With the release of the fifth book in The Stormlight Archive, readers are eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in Brandon Sanderson’s expansive Cosmere universe. This universe, featuring beloved series such as Mistborn and Tress of the Emerald Sea, has surged in popularity in the 2020s, bolstered by six major releases thus far. During the pandemic, Sanderson delighted fans with his Secret Project series, but readers can now expect a return to a more regular publishing schedule in the coming years.
Looking ahead, we can look forward to just one entirely new Cosmere book to be published between 2025 and 2028, which is the fifth Secret Project. For those eager for fresh content, Sanderson’s 2024 State of Sanderson blog post highlights his intention to write non-Cosmere novels, helping him stay inspired while crafting the intricate narratives within The Stormlight Archive. A number of other Cosmere stories are also in the works, though their release dates remain unspecified.
11Tailored Realities
Brandon Sanderson’s Upcoming Short Fiction Collection
Following the success of his previous collections, including Arcanum Unbounded, Sanderson is set to release Tailored Realities. Unlike his earlier works, this new collection will not be part of the Cosmere but will feature a range of science fiction and fantasy short stories and novellas. Readers can look forward to the inclusion of “Defending Elysium,” set in the Skyward universe, as well as a new novella titled “Moment Zero,” which Sanderson is currently working on for a 2024 release. Expected to be published by TOR Books in December 2025, this collection promises to be an exciting addition to Sanderson’s bibliography.
10Isles Of The Emberdark
Secret Project #5
Brandon Sanderson has teased Isles of the Emberdark, the fourth installment in his Secret Project series, slated for release in early 2024. This new Cosmere novel connects deeply with his earlier short story, Sixth of the Dusk, and is set in the Space Age of the Cosmere, featuring the protagonist Dusk and a dragon named Starling. Fans can anticipate thrilling connections and critical reveals, as this installment seeks to enhance the rich tapestry of Sanderson’s universe.
Backers from the campaign tied to the deluxe editions of Words of Radiance will receive their copies in fall 2025, with a wider release to follow through TOR Books in early 2026.
9Skyward Legacy Trilogy
Three New Skyward Books Co-Written By Sanderson
Building upon the success of the original Skyward series, which captivated readers from 2018 to 2023, Sanderson is currently immersed in writing a new trilogy set in the distinct Cytoverse, separate from the Cosmere. The first book in this sequel series is anticipated for release in Spring or Summer 2026. Collaborating with co-author Janci Patterson, who is contributing significantly to the project while Sanderson focuses on Wind and Truth, this new trilogy promises to engage both existing fans and newcomers alike. Notably, Patterson has considered renaming the series to something more fitting than Skyward Legacy.
8Mistborn: Ghostbloods Trilogy
The Next Major Cosmere Arc
Arguably one of the most anticipated projects, the Mistborn: Ghostbloods trilogy will follow the completion of the Wax and Wayne series with a release planned for the end of 2028. This series is particularly significant as the Ghostbloods organization has appeared in both Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive. The trilogy promises to provide essential insights into the greater Cosmere narrative, with an overarching time jump of approximately fifty years into the early computer era of Scadrial.
|
Planned Mistborn Books |
Release Dates |
|---|---|
|
Mistborn: Ghostbloods 1 |
December 2028 |
|
Mistborn: Ghostbloods 2 |
December 2029 |
|
Mistborn: Ghostbloods 3 |
December 2030 |
By writing all three installments of the trilogy before the initial publication, Sanderson aims to maintain a cohesive narrative flow, reminiscent of his approach with the original Mistborn series.
7Elantris Sequels
Much-Awaited Elantris Follow-Ups
Although Elantris is often overshadowed by Sanderson’s more popular works, it remains a critical piece of the Cosmere and has garnered interest for sequels. Sanderson is currently developing two sequels with expected release dates of Summer 2029 and Summer 2030. Set a decade after the original events, these books aim to deepen the connections within the Cosmere. The development timeline aligns with the release of the new Mistborn trilogy, enhancing the interconnected storytelling that fans cherish.
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Planned Elantris Books |
Release Dates |
|---|---|
|
Elantris 2 |
Summer 2029 |
|
Elantris 3 |
Summer 2030 |
6The Stormlight Archive Sequence 2
The Return of The Stormlight Archive in 2031
Following the dramatic culmination of Wind and Truth, the second arc of The Stormlight Archive is set for a release in December 2031. This sequence will introduce a significant ten-year in-world time skip, allowing for new developments and expansion of the storyline. Sanderson has remarked on the challenges of writing lengthy novels, emphasizing the need for a break after the demands of the earlier installments before he resumes writing in this universe. Though readers may see some short fiction in the interim, the next main volume will take several more years to materialize.
5Warbreaker Sequel
The Long-Awaited Warbreaker Sequel
Sanderson’s Warbreaker has garnered enthusiasm for a sequel titled Nightblood, named after the iconic sword from the novel that has appeared in others. This continuation will delve into the connections between characters from Warbreaker and the unfolding events in The Stormlight Archive, but fans will need to be patient as this book won’t be published until at least the 2030s.
4The Rithmatist Sequel
The Rithmatist Sequel Is Also TBD
While The Rithmatist is not part of the Cosmere, it occupies a unique space influenced by our world yet filled with Sanderson’s signature imaginative storytelling. Despite its maturity for a young adult audience and ongoing fan interest, any sequels remain firmly on the back burner, awaiting the completion of the Elantris trilogy.
3White Sand Novelization
White Sand’s Novelization Is Delayed But Promising
The existing graphic novel trilogy of White Sand offers a glimpse into its rich narrative with essential ties to the Cosmere. Sanderson’s ambition to evolve this into a full-length novel is a promising endeavor, although progress has been hampered, leading to indefinite delays. However, with partial work already completed, fans may still see this book materialize by the end of the decade.
2Horneater Novella
Horneater: A Novella Before Book 6
The upcoming Horneater novella aims to appease eager Stormlight Archive fans awaiting the next full installment. This story centers around Rock, a beloved character, as he returns to his homeland following the events of Oathbringer. While it won’t provide updates on the larger narrative post-Wind and Truth, it will explore deeper character insights. Sanderson has mentioned a delayed timeline, but fans hope for a tentative release around 2026.
1Miscellaneous Cosmere Novels
Dragonsteel & Beyond
Beyond the numerous plans laid out, Sanderson has also hinted at various Cosmere novels that will arrive later, including the highly anticipated Dragonsteel series featuring Hoid. While these novels are still years away—likely not seeing releases until the late 2040s—they promise to shed light on critical aspects of the Cosmere. Other titles like The Night Brigade and The Silence Divine were included in his “Big List of Cosmere Books,”though many will remain in development for some time. As he stated, The Stormlight Archive will likely take precedence, pushing most of these projects into the more distant future.
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