You may have heard of the popular Utah fantasy author Brandon Sanderson. With over 71 books to his name and having made the New York Times Best-Seller list 15 times, it’s safe to say that Sanderson is a unique talent. However, it can be daunting to approach his large anthology. This list of recommended books will help you find your perfect starting place in Sanderson’s world of fantasy.
All these titles are available at the Park City Library!
The Mistborn Trilogy
The Mistborn Trilogy is a gripping story and an excellent introduction to Sanderson’s writing style and worldbuilding. It has the thrills of a heist story, the twistiness of political intrigue, and the epic scale of a landmark fantasy saga.
Follow a secret group of Allomancers who attempt to overthrow a dystopian empire and establish themselves in a world covered by ash.
The Stormlight Archive
The Stormlight Archive is by far the largest of Brandon Sanderson’s works, but also his most captivating. If you want to dive headfirst into an enthralling high fantasy story, this may be the place to start!
Enter the remarkable world of Roshar, a world both alien and magical, where gigantic hurricane-like storms scour the surface every few days and life has adapted accordingly. Roshar is shared by humans and the enigmatic, humanoid Parshendi, with whom they are at war.
Yumi and the Nightmare Painter
This stand-alone novel takes place in the larger fantasy world Sanderson has created, but a knowledge of his other works isn’t needed to enjoy this beautiful story. It is a great novel to read if you aren’t yet willing to commit to a series!
Yumi has spent her entire life in strict obedience, granting her the power to summon the spirits that bestow vital aid upon her society–but she longs for even a single day as a normal person. Painter patrols the dark streets dreaming of being a hero–a goal that has led to nothing but heartache and isolation, leaving him always on the outside looking in. Suddenly flung together, Yumi and Painter must strive to right the wrongs in both their lives. If they cannot unravel the mystery of what brought them together before it’s too late, they risk losing not only the bond growing between them, but the worlds they’ve always struggled to protect.
The Sunlit Man
A fast-paced stand-alone novel that only requires general knowledge of Sanderson’s larger fantasy world to enjoy!
Nomad finds himself trapped on Canticle, a planet that will kill anyone who doesn’t keep moving. Fleeing the fires of a sunrise that melts the very stones, he is instantly caught up in the struggle between a heartless tyrant and the brave rebels who defy him. Tormented by the consequences of his past, Nomad must fight not only for his survival–but also for his very soul.
The Reckoners Trilogy
This exciting trilogy is set outside of Sanderson’s ‘Cosmere’ of fantasy and is instead a subversive take on the superhero genre with Sanderson’s own twist. This is a great place to start for those who may not be huge fans of high fantasy.
Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary people extraordinary powers. The awed public started calling them Epics, but with incredible gifts came the desire to rule. Now, in what was once Chicago, an astonishingly powerful Epic named Steelheart has installed himself as emperor. It is said that no bullet can harm him, no sword can split his skin, and no fire can burn him. He is invincible. A shadowy group of ordinary humans, the Reckoners, spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them. And David wants in. When Steelheart came to Chicago, he killed David’s father. For years, like the Reckoners, David has been studying and planning, and he has something they need. Not an object, but an experience. He has seen Steelheart bleed. And he wants revenge.