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Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection
Brandon Sanderson

Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection

Quick Answer

Read "Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection" as the 2nd book in the Cosmere Short Fiction sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Defending Elysium" (Book 1)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: This is a comprehensive collection and bundle of the Brandon Sanderson's works. It typically offers significantly better value than buying the titles individually.

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2018666 pp
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson―creator of The Stormlight Archive, the Mistborn Saga, and countless bestselling works of science fiction and fantasy―this iconic short fiction collection features stories set across the Cosmere universe. The Stormlight Archive novella "Edgedancer" is the crown jewel of Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection, which includes novellas and short stories from the worlds of the Stormlight Archive, the Mistborn Saga, Elantris, and more. This collection includes: “The Hope of Elantris” (Elantris) “The Eleventh Metal” (Mistborn) “The Emperor's Soul” (Elantris) “Allomancer Jak and the Pits of Eltania, Episodes 28 through 30” (Mistborn) “White Sand" (excerpt; Taldain) "Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell” (Threnody) “Sixth of Dusk” (First of the Sun) “Mistborn: Secret History” (Mistborn) "Edgedancer" (The Stormlight Archive) These nine wonderful works, published elsewhere individually, convey the expanse of the Cosmere and tell exciting tales of adventure Sanderson fans have come to expect, including the Hugo Award-winning novella “The Emperor's Soul” and an excerpt from the graphic novel "White Sand." Finally, this collection includes essays and illustrations for the various planetary systems in which the stories are set. Other Tor books by Brandon Sanderson The Cosmere The Stormlight Archive ● The Way of Kings ● Words of Radiance ● Edgedancer (novella) ● Oathbringer ● Dawnshard (novella) ● Rhythm of War ● Wind and Truth The Mistborn Saga The Original Trilogy ● Mistborn ● The Well of Ascension ● The Hero of Ages Wax and Wayne ● The Alloy of Law ● Shadows of Self ● The Bands of Mourning ● The Lost Metal Other Cosmere novels ● Elantris ● Warbreaker ● Tress of the Emerald Sea ● Yumi and the Nightmare Painter ● The Sunlit Man The Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series ● Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians ● The Scrivener's Bones ● The Knights of Crystallia ● The Shattered Lens ● The Dark Talent ● Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians (with Janci Patterson) Other novels ● The Rithmatist ● Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds ● The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England Other books by Brandon Sanderson The Reckoners ● Steelheart ● Firefight ● Calamity Skyward ● Skyward ● Starsight ● Cytonic ● Skyward Flight (with Janci Patterson) ● Defiant At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Next Recommended Book

Shadows For Silence In The Forests Of Hell

Book #3 of 4 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

Medium Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Cosmere Short Fiction conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection before Defending Elysium?

No. We recommend reading Defending Elysium first. Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection is the 2th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection required reading for the Cosmere Short Fiction?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection is Shadows For Silence In The Forests Of Hell (Book #3).