i read it in under four hours and really enjoyed everything about it! it also made me more confident to pick up THE FINAL EMPIRE soon.
I think your recommendations are right. I haven't read Elantris, but I think Warbreaker is a good first Sanderson book for the reasons you mentioned. If you're read a lot of fantasy, I think Mistborn is also a good way to go. It's highly regarded and is a must read in the fantasy genre. Skyward series is just a good Sci-Fi series. While it's YA, Sanderson doesn't dumb down his plots or worldbuilding just because it is YA, so it works for me. I also agree with you about Stormlight Archive. That series is unpredictable and I love it. I've also only read up to book 2 and I think all of the characters are fantastic minus a few. But there are a zillion characters in that series. The character work in that series is beyond impressive.
Really feeling the "I'll find you and attack you with a spoon" 😂😂😂 thank you for this, I started with mistborn and feel a bit stuck half way through, I am not an adult fantasy reader, so I think I'll try warbreaker and return to mistborn after.
Honestly, Mistborn is great, but it's hard to get through. I could not stop reading only when I got to the ending. I love how everything is connected, I love the shocking endings, but it wasn't the easiest read for me. Song of Ice and Fire was a looot easier for me to get in to, and those are huge books compared to Mistborn. I'm really excited to read Stormlight though, it's waiting for me in my bookshelf already, hopefully I'll get to it this year :D
I just started Brandy Sandy, thanks to you, and even though I'm only on page 200 I'm so glad I made that decision! Like Kaladin...I- needs a 💫hug💫 and I Shallan is my spirit animal!
Wow, you've read so many of them, fantastic job summing everything up! I recommend Skyward all the time, especially to people who are somewhat new to SF. I also like to recommend Warbreaker, which I also preferred to The Final Empire. I'm definitely interested in getting into Stormlight, but it just seems like such a huge commitment and my TBR shelf isn't going to read itself, haha..
I was trying to wait until I had read them all before doing this video… hard to keep up with him since he’s publishing so many books all the time lol SA is really intimidating but since it’s still ongoing it’s okay to wait until you’re ready. It’s totally worth it and once you start you won’t be able to stop!
I'm glad you said that. I didn't know that The Stormlight Archive is being released as two 5 book series. I was going to wait a long time to start because of this.
Oathbringer (Stormlight Archive #3) is my favorite of Sanderson's books, but for someone new to Sanderson, I'd either recommend: 1. Elantris - to anyone who doesn't like super violent fantasy. It's really kind of a remarkable book, the way it's full of magic and excitement, but very little FIGHTING. The "action" is largely in dialogue and relationships, and I think it would be a great entry point for someone not very interested in quests and swords and battles (I'm thinking of people like my mom who thinks of fantasy as Lord of the Rings or Conan the Barbarian and who isn't interested in either) 2. Mistborn - to anyone who DOES like violent fantasy. The fighting in Mistborn is so meticulously-thought-through and thrilling and intense, that if you like fantasy, and you like action, you will love Mistborn.
I have started Skyward, my first book by him and am enjoying it. I get that people find the main character annoying however taking into consideration her age and the fact it's a YA novel it's not bothering me all too much! I don't normally read SF but if I enjoy Skyward I will defo read more by him. Thanks so much for this review, super helpful!!! ☺️
I picked up Warbreaker this summer based on your (and a few other booktubers) recommendations and I loved it. Have been wanting to add more of his works to my TBR.
Also read Warbreaker which was my first adult fantasy and it was so good!! And his endings!! I stayed up last night because I reached the climax of Starsight and wow…
Thanks for making this video. I have always wanted to read Sanderson, especially after watching his writing classes. I never knew where to start. You’re the best.
I read Warbreaker and loved it. DNF’d Elantris. Loved the first book of the Mistborn series but now I am struggling with book two but your review reminded me not to give up! I do love Sazed so I’ll keep going for him !!
Thanks for this video. My oldest son is a book lover and he's turning 27 soon, so I bought books 1-3 of, Way Of The Kings. The magic systems is right up his alley 😁
ive read warbreaker and steelheart so far. loved both! both 5 stars for me. i thought steelheart was the perfect speed, not a dull moment in the book. loved it! and warbreaker is just *cheffs kiss*. i think i have way of kings so planning to read that next!
I have only read the first book of the second Mistborn trilogy but I loved it, basically because I, personally, had never read a fantasy book that was also a western. That appealed to me A LOT, so it had already won over me with that. But also, since there's been the three previous books, it's all fun. The lore is already there, you know how the world works, it's time to play!
