BookPath
Home/Authors/Brandon Sanderson/Standalone Novels and Non-Cosmere Short Fiction

Standalone Novels and Non-Cosmere Short Fiction Reading Order.

Expert Guideby Brandon Sanderson
6 Entries
Ongoing
Quick Answer

Start Standalone Novels and Non-Cosmere Short Fiction by Brandon Sanderson with "Firstborn", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

Works that exist outside the established Cosmere and major non-Cosmere series.

Reader's Guide

This series spans 6 main titles released between 2013 and 2011. For the best experience, we recommend following the Publication Order below to preserve key plot reveals.

Is this helpful?
Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "Firstborn"

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.

Begin Reading Path →
Audible VersionBest for commuting

Community Consensus

Low Debate

"The generally recommended reading order follows a structured approach: start with the core stories, referred to as "the big four," before moving on to the more specialized or "weirder stuff." Specific series like the "End of Time books" are suggested to be read roughly halfway through the overall sequence. Later material, specifically "Moonbeam Roads," should be deferred because it relies heavily on knowledge of the wider multiverse. Common alternative starting points mentioned are "the first Elric book" or the "Eternal Champion" series."

Key Reddit Advice

Start with 'the big four.' Read 'End of Time books' about halfway through the sequence. 'Moonbeam Roads' must be read later. Alternative starting points include 'the first Elric book' or 'the Eternal Champion.'

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.

Can I skip the short stories?

Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Standalone Novels and Non-Cosmere Short Fiction. 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 "Firstborn" 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.

Curator's Strategy

Recommended Reading Order Strategy

The authoritative way to read the "Standalone Novels and Non-Cosmere Short Fiction" 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.

Start with "Firstborn"Explore all by Brandon Sanderson

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

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

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for fans. Compare →

Publication Reading Order6 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

Firstborn

Pub: 2013Optional★ 4

Included in the Humble Book Bundle: Brandon Sanderson bundle.Firstborn“I, Dennison Crestmar—brother of the great Varion Crestmar, cousin to kings and commander of fleets—am an idiot. Just like all of you have heard.”Dennison has tried to follow in his perfect brother’s footsteps in the service of the Imperial Fleet, but has been met only with failure after failure. Why do his father and even the emperor himself still have so much faith in in his potential?

2

The Rithmatist

Pub: 2013★ 5

Plot details hidden until you finish "Firstborn".

In a world where magic is drawn by chalk lines, a student discovers a horrifying plot threatening the entire kingdom, forcing him to master the art of Rithmatics.

3

Perfect State

Pub: 2015Optional

Plot details hidden until you finish "The Rithmatist".

Two artificial intelligences, living in separate perfect simulated worlds, meet and fall in love, only to discover the terrifying true nature of their existence.

4

Snapshot

Pub: 2017Optional

Plot details hidden until you finish "Perfect State".

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.

5

Dreamer

Pub: 2017

Plot details hidden until you finish "Snapshot".

A man who can perfectly simulate reality inside his mind confronts a terrifying choice when his internal worlds begin to bleed dangerously into the real world.

6

Hyperthief

Pub: 2011

Plot details hidden until you finish "Dreamer".

A skilled thief must pull off an impossible heist in a high-tech future, where memory modification and digital surveillance threaten every move he makes.

Prefer Listening?

Best if you commute

Get the professional narration of "Firstborn" free with an Audible trial.

Try Audible →

Own the Physical Copy

Best value option

Add "Firstborn" to your library. Curated links ensure you get the correct edition.

View on Amazon →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the Standalone Novels and Non-Cosmere Short Fiction 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 Standalone Novels and Non-Cosmere Short Fiction?

The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Firstborn" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Brandon Sanderson intended.

Can I read Standalone Novels and Non-Cosmere Short Fiction 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 Standalone Novels and Non-Cosmere Short Fiction 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.