In the pantheon of modern fantasy authors, Brandon Sanderson stands as a colossus, known for his intricate world-building, unique magic systems, and epic storytelling. Picking the ideal starting point in his bibliography can be as daunting as traversing the Shattered Plains in “The Stormlight Archive.” This article demystifies that choice, offering a guided tour through Sanderson’s most accessible and engaging works.

Elantris: A Singular Debut

Brandon Sanderson’s debut novel, Elantris, is a striking and innovative entry into the fantasy genre. The story unfolds in the city of Elantris, a place of radiant beauty and magical inhabitants who once were viewed as gods. However, a catastrophic event known as the Reod has rendered the city and its denizens cursed, their once beautiful forms twisted into grotesque versions of their former selves. The narrative is intricately woven around three central characters: Raoden, the crown prince of Arelon, who finds himself cursed and exiled into Elantris; Sarene, a politically astute princess from a neighboring kingdom, engaged to Raoden sight unseen; and Hrathen, a high-ranking priest from the rival empire of Fjordell, on a mission to convert the people of Arelon to his faith.

Key Highlights:

• Self-Contained Epic: Unlike the sprawling series common in the genre, Elantris is a self-contained story. This makes it an excellent standalone introduction to Sanderson’s work without the commitment to a multi-book series;
• Innovative Magic and World-building: The book introduces readers to Sanderson’s unique approach to magic systems. The concept of AonDor, the magic of Elantris, is meticulously crafted and integral to the plot;
• Ideal Entry Point: The novel’s relatively linear plot and focus on a smaller cast of characters make it an accessible entry point for those new to Sanderson’s expansive worlds.

The Rithmatist: Stepping into a World of Chalk and Strategy

The Rithmatist is a refreshing foray into young adult fantasy, blending elements of classical fantasy with a steampunk aesthetic. Set in an alternative Earth where the United Isles of America is a land of gear-driven technology and chalk magic, the story centers on Joel, a non-Rithmatist with a deep fascination for the magical art of Rithmatics. The Rithmatists themselves are an elite group who use their abilities to create chalklings and geometric patterns for protection and combat. When students at the Armedius Academy begin to disappear, Joel and his friend Melody, a struggling Rithmatist, find themselves entangled in a dangerous mystery.

Key Highlights:

• Unique Chalk Magic System: Sanderson introduces a distinct magic system based on chalk drawings, blending creativity with strategic depth;
• Accessible Yet Deep: The novel’s tone and content are tailored for younger readers but possess the depth and intrigue to captivate an older audience;
• Mystery and Adventure: The blend of magical academia with a suspenseful mystery makes for an engaging and thrilling read.

Mistborn: The Trilogy That Redefined Fantasy

The Mistborn series, starting with “The Final Empire,” is a seminal work in modern fantasy literature. In this trilogy, Sanderson overturns traditional fantasy tropes with a story set in a world where the dark lord has won. The magic system, Allomancy, involves characters ingesting metals to grant them various powers. The first book follows Vin, a street urchin with latent Allomantic abilities, as she joins a group of rebels led by the enigmatic Kelsier to overthrow the oppressive Lord Ruler.

Key Highlights:

• Revolutionary Magic System: Allomancy is intricate and brilliantly conceived, offering a fresh take on magical abilities;
• Complex Narrative: The trilogy weaves a tale of rebellion, political intrigue, and personal growth, set against the backdrop of a dark and oppressive empire;
• Rich World-building and Character Development: Sanderson’s talent for creating compelling characters and a deeply immersive world is on full display, making the Mistborn universe a standout in the fantasy genre.

Sixth of the Dusk: A Short, Sharp Introduction

Sixth of the Dusk is a concise yet profound exploration of Sanderson’s storytelling prowess. Set in a remote archipelago, the story follows Dusk, a trapper on the islands of Patji, where the flora and fauna are as deadly as they are miraculous. Dusk is accompanied by his avian companion, Kokerlii, as they navigate the perils of the island. The narrative delves into themes of tradition versus progress, colonialism, and the tension between nature and civilization.

Key Highlights:

• Concise Yet Rich Storytelling: As a novella, Sixth of the Dusk offers a complete and satisfying narrative in a compact form;
• Exotic and Dangerous Setting: The setting of a perilous island teeming with supernatural threats adds an element of adventure and survival to the story;
• Thoughtful Themes: The novella engages with complex themes, showcasing Sanderson’s skill in weaving deeper philosophical and ethical considerations into his narratives.

Tress of the Emerald Sea: A Dive into Sanderson’s Romantic Side

Tress of the Emerald Sea is a charming and whimsical tale set in Sanderson’s expansive Cosmere universe. This novel diverges from Sanderson’s typical epic fantasy style, offering a more character-driven and romantic narrative. The story centers around Tress, a young woman living in a secluded, idyllic island who embarks on an unexpected journey across the high seas after her life is turned upside down by startling revelations and unforeseen events. Along her journey, Tress encounters mysterious characters and faces various challenges, all while uncovering truths about her world and herself.

Key Highlights:

• Romantic and Adventurous: The novel beautifully intertwines elements of romance with an adventurous quest, providing a refreshing change from Sanderson’s usual fare;
• Lighthearted and Whimsical: The tone of the book is noticeably lighter and more whimsical, making it a delightful read that appeals to a wide audience;
• Character-Centric Storytelling: Focusing primarily on character development and interpersonal dynamics, Tress of the Emerald Sea showcases Sanderson’s ability to create deeply relatable and compelling characters.