I followed your recommendation and started with Warbreaker and loved it! Yay! Am already looking forward to reading more by him I came back to this video to figure out what to read next, probably Way of Kings, I suppose 🤔 or Elantris, or the Final Empire... hmm.. Edit: does any other book by him use the color magic system?
I am reading Mistborn Era 2 right now and I scrolled through your videos to see if you had comments - I feel like Marasi is such a great feminist I was curious if you had comments on her. She has such intelligence that reminds me of our beloved Sazed and despite her blushing awkwardness, I love her holding her own and adding SO much value!
I think that the Mistborn trilogy is a good starting point for fans of fantasy in general. I recommended it to someone who hasn't read anything since the Harry Potter series got released and he devoured the books. It could be differ from person to person.
I personally still recommend starting with The Final Empire, just because I think his magic systems are one of his major strengths and Mistborn exploits the magic system early one (in contrast with most of his other series). I try to minimise the intimidation factor by saying you could see the first book as a standalone if you wanted to.
I loved this video! I completely agree with your order too. Whenever a friend asks me where to start with Brandon Sanderson I ALWAYS tell them Warbreaker. I usually say to save Stormlight Archives for last because it can be a lot to take in for someone new to Brandon Sanderson, and I don't want to scare them off. And yes... my reaction to that last chapter of Words of Radiance was pretty much exactly yours. I was reading it late at night and said, "OMG WHAT?!" out loud and scared my husband awake 😂
I love this guy's books soo much..... I constantly feel I should read other books but i cant help re-read all of his books again and again😂😂 most of my favorite characters are from Brandon's books!
Im surprised to say i think i overall enjoyed skyward series more than any other series!! But i havent read stormlight archives yet. Also emily! U gotta read rest of reckoners series before u knock it. The story fleshes out much more and i think u will like it more when u get to the end.
I think with Sanderson the main question is, do you care enough about cosmere stuff to put in the work to find and figure stuff out? If the answer is not, then go right ahead and just read whichever stand alone/novella/series/trilogy comes to mind. If the answer is yes however then best way to go about it is separating cosmere from non cosmere books. Non-cosmere would be things like Snapshot, Rithmatist, Evil Librarians, Legion and Skyward (btw there is a novella that kind of gives rise to the Skyward quartet, it's in same world and way before Skyward stuff happened. Related but not needed just a cool tidbit extra). Pretty much everything else is Cosmere related. Before RoW came out, I would have said none of it was really needed and technically it's still not needed to appreciate the books as is, but man you'd be missing soo much undertext. This mostly applies to Stormlight Archives though, the only thing the rest of the books have in common with each other is the appearance of Hoid in some form or another. Now if you want to get into Stormlight and learn how everything is tying together with the rest of the cosmere which after RoW I feel like you'd be doing a disservice to the genius that this whole venture is, then you basically need to have read Elantris, Warbreaker, Mistborn first trilogy and at the very least Sixth of the Dusk novella (White Sands is also part of Cosmere but hasn't had as much of an impact as everything else) before ever getting to RoW. Reading order of that before getting to RoW is up to you, just make sure it's all read before RoW. I do recommend reading Warbreaker before WoR though.
Not me who’s almost read all of Sanderson’s published works watching a beginners guide video 😅 was curious as to which one you’d recommend to start with. The Reckoners are my least faves, curious where he’ll go with Starsight too as am not big on YA. I agree on starting with Warbreaker tho I did start with Mistborn myself. I also ambitiously want to reread all of mistborn before book 4. We’ll see if that happens.
I do recommend starting with the same standalones, the Reckoner series gets better if maudlin, and I too was meh about the Wax and Wayne second Mistborn series but he killed me with the ending of the second and I’m now all in. I’m planning on starting Wheel of Time which he ended for Jordan, should be fun. Sanderson has said he is interested in mental illness because of life circumstances, I think that is coming through more and more. I loved The Original audiobook personally, hoping he and Robinette continue.
I’ve only read Skyward by him and I’m hoping to pick up book 2 and 3 after 3 comes out to binge them. And now that you’ve said the Stormlight Archive series is going to be split into the two series of five books, I might pick up 1-4 to binge during the second half of 2022/into 2023 in preparation for book 5. Which is a pretty daunting task I’ve given myself considering I can barely read a 300 page book in a single month right now 😅
Hi from Montréal ! I just started reading “The Way of Kings” and it’s my first Brandon Sanderson book. I laughed so hard when you said “I will find you and attack you with a spoon” 😂🤣😆
I started with The Rithmatist years ago and I don't remember a single thing about it lol. I recently bought the 1st book from the Mistborn trilogy though. I'm much more excited about that series!
