Warning: This article contains spoilers for the Mistborn series following the events of Mistborn: The Final Empire. Brandon Sanderson‘s grand narrative universe, known as the Cosmere, consists of multiple interconnected series and standalone novels. At the heart of this intricate cosmos lies the mystery surrounding the entity Adonalsium, whose betrayal and subsequent death led to the shattering of his essence into sixteen Shards. Each Shard, while a fragment of the original power, possesses the ability to alter reality itself.
Although the Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive series serve as the cornerstone of the Cosmere, Sanderson has enriched this universe with numerous short stories that delve into its subtleties, covering everything from lesser-known characters to worlds devoid of Shards. In 2016, he published Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collected, an anthology featuring nine short stories across various Cosmere worlds, alongside essays and illustrations that explore the multifaceted magic systems found in series such as Mistborn.
9 White Sand
Taldain (White Sand)
The arid terrain of Taldain is the realm of Sand Masters, who wield the extraordinary ability to manipulate sand. A conspiracy leads to the massacre of these masters, leaving Kenton, the weakest of them, as the sole survivor. Struggling to trust anyone around him, he finds an unlikely ally in Khriss, a woman from Taldain’s enigmatic Darkside, who has her own hidden motives.
While “White Sand” is not necessarily a weak story, it lacks the urgency found in other tales from Arcanum Unbounded. This is partly due to its status as an earlier work; the original manuscript was completed in 2001. The subsequent adaptation into a three-volume graphic novel in 2016 injected new life into the narrative, making it much more vibrant than the original prose.
Recently, Sanderson announced plans for yet another release of White Sand. In a blog post from December 19, he mentioned his ongoing efforts to revise the text, aiming for a 2026 publication. “Updating 30-year-old narratives is a big project,”he remarked, highlighting the ambition behind reworking this story. The revised version is anticipated to showcase the tale in a compelling manner that the original excerpt lacked.
8 Allomancer Jak and The Pits of Eltania
Scadrial (Mistborn)
Scadrial, the backdrop for the Mistborn series, previously faced hostility but underwent a transformation following the events of the first trilogy, leading to a society reminiscent of 19th-century United States, complete with mass-produced “broadsheets.”The character Jak’s escapades unfold in these serialized stories as he encounters larger-than-life challenges and misadventures, providing a humorous lens through which to view pulp fiction action heroes.
Jak’s tales also appear as interludes in the Era 2 Mistborn novels, drawing contrasts between his exaggerated heroics and the genuine achievements of protagonists Wax and Wayne. “Allomancer Jak and the Pits of Eltania”stands out as an amusing narrative, illuminating Jak’s antics and sending readers on lighthearted yet thrilling quests across Scadrial.
7 The Hope of Elantris
Sel (Elantris)
In the world of Sel, the narrative of Elantris opens in a city plagued by decay and its residents suffering from a cursed form of immortality. However, the heroes of the story manage to restore Elantris and its inhabitants, allowing them to utilize their once-magnificent powers for the benefit of the world.
“The Hope of Elantris” centers on a flashback involving Matisse, a character who takes on the mantle of savior for the Elantrian children amid the climactic siege led by the oppressive Fjordell. This narrative fleshes out the lore surrounding Elantris while connecting deeply with the original novel’s themes.
6 The Eleventh Metal
Scadrial (Mistborn)
“The Eleventh Metal”serves as a prequel to the initial events of The Final Empire, offering insight into the character of Kelsier before he became the legendary Mistborn he is known as. Under the tutelage of the stern Mistborn Gemmel, Kelsier assists in an attack on a nobleman’s estate, where they uncover a dark secret involving experiments on fellow skaa in pursuit of the mythical “eleventh metal.”
