How to read the Cosmere books in order

Mistborn was originally published on July 25, 2006.⁠^[19]

In Mistborn, Kelsier, a half-skaa thief who discovers his Mistborn abilities and escapes a prison camp, returns to Luthadel to assemble a crew for a coup against the oppressive Final Empire. His plan is set in motion as he sparks a rebellion that pits the ruling elite against a mobilized underclass.

In parallel, Vin, a street urchin with latent Mistborn powers, is drawn into the scheme and hones her abilities while infiltrating high society under a false identity. As the stakes escalate and alliances shift, the conflict deepens.

The Well of Ascension was originally published on August 21, 2007.⁠^[20]

In The Well of Ascension, the Final Empire is in disarray following the death of the Lord Ruler and the disappearance of the Steel Ministry. Elend Venture seizes the crown of Luthadel and contends with three rival forces.

Meanwhile, Vin and her allies face rising suspicions and a covert threat that calls into question the legitimacy of ancient prophecies and the true power of the hidden Well of Ascension. Political intrigue and combat force loyalties to be challenged as alliances shift and personal conflicts escalate in the besieged capital.

The Hero of Ages of was originally published on October 14, 2008.⁠^[21]

In The Hero of Ages, the Terris people await a prophesied savior destined to release a power from the Well of Ascension. A thousand years before the rise of the Final Empire, a gifted blacksmith’s son, recognized as the Hero of Ages, was caught in betrayals and altered prophecies that upended ancient plans.

Centuries later, a resolute Mistborn and a determined noble lead a coalition that contends with the unleashed force. As alliances shift and ancient legacies collide, the struggle continues without a clear end.

The Way of Kings was originally published on August 31, 2010.⁠^[25]

In The Way of Kings, the catastrophic war known as the Last Desolation concluded millennia ago, leaving behind a fractured land shaped by forgotten powers. Kaladin is forced into servitude as a Bridgeman, while noblewoman Shallan pursues knowledge under the mentorship of the scholar Jasnah.

Highprince Dalinar wrestles with visions, even as an assassin named Szeth topples rulers. With conflicts intensifying and ancient powers beginning to stir, only a few individuals stand between the world and an uncertain fate.

Words of Radiance was originally published inon March 4, 2014.⁠^[26]

In Words of Radiance, Jasnah Kholin, her ward Shallan Davar, and the soldier Kaladin face shifting allegiances and lethal confrontations across Alethkar. Tensions mount as the Alethi prepare to challenge the Parshendi, who have embraced a dangerous new power that could threaten the entire region.

Kaladin contends with betrayals in the ranks, Shallan struggles to harness her illusions, and Jasnah’s return from near death raises more questions than answers. Their ultimate confrontation with unstoppable forces may reshape Alethkar’s fate.

Oathbringer was originally published on November 14, 2017.⁠^[28-30]

In Oathbringer, Dalinar Kholin and his allies confront threats after learning of a powerful menace targeting Roshar. Meanwhile, Kaladin returns to his hometown and later joins an effort to reclaim Alethkar’s capital city, uncovering surprising new abilities and alliances.

Shallan struggles while investigating the forces behind the brewing conflict, and her illusions prove vital in revealing deeper layers of this crisis. As alliances fracture and an even greater danger arises, the fate of Roshar hangs in the balance.

Rhythm of War was originally published on November 17, 2020.⁠^[32-34]

In Rhythm of War, events begin seven years after Navani arranged a significant treaty between the Alethkar and the Parshendi, but tensions have since escalated. The Singers, once known as the Parshmen, rise under Odium’s control, while Knight Radiants led by Dalinar struggle to hold them back.

Navani’s research into the world’s fundamental powers draws alliances and reveals threats, as revelations about Stormlight and Voidlight shift the balance. Each side edges closer to a standoff.

Wind and Truth was originally published on December 6, 2024.⁠^[35-37]

In Wind and Truth, King Gavilar’s pursuit of immortality distanced him from his royal family and allies, resulting in his bond with the Stormfather being severed. Dalinar, determined to end the ongoing war, challenges the new Odium to the Contest of Champions, leaving only ten days to prepare.

At the same time, Kaladin and Szeth depart Urithiru, aiming to restore Shinovar and learn the truth behind a stolen Honorblade. Meanwhile, Shallan and Adolin confront the Ghostbloods’ plans involving a dangerous weapon.

The Alloy of Law was originally published on November 8, 2011.⁠^[39]

In The Alloy of Law, Waxillium Ladrian is a former lawman now managing his family’s affairs in a world where innovative powers and dangerous criminals challenge the established order. An investigation into kidnappings and robberies draws him into conflict with a group of outlaws known as the Vanishers.

Partnering with his friend Wayne, Wax faces challenges that force him to balance duty and personal loss. As events reveal that the criminal plot may be linked to a trusted relative and a concealed organization, the stakes for Wax and his allies escalate.

Shadows of Self was originally published on October 6, 2015.⁠^[40]

In Shadows of Self, Waxillium Ladrian first met his future wife, Lessie, during a bounty hunt. Now serving as a deputy, Wax and his partner Marasi have mastered the art of Hemalurgy.

A series of murders and clues linked to a criminal known as the Marksman thrust him into an investigation. When a rogue kandra known as Bleeder appears, wielding a mix of Hemalurgic powers and personal retribution, Wax is forced to confront revelations that blur the line between ally and adversary.

The Bands of Mourning was originally published on January 26, 2016.⁠^[41]

In The Bands of Mourning, Waxillium Ladrian spent his youth in Terris Village, where he struggled to fit in and took decisive action against a murderer who forced him to leave. Years later, as he recovers from a loss and prepares to unite with Steris, his plans are upended by sabotage.

A kandra reaches out with a plea for help, drawing him into a conflict over a powerful relic and clandestine plots. Wax, alongside allies, faces political tension and a web of alliances with those bent on exploiting the relic’s power.

The Lost Metal was originally published on November 15, 2022.⁠^[42-44]

In The Lost Metal, Waxillium Ladrian retired from his law enforcement career, while his colleague Wayne now serves as a full constable under Detective Marasi. Wax, assisted by his wife Steris and their two young children, has become a political figure in Elendel.

Wax’s sister Telsin plots to smuggle a bomb into Elendel, prompting Detective Marasi to join forces with the Ghostbloods to counter the threat. As Wax and Wayne track the bomb headed for the city, the conflict intensifies with uncertain consequences.

Emberdark was originally published on February 3, 2026.⁠^[46-48]

In Isles of the Emberdark, Sixth of the Dusk, a seasoned trapper of Aviar on the lethal island of Patji, faces the threat of the Ones Above, a star-faring civilization seeking to exploit his people’s resources. Determined to preserve their way of life, he ventures beyond a portal into the emberdark, guided only by instinct, his birds, and the will to protect his culture from collapse.

At the same time, Starling, a dragon confined to human form, leads a struggling crew aboard the starship Dynamic in search of a hidden portal that could restore their freedom.