In addition to his work finishing Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series, New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson is most recognized for his Cosmere books.
Cosmere is told through multiple points of view with characters whose lives center around various political intentions and supernatural threats. With its many deep dystopian themes and elements, the series can give readers the chills. Here are five quotes from the books that still hit like the first time we read them.
“I am. But weakness can imitate strength if bound properly, just as cowardice can imitate heroism if given nowhere to flee.” -The Way of Kings
Navani Kholin mentions this quote when she engages in a discussion with her husband, Dalinar. Navani is trying to uplift Dalinar and offer him guidance.
“That's the trouble with science. Always upending itself. Ruining perfect systems for the little inconvenience of them being wrong.” -Rhythm of War
Contemplating the subject of science, Zahel is talking to Kaladin. In this discussion, Zahel is contrasting the scientific method with the fossil into stone change. Science is a subject of discovery, and with that being said, it can be chilling.
“Today, I know what death is. Why do I know what death is, Kaladin?” -The Way of Kings
In this quote, Syl emphasizes the meaning of death with her question to Kaladin. Knowing and establishing what death is definitely chilling. Not every day is promised, and death is a complex topic. This quote happens after Kaladin attempts to take his own life in the Honor Chasm.
“Honor is dead. But I will see what I can do.” -Words of Radiance
Military head Dalinar is expressing the somberness of Honor's death. This quote is relatable to the common saying that there is nothing to fear but fear itself. This ties into the theme of seeking justice, which Dalinar is fighting for.
“I only tell stories, Your Grace. They may be truths, they may be fictions. All I know is that the stories themselves exist and that I must tell them.” -Warbreaker
In this conversation, Hoid talks with Siri about what is fact and fiction. Storytelling is a key part of connecting more with the world and with oneself. Hoid is holding himself accountable in telling these stories with his role as a storyteller in the Cosmere.
According to Sanderson, all of his Cosmere books share a single creation myth. For those who are new to the series, the author provides a general breakdown of the series: Sanderson notes that readers who don’t typically engage in the fantasy genre should read Steelheart or Elantris. He also suggests that readers who consider themselves fantasy fans try Mistborn: The Final Empire or The Way of Kings.
With all of the worlds in the series intertwining with each other, Sanderson notes that paying attention is a must. The different series in the Cosmere saga include the Dragonsteel series, the Elantris trilogy, different eras of the Mistborn series, and The Stormlight Archive.
For those who love engaging in romance, Sanderson suggests reading Warbreaker. He also recommends that younger readers who want something more lighthearted give Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians a try. For young adults, the author proposes reading Mistborn or The Rithmatist.
Sanderson’s latest Cosmere novel, Isles of the Emberdark, was released in July. And beyond this series, his next book, titled Tailored Realities, is slated for a December 9 release, consisting of short stories.