Every time you, Elliot Brookes, or Peruse Projects brings up Stormlight Archives I feel guilty, because I haven't picked it up again. I love it,, but I have so many books and it's a big commitment. LOL I need to get back to Way of Kings before I find myself finally picking up again years later.
I loved Legion. I would definitely love to see more from that particular series. I also read Skyward and loved it. I've got a few others on my tbr. I want to read Mistborn next I think. I haven't read Warbreaker but I'm putting it on my list.
Juste comme j'attendais ce vidéo, ma collègue a commencé à lire The stormlight archives... Révélation!!! Except that I'm just like you... Don't want to wait. Adding a lot to my Goodreads. ❤️
I do actually prefer Mistborn Era 2 to the first! I find Wax and Wayne more entertaining as characters, and I think it feels more unique to be being flintlock fantasy rather than generic medieval-high fantasy I definitely do like the lower stakes though - I like that they are shorter books and generally more fun, with no massive world-ending plots looming though from what I've heard, I'm definitely in the minority!
I know this is an unpopular opinion, but I didn't really like Elantris. It was far, far too slow. I knew where we were going by halfway through the first chapter, and that was depressing. I was halfway through the book before I finally realized that the twist I saw coming was actually the only one we'd get. I kept waiting for him to spit it out so we could get on to the next twist (the "real twist," I suppose). It never happened, so the second half was a real slog. I'm very stubborn (probably stupidly), so I made myself finish it, but I have to admit that I was skimming by the end. Also, Warbreaker was too slow as well, but not as bad as Elantris. I enjoyed both storylines, but I couldn't handle the pacing and execution. I enjoyed the first Mistborn series, and am currently enjoying Stormlight Archive, so he obviously improved his execution of storylines. Yay!
I started with his Reckoner's series because it's his least liked. It seemed less intimidating to read that one first. Then I started Mistborn, I've been reading them through my library so it's taking me a while because I have to wait for my holds to come in. They're ebooks, so it's automatically delivered to my kindle.
Great review...very indepth! This was like reading the manual but more fun :) Do people even read manuals anymore though...lol. Great job on your video :)
I have 3 Brandon Sanderson books not including his wheel of time books and I am so scared I won't like him so I just havent read him. I think this video might make me finally pick one up.
my first book was elantris and while it was okay i feel like the ending was too easy my second one was the way of kings and it was so good i'm so excited to read the second one but i just finished warbreaker which i really enjoyed although again i feel like the ending was a bit too easy
A little late, so not sure if you'll see this comment, but wasn't sure you were aware that Skyward is getting three novellas this fall, the first Sunreach being released tomorrow, 9-28. They follow the points of view of Skyward flight, the first being FM. They are concurrent with the events of Cytonic, but are meant to be read in a specific order based on the release date. So they recommend reading the first two novellas, then Cytonic, then the last novella. That's a lot of commitment and may be difficult to get the novellas from the library, but figured I'd let you know.
IMO Steelheart is a PG version of the Amazon show The Boys. I am a comic book fan boy so for me it was a good series. After saying that the Storm light is the best. I have been reading Sci-fi for 30+ years almost daily and I only ever stopped to re-read a chapter because it was so good once. That was when Dalinar traded his sword. I am being vague on purpose. I am much older now and that could have an effect on it, but I enjoyed reading the Storm light series more then I enjoyed LOR or DUNE. I am not saying they are better or more important but for me they were more entertaining for me.
Kaladin, Shalan and Dalinar are the 3 main chars in stormlight or am I wrong and missed the 4th one? I mean its been 3 jears sins I read it so I am not sure...
I just bought the mistborn trilogy and am a little nervous because I’m not a huge fantasy reader. Wish I had seen this before I bought them! 😅 wish me luck
I tried reading mistborn but wasn't connecting with the story, but I just bought skyward, sci-fi is more my thing than fantasy so high expectation... 🤞
I started with Stormlight archives books 1-4 and then went to Mistborn era 1. I won't continue era 2 but i would like to ask if those who read Skyward books liked it
Hot take. I really like your US editions, especially Elantris and Way of Kings. They look so !fantasy! and are distinguishable. UK editions are all looking the same. Beautiful and pretty to look at on your bookshelf, but I like the vibes the US editions give. Except Skyward. F that American cover. 🤣
Hi Emily! English is my second language, how would you say Sanderson's writing is (complicated/not)? I read a lot in English, sci-fi is definitely too complicated too me but other genres are usually okay...
I don't know how the magic works in the western, but I'm going to guess it's probably not a good idea to shoot regular bullets at someone that gets magical powers from ingesting metal. If that guess is correct then the author better have had a character find out about their powers by trying to shoot themself.
im not a big fan of his work. i did try the final empire and couldn't get into it. the same with the way of kings. I didn't like the plots and found the characters pretty boring. I"m hoping to find a work of his i'll like so i might try War Breaker. that sounds more interesting to me.
