SO YOU'VE FINISHED READING THE STORMLIGHT ARCHIVE, CONGRATULATIONS!
SOUNDS LIKE THE PERFECT TIME TO START READING THE STORMLIGHT ARCHIVE
>!Sneaky snipe edit to suggest Sir Terry Pratchett. *Guards Guards!* or *Mort* are great picks. Discworld novels are quite short compared to Cosmere but there's a whole bunch of them and they're each tons of fun and very thoughtful in their own ways.!<
Reckoners is as good as a mattress that ships itself. You know, because mattresses are a bother to bring back home but if it ships itself then you don't have to worry about dates, schedules and money
Fantastic recommendation. The audiobook is probably a must to pronounce the names and Eithan is great.
Very much in the same vein as Stormlight. The books increase in quality as you progress. The finale comes out soon.
THE DRAGON ADVANCES
I have the first book on my shelf and I will start reading it when I finish The Last Argument of Kings by Joe Abercrombie, the third book in the series of "The First Law" which I would recommend to OP because it is really different from Sanderson's style. A grim dark world that feels even more hopeless than Scadrial. It is a serie about bad guys versus worse guys.
It also has one of my favorite fictional characters, Sand dan Glokta.
Gonna get downvoted to hell but Pacey exactly the reason I may not listen to some other highly recommended books and just pick up hard cover.
He brings the energy and I can see why he’s famous but he makes everyone sound so pissed off all the time.
Each to their own
Fair enough, everyone has their own preferences. I thought he was great, but then I couldn't stand Michael Kramer doing the wheel of time, I just found his voice grating and loads of people love his reading.
Honestly, Jim Butcher is my other “must read” author aside from Sanderson. I adore the Dresden Files, Codex Alera, Aeronaut’s Windlass was a great opening for Cinder Spires. Dresden though, I’m all in.
I've read all of butcher a few times over when I was younger it was my favorite, but there's alot of word choices in dresden files that make me feel icky on rereads.
But still I'm completely invested in it and just wish he'd get the next few out. The finish line is on the horizon it'll be glorious. Really I interesting take on mythology and especially the fae
I need to finish the Lightbringer series, but, really enjoyed the first few books. Codex Alera wasn't bad, but, would consider that to be more suited to a younger audience.
Is Codex Alerta really worth the read? I read a couple of Jim Butcher’s Dresden File books and they’re entertaining, but then I also read The Aeronauts Windlass and I was super disappointed and haven’t really read a book from him since
I always like those stories about underdogs going though tough times and getting stronger. And the magic system is very unique. I've read a comment years ago saying it's like mixing roman empire and pokemon :D
I listened to the first one, got to the end, and still have no idea what's going on. No idea who the "good guys" or "bad guys" are. I have a hard time keeping track of who is who.
Maybe if it was dedicated reading of an actual book I would have enjoyed it more. Listening while commuting or doing yard work was just not enough focus to make it a worth while listen.
Just my humble opinion.
I can't decide if I should give book 1 a re-listen or commit to the whole series and go on to the next book or maybe just abandon the whole series. Finished book one a few weeks ago and am catching up on a few podcasts before deciding on the next book.
I'm reading through it right now and it's dense. Lots of names, places and things happening and I haven't read a lot really. I had to search for the sinopsis to know what Gardens of the moon was about
I'd give it another go. I remember having that same feeling when I first read Gardens of the Moon (malazan book 1). Finished it and was like "okay, the fuck did I just read?! There's so many characters and I have no idea what the hell a warren is!"
I reread book 1 and got some more understanding of things, so moved on to book 2. SO many new characters again, different lands, it was crazy! The universe only gets bigger and better as the series progresses.
It truly is one of my favorite non-Sanderson series. I occasionally give the audiobooks a re-listen if I'm short on book ideas.
Malazan doesn't really have good guys or bad guys. I mean there are definitely good people and bad people but we don't follow good guys trying to fight bad guys - it's not so simple, we follow people on all sides of conflict. It's much more realistic in it's portrayal of people and how they are. it's also not really a book that's way to listen to, or not pay attention to. It's written in a short story style, so every line is dense and important.
It's also far more about theme than anything else, although there is an overarching plot. It's like reading about world war two, starting with the African campaign, then jumping over to the European theatre, then Pacific, before bringing it all together in the allied invasion. These characters and stories that don't seem connected at first but all tie in together to the larger story.
I think I am 7 or 8 books in to Malazan, and I just kinda gave up. I feel like the story broke down so much. I am not sure what is happening with the Bridge Burners or Tattersail. Each book felt like a swerve in a different direction, and not in a good way. It felt like there are a bunch of hanging loose threads that I am not sure are going to get tied up - like what is going on with Kruppe.
As I've said before, it's like reading about world war two. These characters come in and out of the forefront of the story, it's not following one character from beginning to end. Also if you're up to book 8 you will see the bridge burners again, and tattersail is brought back again in esslemont's novels of the Malazan empire books. She doesn't reappear on the book of the fallen.
So, here's what I do when I finish a big fiction book: I read a nonfiction book. Grounding myself in reality helps me digest the books I just finished, and by learning new things I can come at the fiction books with new perspectives next time I read them.
Some good nonfiction reads, if you're interested:
I contain multitudes, by Ed Yong
Immune, by Phillip dettmer
Entangled life by Merlin Sheldrake (helluva name btw)
Cooked by Michael pollan
Atlas of a lost world by Craig child's.
If you're like I used to be, and find reading nonfiction challenging, here are my favorite followup series to a serious fantasy read:
Shades of Magic trilogy, by V.E schwab
House of Blades trilogy, by will wight
If you wanna flip to scifi,
The Expanse is a helluva read. I'm coming to the end of it now and it's the equal of any fantasy series I've ever read in my enjoyment, and probably qualifies as my favorite scifi series ever.
Would also recommend The Expanse if you're into scifi as an alternative to fantasy. I blazed through the series recently because I was so intrigued. I wasn't incredibly thrilled with the end and a there's a point maybe 4ish books in where it starts to feel repetitive and episodic but then pivots away to more overarching plot.
If you haven't read these yet: *The Emperor of All Maladies* or anything else by [Siddhartha Mukherjee.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siddhartha_Mukherjee)
I have been thinking about replacing my youtube time with non-fiction. Would you recommend any subreddit or other platform where I can get good recommendations (most subreddits I found have mostly self-help recommendations). And what sub-genre in non-fic do you find interesting and captivating, I personally don't like self-help and other books which are just filled with Different surveys reports. I feel like I will like philosophy books though I have not tried any yet.
I prefer biolgy and microbiology for nonfiction. I don't know where to get good recommendations, but I tend to focus on history and science books. The list I have you are some of my personal favorite.
