Elantris
Reading Order.
Start Elantris by Brandon Sanderson with "Elantris", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.
Brandon Sanderson's debut novel and the first book set on the world of Arelon in the Cosmere universe.
Short Answer:
Start with "Elantris"
To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.
Community Consensus
"The overwhelming consensus is that while 'Elantris' is Brandon Sanderson's first published novel, it is often considered his weakest, and therefore is not recommended as a starting point. Most readers suggest beginning with 'Mistborn Era 1' (The Final Empire) as it is a stronger introduction to the author's style and world-building. A few dedicated fans still recommend publication order, starting with 'Elantris'. 'The Stormlight Archive' is strongly discouraged as a starting point due to its complexity and reliance on deeper Cosmere connections."
Start with 'Mistborn: The Final Empire' (Era 1). Do not start with 'Stormlight Archive'. A crucial specific rule is to read 'Warbreaker' before proceeding far into 'The Stormlight Archive' (specifically before Book 2).
At a Glance
- First Book:Elantris
- Latest Book:Elantris
- Timeline:2011 - 2011
Why This Order Is Confusing
Many reading lists for Elantris 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.
Can I skip the short stories?
Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Elantris. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.
I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?
Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "Elantris" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.
Why do people disagree on the order?
Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.
Recommended Reading Order Strategy
The authoritative way to read the "Elantris" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.
Complete Series Reading Order
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Is it okay to skip books in the Elantris series?
We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.
What is the best order to read Elantris?
The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Elantris" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Brandon Sanderson intended.
Can I read Elantris books in any order?
No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.
Are there spin-offs or companion books?
Yes, the Elantris universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.