This pivotal moment sets the stage for Kelsier’s evolution into a formidable leader in the Skaa Rebellion, enriching the overall narrative while highlighting his early experiences and formative challenges. The story is not just a thrilling prequel; it’s an essential part of Kelsier’s character arc.
|
Known Allomantic Metals |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Physical Metals |
Mental Metals |
Enhancement Metals |
Temporal Metals |
|
Steel |
Zinc |
Aluminum |
Gold |
|
Iron |
Bronze |
Duralumin |
Electrum |
|
Pewter |
Brass |
Chromium |
Cadmium |
|
Believe |
Copper |
Nicrosil |
Bendalloy |
“The Eleventh Metal”is a compelling narrative that showcases a younger, less experienced Kelsier, contrasting sharply with the confident leader presented in the primary trilogy. This backstory not only humanizes Kelsier but also enriches the overall depth of the series.
5 The Emperor’s Soul
Sel (Elantris)
The Emperor’s Soul, while set in a region parallel to Elantris, immerses readers in the bureaucratic intricacies of the Rose Empire. Shai, a Forger imprisoned for attempting to steal an artifact, is unexpectedly offered a chance at redemption: to recreate the Emperor’s soul, who has been incapacitated due to an assassin’s attack.
This novella highlights the complex magic of Forgery within the Cosmere, showcasing Sanderson’s exceptional world-building. Rich with Easter eggs and connections to various Cosmere elements, The Emperor’s Soul stands out as a remarkable addition to the overarching narrative, featuring Shai, who later reappears in the Era 2 Mistborn series.
4 Shadows of Silence in the Forests of Hell
Threnody
Threnody is regarded as one of the most perilous worlds in the Cosmere, and the story “Shadows of Silence in the Forests of Hell“is currently the sole narrative set there. The Forests of Hell are characterized by malevolent shades, waiting to drain the life force of unwary travelers. In this tale, Silence Montane, an innkeeper and secret bounty hunter, ventures into the treacherous forest to capture a valuable bounty, only to face a betrayal that pits her against these relentless shades.
This story is particularly intriguing as it is entirely self-contained, containing no ties to any other Cosmere tales, allowing it to explore the ominous history and cultural dynamics of Threnody. The protagonist, Silence, balances her skills as a bounty hunter and protector of her family, highlighting the personal stakes entwined with the broader narrative.
3 Sixth of the Dusk
First of the Sun
Sixth of the Dusk takes place on the enigmatic world known as First of the Sun, shrouded in mystery. The protagonist, Sixth of the Dusk, is a Eelakin trapper who breeds Aviar, magical birds found on the island of Patji. Upon arriving, he finds a merchant group exterminated, save for one survivor, Vathi, who reveals the merchants’ connection to the enigmatic “Ones Above.”
This riveting tale captivates readers with its focus on a protagonist devoid of the magical powers prevalent in many Cosmere stories, emphasizing his resourcefulness and personal growth through the challenges he faces.
2 Edgedancer
Roshar (The Stormlight Archive)
Set in the war-torn realm of Roshar, Edgedancer is intricately woven into the narrative of The Stormlight Archive, bridging the gap between Words of Radiance and Oathbringer. Central to this novella is Lift, a young girl introduced as a supporting character in the previous installment, who embarks on a mission to aid other potential Knights Radiant oppressed by a mysterious figure known as Darkness.
Lift’s journey, filled with humor and insight, illustrates her growth as a Knight Radiant while also tackling the challenges posed by her unique perspective on life. This heartwarming narrative not only allows her character to shine but also resonates deeply with themes of identity and purpose as she balances whimsical desires with formidable responsibilities.
1 Mistborn: Secret History
Scadrial (Mistborn)
Date the release of Mistborn: Secret History initially came in eBook format in early 2016 before being included in print in Arcanum Unbounded. This novella provides vital insights into the events of Mistborn’s first era, revealing Kelsier’s fate after the battles in The Final Empire. Although he perished, Kelsier’s journey continued in the Cognitive Realm, where he sought to aid Vin and Elend in their struggle against the destructive force of Ruin.
With its unexpected revelations, Secret History delighted fans and laid groundwork for future storylines, particularly Kelsier’s re-emergence in The Bands of Mourning, successfully connecting previously loose ends within the Cosmere. This story not only expands the lore of Sanderson’s universe further but effectively confirms Kelsier’s relentless spirit that defies even death.
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