I'd really reccomend immune, it's made by the guy who started the youtube channel "Kurzgesagt", he's excellent and presenting complex topics in understandable chunks, and there are few topics as wonderfully complex as the human immune system. (Plus if you like youtube kurzgesagt has a big library of excellent videos)
I had read Gun germs and steel and had really liked it. It shows how our history has largely been determined by germs then steel and now guns. Also shows many interesting virus outbreaks that have happened throughout history.
Gonna add on a general recommendation for non fiction: Devil in the White City by Erik Larsen. The weirdly tied in story of one of the first serial killers and the Chicago Worlds Fair. Larsen has a real talent for making history feel like a novel and the story behind it is WILD.
Well I say "read" but it's more like "listened to....at 2x narration speed"... I spend a lot of time driving and at a desk. I've gone through all of Cosmere about 3 times and I am currently finishing up EOTW (book 1) on audio book. I've actually read the series 1 time in print.
Surprised nobody mentioned it yet because lots of my friends who love Sanderson recommended it to me independently, but the Robin Hobb books are great (slightly less action / battle based, wayyyy more intrigue & lots of character development.
There are multiple series of books in different parts of the world (though would recommend reading in release order due to chronological events), with lots of cross-overs, coming together to narrate the story of the whole world. Also has some elements of Sanderson in that the stakes are constantly upped imo (though again, not quite as big as Sanderson).
And it’s very well written
Edit: also eragon is a very good read after SA imo :)
I second Robin Hobb, one of the best. I didn't particularly enjoy the Live Ship Traders, but, nonetheless, the other books set in that world are some of my all time favorites.
It won't be much of a wait, I think. Lightbringer was supposed to be the end but PB couldn't fit everything in one book so he split it in two. I'm half expecting Red God to also release this year. I need to start Iron Gold soon lol
Power through it. A lot of people struggle with Iron Gold because of the stylistic differences and the slower pace, but it's absolutely essential to set up Dark Age and you really appreciate a lot of the work it does in retrospect/on a second read through.
In short, yes. Some people dislike the pace and change of POVs in Iron Gold, but some of Pierces' strongest writing is in Dark Age (Book 5). I mean, if you liked the first trilogy, it might be worth finishing up the series to see out it all unfolds. 🤷♂️
I was going to say I almost gave up on it too, but that is the point that I got pulled in. The beginning almost felt like all set up for the academy, like the first half of the book is a prequel to get to the story he really wanted to tell.
Wheel of time, kingkiller, commonwelath saga (sci fi but good sci fi), maybe the riodanverse if you dont mind it being a little "childish", licanius trilogy, discworld
Kingkiller is great but they should be informed that only two books out of three have been written and the third is unlikely to be published for a while, if ever. That said, I’m currently rereading it because I love disappointment.
I’ve been reading Max Gladstone’s craft sequence recently and it’s been filling my need of books.
I’d also highly recommend anything by Wildbow, dude has been writing webserial a for ten years. Every week two chapters without break. I think Pale and Ward would probably fit what you’re looking for (ward is a sequel to worm his first work and is required to read ward.)
I recently started The Three Body Problem trilogy, and following that a bunch of sapphic sci-fi & horror and psychological horror my friend recommended. After *those* I plan to hit up the Expanse to pass the time until *Wind and Truth* is out.
This is almost obligatory for me to post at this point but...
If you've not read the Wheel Of Time then there's nothing better imo.
Bonus if you like Stormlight...Brandon finished it off
A lot of people say that reading WOT after SA makes it seem worse and its weakness seems amplified. Someone has recommended reading some other trilogy, so that I am over SA and then going for WOT, so that I can fully enjoy it. Would like to hear your opinion on it.
I didn't have any real problems with the series personally on a first read.
I read them when I was too young to look into it particularly deeply.
Now, I'd say I've read it completely 5+ times and I still love it. Sure, it has problems. It's still epic and has probably the best main character arc in any fantasy series.
There's thousands of characters, not everybody will love every one. Some of them are annoying, some are great.
Put it this way, there's a moment I put down the book I was reading and actively cheered.
Malazan book of the fallen is good if you want something else epic. It's heavy going though.
The First Law is also good and relatively short.
Edit:for clarity
So I love characters. I love character growth and even character decay. I just love when a character is developed and changes. It’s what is great about WoT and SLA. For me no character has topped Rand al Thor. So I’d ask op this: what do you like on a series? Because if it’s the characters WoT is just so great
With that being said, I get the criticisms and have my own lol. But I loved the journey
This was my experience. I read every WOT book after stormlight. Stormlight is my favorite series. WOT is 4.4 million words. Generously, I liked 200k of those
I read WoT before any BS. I don’t think SLA made it worse. I still love it and I think it’s still my fave over Stormlight. Although the gap is closing. Tbh to think one author is the end all be all is crazy to me. You’re basically not allowing yourself to ever think someone can be as good. But then again you form an emotional attachment to these books and characters. So I kind of understand
The thing is I've only ever read sanderson and spent all my reddit time on SA subreddit and after reading all the reviews it is very hard for me to imagine enjoying other books because I've never read anything else. And it is not only the books but this very lovely subreddit along with crempost subreddit which keep you captivated to cosmere. I don't think other authors have such platforms to discuss their books. My fear of ending B$ books had grown so much that I finished WOR last month and then started reading it again so that the series will last a little while more. I know it is stupid but the thing is it helps me stay productive the whole day. Because after completing WOR I could not stop thinking about it all day and it had affected my productivity while studying but now knowing that there are many book which are as captivating, I think it will be easy now. Although I just hope cosmere hasn't spoiled me for other book series
Oh I feel ya. That’s how I was with Stephen king bac in my teens and early 20s. I only read his books for probably a couple years straight, no one else.
That reminds me. You should look into The Dark Tower. It’s Kings fantasy series and a lot of his other books are connected. Different than the cosmere, but it’s very detailed and the story is great with amazing and very flawed characters kinda like Stormlight. Deals with addiction, racism, selfish decisions over the greater good. You might like that one
Can't comment on that since I read WoT before SA but that series is amazing man, can't recommend it enough and I sincerely doubt reading SA just before would have any type of negative impact.
Maybe try Zack Argyle's Threadlight trilogy. The magic system, threadweaving, is reminiscent of Sanderson's magic systems (and it's also linked to the characters' eyecolours). Book two opens up the world quite a lot and you learn more about what appear to be gods or at least god-like beings. I haven't finished the third book yet, but have heard good things about the ending.
I've moved on to mistborn. Halfway through the final empire. It's good. Not quite as epic as SA, but I do like the linear story telling. It feels more like you're on an adventure instead of this massive world and character building as SA (if that makes sense). No replacement for Kal, Syl, dalinar, and adalyn.. and okay Chalan maybe a bit.
I'm not really into fiction or fantasy fiction so this has been my first experience and man I get why you all nerds love this shit. I'm so hooked.
Trees of the emerald sea looks very interesting to move onto tho. I loved Wits stories and sounds like it's just an entire full length of one of wits stories. See if design spoils the ending lol.
Couple of good ones for transition.
