The Ultimate Rush: How To Start Reading Brandon Sanderson Before The Cosmere Fandom Passes You By
In the world of fantasy, few authors have captured the hearts of readers like Brandon Sanderson. With a vast and intricate universe, known as the Cosmere, Sanderson has become a household name for fans of epic fantasy. The Cosmere is a shared universe that spans numerous series and standalone novels, each with its unique magical system and intricate plot. For those looking to dive into the world of Brandon Sanderson, but unsure where to start, this article will guide you through the basics of the Cosmere, its magical systems, and the most essential series to read.
A Brief History of Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson, born in 1975 in Lincoln, Nebraska, began his writing career at the age of 15. However, it wasn’t until the release of his debut novel, Elantris, in 2005 that he gained widespread recognition. Elantris was followed by the epic Mistborn series, which took the fantasy world by storm. Sanderson’s unique approach to magic, coupled with his ability to create complex, relatable characters, quickly made him a fan favorite.
The Cosmere: A Shared Universe of Epic Fantasy
The Cosmere is Brandon Sanderson’s magnum opus, a sprawling universe that encompasses numerous series, standalone novels, and even a few companion works. The Cosmere is united by a complex web of magical systems, each with its unique laws and principles. From the Allomancy of the Mistborn series to the Surges of the Stormlight Archive, every magical system in the Cosmere is painstakingly crafted to be both logical and wondrous.
Magical Systems in the Cosmere
The magical systems in the Cosmere are a testament to Sanderson’s ability to create compelling, logical, and often, surprising, magic. From the feruchemy of the Mistborn series to the Awakening and Bonding of the Warbreaker series, each magical system is a masterclass in world-building. But what makes these magical systems so compelling? The answer lies in Sanderson’s focus on creating systems that are both intuitive and logical, allowing readers to easily understand and engage with the magic in his world.
The Most Essential Series to Read in the Cosmere
With so many series to choose from, it can be daunting to know where to start. Here are some of the most essential series to read in the Cosmere:
- The Mistborn Series: This series is a must-read for any Cosmere fan. Spanning three main trilogies, the Mistborn series follows a group of rebels as they fight against a powerful tyrant in a world where magic is based on metals.
- The Stormlight Archive: This epic series is set in a world where powerful magical beings known as Surgebinders wield incredible powers. The series follows a diverse cast of characters as they navigate a world on the brink of war.
- The Warbreaker Series: This series is a standalone novel that explores the magical system of Awakening and Bonding. The series follows two characters, Vivenna and Siri, as they navigate a world of magic and politics.
Common Curiosities and Misconceptions
With so many series and magical systems to explore, it’s natural to have questions and misconceptions. Here are a few common curiosities and misconceptions about the Cosmere:
Can I Read the Cosmere in Any Order?
While it’s possible to read the Cosmere in any order, Sanderson recommends reading the series in chronological order. This will allow you to fully appreciate the connections between the series and the Cosmere as a whole.
Do I Need to Read All of the Series in the Cosmere?
No, you don’t need to read all of the series in the Cosmere to appreciate the magic and world-building of Brandon Sanderson. Each series stands on its own, and you can easily enjoy individual series without feeling lost or confused.
Looking Ahead at the Future of the Cosmere
The Future of the Cosmere: What to Expect from Brandon Sanderson
As the Cosmere continues to grow and expand, fans are eagerly awaiting new releases and updates from Brandon Sanderson. With several series in various stages of completion, it’s clear that the Cosmere is here to stay. Here are a few things to expect from the future of the Cosmere:
New Series and Releases
The Rise of the New Era in the Cosmere
Brandon Sanderson has announced several new series and standalone novels in the works, including the long-awaited continuation of the Stormlight Archive and a new series set in the Rosharan world. Fans can expect even more epic fantasy, complex characters, and intricate magical systems to come.
Expanded World-Building and Magical Systems
The Cosmere is a world of wonder and discovery, and Sanderson continues to expand on the magic and lore of the Cosmere. Fans can expect to learn more about the history of the world, the origins of the magical systems, and the secrets of the Cosmere’s most powerful magical beings.
Conclusion: Join the Ultimate Rush and Explore the Cosmere
The Cosmere is a vast, wondrous world of epic fantasy, full of magic, adventure, and compelling characters. With its unique magical systems, intricate world-building, and expansive universe, the Cosmere has captured the hearts of fans around the world. If you’re looking for a new world to explore, a new series to get lost in, or simply a new author to fall in love with, the Cosmere is the ultimate destination for fans of epic fantasy. So, join the ultimate rush and start exploring the Cosmere today!
Get Ready to Start Reading the Cosmere: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to start your journey through the Cosmere? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Choose Your Starting Point
Determine which series you want to start with. If you’re new to the Cosmere, consider starting with the Mistborn series or the Stormlight Archive.
Step 2: Read the Series in Chronological Order
Read the series in the order that Brandon Sanderson recommends. This will allow you to fully appreciate the connections between the series and the Cosmere as a whole.
Step 3: Explore the World and Magical Systems
As you read the series, pay close attention to the world-building and magical systems. Take note of the unique magical systems, the history of the world, and the secrets of the Cosmere’s most powerful magical beings.
Step 4: Join the Community and Discuss the Cosmere
Join online communities, forums, and social media groups dedicated to the Cosmere. Discuss the series, share your thoughts and theories, and connect with other fans who share your passion for the Cosmere.
Final Thoughts: The Cosmere is Just the Beginning
As you embark on your journey through the Cosmere, remember that the world of Brandon Sanderson is just the beginning. With multiple series, standalone novels, and companion works to explore, the Cosmere offers a lifetime of reading and discovery. So, buckle up, get ready for the ultimate rush, and join the millions of fans who have already fallen in love with the Cosmere.
