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It's been a very long time...I sorely miss the Cosmere. I've been kept busy, and I haven't even had time to read. In the past it's been my escape, and I seldom have a chance to even pick up a good book for a few moments anymore. I've had to pause my progress on Hero of Ages, and I really miss reading in general, but especially Sanderson. But that's all good and fine, I'm prioritizing, and I hope to find more time to read this summer. So, partially because I want to remain active on the Shard, but also genuinely to ask a question I'm posting this. Once I finally finish Hero of Ages, I'm planning to read Warbreaker before I continue on to Words of Radiance. I can figure out a decent order, however I'd like some advice on where to fit in Shadows for Silence--I know it's a short read, so maybe that'd be good for when I am still busy. I know Threnody is a less significant shardworld, so I was wondering if anyone had input on where to fit it in with my (slow) Cosmere reading. Thanks for keeping the Shard alive, I'm looking forward to Binge Reading again when I get the chance and hopefully I can keep up with the Cosmere better next year, since I've actually only gotten to a couple books as of yet.

Hey y’all I’m new here and I just finished the Mistborn trilogy and I’m in love with it! What should I read next?

There are only so many times I can re-read The Way of Kings, Words of Radiance, and Oathbringer in a row. I'd like to mix in some new novels before coming back at SA. So: I'm looking for book recommendations; what would you put forward as similar to SA, but different enough to be fresh? Or maybe just some recently-finished books that come to mind. I can start with some recently-finished ones Sufficiently Advanced Magic (Andrew Rowe) This has a sequel, On The Shoulders of Titans, which was recently published. I would describe these as a cross between Harry Potter and D&D. It effectively starts with the main character's entrance exam to school, during which stranger-than-the-expected-amount-of-strange things happen, culminating in a Quest. This Quest winds up being tied into Far Larger Things of an Epic Nature. The magic system is quite detailed -- perhaps a step too far for my taste (mana is, for instance, quantified numerically, there is a class system like you would find in an RPG). Compared to SA, the focus on the characters is impersonal. For instance, Kaladin's motivations clearly come from aversion to failure, and ensuing self-recrimination; Dalinar's from a sense of remorse combined with respect for discipline; Shallan's from feeling like she has to present a different face in different situations combined with the desire to define her true self. I couldn't say the same about the main five of these books; the main motivations are generally external (getting stronger, helping others). The story is much more combat-heavy than SA; but these scenes are done very well. My largest gripe is that (especially with book 2), the main characters routinely get in far over their heads (like sailboat-attacks-battleship) without significant-enough consequences. Probably 7.5/10 for #1, 7/10 for #2. Similarity to SA: Some. Positive outlook. Magic, some (hinted-at) politics, talking non-humans, involved divine entities, (largely-unknown) before-the-gods magic and history Perdido Street Station (China Mieville) This is a beautiful book, with a heavy emphasis on physical description. The world is incredibly varied, with sentients spanning the gaps between subterranean extradimensional spider-things, a race of sentient but parasitic pairs of hands, anarcho-communist tengu communes, garbage heaps with emergent AI, and actual devils. And everything in-between. Much of the plot -- particularly in the first 20% of the book or so -- feels like an excuse for more excursions into the various unique little niches of culture and history and biology found within the setting. If you liked the bit of TWoK with Shallan and the Santhid, or Rysn's interlude in the Reshi isles, or the Kaza soulcaster interlude, you might find this book appealing. There is no magic system. Magic exists in a kind of scientific form ("Thaumaturgy"), and lots of magical things happen, but the "how" is not a concern of the book. Magical creatures do this sort of a thing, and it's an instance of that kind of thaumaturgy, but nobody really knows how it functions. The character's don't extensively use the magic, and the story isn't about them learning to use it or getting stronger with it; so this approach works quite well. In contrast to SAM, the characters have clear personal motivations (needing intellectual and social validation; regaining a core component of self-identity). The story can be summarized very succinctly: Boy plays with Science, Science decides to try to kill everyone, Everyone doesn't know what the heck to do so tells Boy to fix the problem, Boy (nearly fatally) attempts to fix the problems several times before finally succeeding. None of the 867 pages is devoted to political machinations, the bulk of it is details and vignettes and interludes. I loved it -- but if you want the plot to drag you along by your ears from page 1 to page 600, this isn't the book for you. Finally, the prose itself is a world apart from SA. It is verbose, descriptive, and logophilic. I had to look up a word or two ("etiolated") for the first time in years. I think this adds to the aesthetic of other-worldliness; at the cost of feeling slower and a bit pretentious. The tone is definitely darker, coarser, and grittier than SA. Nonetheless 8.5/10. Similarity to SA: Not much. Forces More Powerful Than Us; world-building; magical creatures

I was just wondering if anyone knows whether Brandon is going to continue to release the $100 leather-bound editions of his books on their tenth anniversaries? I need to know how much I'll need to be saving up in the future if I'm going to have to re-buy every single novel he's written for display. Haha. I would assume he would just stick to the bigger cosmere-related novels, but I wasn't sure if it was going to continue making these for Way of Kings, Warbreaker (which would be next I believe), and the Wax and Wayne Mistborn books.