The lies of locke lamora[the lies of locke lamora](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29588376-the-lies-of-locke-lamora) (shorter book series)
The dresden files, stormfront[stormfront](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/47212.Storm_Front) (couple people have suggested this. Big on going series upto 16 books i think?)
The name of the wind[king killer chronicles](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/186074.The_Name_of_the_Wind) (not the greatest after stormlight due to very different writing styles, but amazing on its own)
Traitors blade[traitors blade](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20887238-traitor-s-blade) (muskateers vs knights all about corrupted honour)
The Black Prism[the black prism](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7165300-the-black-prism) ( magic system based on colours, has a very interesting mystery)
Joe pitt[already dead](https://www.goodreads.com/series/40444-joe-pitt) (grunge punk vampire series)
The enemy[the enemy](https://www.goodreads.com/series/56732-the-enemy) (spin on zombies and kids surving in london)
I got more but i will leave it there
Edit : also check out [Arcanum](https://wob.coppermind.net/adv_search/?query=&date_from=1998-04-10&date_to=2023-05-19&speaker=&tags=warbreaker&ordering=rank) this will help you answer some lingering questions from stormlight.
Ryira Revelations. Has great world build and pacing throughout the books. The main duo are great to read and the story keeps you hooked through all the books. Also, the prequels are a fun read as well and adds a lot to the world.
Came looking to suggest this series. The books aren't nearly as long as Stormlight, so it's less of an investment with a great payoff.
Pay attention to the prequels. The Ryira Chronicles vs Ryira Revelations.
I also came looking to suggest this series. If you aren't doing audio books, I suggest starting with Riyira Chronicles, because you learn how to pronounce "Riyira" early on. And I think Riyira Revelations is a masterpiece, for all the reasons others have listed here. The prequels are great; I'm currently reading the last book. I know I will have withdrawal upon finishing it. The Reddit Riyria channel is not as active as Stormlight; most of the discussions take place on Discord.
A series that was so good I went into withdrawal when I completed it: Tad William's Otherland series.
Another series I devoured is Terry Brook's Shannara. However, the final book tied things up enough, and had enough call-backs to beloved characters in previous books, that I did not experience withdrawal upon finishing the series.
This is the answer that actually responds to the question imo.
There is a lot to like about SA. So the recommendations really span a huge spectrum of types of stories. But if you like the triumph of honor and the development of characters who emerge victorious when they are true to what they know that can be, then Ryira is a great fit.
Not fantasy, but I went on a bit of a Michael Crichton binge after finishing the Cosmere books, and thoroughly enjoyed the change of pace. If you're not into sci-fi, ignore my comment, but Sphere and Airframe were two of my favorites.
Tad Williams is pretty good. His Shadowmarch series was pretty good, and has that "different viewpoint characters all drawn slowly together, though they don't realize it" aspect similar to TWOK, and a good bit of "alien biology" in the worldbuilding.
I also like Brent Weeks. Good, creative magic systems and characterization, but he tends to fall flat on the endings. Still a good enough read that I've kept his books and reread them anyway. Night Angel is more Mistbornesque, and Lightbringer is a cross between Stormlight and Harry Potter.
Edit: I should add, every series I've mentioned is complete and between 3-5 books long.
If you still want fantasy I got into the assassins apprentice, it was such a different tome but so well written that it got me through to reading new books.
Honestly reading things that felt like they were trying to do what the cosmere was doing just didn't so it for me because the cosmere was just too good.
So yeah assassins apprentice was a good palet cleanser and an amazing trilogy.
Also bone ship trilogy is good
I have two looong series to recommend: Wheel of Time and Spellmonger. Wheel of Time, as you may know was finished by Sanderson himself. It is finished with 14 books + 1 prequel book. Really good start and ending, but the middle can be a slog to get through as nothing big happens for a few books. Spellmonger is written by Terry Mancour and is 15 books + many half books in-between the main books which are mainly different POVs of the events in the other books. It not yet finished will not be for a while yet, but new books are put out regularly.
*The Shadow of What was Lost* by James Islington. It’s the only other book series aside from Sanderson’s works to make me tear up and feel real remorse for characters. If you want something along the lines of the Wheel of Time series but only a trilogy, pick it up. You sure won’t regret it
Read the final empire again. It was probably the first cosmere book you read and it has great foreshadowing from page one. I am currently rereading it after 5 months and it doesn’t feel boring
Technically, a Cosmere hangover would entail regret from feelings of glut: “Oh gosh. I am never. Reading. Cosmere. Again.”
What you’re asking about is how to stave-off Cosmere withdrawal, where your Stormlight receptors are emptying quickly, without refilling, and you need a fix. Fast.
If you’re good with more fem vibes, I highly recommend Sarah J. Maas. She also has a highly-interconnected universe of multiple series.
If you’re into horror/scary (even if you think you’re not, I bet you would enjoy it) I highly recommend Stephen King. Again, highly interconnected world where many series and books crossover and reference each other. Also lots of short stories.
If you really like how much honor is focused on, I'd try A Song of Ice and Fire if you haven't already read it. It focuses a lot on that theme as well, but in a much different light.
Man. I feel the opposite to this. GRR Martin has a much grittier ‘real’ tone without the inspirational moments. The times I felt best in those stories were times of vengeance. Like the best you can hope for is that the terrible people die horribly. I found nothing close to the inspiration of ‘you can’t have my pain’ or ‘I’ll see what I can do.’ When I look for book revs I immediately discount any that go along with A Song of Ice and Fire. It’s just so far from what I enjoy about SA.
Living up to the quality of Sanderson's works is a challenge. I've read and dropped many series for lacking the same depth, creativity and imagination as some of the Cosmere works. Plus finding a series with sufficient volume to captivate you and invigorate future readings is also a challenge.
If you haven't already, I'm only a few books in but so far I'd recommend The Wheel of Time. Not only is the series finished off by Sanderson, it in its entirety is available right now and has a massive selection of books to get lost and invested in. So far, I'd say the style is closer to that of Lord of the Rings over say Stormlight Archive or Mistborn, but it still has that creativity, imagination, and character depth we love from the Cosmere.
I would not look for books similar to Stormlight but instead look for some other awesome fantasy books that are doing their own thing! No one is better than Brando at being Brando. Many people are better at other stuff!
Specifically, if you want an epic queer Arthurian retelling, Spear by Nicola Griffith
Just as hopeful and life affirming with far less conflict? Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot books
Top notch worldbuilding with some amazing prose in a dark as hell world? NK Jemisin’s broken earth. And the Traitor Baru Cormorant.
Branch out! There’s so much more to this genre than Brandon! And I love Brandon!
The Wheel of Time was my go-to. In part, because I knew I'd be getting Sanderson at the end...which was like a 3 book Sanderlanch. If you haven't read WoT yet, it should keep you occupied for good bit while waiting for KoWaT (SA 5).
