Secret Projects Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Secret Projects books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!

About the Secret Projects Series

The Secret Projects Series by Brandon Sanderson is one of the most exciting and surprising events in modern fantasy publishing. In early 2022, Sanderson revealed something no one expected: during the pandemic lockdowns, he had secretly written not just one or two, but four brand new novels—all without telling anyone outside his closest circle. For fans who have followed his work for years, it felt like an early holiday gift from one of the most beloved fantasy authors of our time.

These books weren’t just surprises—they were also part of a record-breaking moment. Sanderson launched a Kickstarter campaign in March 2022 to fund the production of these novels, and the response was absolutely massive. In fact, it became the most successful Kickstarter campaign in history, raising millions of dollars in just a short time. Fans around the world were eager to support the project, and the excitement was electric across social media and book communities.

So, what exactly are the Secret Projects?

According to Sanderson, over the span of two years, he couldn’t stop thinking about several new story ideas. Even with a packed schedule and many ongoing series, he found himself writing in the quiet hours, sneaking in time whenever possible to bring these stories to life. The result? Four full-length novels, each with its own voice, style, and emotional core. He describes them as very different from one another, and each one pushed him creatively in new directions. As fans, we are not only getting more of his brilliant storytelling, but also witnessing his growth as a writer.

Three of these books are part of the Cosmere, Sanderson’s vast and interconnected universe that includes fan-favorite series like Mistborn and Stormlight Archive. However, they each explore brand-new worlds, giving readers fresh settings, characters, and magic systems to fall in love with. The fourth book, though, is something different—outside of the Cosmere entirely. This one promises to take us somewhere unexpected, offering a unique reading experience even for longtime Sanderson fans.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Secret Projects is the way they were introduced. When the campaign was first announced, titles and details were kept secret. That mystery was part of the fun. Readers had the chance to experience each book with little to no spoilers—similar to going into a movie without having watched the trailer. It was a bold and refreshing idea, and many fans embraced it with open arms. The books were sent out in physical and digital formats throughout 2023, with scheduled release dates on the first day of January, April, July, and October for backers. For everyone else, the wide releases followed shortly after, on the 10th or 11th of those same months.

This rollout created what Sanderson himself called “The Year of Sanderson”, and it truly felt like that. Every few months, fans had something new to look forward to, and book lovers around the world came together to read and discuss each release. Whether you were a longtime Cosmere reader or just discovering Sanderson’s work for the first time, the Secret Projects offered something fresh, mysterious, and full of wonder.

In his original announcement, Sanderson spoke about how important these stories were to him on a personal level. He said they had been “worming their way” into his mind, and that he simply had to write them. That passion shines through in every page. You can feel the heart he poured into these books, and the joy he had in crafting something special for his readers.

If you’re a fantasy fan who enjoys rich worldbuilding, imaginative storytelling, and unforgettable characters, the Secret Projects series is a must-read. It’s more than just a collection of novels—it’s a unique publishing experiment, a celebration of creativity, and a love letter to the readers who’ve supported Brandon Sanderson over the years.