Finally, thank you 😊 I have wanted to start his books for such a long time but I am so intimidated since fantasy is not a genre I have read a lot of. Can’t wait to start with this author
He is one of my favorite authors. I started with Elantris and I loved it, read the Mistborn Trilogy and now I just pick up everything he writes. Except the Steelheart series lol those ones just didn’t interest me.
One thing I will say is don’t read his books until you’re absolutely certain in your ability to read in English.. i started Warbreaker when I was 17 cuz I thought I was ready for high fantasy.. I was not :’c but maybe now at 21 I am
I know I'm in the minority but I really disliked Skyward and dropped the series but absolutely loved Steelheart and the rest of the series. Steelheart was actually my way ínto Sanderson works and now I'm currently reading my way through the Cosmere.
What's your favorite BS's book?
Words of Radiance!
The final empire
Words of Radiance so far. I still need to read Oathbringer and Rhythm of War.
Warbreaker!
Bands of Mourning
Love me some Brandy Sandy :D
You know it Em
I'd say if you're someone who who knows you're into massive sprawling epic fantasy series, don't hesitate about just jumping in with Stormlight Archive as a starting point. I had several false starts with mistborn and it was never quite what I was looking for at the time, but now having read Stormlight and understanding what Sando can do I fully intend to go back and read it. As for warbreaker, by the end of the book I honestly hated it, I can honestly not understand why people always reccomend it as a starting point because I know if I started with it I would never have even considered trying Stormlight.
I always wanted to try his books and this summer I finally started with The Way of Kings. And it was *chef kiss* since I had a week long off-the-grid vacation I finished the book in just one week. The characters, plot, magic system, writing style... *another chef kiss*
a small correction: the books don't all take place in the same solar system! the cosmere is a shared universe, so each story is set on its own planet in its own solar system.
nerd
@@groovzen618 Filthy Casual
I started with Elantris and fell in love. It is a bit complicated at first but it is better than Warbreaker imo. Not a bad way to start.
Boooooooooo.... BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Same here that was my first book and now im looking to try another one of his the spaceship one looks interesting.
Also liked Elantris more than Warbreaker.
Non-native English speaker here. I tend to read English books because it's one of the very few ways in which I get to practice the language. I am currently reading Mistborn, which I like, but thank you for pointing out that Warbreaker is available for free! Here in Italy finding English books is a huge pain in the ass. Thanks and keep up the good work!
I would recommend starting with Warbreaker if you want to transition from YA to Adult fantasy
Perfect timing! I’m halfway through my first Brandon Sanderson book, Mistborn book 1, The Final Empire! So excited to embark on this Brandon Sanderson journey!
My most favourite Sanderson till now is one of his novella, The Emperor's Soul (haven't read Stormlight yet).
I also think it's the best starting point for a beginner.
The stormlight archive is soooo good! The characters change so much during the series and I have a different favorite character for each book. Great video btw
I'm just gonna go create a separate Brandon Sanderson reading challenge out of this. This is so helpful as I've been meaning to read the author.
great idea! will do too!
Bad Idea! Dont do it
I would agree with the whole “don’t start with Mistborn thing. Also, Sazed is in all 3 books of the trilogy and shows up briefly in at least the first 3 alloy of law books (i haven’t read the 4th yet but I assume he shows up there too)
i wanted to read something by sanderson for a while but never knew where to start / was too overwhelmed by all of his very long books and then i got recommended THE EMPEROR'S SOUL. it's just a novella but i thought it was a great introduction into what everyone tells you is so great about him. i read it in under four hours and really enjoyed everything about it! it also made me more confident to pick up THE FINAL EMPIRE soon.
I started with mistborn too. I think it’s a great place to start. I’m really intrigued now by warbreaker so thanks for that recommendation!
I think your recommendations are right. I haven't read Elantris, but I think Warbreaker is a good first Sanderson book for the reasons you mentioned. If you're read a lot of fantasy, I think Mistborn is also a good way to go. It's highly regarded and is a must read in the fantasy genre. Skyward series is just a good Sci-Fi series. While it's YA, Sanderson doesn't dumb down his plots or worldbuilding just because it is YA, so it works for me. I also agree with you about Stormlight Archive. That series is unpredictable and I love it. I've also only read up to book 2 and I think all of the characters are fantastic minus a few. But there are a zillion characters in that series. The character work in that series is beyond impressive.
Really feeling the "I'll find you and attack you with a spoon" 😂😂😂 thank you for this, I started with mistborn and feel a bit stuck half way through, I am not an adult fantasy reader, so I think I'll try warbreaker and return to mistborn after.
