For lovers of epic fantasy, few series compare to the sheer scope and ambition of The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson. With the fifth book, Wind of Truth, releasing on December 6th, 2025, there’s no better time to dive into this magnum opus. Whether you’re a longtime Sanderson fan or a newcomer to his intricate universe, this guide will walk you through the Stormlight Archive reading order (novellas included) to ensure you’re ready for this cosmic adventure—spoiler-free, of course!
Part of the greater Cosmere, Sanderson’s interconnected universe of magic and lore, The Stormlight Archive is planned as a 10-book epic, split into two five-book arcs. As we near the climax of the first arc, this reading order will guide you through each novel, including key novellas like Edgedancer and Dawnshard. Whether you want to dive straight into the world of the Knights Radiant or are ready to wield a Shardblade yourself, here’s the path to follow.
The Way of Kings (Book #1)
The journey begins with The Way of Kings, an extraordinary start to a series brimming with enchanted landscapes, political intrigue, and epic battles. This novel introduces readers to Roshar, a storm-lashed world where Shardblades and Shardplate—legendary weapons and armor—play crucial roles in shaping the fate of its people. Kaladin Stormblessed, a former soldier struggling with his place in the world, and the noble but tormented Dalinar Kholin, begin their journeys here, laying the foundation for the saga.
This book is also a wonderful gateway into Sanderson’s broader work—after all, the world of Roshar is part of the vast Cosmere. If you’re new to his writing, this novel will undoubtedly tempt you to read the Cosmere. For those who want to immerse themselves further, Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection offers a treasure trove of interconnected tales.
Read our Full Book Review of The Way of Kings HERE
Words of Radiance (Book #2)
Next is Words of Radiance, the second full-length installment in The Stormlight Archive. Expanding on the lore introduced in The Way of Kings, Sanderson delves deeper into the Knights Radiant and their ancient oaths, which are central to the series’ mythos. This book further explores Shallan Davar’s intriguing backstory and her connection to Roshar’s mysteries.
Words of Radiance is widely celebrated as one of the best entries in the series. It ramps up the stakes, unveiling the magic systems, ancient secrets, and the complex political webs binding the world. For readers who enjoy tales of magic, strategy, and lore as deep as an ocean’s chasm, this is where Sanderson’s storytelling shines brightest.
Edgedancer (Novella #1)
Ah, Edgedancer—the hidden gem in Sanderson’s collection of stories. Slotted between Words of Radiance and Oathbringer, this novella gives us more of Lift, a delightful, irreverent character who brings both lightheartedness and depth to the series. While it may be shorter, don’t underestimate its importance.
Skipping Edgedancer might leave you puzzled when characters reappear in Oathbringer. This novella isn’t just a side quest; it’s essential to understanding the development of certain key figures. Plus, it offers a cozy, intimate look into Lift’s world that enriches the broader experience of The Stormlight Archive.
Oathbringer (Book #3)
Prepare yourself for Oathbringer, the third massive installment in the series, focusing on the ever-compelling Dalinar Kholin. Here, we dive into his past, exploring how his choices, regrets, and ambitions shape not only his fate but the future of Roshar itself. Sanderson’s knack for blending character-driven storytelling with world-altering events reaches new heights in this book.
By this point in the reading order, the stakes are colossal, and the interconnected magic systems and history of the Shardblades and Shardplate become even more central to the story. The threads from previous books weave together, making Oathbringer a pivotal entry that pushes the saga towards its explosive climax.
Dawnshard (Novella #2)
Dawnshard is Sanderson’s second novella set in the world of Roshar, and it fits perfectly between Oathbringer and Rhythm of War. This shorter, lighter tale offers a breather between the intense main entries while still delivering essential pieces of the puzzle.
It’s crucial to include Dawnshard in your reading order because it offers critical insights and introduces plot elements that will pay off in Rhythm of War. Don’t make the mistake of skipping it—this novella is more than just a side adventure; it’s a key part of the journey.
Rhythm of War (Book #4)
The fourth and latest novel, Rhythm of War, is a dense, lore-heavy installment that caters to those who love the deep, intricate mechanics of Sanderson’s magic systems. It continues the epic saga with a focus on the inner workings of the Knights Radiant, the mysteries of the ancient oaths, and the evolution of its beloved characters.
While some readers felt the character arcs in Rhythm of War didn’t hit as hard as in previous books, others reveled in the sheer depth of world-building and magic exploration Sanderson provides. This book sets up the series for its grand finale, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the release of Wind of Truth.
The Sunlit Man (Standalone #1)
This standalone novel, The Sunlit Man, is an interesting addition to the reading list, and opinions differ on when it should be read. While some believe it can be enjoyed at any point, I recommend reading it after catching up on the main Stormlight Archive books. This way, you can fully appreciate its connections to the broader Cosmere and its foreshadowing elements for Wind of Truth.
Full of hints and character moments that echo the larger story, The Sunlit Man is a brilliant example of Sanderson’s ability to weave standalone tales into his grand tapestry. This book feels like a precursor to the explosive finale awaiting readers in The Stormlight Archive.
The Ultimate Guide to the Stormlight Archive Reading Order
There you have it—the complete Stormlight Archive reading order, covering every novel and novella needed to experience this epic fantasy series to its fullest. Remember, while this reading order keeps you on the chronological path, Sanderson’s storytelling stretches far beyond Roshar. If you find yourself enchanted by this world, don’t hesitate to read the Cosmere, especially with collections like Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection waiting to reveal even more secrets.
Wind of Truth is just around the corner, promising to cap off the first arc with the epic flair we’ve come to expect. Are you ready for it? Let us know your favorite reading order in the comments, and stay tuned for more deep dives, reviews, and ranking posts on all things fantasy.
Happy reading, fellow adventurers!
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