Where to start the Stormlight Archive
Start Stormlight with The Way of Kings. Novellas sit between novels. This is not a whole-Cosmere spreadsheet.
Short answer
The Way of Kings
It is Stormlight book one. Do not start with Words of Radiance, Edgedancer, or a Cosmere chart. You can start Stormlight without reading Mistborn.
The novels, then the novellas
Publication order is the Stormlight order: The Way of Kings, Words of Radiance, Oathbringer, Rhythm of War, Wind and Truth. Wind and Truth closes the first five-book arc. Books 6–10 are later work, not a reason to wait.
Edgedancer sits after book two. Dawnshard sits after book three. They help. They are not secret novels. If your library lacks them, keep going.
Leave the Cosmere spreadsheet alone
Sanderson lists The Way of Kings as a Cosmere start. Tidbits from other planets are optional. Do not read Warbreaker first in order to “prepare.” The Way of Kings is the preparation.
For “which planet first?” use the Cosmere starter. For Era 1 as a finished trilogy, use Mistborn. Neither is a Stormlight prequel.
Read the full Stormlight map
Novella placement, Arcanum Unbounded, and common mistakes live on the Stormlight Archive reading-order guide. This page only answers where to put your bookmark on day one.
FAQ
Do I need the rest of the Cosmere first?
No.
Do I need Edgedancer and Dawnshard?
No. Useful, not required.
Is Wind and Truth the end?
It ends the first arc. The series is planned to continue.
Full maps