Honestly, Mistborn is great, but it's hard to get through. I could not stop reading only when I got to the ending. I love how everything is connected, I love the shocking endings, but it wasn't the easiest read for me. Song of Ice and Fire was a looot easier for me to get in to, and those are huge books compared to Mistborn. I'm really excited to read Stormlight though, it's waiting for me in my bookshelf already, hopefully I'll get to it this year :D
I just started Brandy Sandy, thanks to you, and even though I'm only on page 200 I'm so glad I made that decision!
Like Kaladin...I- needs a 💫hug💫 and I Shallan is my spirit animal!
Wow, you've read so many of them, fantastic job summing everything up! I recommend Skyward all the time, especially to people who are somewhat new to SF. I also like to recommend Warbreaker, which I also preferred to The Final Empire. I'm definitely interested in getting into Stormlight, but it just seems like such a huge commitment and my TBR shelf isn't going to read itself, haha..
I was trying to wait until I had read them all before doing this video… hard to keep up with him since he’s publishing so many books all the time lol
SA is really intimidating but since it’s still ongoing it’s okay to wait until you’re ready. It’s totally worth it and once you start you won’t be able to stop!
@@BookswithEmilyFox I was honestly kind of on the fence about it, but your reaction to Words of Radiance was pretty convincing! lol
I'm glad you said that. I didn't know that The Stormlight Archive is being released as two 5 book series. I was going to wait a long time to start because of this.
Oathbringer (Stormlight Archive #3) is my favorite of Sanderson's books, but for someone new to Sanderson, I'd either recommend:
1. Elantris - to anyone who doesn't like super violent fantasy. It's really kind of a remarkable book, the way it's full of magic and excitement, but very little FIGHTING. The "action" is largely in dialogue and relationships, and I think it would be a great entry point for someone not very interested in quests and swords and battles (I'm thinking of people like my mom who thinks of fantasy as Lord of the Rings or Conan the Barbarian and who isn't interested in either)
2. Mistborn - to anyone who DOES like violent fantasy. The fighting in Mistborn is so meticulously-thought-through and thrilling and intense, that if you like fantasy, and you like action, you will love Mistborn.
I have started Skyward, my first book by him and am enjoying it. I get that people find the main character annoying however taking into consideration her age and the fact it's a YA novel it's not bothering me all too much! I don't normally read SF but if I enjoy Skyward I will defo read more by him. Thanks so much for this review, super helpful!!! ☺️
I picked up Warbreaker this summer based on your (and a few other booktubers) recommendations and I loved it. Have been wanting to add more of his works to my TBR.
Thank you so much for this guide Emily! Just started to read The Way of Kings. Love it.
Loved the Cytonic series so far! Really looking forward to book three that comes out soon.
Omg yes!! I’ve been waiting! I am nearly done with Starsight and bought the first Mistborn trilogy because of you!
Also read Warbreaker which was my first adult fantasy and it was so good!! And his endings!! I stayed up last night because I reached the climax of Starsight and wow…
I started off with Elantris and adored it. I’m surprised that many readers rank it so low among his works. All his other books are currently on my TBR
Thanks for making this video. I have always wanted to read Sanderson, especially after watching his writing classes. I never knew where to start. You’re the best.
I read Warbreaker and loved it. DNF’d Elantris. Loved the first book of the Mistborn series but now I am struggling with book two but your review reminded me not to give up! I do love Sazed so I’ll keep going for him !!
it’s worth it to finish the series do not give up!!! lol
Yeah book two does drag in the middle!
I am planning to start The Stormlight Archive series after I finish with The Wheel of Time series, probably next year. Wish me luck!
Thanks for this video. My oldest son is a book lover and he's turning 27 soon, so I bought books 1-3 of, Way Of The Kings. The magic systems is right up his alley 😁
ive read warbreaker and steelheart so far. loved both! both 5 stars for me. i thought steelheart was the perfect speed, not a dull moment in the book. loved it! and warbreaker is just *cheffs kiss*. i think i have way of kings so planning to read that next!
Excellent.I think now I have the first book to read in 2022 with Warbreaker, then I'll follow with Skyward.
Thank you Emily! :)
Hope you'll love them as much as I did!
I have only read the first book of the second Mistborn trilogy but I loved it, basically because I, personally, had never read a fantasy book that was also a western. That appealed to me A LOT, so it had already won over me with that. But also, since there's been the three previous books, it's all fun. The lore is already there, you know how the world works, it's time to play!
I followed your recommendation and started with Warbreaker and loved it! Yay! Am already looking forward to reading more by him
I came back to this video to figure out what to read next, probably Way of Kings, I suppose 🤔 or Elantris, or the Final Empire... hmm..
