Ranking Our Excitement for Every Upcoming Brandon Sanderson Novel

Renowned fantasy author Brandon Sanderson is celebrated not only for his vast number of ongoing literary projects but also for his candid updates regarding their development. Recently, Sanderson has been involved in the creation of the emerging Cosmere RPG while simultaneously working on numerous forthcoming titles that delve deeper into his expansive Cosmere multiverse, as well as several standalone projects.

The debate among fans about the pinnacle of Sanderson’s novel series often highlights whether Mistborn or The Stormlight Archive takes the lead. This discussion, engaging for fans, parallels the meticulous scholarly exploration of the Cosmere’s intricate narratives. Apart from the extended realms of the Cosmere, Sanderson has also penned critically acclaimed works like the young adult Skyward series. In a recent blog post summarizing 2024, Sanderson revealed his tentative release schedule for upcoming titles, showcasing some highly anticipated works.

10
Tailored Realities

Sanderson’s Next Short Fiction Collection

Scheduled for release on December 9, 2025, Tailored Realities is set to be an illustrated anthology featuring stories not grounded in the Cosmere. This collection comprises previously published works, such as the Cytoverse prequel novella Defending Elysium, along with stories like Perfect State and Snapshot—the latter of which is gearing up for a television adaptation. Notably, it also includes an original standalone novella, Moment Zero.

While readers may find treasures among the familiar tales, the excitement surrounding yet another anthology with mostly reprinted material may be muted. As details on Moment Zero remain scarce, its significance in every Sanderson aficionado’s collection is yet to be determined.

9
The Rithmatist 2: The Aztlanian

A Young Adult Sequel Twelve Years in the Making

The original volume of Sanderson’s The Rithmatist appeared in 2013. Announced a year later, the sequel, The Aztlanian, has been subject to numerous delays as Sanderson seeks to represent real-world cultures, specifically Aztec mythology, with integrity. Fans have been eagerly anticipating the sequel for over a decade.

Set in a reimagined version of Earth, the Rithmatist series introduces a world resembling a vast archipelago, threatened by enigmatic two-dimensional chalk creatures. With the completion of the initial storyline in The Stormlight Archive, there’s hope for The Aztlanian to ascend Sanderson’s priority list, although it still appears that work on an Elantris sequel may come first.

8
Skyward Legacy

Expanding the Sci-Fi Cytoverse with Co-Author Janci Patterson

Sanderson and co-author Janci Patterson are currently crafting the next installment of the Skyward saga within the Cytoverse. Originally slated for a spring 2025 release, the first book of this new trilogy, tentatively titled Blightfall, has been postponed to either spring or summer of 2026.

The Skyward saga stands as a testament to exemplary female-led narratives in young adult literature. Janci Patterson, a long-time collaborator and former student of Sanderson, is expected to infuse creativity and innovation into the upcoming installments of the Cytoverse series.

7
Stormlight Archive Sequence 2

Completing the First Arc of Sanderson’s Cosmere Multiverse

The release of Wind and Truth in late 2024 marks the conclusion of the first arc of The Stormlight Archive, with significant repercussions for both Roshar and the wider Cosmere. However, Sanderson has indicated that he plans to take an extensive break following this release, with no content scheduled until at least 2029, projecting a late 2031 release for the next installment.

Although a six-year wait may appear lengthy, it’s important to note that the Cosmere will continue to evolve during this interlude. Anticipated releases include new Mistborn novels and sequels to Elantris, ensuring that Sanderson’s creative engine remains active. Moreover, with the ending of Wind and Truth resulting in altered time dynamics for Roshar, the wait will merely be a change in perspective.

6
Horneater

A Touching Side Story Set in Roshar

As fans await the next Stormlight Archive book, the upcoming novella Horneater may provide the relief they seek. This story centers around the character Rock, and his emotional journey returning to the Horneater Peaks after Rhythm of War. Rather than unveiling major plot points about Roshar, this narrative delves deeply into Rock’s inner conflicts following a pivotal moment where he broke his vow of non-violence to save Kaladin.

