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Warbreaker
Brandon Sanderson

Warbreaker

Quick Answer

Start with "Warbreaker" to begin the Warbreaker. It is the essential series starter and provides the necessary foundation for the rest of the books.

Quick Verdict

✅ Safe to read now (Series Entry Point)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: This is the essential series starter that introduces the Brandon Sanderson's core world and character arcs. It is required reading for all new fans.

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2009592 ppSeries StarterWikidataSource
After bursting onto the fantasy scene with his acclaimed debut novel, Elantris, and following up with his blockbuster Mistborn trilogy, Brandon Sanderson proves again that he is today’s leading master of what Tolkien called “secondary creation,” the invention of whole worlds, complete with magics and myths all their own. Warbreaker is the story of two sisters, who happen to be princesses, the God King one of them has to marry, the lesser god who doesn’t like his job, and the immortal who’s still trying to undo the mistakes he made hundreds of years ago. Their world is one in which those who die in glory return as gods to live confined to a pantheon in Hallandren’s capital city and where a power known as BioChromatic magic is based on an essence known as breath that can only be collected one unit at a time from individual people. By using breath and drawing upon the color in everyday objects, all manner of miracles and mischief can be accomplished. It will take considerable quantities of each to resolve all the challenges facing Vivenna and Siri, princesses of Idris; Susebron the God King; Lightsong, reluctant god of bravery, and mysterious Vasher, the Warbreaker.

Series Order Complete! 🎉

You have reached the latest record for this series guide.

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?

Although written and designed as a standalone novel, 'Warbreaker' shares a universe ('Cosmere') with other works by the author. Characters (such as Vasher) and key artifacts (like the sword Nightblood) from this novel subsequently appear in books in The Stormlight Archive series.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Warbreaker 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 Warbreaker?

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

Can I read Warbreaker before other books in the series?

Yes, Warbreaker is the first book in the series and is the ideal starting point for new readers.

Is Warbreaker required reading for the Warbreaker?

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

What comes after Warbreaker in the reading order?

Currently, Warbreaker is the latest entry listed in our database for this series guide.