Edit: does any other book by him use the color magic system?
No they’re all different. I’d recommend elantris and Mistborn before the way of kings!
@@BookswithEmilyFox Thanks!
I am reading Mistborn Era 2 right now and I scrolled through your videos to see if you had comments - I feel like Marasi is such a great feminist I was curious if you had comments on her. She has such intelligence that reminds me of our beloved Sazed and despite her blushing awkwardness, I love her holding her own and adding SO much value!
I think that the Mistborn trilogy is a good starting point for fans of fantasy in general. I recommended it to someone who hasn't read anything since the Harry Potter series got released and he devoured the books. It could be differ from person to person.
I personally still recommend starting with The Final Empire, just because I think his magic systems are one of his major strengths and Mistborn exploits the magic system early one (in contrast with most of his other series). I try to minimise the intimidation factor by saying you could see the first book as a standalone if you wanted to.
Warbreaker is where I think I'm going to start Sanderson beyond some Mistborn. I just wish it had a better cover 😭
The UK is a bit better but yes... the covers I have aren't the most aesthetically pleasing ones XD
@@BookswithEmilyFox I did comment too early. The UK version is significantly better.
The original US paperback covers are cool.
I loved this video!
I completely agree with your order too. Whenever a friend asks me where to start with Brandon Sanderson I ALWAYS tell them Warbreaker. I usually say to save Stormlight Archives for last because it can be a lot to take in for someone new to Brandon Sanderson, and I don't want to scare them off. And yes... my reaction to that last chapter of Words of Radiance was pretty much exactly yours. I was reading it late at night and said, "OMG WHAT?!" out loud and scared my husband awake 😂
SPOILER
I was so happy he got killed but I didn’t expect it to happen so early and by Adolin too!
I love this guy's books soo much..... I constantly feel I should read other books but i cant help re-read all of his books again and again😂😂 most of my favorite characters are from Brandon's books!
Im surprised to say i think i overall enjoyed skyward series more than any other series!! But i havent read stormlight archives yet.
Also emily! U gotta read rest of reckoners series before u knock it. The story fleshes out much more and i think u will like it more when u get to the end.
I think with Sanderson the main question is, do you care enough about cosmere stuff to put in the work to find and figure stuff out? If the answer is not, then go right ahead and just read whichever stand alone/novella/series/trilogy comes to mind. If the answer is yes however then best way to go about it is separating cosmere from non cosmere books.
Non-cosmere would be things like Snapshot, Rithmatist, Evil Librarians, Legion and Skyward (btw there is a novella that kind of gives rise to the Skyward quartet, it's in same world and way before Skyward stuff happened. Related but not needed just a cool tidbit extra). Pretty much everything else is Cosmere related. Before RoW came out, I would have said none of it was really needed and technically it's still not needed to appreciate the books as is, but man you'd be missing soo much undertext. This mostly applies to Stormlight Archives though, the only thing the rest of the books have in common with each other is the appearance of Hoid in some form or another.
Now if you want to get into Stormlight and learn how everything is tying together with the rest of the cosmere which after RoW I feel like you'd be doing a disservice to the genius that this whole venture is, then you basically need to have read Elantris, Warbreaker, Mistborn first trilogy and at the very least Sixth of the Dusk novella (White Sands is also part of Cosmere but hasn't had as much of an impact as everything else) before ever getting to RoW. Reading order of that before getting to RoW is up to you, just make sure it's all read before RoW. I do recommend reading Warbreaker before WoR though.
Not me who’s almost read all of Sanderson’s published works watching a beginners guide video 😅 was curious as to which one you’d recommend to start with. The Reckoners are my least faves, curious where he’ll go with Starsight too as am not big on YA. I agree on starting with Warbreaker tho I did start with Mistborn myself. I also ambitiously want to reread all of mistborn before book 4. We’ll see if that happens.
I do recommend starting with the same standalones, the Reckoner series gets better if maudlin, and I too was meh about the Wax and Wayne second Mistborn series but he killed me with the ending of the second and I’m now all in. I’m planning on starting Wheel of Time which he ended for Jordan, should be fun. Sanderson has said he is interested in mental illness because of life circumstances, I think that is coming through more and more. I loved The Original audiobook personally, hoping he and Robinette continue.
I’ve only read Skyward by him and I’m hoping to pick up book 2 and 3 after 3 comes out to binge them. And now that you’ve said the Stormlight Archive series is going to be split into the two series of five books, I might pick up 1-4 to binge during the second half of 2022/into 2023 in preparation for book 5. Which is a pretty daunting task I’ve given myself considering I can barely read a 300 page book in a single month right now 😅
Hi from Montréal !