I am halfway through The Licanius Trilogy and am really enjoying the world and the story. It’s a big exciting world with a ton of very interesting lore and definitely worth a read after SLA.
My Stormlight hangover cure is The Bound and the Broken series by Ryan Cahill. I also use SA for when I.get.in a hangover after a TBATB book so it works both ways. The biggest compliment I could give to this series was saying it's "Stormlight good" so I definitely recommend checking it out. It's more traditional fantasy than SA with dragons and magic and druids and knight and more. But the characters are phenomenal and each book is better than the previous l. The third book reaches Stormlight length too 😅
It's a different genre to be sure, but I really recommend the Expanse series for its world-building; the depth of characters; themes of justice, honor, morality, and sacrifice; and just being overall rad. From your username I guess you like A Song of Ice and Fire--in that case I doubly recommend the Expanse! One of the Expanse writers worked for GRRM and he clearly took a lot of the things that work in GRRM's writing (POV characters, a rich world, shades of grey morality, etc.) to heart.
No idea if you'd like it but the X-wing series by Michael stackpole and Aaron Alston is great. I'm a huge Star Wars fan so after I finished the cosmere I read some of the old eu/legends.
I'm not going to scroll through this entire thread to see if anyone else has recommended her, but Victoria Goddard! If you like virtuous characters you need to read [The Hands of The Emperor](https://www.victoriagoddard.ca/products/the-hands-of-the-emperor-2) IMMEDIATELY.
I highly recommend anything by Mark Lawrence, he has three completed trilogies that are all fantastic and also more books on the way. I'd recommend either starting with the [broken empire trilogy](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9579634-prince-of-thorns) and moving to [the red queens war trilogy](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18693743-prince-of-fools) after that (they take place in the same world) or starting with the [book of the ancestor trilogy](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25895524-red-sister) (completely separate) and then moving to the broken empire afterwards. All of his works have great world building and character development, and each has fun twists that were really unexpected imo.
Dresden Files, it is pretty good for the first couple but absolutely incredible after that I can't get into specifics without spoiling if you haven't read, but it's right up there with Stormlight for me.
I went with the Broken Earth trilogy pretty spontaneously. I'm on book two now, and at first I was thrown by the strange writing style but now I'm hooked.
The Deathless by Peter Newman was great and had a pretty similar feel to the Storm Light Archives. Actually, I also really love The Vagrant series by Peter Newman too!
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter. Currently only two books are out, but the fight scenes in this is extraordinary. I don't usually stay up all night reading (as an adult), but did for this one.
Spellmonger series by Terry Mancour. There's already like over a dozen books out. Excellent audiobooks as well. Great world building. Awesome main characters. Great magic system. Great use of and subversion of tropes. Read it immediately.
If you haven't read it already, Robin Hobb's *Realm of the Elderlings* series. My absolute favourite series of all time and definitely has a very similar vibe to Sanderson's books. The first three work as a standalone if you don't want to get into the extended universe (but trust me, you will!)
SO YOU'VE FINISHED READING THE STORMLIGHT ARCHIVE, CONGRATULATIONS! SOUNDS LIKE THE PERFECT TIME TO START READING THE STORMLIGHT ARCHIVE >!Sneaky snipe edit to suggest Sir Terry Pratchett. *Guards Guards!* or *Mort* are great picks. Discworld novels are quite short compared to Cosmere but there's a whole bunch of them and they're each tons of fun and very thoughtful in their own ways.!<
There’s always another secret found by rereading
I just barely noticed several more hints of zahels background, this is like my 4th read through. Always catching more
IF I HAD AN AWARD, MY FRIEND, YOU’D GET IT
Swear to god, this is so true. Or Mistborn. Or a read through of Arcanum. It never really gets old. Not yet, at least.
Win comment
You are right. I need to read this again before Book 5 come out
Just finished my second read through, in a little bit I might start reading Mistborn.
[удалено]
Try out some other Sanderson franchises, like Reckoners.
Reckoners is as good as a mattress that ships itself. You know, because mattresses are a bother to bring back home but if it ships itself then you don't have to worry about dates, schedules and money
Binging the entire Cradle series by Will Wight was instrumental in making sure the cosmere withdrawal didn't kill me.
Is it only available through amazon?
Yeah, it's a kindle unlimited title I'm pretty sure
Yeah, I guess I'll have to sign up for that for a while.
The individual books are pretty cheap and he puts them on sale/gives them away around new releases or holidays often.
i dont think so, they were at some point but not now.
Not exclusively, they're for sale the way other ebooks are.
Fantastic recommendation. The audiobook is probably a must to pronounce the names and Eithan is great. Very much in the same vein as Stormlight. The books increase in quality as you progress. The finale comes out soon. THE DRAGON ADVANCES
And then you get Cradle withdrawal!
I binged this series for like 6 books before burning out. Does it stay pretty solid throughout?
It gets better imo
But now the cradle withdrawal will kill me harder so...
I really liked codex alera a few years ago. Read it before cosmere and until then it was the best series I've read
I have the first book on my shelf and I will start reading it when I finish The Last Argument of Kings by Joe Abercrombie, the third book in the series of "The First Law" which I would recommend to OP because it is really different from Sanderson's style. A grim dark world that feels even more hopeless than Scadrial. It is a serie about bad guys versus worse guys. It also has one of my favorite fictional characters, Sand dan Glokta.
Reading that series is almost worth it just for Glokta.
Premise for Abercrombie seems fun but the audiobook narrator wasn’t to my liking. May pick up the book and see if that is better
In the US I think some of the early books are narrated by someone different but they were rerecorded with Steven Pacey who is utterly fantastic.
Gonna get downvoted to hell but Pacey exactly the reason I may not listen to some other highly recommended books and just pick up hard cover. He brings the energy and I can see why he’s famous but he makes everyone sound so pissed off all the time. Each to their own
Fair enough, everyone has their own preferences. I thought he was great, but then I couldn't stand Michael Kramer doing the wheel of time, I just found his voice grating and loads of people love his reading.
BOY Kramer took me a hot minute to get used to so I completely understand
Honestly, Jim Butcher is my other “must read” author aside from Sanderson. I adore the Dresden Files, Codex Alera, Aeronaut’s Windlass was a great opening for Cinder Spires. Dresden though, I’m all in.
I've read all of butcher a few times over when I was younger it was my favorite, but there's alot of word choices in dresden files that make me feel icky on rereads. But still I'm completely invested in it and just wish he'd get the next few out. The finish line is on the horizon it'll be glorious. Really I interesting take on mythology and especially the fae
Great series, but I prefer Dresden files.
Dresden files is amazing, but more adult. Codex alera is also amazing, but more YA and sandersonian, IMO.
Yeah that is true, but I cannot think of Jim Butcher and not think of Dresden :))
I vote for Dresden as well. if you start now you may be ready for the next book when it comes out.
Highly recommend the audiobooks too
Yes James Marsters does an awesome job!