Legion: A Modern Fantasy with a Psychological Twist

The Legion series represents a unique blend of modern fantasy and psychological thriller. The protagonist, Stephen Leeds, is a genius with a rare psychological condition: he manifests various aspects of his personality as separate, fully-realized individuals, each with their own unique skills and knowledge. These aspects assist him in solving complex problems, often involving scientific and paranormal phenomena. The series is a collection of novellas, each presenting a new mystery that Leeds and his ‘aspects’ must unravel.

Key Highlights:

• Contemporary Fantasy Setting: Set in a modern-day world, the series blends fantastical elements with a contemporary setting, creating a unique narrative space;
• Intriguing Psychological Concept: Leeds’ condition adds a fascinating psychological layer to the story, exploring themes of identity, mental health, and the nature of genius;
• Engaging and Diverse Mysteries: Each novella introduces a new and intriguing case, showcasing Sanderson’s versatility in handling different genres and themes.

The Emperor’s Soul: A Masterclass in World-Building

Winner of the Hugo Award for Best Novella, The Emperor’s Soul is a testament to Sanderson’s skill in crafting immersive and detailed worlds within a compact narrative. Set in the same universe as Elantris but independent in its story, it follows Shai, a master forger who is captured and given an impossible task: to create a new soul for the comatose Emperor. The novella delves into the intricacies of Forging, a form of magic based on understanding the history of objects and people to reshape them.

Key Highlights:

• Rich and Detailed World-Building: Despite its short length, the novella introduces a complex and well-thought-out magic system, alongside a rich cultural backdrop;
• Unique Magic Concept: The concept of Forging, based on the essence of creation and transformation, is both original and philosophically engaging;
• Complex Characters and Plot: Shai’s character development and the moral dilemmas she faces add depth to the narrative, making The Emperor’s Soul a compelling read.

Warbreaker: A Tale of Gods and Intrigue

Warbreaker is a standalone novel that showcases Sanderson’s ability to blend magic, gods, and political intrigue into a captivating story. The plot revolves around two sisters, Vivenna and Siri, princesses of Idris, who find themselves entangled in the political machinations of the colorful city of Hallandren. The city is home to the Returned, god-like figures who are revered by the populace. The magic system, BioChromatic magic, is powered by Breath and color, adding a vibrant and unique aspect to the world.

Key Highlights:

• Innovative Color-Based Magic System: BioChromatic magic is a distinctive and visually striking system, adding a unique flavor to the fantasy genre;
• Engrossing Political Drama: The novel excels in weaving a complex narrative of political intrigue, betrayal, and shifting alliances;
• Dynamic Character Development: The characters, particularly the two sisters, undergo significant development and face moral and personal challenges, adding layers of depth to the story.

The Way of Kings: Embarking on an Epic Journey

The Way of Kings, the first book in “The Stormlight Archive,” is an epic fantasy masterpiece, known for its intricate world-building, complex characters, and a sprawling narrative. Set in the storm-ravaged world of Roshar, the story is told from multiple perspectives, including Kaladin, a surgeon turned slave; Shallan, a noblewoman seeking knowledge to save her family; and Dalinar, a highprince haunted by visions of ancient times. The novel introduces the concept of Spren and Stormlight, integral elements of the magic system, and delves into themes of honor, duty, and the human struggle against adversity.

Key Highlights:

• Expansive and Detailed World: Roshar is a world rich in history, culture, and ecology, all intricately detailed and integral to the story;
• Complex and Relatable Characters: The characters are deeply fleshed out, each with their own backstories, motivations, and growth arcs;
• Epic Narrative Scale: The narrative spans a vast scope, weaving together various storylines into a grand tapestry of conflict, magic, and discovery, offering an immersive reading experience for those who enjoy richly detailed epic fantasies.

Neil Gaiman: A Fantastical Journey Through Words

While exploring the realms of fantasy literature, it’s impossible not to venture into the enchanting worlds created by Neil Gaiman. Gaiman, like Brandon Sanderson, is a master of his craft, known for his unique storytelling, rich characters, and imaginative settings. When considering the best entry point into Gaiman’s extensive bibliography, one title often stands out as a perfect beginning: “American Gods.”

American Gods: A Modern Mythological Epic

• Blending of Myth and Reality: “American Gods” masterfully combines modern life with ancient mythology, creating a narrative that feels both timeless and incredibly relevant;
• Engaging Story: The novel follows Shadow Moon, a man who becomes entangled in a war between old gods, rooted in various mythologies, and new gods, representing modern life’s facets like technology and media;
• Rich Character Development: Gaiman’s talent for character development shines through Shadow’s journey and the colorful array of deities he encounters.

In the landscape of fantasy literature, both Brandon Sanderson and Neil Gaiman have carved out unique spaces. Sanderson’s works, known for their intricate magic systems and epic scales, offer journeys through meticulously crafted worlds. Gaiman’s stories, on the other hand, often weave the magical with the mundane, creating a tapestry rich in mythology and human experience.

Key Comparisons:

• World-Building: While Sanderson builds worlds from the ground up, Gaiman often reimagines and repurposes our world, infusing it with myth and magic;
• Magic Systems: Sanderson’s magic systems are defined by rules and intricacies, whereas Gaiman’s magic tends to be more enigmatic and rooted in ancient lore;
• Narrative Style: Sanderson often favors epic narratives with multiple viewpoints, while Gaiman usually opts for a more intimate, character-driven approach.

Conclusion

Selecting the “best” Brandon Sanderson book to start with hinges on personal preference. Each work offers a distinct flavor of his storytelling prowess, making any choice a gateway to a world of imagination and wonder.