BookPath
Snapshot
Brandon Sanderson

Snapshot

Quick Answer

"Snapshot" is an optional companion work. It can be read at any time, though it is usually best enjoyed after reading the first few core novels of the Standalone Novels and Non-Cosmere Short Fiction.

Quick Verdict

🟡 Optional side story — not required for main plot

âť“ Can I skip this book?
✅ Yes — Optional

This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Verdict Insight: While this novella provides deeper world-building, it is a standalone story and can be read at any stage.

Is this helpful?
2017123 ppNovellaOptional Side StoryWikidataSource
Two police officers investigate perfect, illegal simulations of crime scenes, leading them to question the nature of reality and the ethics of their own surveillance methods.
Next Recommended Book

Dreamer

Book #5 of 6 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

high 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 Standalone Novels and Non-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 Snapshot?

This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Can I read Snapshot before Perfect State?

Yes. Snapshot is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.

Is Snapshot required reading for the Standalone Novels and Non-Cosmere Short Fiction?

No, it is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not essential to the central storyline.

What comes after Snapshot in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Snapshot is Dreamer (Book #5).