Looking for good books with a female protagonist that is either a villain or anti hero. Preferably Middle Ages-esque. The Young Elites series is a good example.

Sorry for brutalizing this, I was wondering if Arsteel was the author of the Alasteely(Couldn't find a spelling for it) since he was one of the five scholars... I couldn't find and reference to this in Warbreaker, or Stormlight forums...

I love Brandon Sanderson, I have read all mistborn books (including arcanum unbounded), white sand, the way of kings, the reckoners, and alcatraz vs. the evil librarians. Any sugestions for what Sanderson books (preferably cosmere) I should read next?

Is there still a way to ask questions in signed books? I can't remember if it was removed or not.

Hi! I'm TruthlessofShinovar. I really thought that name would have been taken. I remember last year looking at some Best Fantasy Books lists, and I found Way of Kings as number 1 or 2. The cover and description instantly hooked me. I looked it up on Goodreads, and it became even more interesting. I remember buying the Kindle version that evening because I needed to read it. I think my 16-year-old mind blown with every chapter. (About 500 pages later I bought the physical copy - and the sequel.) A few months after reading WOK I read Elantris, and I loved it. Then Words of Radiance, which I think is even better than Way of Kings. Now, 8 months and three Sanderson books later, I'm currently reading Mistborn: The Final Empire. I love Brandon's writing style in the Stormlight books, but for some reason I'm finding Mistborn's style a bit clunky and exposition-heavy. From reading some earlier and later Sanderson books, I think he really improved on his writing - and especially his dialogue.

As we are all book lovers here, I thought many of you would enjoy a poem I wrote today that I'm calling "A Dusty Old Tome". It's supposed to be a prose poem, so don't tell me about the lack of stanzas. Here goes: Watch as the traveller pushes through the heavy oak doors into the portal of brick walls and hardwood floors. A labyrinth of leather-bound books line the walls, lamenting their isolation, waiting and wishing the traveller be tricked into selecting their stories. But despite that, waiting patiently with a hush one could feel more than hear. The reader can sense some sort of reverence in the respectful silence permeating the library. In counterpoint, familiar already-read tales shout in recognition to the traveller, who marvels that no one can hear them but he. Beams of sunlight cascade through the skylight, pointing out hovering motes of dust that tickle the traveller’s nose. The dust in the air swirls like magical pixie powder as the traveller passes slowly through the sunbeams. Slowly, so he can read the spines of the dusty tomes sitting on their tightly packed shelves. Titles glitter in gold and silver on the spines of black or brown books, mere glimpses into the secrets they hold. The traveller selects a candidate, on a shelf almost too high for his reach. The worn book has known many a touch; its pages browned by age, its binding crackling at its opening. But the traveller is careful, ever so careful with the precious, fragile tome. The indescribable scent of ancient parchment wafts to the traveller’s nose: Musty, dusty, and lackluster, but somehow hinting and wonder. And the thin papers smooth to the brush of his fingertips, possessing grit ever so fine. Black-inked words stand stark on the off-white pages, but its story is more than just words. The traveller is already smitten; the reader already in love. The jealously taciturn books unselected would have to wait until his next visit, the traveller remarks. He’d selected his journey for today, but soon he’d return for another. Let me know what you think! And thanks for reading!

Just finished the first book in The Risen Kingdoms trilogy. Highly recommended. We get a peek at just a few, quite original magic systems (using your shadow to kill). Lots of world building. Anyone else here read it? What did you think?

Hello everyone! Since i was introduced to the wonderous world of Brandon Sanderson just a couple of months ago i would like to ask you guys a question? What was the first book of Sanderson's that you have read??? Mine was Steelheart.

I don't highlight my books. I love keeping them pristine and new looking, but I'm thinking of getting spare copies to mark up when I make Connections, develop theories, or see a Worldhopper! Do you highlight/make notes in your Cosmere books? How do you go about it? Do you color code things or write notes? Like red for Ruin, red and gold for Odium, green for Cultivation, white for Preservation, etc? Looking for ideas and advice!

Anyone else on goodreads want to share their year in review? Or, your favorite book from this year? This is mine... Not sure if I should be proud or sheepish.

Hello all. I am an author, playwright , poet, and an avid reader. Brandon's works have made me far better in my writing and analysis of the world. I look forward to delving even deeper into his worlds.

