Brandon Sanderson

Author

Brandon Sanderson is an American fantasy author whose extraordinary imagination and prolific output have made him one of the most important figures in modern fantasy fiction. Known for his intricate magic systems, epic world-building, and deeply satisfying plotting, Sanderson has built a devoted global readership that spans multiple... bestselling series. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1975, Sanderson grew up in a family that encouraged reading. He studied English at Brigham Young University, where he now teaches creative writing. He wrote thirteen novels before selling his first, Elantris, published in 2005. That persistence has become part of his legend among aspiring writers. His breakthrough came with the Mistborn series, beginning with Mistborn: The Final Empire in 2006, a fantasy novel built around a brilliantly original premise: what if the hero of prophecy had failed, and the Dark Lord won? The series features Allomancy, one of Sanderson's signature magic systems where characters gain powers by ingesting and "burning" different metals. Mistborn has since expanded into multiple eras and remains one of the most celebrated fantasy series of the twenty-first century. In 2007, Sanderson was chosen by Harriet McDougal, widow of the late Robert Jordan, to complete the final three volumes of The Wheel of Time — one of the most beloved fantasy series ever written. It was a monumental responsibility, and Sanderson delivered, earning the respect and gratitude of millions of fans worldwide. His ongoing magnum opus, The Stormlight Archive, is an epic fantasy series planned for ten volumes. The books — including The Way of Kings, Words of Radiance, Oathbringer, and Rhythm of War — are massive in scope and have been critical and commercial successes. Each instalment runs well over a thousand pages, making the audiobook editions, narrated by the outstanding duo of Michael Kramer and Kate Reading, the preferred format for many fans. Their narration has become iconic in the fantasy audiobook world. In 2022, Sanderson made publishing history with a Kickstarter campaign for four secret novels, raising over $41 million — the most successful Kickstarter campaign ever at the time. Sanderson's works are all connected through a shared universe called the Cosmere, a detail that rewards dedicated readers and listeners with hidden connections and crossover characters. His audiobooks and books consistently top bestseller lists, and his open, generous engagement with his fanbase — through lectures, podcasts, and social media — has made him not just a bestselling author but a genuine phenomenon in the fantasy world. Read more Show less