Oct 29, 2026
The Stormlight Archive Books in Order
Sanderson's biggest series: a war on a storm-wracked world, ancient oaths coming back, and characters like Kaladin, Shallan and Dalinar slowly becoming something more. Every book is long, and every one ends with a huge final act.
By Brandon Sanderson · Wind and Truth (book 5) closes the first five-book arc. A second arc is planned.
Where to start
Start with The Way of Kings and read in order. There are also two optional novellas: Edgedancer (between books 2 and 3) and Dawnshard (between books 3 and 4).
The The Stormlight Archive books in order
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Book 1
The Way of Kings Our pick
A slave soldier, a scholar with a secret and a highprince haunted by visions are pulled into a war on a storm-battered world. A huge, slow-building epic that pays off enormously; book one of the Stormlight Archive.
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Book 2
Words of Radiance
Shallan heads for the Shattered Plains with secrets of her own while Kaladin grows into his powers and the war with the Parshendi reaches a turning point. Many fans' favorite in the series.
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Book 3
Oathbringer
An ancient enemy returns and Dalinar has to unite the nations of Roshar while facing the truth about his own past. A huge book built around one of the series' best character arcs.
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Book 4
Rhythm of War
After a year of war, the heroes face an occupation and a new kind of enemy. Navani's science moves to center stage alongside Kaladin's struggles.
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Book 5
Wind and Truth
Ten days to decide the fate of Roshar. Dalinar prepares for a contest of champions while Kaladin and Szeth take a journey of their own. The finale of the first Stormlight arc.
Good to know
- The books run well over 1,000 pages each, so audiobooks are a popular way in.
- It's part of the Cosmere with Mistborn. Reading Mistborn first adds some extra connections, but it isn't required.