I’ve been reading Brandon Sanderson’s fantasy novels–some of them 1000+ pages!–for years. Tailored Realities (2025) presents a generous display of Sanderson’s styles and story-telling. Sanderson has published over 70 books so far–when does this guy sleep?–and he loves to blend genres. Take “Snapshot” for example. It’s a blend of police procedural and simulated Realty.

Games play a big role in many of Sanderson’s works. In “Dreamer” where a group of dead gamers continue playing their games by possessing the bodies of living people.

If you have a Brandon Sanderson fan on your Gift List, this new collection would be ideal! If you’re interested in one of the most prolific–and popular–fantasy writers in the fantasy genre today, Tailored Realities would be a good entry point to sample Sanderson’s wares. GRADE: B+

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Snapshot — 1

Snapshot A non-cosmere (the cosmere is a fictional shared universe where many of Brandon Sanderson’s books take place) novella by Brandon Sanderson, a detective thriller about two detectives, Anthony Davis and Chaz, who investigate crimes in a simulated, recreated version of a past day.

Brain Dump — 69

Brain Dump A non-cosmere novella by Brandon Sanderson that came from a single prompt: Designer Brains.

I Hate Dragons — 81

I Hate Dragons A short story written by Brandon Sanderson as part of a dialogue exercise. He wrote the story using only dialogue, although admittedly, he did use large caps and occasionally very descriptive conversation. Some time later, Brandon expanded the short story, putting in descriptions, and added more chapters.

Dreamer — 91

Dreamer A non-cosmere short horror story by Brandon Sanderson that first appeared in the Games Creatures Play anthology, edited by Charlaine Harris and Toni Kelner. It is set on Earth and told from the first person perspective of the eponymous character, who is part of a group of dead gamers, poltergeists that must possess the bodies of living people. They use their abilities to play extreme, real-life versions of games like “capture the flag” and “cops and robbers,” showing little regard for collateral damage among the living.

Perfect State — 105

Perfect State A non-cosmere novella by Brandon Sanderson. Its excerpt can be found on Brandon’s website

Probability Approaching Zero — 157

Probability Approaching Zero Brandon Sanderson’s first attempt at flash fiction, about a human who is uplifted to greater intelligence by aliens.

Defending Elysium — 163

Defending Elysium A non-cosmere short story written by Brandon Sanderson published on his website. It is set in the same universe as the Skyward series, taking place centuries beforehand.

Firstborn — 205

Firstborn A non-cosmere short story written by Brandon Sanderson published by Tor on their website.^[7]

Mitosis — 243

Mitosis A novelette written by Brandon Sanderson that is part of The Reckoners series. It takes place between Steelheart and Firefight. It is published by Delacorte Press.

Moment Zero — 271

Moment Zero A non-cosmere novella by Brandon Sanderson.