Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is a prolific American author known for his work in the fantasy genre. He is best known for his Mistborn series and for completing Robert Jordan's epic fantasy series, The Wheel of Time. Sanderson is also the creator of the Cosmere universe, in which many of his novels are set.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Mistborn

    The Final Empire

    In a grim, ash-covered world ruled by the immortal Lord Ruler, a young street urchin discovers she possesses unique magical abilities—Allomancy, the power to ingest and burn metals to enhance physical and mental capabilities. She joins a group of rebel skaa, the oppressed class, led by a charismatic criminal mastermind, to overthrow the centuries-old tyranny. Together, they devise an elaborate heist to infiltrate the noble houses and spark a revolution, uncovering dark secrets and unexpected truths about their world and the origins of the Lord Ruler's power along the way.

    The 3451st Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. The Way of Kings

    In a world ravaged by ferocious storms and embroiled in war, three main characters navigate their own paths. Kaladin, a skilled soldier turned slave, struggles to protect his fellow slaves while grappling with his own inner demons. Shallan, a brilliant and ambitious scholar, is on a dangerous quest to steal a powerful artifact to save her family from ruin. Dalinar, a high-ranking military leader, is plagued by visions of ancient times and a mysterious warning. As their lives intertwine, they must confront their own truths and fight for survival in a world on the brink of destruction.

    The 5446th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Final Empire

    Mistborn

    In a bleak world shrouded by ash falls and ruled by the immortal Lord Ruler, the skaa people live in oppression and fear. Hope emerges from the shadows when a charismatic criminal mastermind and a young skaa girl with a mysterious power join forces to lead a daring uprising. Together, they rally a band of outcasts and plot to overthrow the seemingly invincible empire. Through a blend of political intrigue, magical battles, and personal growth, they must unlock ancient secrets and foster an unlikely revolution to end centuries of tyranny.

    The 14984th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. Oathbringer

    The Stormlight Archive Book Three

    In this epic fantasy novel, the third installment of a renowned series, the world of Roshar faces an escalating threat from the Voidbringers, leading to widespread chaos and destruction. The narrative follows Dalinar Kholin as he grapples with his turbulent past, striving to unite the fractured kingdoms against the looming enemy while wrestling with his own inner demons and the ambiguous nature of power and leadership. Amidst political intrigue, ancient mysteries, and the resurgence of legendary powers, characters embark on journeys of self-discovery, redemption, and the pursuit of honor, questioning the true meaning of being a hero in a world on the brink of annihilation.

    The 14984th Greatest Book of All Time
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  5. 5. The Hero Of Ages

    Mistborn Book Three

    In the epic conclusion of the trilogy, the world teeters on the brink of destruction as ash falls from the sky and mists threaten to consume all life. The protagonists, led by Vin and Elend, grapple with the legacy of the Lord Ruler and the enigmatic prophecies that hint at a savior. As they uncover the true nature of the ancient powers and the history of their world, they must confront their own limitations and sacrifices to restore balance. The story weaves together themes of trust, redemption, and the struggle for freedom, culminating in a dramatic and unexpected resolution that redefines the nature of heroism and hope.

    The 14984th Greatest Book of All Time
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  6. 6. Words Of Radiance

    The Stormlight Archive Book Two

    In this epic fantasy sequel, the world of Roshar is further explored, with ancient oaths and legendary heroes coming to the forefront as the battle against the enigmatic and destructive forces known as the Voidbringers intensifies. The narrative follows multiple characters, including a once-slave who rises to become a military leader, a brilliant but troubled scholar who seeks forbidden knowledge, and a highprince burdened by his past and the expectations of his position. As they navigate political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and their own personal demons, their stories intertwine, revealing secrets about the mystical Knights Radiant and the true nature of the world-threatening Desolation that looms ever closer.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Wind And Truth

    In "Wind And Truth," the story unfolds in a fantastical world where the protagonist, a young and determined individual, embarks on a journey to uncover hidden truths about their past and the mysterious forces governing their realm. As they navigate through political intrigue and ancient secrets, they form alliances with a diverse group of companions, each possessing unique abilities tied to elemental forces. Together, they confront formidable adversaries and unravel the complex web of deception that threatens to destabilize their world. The narrative explores themes of identity, power, and the enduring quest for truth, all set against a backdrop of richly imagined landscapes and intricate magic systems.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
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  8. 8. Tress Of The Emerald Sea

