The Stormlight Archive Reading Order
The Stormlight Archive is Brandon Sanderson's magnum opus — a ten-book epic set on the storm-ravaged world of Roshar. The first five-book arc is now complete. Below is the complete reading order, including the essential novellas placed exactly where they belong.
Complete Reading Order
The Way of Kings
On the storm-wracked world of Roshar, three storylines converge: Kaladin, a slave soldier who discovers he can do the impossible; Dalinar Kholin, a highprince haunted by visions of an ancient knight order; and Shallan, a scholar who travels to the Shattered Plains with dangerous secrets of her own. A stunning, 1000-page opener to one of fantasy's greatest achievements.
Edgedancer
A short but essential novella following Lift, a young thief with unusual Stormlight powers, as she tracks a mysterious Skybreaker through a city. Best read between Words of Radiance and Oathbringer — it bridges key events and deepens Lift's role in the story.
Words of Radiance
Kaladin and Shallan travel to the Shattered Plains while Dalinar attempts to forge a fragile coalition of highprinces. Ancient Radiants — orders of knights thought extinct for thousands of years — begin to return, as the secrets of the Desolations start to unravel.
Oathbringer
Dalinar leads a desperate coalition against the Everstorm and an ancient enemy reawakened. The history of Roshar — and humanity's place in it — is revealed in devastating detail. Dalinar's backstory, explored in full, is among the greatest character arcs in fantasy.
Dawnshard
Rysn sails on a mission to the ancient island of Aimia — discovering something that changes everything about the cosmere. Short but crucial for Rhythm of War; readers who skip it will find certain reveals in book 4 less impactful.
Rhythm of War
The war enters a new phase as the Fused occupy Urithiru itself. Eshonai and Venli's backstories unfold in parallel with Kaladin's battle with depression and Navani's scientific breakthroughs. The most emotionally complex book in the series.
Wind and Truth
The conclusion of the first arc of the Stormlight Archive. Dalinar faces the Shard of Odium at a contest of champions that will determine Roshar's fate — while the nature of Honor, Cultivation, and Odium is finally laid bare. The first five-book arc ends here; books 6–10 will follow different main characters.