I just started reading “The Way of Kings” and it’s my first Brandon Sanderson book.
I laughed so hard when you said “I will find you and attack you with a spoon” 😂🤣😆
I started with The Rithmatist years ago and I don't remember a single thing about it lol. I recently bought the 1st book from the Mistborn trilogy though. I'm much more excited about that series!
Omg i found you back! I just to follow your beauty channel only to find this channel. And fantasy! 🥳
Every time you, Elliot Brookes, or Peruse Projects brings up Stormlight Archives I feel guilty, because I haven't picked it up again. I love it,, but I have so many books and it's a big commitment. LOL I need to get back to Way of Kings before I find myself finally picking up again years later.
I loved Legion. I would definitely love to see more from that particular series. I also read Skyward and loved it. I've got a few others on my tbr. I want to read Mistborn next I think. I haven't read Warbreaker but I'm putting it on my list.
I just started the Mistborn Trilogy thanks to you. I look forward to reading many many more of your recommendations.
Juste comme j'attendais ce vidéo, ma collègue a commencé à lire The stormlight archives... Révélation!!!
Except that I'm just like you... Don't want to wait.
Adding a lot to my Goodreads. ❤️
Great video. I love this video. I only read Elantris and definitely need to keep going.
I do actually prefer Mistborn Era 2 to the first!
I find Wax and Wayne more entertaining as characters, and I think it feels more unique to be being flintlock fantasy rather than generic medieval-high fantasy
I definitely do like the lower stakes though - I like that they are shorter books and generally more fun, with no massive world-ending plots looming
though from what I've heard, I'm definitely in the minority!
I am new to Brandon Sanderson. I'm starting with the Starlight Archives. I am halfway through Oathbringer. (!!!!!!!)
My friends are bugging me to read these, I will soon! Love the video
How do you decide buying hard cover or paperback?
I know this is an unpopular opinion, but I didn't really like Elantris. It was far, far too slow. I knew where we were going by halfway through the first chapter, and that was depressing. I was halfway through the book before I finally realized that the twist I saw coming was actually the only one we'd get. I kept waiting for him to spit it out so we could get on to the next twist (the "real twist," I suppose). It never happened, so the second half was a real slog. I'm very stubborn (probably stupidly), so I made myself finish it, but I have to admit that I was skimming by the end.
Also, Warbreaker was too slow as well, but not as bad as Elantris. I enjoyed both storylines, but I couldn't handle the pacing and execution. I enjoyed the first Mistborn series, and am currently enjoying Stormlight Archive, so he obviously improved his execution of storylines. Yay!
I am currently reading the Stormlight Archives, which I read on the internet was a good series to start with when it comes to Brandon Sanderson books.
It's definitely not a bad way, it can just be overwhelming for people that aren't used to big fantasy series!
Just finished Sword of kaigen. One of my favorite books now.
I listened to the emperor's soul on. Graphic audio. And it's the best thing I've ever listened to
Who else was reading Brandon Sanderson when they got the notification for this video 😂
Yay the usual intro music is back! Could you please do a video on fantasy books for beginners? (light/urban fantasy).
I started with his Reckoner's series because it's his least liked. It seemed less intimidating to read that one first. Then I started Mistborn, I've been reading them through my library so it's taking me a while because I have to wait for my holds to come in. They're ebooks, so it's automatically delivered to my kindle.
Great review...very indepth! This was like reading the manual but more fun :) Do people even read manuals anymore though...lol. Great job on your video :)
Really pretty editions!
I walked away from this review remembering "Pew Pew!..Cowboys" 😊
I have 3 Brandon Sanderson books not including his wheel of time books and I am so scared I won't like him so I just havent read him. I think this video might make me finally pick one up.
On the bright side he has a few different things going so if you don’t like certain books there’s still a chance you’ll enjoy others :)
My brother raved recently to me about his books so this was really timely!!!
Hi Emily! I want to read "Warbreaker"! 🤓🥰 KISSES FROM SPAIN! 😜 THANKS FOR YOUR VIDEOS, I LOVE THEM! 📚📖💜
my first book was elantris and while it was okay i feel like the ending was too easy
my second one was the way of kings and it was so good i'm so excited to read the second one
but i just finished warbreaker which i really enjoyed although again i feel like the ending was a bit too easy
A little late, so not sure if you'll see this comment, but wasn't sure you were aware that Skyward is getting three novellas this fall, the first Sunreach being released tomorrow, 9-28. They follow the points of view of Skyward flight, the first being FM. They are concurrent with the events of Cytonic, but are meant to be read in a specific order based on the release date. So they recommend reading the first two novellas, then Cytonic, then the last novella. That's a lot of commitment and may be difficult to get the novellas from the library, but figured I'd let you know.