    A Cosmere Novel

    In this fantasy novel, a young woman named Tress embarks on a daring adventure across the perilous Emerald Sea to rescue her friend Charlie, who has been captured by a mysterious sorceress. Along the way, Tress encounters a diverse crew of characters, including pirates and magical creatures, and must navigate treacherous waters filled with deadly spores and unpredictable magic. Through her journey, Tress discovers her own strength and courage, ultimately challenging the forces that threaten her world and uncovering secrets that could change everything.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Sunlit Man

    The novel follows a man named Nomad, who is stranded on a harsh desert planet where the sun never sets. He is on the run from mysterious pursuers and must navigate the planet's dangerous environment while seeking a way to escape. Throughout his journey, Nomad encounters various challenges and allies, including a group of locals who help him understand the planet's unique culture and technology. As he delves deeper into the mysteries of this world, he uncovers secrets that could change the fate of the planet and his own destiny. The story explores themes of survival, identity, and the quest for freedom in an unforgiving landscape.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
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  10. 10. The Lost Metal

    A Mistborn Novel

    In this thrilling installment of the Mistborn series, the story unfolds in a world where magic and technology intertwine, following the adventures of lawman Waxillium Ladrian and his partner Wayne. As they navigate political intrigue and face formidable adversaries, they uncover a conspiracy that threatens the stability of their society. With the discovery of a mysterious metal that holds untapped power, Wax and his allies must race against time to prevent a catastrophic event. The narrative weaves together themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the struggle for justice, culminating in a gripping and action-packed conclusion.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Rhythm Of War

    Book Four of The Stormlight Archive

    In this epic continuation of the series, the story unfolds with a focus on the escalating conflict between humans and the enigmatic forces of the Fused. As tensions rise, the characters grapple with their own internal struggles and evolving powers. The narrative delves into themes of leadership, sacrifice, and the complexities of war, while exploring the deep bonds of friendship and loyalty. Amidst the chaos, new alliances are formed, and secrets are revealed, setting the stage for a climactic confrontation that will determine the fate of their world.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
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  12. 12. Warbreaker

    In a vibrant world where magic is fueled by color and breath, two sisters from the kingdom of Idris find themselves entangled in the political and magical intrigues of the neighboring Hallandren. One sister, initially sent to marry the God King to prevent war, discovers hidden depths of courage and cunning, while the other, initially left behind, embarks on a daring rescue mission. As they navigate a landscape of gods, rebels, and powerful awakeners, they uncover secrets that challenge their beliefs and reshape their destinies, ultimately confronting the true nature of sacrifice and power.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
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  13. 13. Yumi And The Nightmare Painter

    A Cosmere Novel

    In a world where dreams and reality intertwine, a young woman named Yumi, burdened with the responsibility of maintaining her village's spiritual balance, encounters a mysterious painter who can manipulate nightmares. Together, they embark on a journey to confront the dark forces threatening their realm, discovering hidden truths about themselves and their intertwined destinies. As they navigate a landscape filled with magic and danger, Yumi and the painter must learn to trust each other and harness their unique abilities to save their world from impending doom.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Emperor's Soul

    In a world where magic is wielded through the art of forgery, a skilled forger named Shai is imprisoned after attempting to steal a valuable artifact. She is given a chance to earn her freedom by undertaking an impossible task: to create a soul-forged replica of the emperor's soul within a mere hundred days, following an assassination attempt that left him brain-dead. As Shai delves into the emperor's life to craft a convincing forgery, she grapples with questions of identity, authenticity, and the nature of the soul, all while navigating the political intrigue and dangers that surround her in the imperial court.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Elantris

    In a world where the once-glorious city of Elantris has fallen into decay, its inhabitants, who were once god-like beings, are now afflicted by a mysterious curse that leaves them in a state of eternal suffering. The story follows three main characters: Raoden, a prince who is suddenly transformed by the curse and cast into Elantris; Sarene, a determined princess who arrives to find her betrothed dead and becomes embroiled in political intrigue; and Hrathen, a high-ranking priest with a mission to convert the kingdom to his religion. As their paths intertwine, they uncover secrets about Elantris and its magic, leading to a climactic struggle that challenges their beliefs and the fate of their world.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Mistborn Trilogy

    The Final Empire

    In a world where ash falls from the sky and mist dominates the night, a young street urchin named Vin discovers she possesses the rare ability to manipulate metals through a magical system known as Allomancy. Guided by the charismatic and enigmatic Kelsier, she joins a band of rebels determined to overthrow the immortal Lord Ruler, who has oppressed the land for a thousand years. As Vin hones her powers, she uncovers secrets about her past and the true nature of the world, leading to epic battles, unexpected alliances, and a quest that challenges the very fabric of destiny and heroism.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
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