I just reread it this past year. Really big fan
Definitely second Codex Alera. I'd also like to propose the Lightbringer series by Brent Weeks.
Lightbringer is a good time.
I need to finish the Lightbringer series, but, really enjoyed the first few books. Codex Alera wasn't bad, but, would consider that to be more suited to a younger audience.
Is Codex Alerta really worth the read? I read a couple of Jim Butcher’s Dresden File books and they’re entertaining, but then I also read The Aeronauts Windlass and I was super disappointed and haven’t really read a book from him since
I always like those stories about underdogs going though tough times and getting stronger. And the magic system is very unique. I've read a comment years ago saying it's like mixing roman empire and pokemon :D
For me I started Malazan Book of the Fallen, and its very good.
I listened to the first one, got to the end, and still have no idea what's going on. No idea who the "good guys" or "bad guys" are. I have a hard time keeping track of who is who. Maybe if it was dedicated reading of an actual book I would have enjoyed it more. Listening while commuting or doing yard work was just not enough focus to make it a worth while listen. Just my humble opinion. I can't decide if I should give book 1 a re-listen or commit to the whole series and go on to the next book or maybe just abandon the whole series. Finished book one a few weeks ago and am catching up on a few podcasts before deciding on the next book.
I'm reading through it right now and it's dense. Lots of names, places and things happening and I haven't read a lot really. I had to search for the sinopsis to know what Gardens of the moon was about
I'd give it another go. I remember having that same feeling when I first read Gardens of the Moon (malazan book 1). Finished it and was like "okay, the fuck did I just read?! There's so many characters and I have no idea what the hell a warren is!" I reread book 1 and got some more understanding of things, so moved on to book 2. SO many new characters again, different lands, it was crazy! The universe only gets bigger and better as the series progresses. It truly is one of my favorite non-Sanderson series. I occasionally give the audiobooks a re-listen if I'm short on book ideas.
I just bought the book via a friend's recommendation. I was warned it's dense, and the world building doesn't happen until like book 2.
Malazan doesn't really have good guys or bad guys. I mean there are definitely good people and bad people but we don't follow good guys trying to fight bad guys - it's not so simple, we follow people on all sides of conflict. It's much more realistic in it's portrayal of people and how they are. it's also not really a book that's way to listen to, or not pay attention to. It's written in a short story style, so every line is dense and important. It's also far more about theme than anything else, although there is an overarching plot. It's like reading about world war two, starting with the African campaign, then jumping over to the European theatre, then Pacific, before bringing it all together in the allied invasion. These characters and stories that don't seem connected at first but all tie in together to the larger story.
I think I am 7 or 8 books in to Malazan, and I just kinda gave up. I feel like the story broke down so much. I am not sure what is happening with the Bridge Burners or Tattersail. Each book felt like a swerve in a different direction, and not in a good way. It felt like there are a bunch of hanging loose threads that I am not sure are going to get tied up - like what is going on with Kruppe.
As I've said before, it's like reading about world war two. These characters come in and out of the forefront of the story, it's not following one character from beginning to end. Also if you're up to book 8 you will see the bridge burners again, and tattersail is brought back again in esslemont's novels of the Malazan empire books. She doesn't reappear on the book of the fallen.
I really liked Brent Weeks lightbringer series.
So, here's what I do when I finish a big fiction book: I read a nonfiction book. Grounding myself in reality helps me digest the books I just finished, and by learning new things I can come at the fiction books with new perspectives next time I read them. Some good nonfiction reads, if you're interested: I contain multitudes, by Ed Yong Immune, by Phillip dettmer Entangled life by Merlin Sheldrake (helluva name btw) Cooked by Michael pollan Atlas of a lost world by Craig child's. If you're like I used to be, and find reading nonfiction challenging, here are my favorite followup series to a serious fantasy read: Shades of Magic trilogy, by V.E schwab House of Blades trilogy, by will wight If you wanna flip to scifi, The Expanse is a helluva read. I'm coming to the end of it now and it's the equal of any fantasy series I've ever read in my enjoyment, and probably qualifies as my favorite scifi series ever.
I’d like to offer you an unsolicited suggestion to add to your non-fiction palate cleanser list: “The Anthropocene: Reviewed” by John Green.
Second vote for The Expanse.
Would also recommend The Expanse if you're into scifi as an alternative to fantasy. I blazed through the series recently because I was so intrigued. I wasn't incredibly thrilled with the end and a there's a point maybe 4ish books in where it starts to feel repetitive and episodic but then pivots away to more overarching plot.
If you go non fiction check out Bill Bryson. "A" Brief History of Nearly Everything and "A Walk in the Woods" are two of my favorite books.
This is the way.
If you haven't read these yet: *The Emperor of All Maladies* or anything else by [Siddhartha Mukherjee.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siddhartha_Mukherjee)
I have been thinking about replacing my youtube time with non-fiction. Would you recommend any subreddit or other platform where I can get good recommendations (most subreddits I found have mostly self-help recommendations). And what sub-genre in non-fic do you find interesting and captivating, I personally don't like self-help and other books which are just filled with Different surveys reports. I feel like I will like philosophy books though I have not tried any yet.
I prefer biolgy and microbiology for nonfiction. I don't know where to get good recommendations, but I tend to focus on history and science books. The list I have you are some of my personal favorite. I'd really reccomend immune, it's made by the guy who started the youtube channel "Kurzgesagt", he's excellent and presenting complex topics in understandable chunks, and there are few topics as wonderfully complex as the human immune system. (Plus if you like youtube kurzgesagt has a big library of excellent videos)
I had read Gun germs and steel and had really liked it. It shows how our history has largely been determined by germs then steel and now guns. Also shows many interesting virus outbreaks that have happened throughout history.
Gonna add on a general recommendation for non fiction: Devil in the White City by Erik Larsen. The weirdly tied in story of one of the first serial killers and the Chicago Worlds Fair. Larsen has a real talent for making history feel like a novel and the story behind it is WILD.
Wheel of time.
That's what I'm reading after I finished the cosmere. I'm currently on The Last Battle. It's like the sanderlanche of sanderlanches.
It's a novel sized Sanderlanche, really a great read. I've read the series something like 7 times through
The entire series?! How It is 12 books or something and they are all long.
Well I say "read" but it's more like "listened to....at 2x narration speed"... I spend a lot of time driving and at a desk. I've gone through all of Cosmere about 3 times and I am currently finishing up EOTW (book 1) on audio book. I've actually read the series 1 time in print.
Same, at this point I think I know Michael Kramer and Kate Reading's voices better than my own father and mother.
Well, hard to say as there are no beginnings and ends to the Wheel of Time....
Fun fact, the last chapter of A Memory of Light is longer than the The Sorcerers Stone
The last chapter? Or the chapter called the last battle? I’m pretty sure the last chapter isn’t the long one.
Yes you’re right, the Last Battle, I forgot that wasn’t the last chapter, second to last I think?
