If you want the The Way of Kings reading order audiobooks answer in plain English, start with The Way of Kings and keep going in publication order. For a first-time listener, that also happens to be the best beginner order.
- The Way of Kings
- Words of Radiance
- Edgedancer
- Oathbringer
- Dawnshard
- Rhythm of War
- Wind and Truth
If you want the shortest path, you can listen to the five main novels first and save the two novellas for later. But if you want the cleanest first pass through The Stormlight Archive, the order above is the one to use.
Quick Reading Order
Here is the full spoiler-free listening order for the series:
| Order | Title | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Way of Kings | Main novel, start here |
| 2 | Words of Radiance | Main novel |
| 3 | Edgedancer | Novella, best after book 2 |
| 4 | Oathbringer | Main novel |
| 5 | Dawnshard | Novella, best after book 4 |
| 6 | Rhythm of War | Main novel |
| 7 | Wind and Truth | Main novel |
That is the safest order for audiobook listeners because it follows how the books were released and how the story was built. If you prefer a simple “just give me the next book” path, this is it.
If you want a broader Sanderson roadmap after this series, you may also like Stormlight Archive reading order and Brandon Sanderson books in order.
Best Order for Beginners
For beginners, publication order is the best order. In this series, that means you do not need a special chronological timeline or a prequel-first plan.
That matters because The Way of Kings is written to be your entry point. It introduces the world, the big conflict style, and the pacing of the series in the way the author intended. Starting somewhere else usually adds confusion instead of clarity.
The two novellas are the only “insert here” books to think about. They are best treated as side stories that fit between the main novels, not as alternate starting points. If you want to keep things even simpler, you can listen to the main novels first and come back for the novellas later.
For readers who like a lot of side material in fantasy, how to read fantasy novellas in order can be a useful companion guide.
Book-by-Book Guide
Here is what each book is doing in the order, without spoiling the story.
| Book | Best placement | Why it comes here |
|---|---|---|
| The Way of Kings | First | This is the correct starting point for the series. It sets the tone, the world, and the main listening rhythm. |
| Words of Radiance | Second | Continue right after book 1. It builds directly on the foundation you just got. |
| Edgedancer | After book 2 | This novella fits best after Words of Radiance and before Oathbringer. |
| Oathbringer | Fourth | Main series novel, and the next major step in the listening order. |
| Dawnshard | After book 4 | This novella is best placed between Oathbringer and Rhythm of War. |
| Rhythm of War | Sixth | Main series novel, following the novella slot above. |
| Wind and Truth | Seventh | The next main novel in the saga, and the latest stop in the current listening order. |
A good rule of thumb: if you are using Audible, Kindle, or Amazon to keep track of the books, follow the order above and you will be fine. You do not need to overthink a separate timeline unless you are rereading the series later.
If you like long fantasy queues, Epic fantasy audiobooks and best fantasy audiobooks for long commutes are both good follow-up reads.
Should You Read or Listen?
Listen if you want momentum. This series is a great audiobook pick for commutes, chores, workouts, and long drives because it rewards steady progress. The large scale also makes it feel especially immersive when you can just keep moving from chapter to chapter.
Read if you want easier reference. A print or Kindle edition can be more convenient if you like flipping back to maps, names, or unfamiliar terms. That can matter in a dense fantasy series where there are a lot of places, factions, and point-of-view shifts to keep straight.
For many listeners, the best setup is actually mixed:
- Audible for the main listen
- Kindle or a physical book for quick reference
That combo is especially useful if you are new to epic fantasy and want to stay oriented without pausing constantly. If you are building out a larger Sanderson backlog, Mistborn reading order is another good place to go next.
Where the Show or Movie Fits
There is no confirmed screen adaptation you need to plan around for this reading order. That means the books are still the main guide, and the safest rule is simple: start with The Way of Kings.
If a screen version is announced later, the book order would still be the best way to understand the story first. For now, there is no movie-or-show shortcut that changes where you should begin.
That also means you do not need to wait for any adaptation news before starting the audiobook. If you are ready to listen, the series already works as a standalone reading experience.
Best Starting Point
The best starting point is The Way of Kings audiobook.
If you are brand new to the series, do not start with the novellas. They make more sense once you already know the main cast, world, and tone. The first novel is the cleanest entry point and the one that gives you the right foundation for everything that comes after.
If you want to keep your fantasy shelf organized after this, The Way of Kings spoiler-free review can help you decide whether to continue, and Stormlight Archive reading order is a handy page to bookmark for later.
FAQ
Is The Way of Kings book 1?
Yes. It is the first main novel in The Stormlight Archive, and it is the correct place to start.
Do I need to read Edgedancer and Dawnshard right away?
Not immediately, but they fit best in the order above. If you want a simpler first pass, you can save both novellas until after the main novels.
Is publication order the same as beginner order?
For this series, yes. Publication order is the easiest and most natural beginner order, especially for audiobook listeners.
Can I skip the novellas on my first listen?
Yes. If you only want the core story first, listen to the main novels in order and circle back to the novellas later.
Is the audiobook a good way to start this series?
Absolutely. If you like long fantasy listens, this series works well in audio. Just be ready for a big, immersive commitment, and consider using Kindle or a physical copy alongside it if you like to reference names or maps.
Where should I go after this series?
If you want more audiobook-friendly fantasy, Brandon Sanderson books in order and best fantasy audiobooks for long commutes are both strong next steps.