Tailored Realities by Brandon Sanderson

Book Review: Tailored Realities by Brandon Sanderson

Tailored Realities is another inventive and absorbing entry from Brandon Sanderson, delivering exactly what longtime fans love while still offering fresh surprises. This novel plays with the idea of customizable worlds—realities shaped by personal desire, fear, and half-remembered truths—and Sanderson uses that premise to explore identity, agency, and the cost of escaping one’s own life. The story follows a protagonist who discovers they can “stitch” alternate versions of their world together, weaving possibilities into something both empowering and deeply unsettling. Sanderson excels at grounding high-concept ideas with emotional clarity, and here he blends character-driven storytelling with intricate worldbuilding that feels both imaginative and purposeful. Every chapter reveals a new layer to the mechanics of these tailor-made realities, but it never feels like exposition; the rules unfold through action, tension, and thoughtful character moments. What stands out most is the moral ambiguity running beneath the adventure. The book asks uncomfortable questions about what we owe to our “real” lives, and whether perfect worlds—no matter how beautiful—can ever replace authenticity. Whether you’re a dedicated cosmere reader or simply love speculative fiction that challenges your expectations, Tailored Realities is clever, fast-paced, and surprisingly heartfelt. It’s Sanderson at his most inventive.