is one of the best-known and most popular fantasy authors working today. He's written more than 20 fantasy and science fiction books for adults and young adults. Longtime fans know his work in and out, but if you're entering his wonderfully magical worlds for the first time, it can be daunting. Never fear! This guide will walk you through the best Brandon Sanderson audiobooks, from his most well-known series to his lesser-known (but equally excellent) standalone novels. So buckle up and get ready for days (yes, literally, days!) of amazing listening, because there is a wide range of fantastic Brandon Sanderson listens to choose from.
Who is Brandon Sanderson?
Brandon Sanderson has one of those storybook writing careers that so many dream of. He wrote steadily during his undergrad and graduate years, and had already written 12 novels by 2003, when he got his first big break. That's when Tor Books decided to buy the novel Elantris—his first published work, but the sixth novel he'd written. In the years following the publication of Elantris, he continued to write and publish fantasy novels, to growing popular and critical acclaim. In 2007, he was selected to finish writing the legendary series after author Robert Jordan's death. He wrote three additional Wheel of Time novels, completing the series in 2013.
Sanderson's books have given rise to a vibrant fandom. But it's not just avid fantasy readers and listeners who appreciate his work. Aspiring writers and artists, especially those interested in speculative and genre fiction, are also among his fans. Sanderson is known for coining "Sanderson's Laws of Magic," a series of rules for creating magical systems in fictional worlds. He also co-hosts Writing Excuses, a podcast dedicated to the art and craft of genre writing and webcomics.
What is the Cosmere?
Sanderson is best known for his epic fantasy series and , both of which take place within the fictional Cosmere universe. While these series (as well as several other series and standalones set in the Cosmere) take place on different worlds, in different times, and follow different characters, they all share the same overarching laws and mythology.
The Cosmere came into existence when 16 people conspired to kill the mysterious being known as Adonalsium. Adonalsium's power shattered into 16 powerful shards, each with its own particular magical properties. The 16 people each claimed a shard and traveled with it to a different world, using their shard's power to build a distinct magic system. These worlds, known as the Shardworlds, provide the backdrop for Sanderson's epic stories.
What are the best Brandon Sanderson books?
With so many Brandon Sanderson audiobooks to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Though all his works feature intricate world-building and action-packed stories, they range from epic high fantasy to dystopian science fiction. Below you'll find a brief introduction to some of Sanderson's most beloved works and the narrators who bring the audiobooks to life.