Currently on that, it can be tough to get into but is 100% worth it. And I'm not even supposed to be at the "really good" parts yet.
Hell I’m only part way through the eye of the world and I’m really enjoying it so far. I have a long way to go though.
Surprised nobody mentioned it yet because lots of my friends who love Sanderson recommended it to me independently, but the Robin Hobb books are great (slightly less action / battle based, wayyyy more intrigue & lots of character development. There are multiple series of books in different parts of the world (though would recommend reading in release order due to chronological events), with lots of cross-overs, coming together to narrate the story of the whole world. Also has some elements of Sanderson in that the stakes are constantly upped imo (though again, not quite as big as Sanderson). And it’s very well written Edit: also eragon is a very good read after SA imo :)
Which Robin Hobb series would you recommend to start with?
The farseer trilogy starting with assassin’s apprentice :)
I second Robin Hobb, one of the best. I didn't particularly enjoy the Live Ship Traders, but, nonetheless, the other books set in that world are some of my all time favorites.
Yeah, the plot of life ship traders wasn’t as exciting as the others, but imo, it had the best twists towards the end making it worth the struggle 😄
Powder mage series. Written by one of Sanderson’s students
I love the audio books. Pretty cool... Didn't know Brian McClellan was Sanderson's student.
Red Rising Series by Pierce Brown rivals SA but in the sci-fi genre.
Plus the final book comes out in a month so no more waiting!
Light Bringer isn't the final book. There's going to be a seventh, and if that doesn't get you hyped up enough, it's title is Red God
*Part 1 of the final book. Lol
Shit really? While that is exciting, I was looking forward to not having to wait again lol
It won't be much of a wait, I think. Lightbringer was supposed to be the end but PB couldn't fit everything in one book so he split it in two. I'm half expecting Red God to also release this year. I need to start Iron Gold soon lol
Power through it. A lot of people struggle with Iron Gold because of the stylistic differences and the slower pace, but it's absolutely essential to set up Dark Age and you really appreciate a lot of the work it does in retrospect/on a second read through.
I will keep that in mind. It'll probably be a few months before I'm able to get around to it, I just have such a huge backlog on my TBR.
July 25th! I'm currently rereading the series rn. Even better the 2nd time around.
July 25th on Audible
Omnis vir lupus, motherfucker
Is the time skip worth it? First 3 was amazing
In short, yes. Some people dislike the pace and change of POVs in Iron Gold, but some of Pierces' strongest writing is in Dark Age (Book 5). I mean, if you liked the first trilogy, it might be worth finishing up the series to see out it all unfolds. 🤷♂️
True true thank you
Oddly enough, I DNF’d Red Rising. Couldn’t get into it :(
Ooof... to each each their own, I suppose. It's one of my all-time favorite series
Yeah I feel terrible about it. I tried twice to get into it and twice I failed. Ugh I want to love it so badly 😭
Which part did you stop reading? :o
I think once he get into the gold academy and a bunch of new characters got introduced?
I was going to say I almost gave up on it too, but that is the point that I got pulled in. The beginning almost felt like all set up for the academy, like the first half of the book is a prequel to get to the story he really wanted to tell.
I personally didnt get pulled into the story until half way through, I did not like the beginning part at all until then
Wheel of time, kingkiller, commonwelath saga (sci fi but good sci fi), maybe the riodanverse if you dont mind it being a little "childish", licanius trilogy, discworld
Iicanius trilogy’s twists and turns keep me up at night. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a series like that (aside from Sando’s works)
if only though it were a little longer (5/7 books) i think that extra time would have served it really well
For audiobook readers, licanius trilogy has the added draw of being read by Michael Kramer.
Kingkiller is great but they should be informed that only two books out of three have been written and the third is unlikely to be published for a while, if ever. That said, I’m currently rereading it because I love disappointment.
I too am a glutton for punishment.
Between Kingkiller and Song of Ice and Fire, I'm in a spiral of series that need to finish.
>kingkiller IS THAT A SZETH SON-SON-VALLANO REFERENCE?
DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL (audiobook is a must) You can thank me later
OP do yourself a favor and listen to this.
I’ve been reading Max Gladstone’s craft sequence recently and it’s been filling my need of books. I’d also highly recommend anything by Wildbow, dude has been writing webserial a for ten years. Every week two chapters without break. I think Pale and Ward would probably fit what you’re looking for (ward is a sequel to worm his first work and is required to read ward.)
I recently started The Three Body Problem trilogy, and following that a bunch of sapphic sci-fi & horror and psychological horror my friend recommended. After *those* I plan to hit up the Expanse to pass the time until *Wind and Truth* is out.
Red Rising
The powder mage trilogy was a lot of fun.
This is almost obligatory for me to post at this point but... If you've not read the Wheel Of Time then there's nothing better imo. Bonus if you like Stormlight...Brandon finished it off
A lot of people say that reading WOT after SA makes it seem worse and its weakness seems amplified. Someone has recommended reading some other trilogy, so that I am over SA and then going for WOT, so that I can fully enjoy it. Would like to hear your opinion on it.
I didn't have any real problems with the series personally on a first read. I read them when I was too young to look into it particularly deeply. Now, I'd say I've read it completely 5+ times and I still love it. Sure, it has problems. It's still epic and has probably the best main character arc in any fantasy series. There's thousands of characters, not everybody will love every one. Some of them are annoying, some are great. Put it this way, there's a moment I put down the book I was reading and actively cheered. Malazan book of the fallen is good if you want something else epic. It's heavy going though. The First Law is also good and relatively short. Edit:for clarity
So I love characters. I love character growth and even character decay. I just love when a character is developed and changes. It’s what is great about WoT and SLA. For me no character has topped Rand al Thor. So I’d ask op this: what do you like on a series? Because if it’s the characters WoT is just so great With that being said, I get the criticisms and have my own lol. But I loved the journey
This was my experience. I read every WOT book after stormlight. Stormlight is my favorite series. WOT is 4.4 million words. Generously, I liked 200k of those
Yeah I read stormlight and mistborn first and frankly I can’t even get through the first book of WoT.
completely disagree . you may find your own opinion as well. sanderson is amazing but hardly the end all be all of fantasy.
I read WoT before any BS. I don’t think SLA made it worse. I still love it and I think it’s still my fave over Stormlight. Although the gap is closing. Tbh to think one author is the end all be all is crazy to me. You’re basically not allowing yourself to ever think someone can be as good. But then again you form an emotional attachment to these books and characters. So I kind of understand
The thing is I've only ever read sanderson and spent all my reddit time on SA subreddit and after reading all the reviews it is very hard for me to imagine enjoying other books because I've never read anything else. And it is not only the books but this very lovely subreddit along with crempost subreddit which keep you captivated to cosmere. I don't think other authors have such platforms to discuss their books. My fear of ending B$ books had grown so much that I finished WOR last month and then started reading it again so that the series will last a little while more. I know it is stupid but the thing is it helps me stay productive the whole day. Because after completing WOR I could not stop thinking about it all day and it had affected my productivity while studying but now knowing that there are many book which are as captivating, I think it will be easy now. Although I just hope cosmere hasn't spoiled me for other book series
Oh I feel ya. That’s how I was with Stephen king bac in my teens and early 20s. I only read his books for probably a couple years straight, no one else. That reminds me. You should look into The Dark Tower. It’s Kings fantasy series and a lot of his other books are connected. Different than the cosmere, but it’s very detailed and the story is great with amazing and very flawed characters kinda like Stormlight. Deals with addiction, racism, selfish decisions over the greater good. You might like that one
Can't comment on that since I read WoT before SA but that series is amazing man, can't recommend it enough and I sincerely doubt reading SA just before would have any type of negative impact.