Lately I have been a little out of touch with reading and all my other hobbies. But I just decided to come back, so I just need your help with learning of what actually happened when I was not around. So, could you maybe give me titles of all interesting books that were released (or release date announced) since January 2016? I do prefer fantasy/sci-fi, but I read everything. And yes, I know Oathbringer is coming, but I just want more. Thanks.

So this is an odd idea that has wiggled its way through my brain for a while. Imagine you are in a public setting boasting about your greatest adventures what would you say? How would you present yourself? But now imagine you are not limited by the constraints of books (or any other media you are passionate about) being separate. So tell us about your travels and the adventures you have had or are having now. And without further ado: I have flown on the winds of Pern; Sailed the waters of Earth Sea; Trekked across rock and rills of Ulm; Passed through the rifts of Midkemia and Kelewan; And hopped the worlds of the Cosmere. I have mastered the weaves of Saidin; Studied the three arts at the Adventure’s Academy; Wielded white gold in the Land; Survived the dark-after on Austar IV; And feel the old magic of the Wood The old gods of the Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Norse know me. I am recognized within the faerie and vampire courts. I have paid my respects at the marble tomb on the grounds of Hogwarts. I have held counsel with the High Kings of Prydain, and Narnia; And made friends with the dragons of Chetwin, Fiest, Jordan, Le Guin, McCaffrey, Novik, Paolini, Sanderson, Yep, Yolan, and many others. PS If you have trouble guessing all of the books and series either look at my profile or look up the authors listed. PSS if this has been done before can someone point me in the right direction.

Just wondering - which books are going to be made leather bound?

So I just finished the Witcher 3 (Wild Hunt, Heart of Stone, and Blood and Wine). It was fantastic. Yes, it was pretty, the gameplay was fun/etc., but what made it so good was the characters (and story, and plot, but mostly the people). They are absolutely brilliant. The story just gave me so many feels for these brilliantly real characters (spoiler alert) So anyway, I fully intend to dive into the books the games are based off of; because even if the translated prose doesn't work for me, I suspect the characters will still click. Am I right to think so? Are they as good as I hope they'll be?

I'm actually really curious. As in many countries, they speak other languages, how does he interact with fans at these other signings?

Hi! So, my friends and I just started a book club and I get to pick the next book! I really want to bring Brandon into the club, but we just read The Devil in the White City which is a little slow, and a little long, so I don't want to introduce any book that's longer than that right now. And most of Brandon's shorter works aren't best for introductory IMO. So I want to get their feet wet with fantasy so that I can suggest a Brandon book in the future. Unfortunately, I don't read a lot of shorter fantasy and the ones I've read, I just don't think would be right for this. With a little research I've narrowed it down to the following three: Tea With the Black Dragon, by R. A. MacAvoy Neverwhere, by Neil Gaiman Good Omens, by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. I'm open to others as well! I haven't read any of these and I figured this would be the best community to lend advice! I want to stick to fantasy, so I ruled out A Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and Ender's Game, even though those are fantastic.

Hey Sharders! I'm wondering what books would make the most sense to read next. If you guys have any suggestions, that would be awesome! I've already read the following: Mistborn: The Final Empire The Well of Ascension The Hero of Ages The Alloy of Law Shadows of Self The Bands of Mourning Mistborn: Secret History The Rithmatist The Stormlight Archive: The Way of Kings Words of Radiance Elantris: Elantris, Tenth Anniversary Version The Emperor's Soul Alcatraz: Alcatraz Vs The Evil Librarians Alcatraz Vs The Scrivener's Bones Alcatraz Vs The Knights of Crystallia Alcatraz Vs The Shattered Lens Warbreaker These aren't necessarily in the order I read them. If I did that, it would be way confusing. I've heard about some Cosmere shorts, but I'm not entirely sure what to search for. Any help at all is welcome!

This is a thread for people to post ratings of books they have read. Just read a good book that you want to share with everyone? Read a book that you disliked? Post it here! In order to keep this thread neat I would appreciate if you posted reviews in the format shown. Parts of the format marked with a asterisk symbol are optional. Format: Book title Book series* Other books by this author* 3 sentence summary Who does this book appeal to?* Books similar to this book* Setting rating Character rating Genre dependent rating(Historical accuracy, Magic, etc)* How long did it take to read this book?* Age rating* Rating on a scale of 1-10

Hey Sharders! Post photos and/or descriptions of your awesome Sanderson Collection here! Take pictures of your bookshelves, homemade props or costumes, things you bought from Brandon's shop, anything Brandon Related! Do you have any low numbered signed&numbered books? Anything unique? Post it here! For a start, here's mine: Here's a picture (I slid in the hardback dust jackets where they fit in):

Seriously has anyone noticed how prolific this guy is when compared to George R.R. Martin, Robert Jordan, and a ton of other fantasy writers? I mean how many books has this guy written since the last A Song of Ice and Fire Book came out? I'm not complaining or anything I am just really impressed considering his contemporaries.