The Horneaters, known for their unique features, reside in the mountains of Jah Keved. The term “Horneater”is derived from their anatomical adaptations, allowing them to consume the shells of local crustaceans. Sanderson excels not only in crafting stunning action scenes but also in illuminating characters’ emotional journeys. Observing Rock’s encounter with his roots will provide insight into his identity, especially as he integrates back into the community from which he hails.

5
White Sand Novelization

Prose Adaptation of Taldain’s Tale

White Sand is undergoing its third transformation, evolving from an unpublished manuscript and a series of graphic novels into a full-fledged novel. Although it hasn’t been included in Sanderson’s projected release timeline, he has made advancements on the revisions throughout 2024, intending to continue when his schedule permits.

Sanderson emphasized that there will be minimal distinction between the forthcoming prose version and the graphic novels. Known informally as White Sand Prime, the original manuscript reveals significant differences from the graphic adaptations. The revised version of White Sand will align with the comic narratives. Sanderson expressed a desire for fans to appreciate the story through whichever format they prefer, asserting that “both will remain canon” (via BrandonSanderson.com).

4
Elantris 2 and 3

Anticipating Returns to Sanderson’s Inaugural World

Published in 2005, Elantris marked Sanderson’s debut novel and the first title introduced in the Cosmere. Over the past twenty years, the enigmatic powers of Dor and the immortal Elantrians have emerged in subsequent works, particularly in Mistborn: Secret History, piquing reader curiosity about developments in Sel since the initial healing of Elantris.

Despite the buzz surrounding sequels to Elantris, they remain distant, as Sanderson’s focus must first shift to the next Mistborn trilogy. His updated release plans indicate that sequels to Elantris will alternate with Mistborn, with the first expected in December 2028.

3
Isles of the Emberdark

Unveiling the Last of the Secret Projects

Introduced during the Kickstarter campaign for the leather-bound edition of Words of Radiance, Isles of the Emberdark is a novel that continues the story of the Eelakin trapper from the novella Sixth of the Dusk. While the novella set the stage for Sixth and showcased his world, the new novel will depict his struggles to secure aid for his troubled homeland.

Isles of the Emberdark is scheduled for a Fall 2025 debut for Kickstarter backers, while casual fans eager for the plot are assured that the general release through Sanderson’s publisher, Tor, is anticipated in early 2026.

2
Mistborn: Ghostbloods

Blending Allomancy with 1980s Computing

The third era of the Mistborn saga has stirred much speculation among Sanderson’s fans, especially since it has been hinted that the setting will glimpse into a world reminiscent of our 1980s. Following the concluding arc of The Stormlight Archive, Sanderson aims to progress with Mistborn’s next era, titled Ghostbloods, named after the organization of worldhoppers first depicted in The Way of Kings.

While Sanderson’s timeline suggests that the first installment of Ghostbloods won’t arrive until 2028, he plans to submit the draft by mid-2025. As with previous volumes in the series, Sanderson intends to write the entire trilogy simultaneously to ensure cohesive storytelling. The fusion of Allomancy with concepts of computer technology promises an exciting narrative landscape. The 2024 update hinted at the reappearance of “familiar (and possibly spiked) characters from Era One,”generating anticipation for the returning elements of the rich world of Scadrial.

1
Warbreaker 2: Nightblood

Awaiting the Arrival of Sanderson’s Next Sequel

The initial Warbreaker remains one of Sanderson’s standout novels since its release in 2009. Set in the enchanting world of Nalthis, the book highlights his signature themes: intricacies of power, resurrected royalty, and the nuances of governance, yet there have been no sequels exploring this intriguing land. Instead, references to the story have primarily emerged through characters like Vasher and Vivenna who have traversed to Roshar, appearing in multiple Stormlight Archive installments.

Scheduled prior to the events of The Way of Kings, Nightblood, the book’s working title, intends to shed light on how Vasher and Vivenna journeyed to Roshar and the circumstances surrounding Nightblood’s captivating yet perilous blade. Though not presently on Sanderson’s release calendar, there’s a promising expectation that like the sentient sword itself, the narrative will eventually strike its mark.

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