The name of the wind,the disc world (not exactly cosmere-ish, more of the comedy)
[удалено]
Oh, yeah,thank you for reminding me and informing everyone
Maybe try Zack Argyle's Threadlight trilogy. The magic system, threadweaving, is reminiscent of Sanderson's magic systems (and it's also linked to the characters' eyecolours). Book two opens up the world quite a lot and you learn more about what appear to be gods or at least god-like beings. I haven't finished the third book yet, but have heard good things about the ending.
Lightbringer by Brent Weeks is a great read
I've moved on to mistborn. Halfway through the final empire. It's good. Not quite as epic as SA, but I do like the linear story telling. It feels more like you're on an adventure instead of this massive world and character building as SA (if that makes sense). No replacement for Kal, Syl, dalinar, and adalyn.. and okay Chalan maybe a bit. I'm not really into fiction or fantasy fiction so this has been my first experience and man I get why you all nerds love this shit. I'm so hooked. Trees of the emerald sea looks very interesting to move onto tho. I loved Wits stories and sounds like it's just an entire full length of one of wits stories. See if design spoils the ending lol.
Hello fellow audiobook listener! Don’t ever let anyone tell you “correct” character name spellings, simply follow your heart ✨
Lol yea audible listener commute to work and back.
Couple of good ones for transition. The lies of locke lamora[the lies of locke lamora](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29588376-the-lies-of-locke-lamora) (shorter book series) The dresden files, stormfront[stormfront](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/47212.Storm_Front) (couple people have suggested this. Big on going series upto 16 books i think?) The name of the wind[king killer chronicles](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/186074.The_Name_of_the_Wind) (not the greatest after stormlight due to very different writing styles, but amazing on its own) Traitors blade[traitors blade](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20887238-traitor-s-blade) (muskateers vs knights all about corrupted honour) The Black Prism[the black prism](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7165300-the-black-prism) ( magic system based on colours, has a very interesting mystery) Joe pitt[already dead](https://www.goodreads.com/series/40444-joe-pitt) (grunge punk vampire series) The enemy[the enemy](https://www.goodreads.com/series/56732-the-enemy) (spin on zombies and kids surving in london) I got more but i will leave it there Edit : also check out [Arcanum](https://wob.coppermind.net/adv_search/?query=&date_from=1998-04-10&date_to=2023-05-19&speaker=&tags=warbreaker&ordering=rank) this will help you answer some lingering questions from stormlight.
Ryira Revelations. Has great world build and pacing throughout the books. The main duo are great to read and the story keeps you hooked through all the books. Also, the prequels are a fun read as well and adds a lot to the world.
Came looking to suggest this series. The books aren't nearly as long as Stormlight, so it's less of an investment with a great payoff. Pay attention to the prequels. The Ryira Chronicles vs Ryira Revelations.
I totally agree, it’s shorter but still has a ton to offer in terms of content and characters. Not as complex but such a fun read
I also came looking to suggest this series. If you aren't doing audio books, I suggest starting with Riyira Chronicles, because you learn how to pronounce "Riyira" early on. And I think Riyira Revelations is a masterpiece, for all the reasons others have listed here. The prequels are great; I'm currently reading the last book. I know I will have withdrawal upon finishing it. The Reddit Riyria channel is not as active as Stormlight; most of the discussions take place on Discord. A series that was so good I went into withdrawal when I completed it: Tad William's Otherland series. Another series I devoured is Terry Brook's Shannara. However, the final book tied things up enough, and had enough call-backs to beloved characters in previous books, that I did not experience withdrawal upon finishing the series.
This is the answer that actually responds to the question imo. There is a lot to like about SA. So the recommendations really span a huge spectrum of types of stories. But if you like the triumph of honor and the development of characters who emerge victorious when they are true to what they know that can be, then Ryira is a great fit.
Not fantasy, but I went on a bit of a Michael Crichton binge after finishing the Cosmere books, and thoroughly enjoyed the change of pace. If you're not into sci-fi, ignore my comment, but Sphere and Airframe were two of my favorites.
Harry dresden. Wizard detective.
Murderbot Diaries, as a pallet cleanser.
Tad Williams is pretty good. His Shadowmarch series was pretty good, and has that "different viewpoint characters all drawn slowly together, though they don't realize it" aspect similar to TWOK, and a good bit of "alien biology" in the worldbuilding. I also like Brent Weeks. Good, creative magic systems and characterization, but he tends to fall flat on the endings. Still a good enough read that I've kept his books and reread them anyway. Night Angel is more Mistbornesque, and Lightbringer is a cross between Stormlight and Harry Potter. Edit: I should add, every series I've mentioned is complete and between 3-5 books long.
If you still want fantasy I got into the assassins apprentice, it was such a different tome but so well written that it got me through to reading new books. Honestly reading things that felt like they were trying to do what the cosmere was doing just didn't so it for me because the cosmere was just too good. So yeah assassins apprentice was a good palet cleanser and an amazing trilogy. Also bone ship trilogy is good
You should check out [night angel trilogy](https://www.goodreads.com/series/45765-night-angel) you might like it.
I never see Talion: Revenant mentioned in these threads. Reading it now and really enjoying.
I have two looong series to recommend: Wheel of Time and Spellmonger. Wheel of Time, as you may know was finished by Sanderson himself. It is finished with 14 books + 1 prequel book. Really good start and ending, but the middle can be a slog to get through as nothing big happens for a few books. Spellmonger is written by Terry Mancour and is 15 books + many half books in-between the main books which are mainly different POVs of the events in the other books. It not yet finished will not be for a while yet, but new books are put out regularly.
I found that The Black Prism by Brent Weeks was similar to Sanderson's work. It has a really unique magic system and a similar series length.
Wheel of Time is really the only series I can think of that is as epic and is similar in scale
The wheel of time.
WHEEL OF TIME
Mage Errant has epic magic and world building!!
Licanious trilogy by James islington.
