Brandon Sanderson: Books, LGBTQ Characters & LDS Faith

Brandon Sanderson is a Mormon fantasy author who sells millions of books while deliberately including LGBTQ characters—a combination that challenges assumptions about both his faith and his fiction.

Books published: 40+ ·
Cosmere novels: 14 ·
Kickstarter record: $41.7 million

Four biographical facts, one pattern: Sanderson’s career combines prodigious output with consistent ties to his faith and a growing commitment to inclusive storytelling.

What is Brandon Sanderson’s most famous book?

• The Mistborn series is often cited as his most famous work, especially the first trilogy (Wikipedia – overview of Mistborn).
• The Way of Kings, first book of the Stormlight Archive, is also highly acclaimed and regularly appears on “best fantasy” lists (Wikipedia – The Way of Kings).

What is the most popular Brandon Sanderson book?

By raw sales and community engagement, The Way of Kings leads. Its Kickstarter campaign for a leatherbound edition raised over $6 million, signalling immense fan loyalty. Mistborn: The Final Empire remains the entry point for many new readers due to its standalone nature.

Is Brandon Sanderson still LDS?

Yes. Sanderson has stated publicly that he remains a practicing member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Brandon Sanderson FAQ). He describes his faith as an integral part of his identity but not a constraint on his fiction.

Does Brandon Sanderson support Trump?

Sanderson has not publicly endorsed any political candidate. In his FAQ, he says he has voted consistently for LGBTQ rights but refrains from partisan endorsements to keep his work accessible to all readers. His precise political affiliation remains unclear.

Does Brandon Sanderson write LGBTQ characters?

Yes, and he does so deliberately. In his FAQ, Sanderson confirms that he includes LGBTQ+ people in his books and will continue to do so because they “are part of the worlds I create” (Brandon Sanderson FAQ). He identifies Drehy of Bridge Four in The Way of Kings as gay and a lesbian character in The Alloy of Law.

Is Mistborn LGBTQ?

While the original Mistborn trilogy does not center LGBTQ characters, the Wax and Wayne series includes a lesbian character. Sanderson’s later works show increasing diversity; his novella Dawnshard features an openly nonbinary character.

Is there LGBT in Brandon Sanderson books?

Yes. Beyond the examples above, Sanderson has written LGBTQ side characters in The Stormlight Archive and has stated his intent to “write gay characters” as part of his effort to build “realistic worlds with real people” (Brandon Sanderson FAQ).

What makes Brandon Sanderson so popular?

• Magic systems: Sanderson’s “hard magic” rules (e.g., Allomancy, Surgebinding) are logical and satisfying, often cited as a major draw (Wikipedia – writing style).
• Worldbuilding: The Cosmere is a vast, interconnected universe where readers discover hidden connections across series.
• Publishing speed: Few authors release 40+ books in two decades while maintaining quality. His 2022 Kickstarter for four “Secret Projects” raised $41.7 million, a record.
• Fan engagement: Sanderson hosts a podcast, writes regular updates, and interacts on Reddit and YouTube.

What is Brandon Sanderson’s writing style?

Sanderson writes in a clear, direct prose style with short chapters and frequent climaxes. He favors action, dialogue, and internal monologue over lengthy description. His “Sanderson’s Laws of Magic” have influenced a generation of fantasy writers.

Why are his books so long?

The Stormlight Archive volumes average 1,200 pages, partly because Sanderson plans 10 enormous books, each covering in-world periods. He has said he writes “books that need to be long to tell the story” and his fans embrace the epic scope.

Is Brandon Sanderson better than Tolkien?

The comparison is common but imprecise. J.R.R. Tolkien established modern fantasy with The Lord of the Rings; Sanderson builds on that foundation with a modern sensibility. A look at key differences:

Three dimensions separate the two authors: foundations, style, and representation.

The pattern: Tolkien is the canonical founder, Sanderson the modern expander. Neither “better”—each excels in different aspects.

“My faith and my support for LGBTQ+ people are not mutually exclusive in my practice of that faith.”

– Brandon Sanderson, Brandon Sanderson FAQ

“I will continue to write LGBTQ+ characters, because they are part of the worlds I create.”

– Brandon Sanderson, Brandon Sanderson FAQ

For fantasy readers who value both epic storytelling and inclusive representation, Sanderson’s work offers a rare combination: the creative output of a devoted Mormon who chooses to champion LGBTQ characters. His next decade will test whether he can bring those characters from the margins to the center of his narratives—and whether his faith community will continue to embrace his choices. For the reader, the implication is clear: Sanderson’s universe is still being written, and it’s getting more diverse.

For a deeper dive into his works and beliefs, check out this comprehensive guide to Brandon Sanderson that covers his books, LDS faith, and LGBTQ representation in detail.

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