Thanks for letting me know! I knew about the novella online but not these ones!
IMO Steelheart is a PG version of the Amazon show The Boys. I am a comic book fan boy so for me it was a good series. After saying that the Storm light is the best. I have been reading Sci-fi for 30+ years almost daily and I only ever stopped to re-read a chapter because it was so good once. That was when Dalinar traded his sword. I am being vague on purpose. I am much older now and that could have an effect on it, but I enjoyed reading the Storm light series more then I enjoyed LOR or DUNE. I am not saying they are better or more important but for me they were more entertaining for me.
Kaladin, Shalan and Dalinar are the 3 main chars in stormlight or am I wrong and missed the 4th one?
I mean its been 3 jears sins I read it so I am not sure...
I just bought the mistborn trilogy and am a little nervous because I’m not a huge fantasy reader. Wish I had seen this before I bought them! 😅 wish me luck
I tried reading mistborn but wasn't connecting with the story, but I just bought skyward, sci-fi is more my thing than fantasy so high expectation... 🤞
Hi l have a question about the book Legion- is the TV series with the same name based on this book?
I started with Mistborn and loved it! Then I tried Warbreaker and didn't like it as much. Sometime I'll get around to starting Alloy of Law
I enjoyed Alloy of Law even more than original Mistborn trylogy!
I started with Stormlight archives books 1-4 and then went to Mistborn era 1. I won't continue era 2 but i would like to ask if those who read Skyward books liked it
The books where my starting point with Sanderson. I really enjoyed them.
You should read the emperor's soul. It's so good.
So, am I right to assume that the arithmatist is the only one that wouldn't work as an audiobook because of the drawings ?
yaaay the butterfly music is back
Damn..... i was waiting for this video for ever.... cool. Thanks emily 🖤🖤
Yessss been waiting for this videooooo
SAMMMMEEEE BESTIE
Hot take. I really like your US editions, especially Elantris and Way of Kings. They look so !fantasy! and are distinguishable. UK editions are all looking the same. Beautiful and pretty to look at on your bookshelf, but I like the vibes the US editions give. Except Skyward. F that American cover. 🤣
Hi Emily!
English is my second language, how would you say Sanderson's writing is (complicated/not)?
I read a lot in English, sci-fi is definitely too complicated too me but other genres are usually okay...
Not too complicated! But consider starting with his YA stuff or warbreaker
I agree, it’s not too bad but it really depends on your level. With this comment it looks like you should be okay!
I feel I am the only person who's read the Alcatraz books 🙃 Sanderson fans never talk about them and never read them. They're funny and so meta!
I don't know how the magic works in the western, but I'm going to guess it's probably not a good idea to shoot regular bullets at someone that gets magical powers from ingesting metal. If that guess is correct then the author better have had a character find out about their powers by trying to shoot themself.
im not a big fan of his work. i did try the final empire and couldn't get into it. the same with the way of kings. I didn't like the plots and found the characters pretty boring. I"m hoping to find a work of his i'll like so i might try War Breaker. that sounds more interesting to me.
Felt meh about Alloy of Law, didn't really like Shadows of Self but then really enjoyed Bands of Mourning a whole lot
Finally, thank you 😊
I have wanted to start his books for such a long time but I am so intimidated since fantasy is not a genre I have read a lot of. Can’t wait to start with this author
He is one of my favorite authors. I started with Elantris and I loved it, read the Mistborn Trilogy and now I just pick up everything he writes. Except the Steelheart series lol those ones just didn’t interest me.
One thing I will say is don’t read his books until you’re absolutely certain in your ability to read in English.. i started Warbreaker when I was 17 cuz I thought I was ready for high fantasy.. I was not :’c but maybe now at 21 I am
“I will attack you with a spoon.” 😂😂😂
Using my best threat lol
i love the mistborn series, but i really disliked snapshot 🥲
i really liked the emperor’s soul though 😍
I know I'm in the minority but I really disliked Skyward and dropped the series but absolutely loved Steelheart and the rest of the series. Steelheart was actually my way ínto Sanderson works and now I'm currently reading my way through the Cosmere.
So there is a series in a series, my brain just had an error. But we will give it a shot :))
Honestly the whole thing is complicated and wanted to stick to the reviews/recommendations lol
Totally agree with your assessment of steelheart. I loved the premise but I think he didn’t write it well at all
Thank you Emily!!! If I get addicted just know it's your fault!! 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂
Junkie
Thank you for this!
Warbreaker I found on scribd (9/22)