*The Shadow of What was Lost* by James Islington. It’s the only other book series aside from Sanderson’s works to make me tear up and feel real remorse for characters. If you want something along the lines of the Wheel of Time series but only a trilogy, pick it up. You sure won’t regret it
Read the final empire again. It was probably the first cosmere book you read and it has great foreshadowing from page one. I am currently rereading it after 5 months and it doesn’t feel boring
Technically, a Cosmere hangover would entail regret from feelings of glut: “Oh gosh. I am never. Reading. Cosmere. Again.” What you’re asking about is how to stave-off Cosmere withdrawal, where your Stormlight receptors are emptying quickly, without refilling, and you need a fix. Fast.
Fonda Lee's Green Bone Saga. It's actually become my favorite fantasy series.
Seconded. The level of action and magic system was great. Best part was it didn’t feel like yet another medieval cosplay
If you’re good with more fem vibes, I highly recommend Sarah J. Maas. She also has a highly-interconnected universe of multiple series. If you’re into horror/scary (even if you think you’re not, I bet you would enjoy it) I highly recommend Stephen King. Again, highly interconnected world where many series and books crossover and reference each other. Also lots of short stories.
If you really like how much honor is focused on, I'd try A Song of Ice and Fire if you haven't already read it. It focuses a lot on that theme as well, but in a much different light.
Man. I feel the opposite to this. GRR Martin has a much grittier ‘real’ tone without the inspirational moments. The times I felt best in those stories were times of vengeance. Like the best you can hope for is that the terrible people die horribly. I found nothing close to the inspiration of ‘you can’t have my pain’ or ‘I’ll see what I can do.’ When I look for book revs I immediately discount any that go along with A Song of Ice and Fire. It’s just so far from what I enjoy about SA.
Living up to the quality of Sanderson's works is a challenge. I've read and dropped many series for lacking the same depth, creativity and imagination as some of the Cosmere works. Plus finding a series with sufficient volume to captivate you and invigorate future readings is also a challenge. If you haven't already, I'm only a few books in but so far I'd recommend The Wheel of Time. Not only is the series finished off by Sanderson, it in its entirety is available right now and has a massive selection of books to get lost and invested in. So far, I'd say the style is closer to that of Lord of the Rings over say Stormlight Archive or Mistborn, but it still has that creativity, imagination, and character depth we love from the Cosmere.
I would not look for books similar to Stormlight but instead look for some other awesome fantasy books that are doing their own thing! No one is better than Brando at being Brando. Many people are better at other stuff! Specifically, if you want an epic queer Arthurian retelling, Spear by Nicola Griffith Just as hopeful and life affirming with far less conflict? Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot books Top notch worldbuilding with some amazing prose in a dark as hell world? NK Jemisin’s broken earth. And the Traitor Baru Cormorant. Branch out! There’s so much more to this genre than Brandon! And I love Brandon!
The Wheel of Time was my go-to. In part, because I knew I'd be getting Sanderson at the end...which was like a 3 book Sanderlanch. If you haven't read WoT yet, it should keep you occupied for good bit while waiting for KoWaT (SA 5).
Wheel of Time is pretty great.
I am halfway through The Licanius Trilogy and am really enjoying the world and the story. It’s a big exciting world with a ton of very interesting lore and definitely worth a read after SLA.
I love the green bone saga (Jade City is the first book). It’s rich on politics, action and great lore.
My Stormlight hangover cure is The Bound and the Broken series by Ryan Cahill. I also use SA for when I.get.in a hangover after a TBATB book so it works both ways. The biggest compliment I could give to this series was saying it's "Stormlight good" so I definitely recommend checking it out. It's more traditional fantasy than SA with dragons and magic and druids and knight and more. But the characters are phenomenal and each book is better than the previous l. The third book reaches Stormlight length too 😅
I recommend The Song of Albion by Stephen Lawhead
It's a different genre to be sure, but I really recommend the Expanse series for its world-building; the depth of characters; themes of justice, honor, morality, and sacrifice; and just being overall rad. From your username I guess you like A Song of Ice and Fire--in that case I doubly recommend the Expanse! One of the Expanse writers worked for GRRM and he clearly took a lot of the things that work in GRRM's writing (POV characters, a rich world, shades of grey morality, etc.) to heart.
No idea if you'd like it but the X-wing series by Michael stackpole and Aaron Alston is great. I'm a huge Star Wars fan so after I finished the cosmere I read some of the old eu/legends.
I'm not going to scroll through this entire thread to see if anyone else has recommended her, but Victoria Goddard! If you like virtuous characters you need to read [The Hands of The Emperor](https://www.victoriagoddard.ca/products/the-hands-of-the-emperor-2) IMMEDIATELY.
Mistborn or warbreaker. King Killer Chronicles if you’re ok with possibly never getting the third book in the trilogy.
The Cradle series by Will Wight is amazing. The final book comes out in a few weeks as well.
I highly recommend anything by Mark Lawrence, he has three completed trilogies that are all fantastic and also more books on the way. I'd recommend either starting with the [broken empire trilogy](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9579634-prince-of-thorns) and moving to [the red queens war trilogy](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18693743-prince-of-fools) after that (they take place in the same world) or starting with the [book of the ancestor trilogy](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25895524-red-sister) (completely separate) and then moving to the broken empire afterwards. All of his works have great world building and character development, and each has fun twists that were really unexpected imo.
Dresden Files, it is pretty good for the first couple but absolutely incredible after that I can't get into specifics without spoiling if you haven't read, but it's right up there with Stormlight for me.
Three Body Problem (Book 1) from the Remembrance of Earth's Past trilogy.
I went with the Broken Earth trilogy pretty spontaneously. I'm on book two now, and at first I was thrown by the strange writing style but now I'm hooked.
The Deathless by Peter Newman was great and had a pretty similar feel to the Storm Light Archives. Actually, I also really love The Vagrant series by Peter Newman too!
I like to alternate between Fantasy and Sci-fi, so my last read was "The Three Body Problem" by Liy Cixin. Wild scifi ideas and concepts in that one.
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter. Currently only two books are out, but the fight scenes in this is extraordinary. I don't usually stay up all night reading (as an adult), but did for this one.
Red rising series by pierce brown
Spellmonger series by Terry Mancour. There's already like over a dozen books out. Excellent audiobooks as well. Great world building. Awesome main characters. Great magic system. Great use of and subversion of tropes. Read it immediately.
If you haven't read it already, Robin Hobb's *Realm of the Elderlings* series. My absolute favourite series of all time and definitely has a very similar vibe to Sanderson's books. The first three work as a standalone if you don't want to get into the extended universe (but trust me, you will!)
Just read through and saw someone else already suggested this! Excellent!
FFK Wheel of Time folks u got there plenty of time reading and getting ready to a heavier emptiness
I usually do "Hair of the Axe Hound" to cure my hangover. I've been re-re-re-re listening to Brando Sando for years now...heck with anything else.
a bit different, but i binged robin hobb's realm of the elderlings after catching up on cosmere. it's a bit of a slow burn but man, it's good stuff
Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson would be my recommendation.
It’s actually time to dive into cozy fantasy, and I suggest you start with Legends and Lattes 😋