Brandon Sanderson, one of the most prolific fantasy authors of our time, has been captivating readers worldwide with his expansive and intricate storytelling, especially in the Stormlight Archive series. After the release of the much-anticipated book Wind and Truth on December 6, 2024, fans of the series are eagerly wondering: what comes next for the Stormlight Archive and Sanderson’s other projects? Let’s delve into what Sanderson has planned for the future, both for his Stormlight Archive saga and beyond.
The Epic Conclusion of the First Arc of The Stormlight Archive
On December 6, 2024, Brandon Sanderson’s Wind and Truth was released, marking the conclusion of the first arc of The Stormlight Archive. This book, which spans over 1,300 pages, is the fifth book in the series and the longest to date. As the first arc of this multi-book epic comes to an end, the question on every fan’s mind is: when will the next book come out?
The Stormlight Archive is set on the world of Roshar, where magic, politics, and ancient prophecies intertwine in a complex narrative. Sanderson’s fans have eagerly awaited the climax of this arc, which wraps up various storylines that have been developing for years. However, as the first arc closes, there is still much more to explore, and the journey is far from over.
What is Next for Brandon Sanderson After Wind and Truth?
While Wind and Truth brings the first arc of The Stormlight Archive to a close, Brandon Sanderson has made it clear that he will be taking a break from this series to work on other projects. This decision has come as a disappointment to many fans, who are eager to see what happens next in the saga. However, Sanderson’s commitment to other works means that fans will still have plenty to look forward to in the coming years.
Sanderson has indicated that his next focus will be on other parts of the Cosmere, the interconnected universe that ties many of his books together. Specifically, he plans to turn his attention to the third era of his Mistborn series. The second era of Mistborn concluded with The Lost Metal in 2022, and Sanderson has mentioned that he will begin work on the third era, which will revolve around the Ghostbloods, a mysterious group introduced in The Stormlight Archive.
In addition to Mistborn, Sanderson has also expressed interest in continuing the story of Elantris, his debut novel. Elantris tells the story of a man cursed with a magical affliction and exiled to a city full of similar sufferers. Sanderson has teased potential sequels, but these projects will likely take several years to come to fruition.
Will There Be More Stormlight Archive Books in the Future?
Brandon Sanderson has been very open about his long-term plans for The Stormlight Archive. He has previously stated that the series will consist of ten books, split into two arcs. With the first arc now complete, fans can expect the second arc to be just as ambitious and complex. However, don’t expect these books to arrive anytime soon.
Sanderson has confirmed that the second half of the Stormlight Archive will likely focus on secondary characters who have been introduced in the first arc. These characters, while important, have often taken a backseat to the primary protagonists. Sanderson has hinted that the second arc will explore new places on Roshar and delve deeper into the mysteries of the Cosmere, providing a fresh perspective on the ongoing saga.
While fans are eager to see how the story unfolds, it is important to note that Sanderson has a full slate of projects to work on. The next Stormlight Archive book is not expected to be released for several years, so readers will have to be patient as they wait for the second arc.
Sanderson’s Other Upcoming Projects
Aside from his work on The Stormlight Archive, Brandon Sanderson has a number of exciting projects in the works. As mentioned earlier, Sanderson is set to work on the third era of Mistborn, which will follow a new generation of characters who wield the magical powers of Allomancy. This series, titled Ghostbloods, will explore the secretive and powerful group known as the Ghostbloods, which plays a significant role in both Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive.
In addition to Mistborn and Elantris, Sanderson has been working on a written version of his White Sand graphic novel series, which is set in the Cosmere. The first White Sand graphic novel was published in 2016, and the written version will adapt the story into a novel format. Sanderson has mentioned that the pre-writing phase of this project is complete, and he is currently working on writing it. The book could be released as early as the end of 2025.
Fans of Sanderson’s work can also expect more Cosmere-related novellas in the future. One such novella, tentatively titled Horneater, will explore the backstory of Rock, a beloved background character from The Stormlight Archive. Sanderson has teased that he may write this novella in the coming years when he feels the pull to return to Roshar.
What We Can Expect from the Second Arc of The Stormlight Archive
Although not much is known about the specifics of the second arc of The Stormlight Archive, Sanderson has provided some tantalizing hints about what it will entail. As mentioned earlier, the second arc is expected to focus on secondary characters who have been introduced throughout the first five books. These characters, such as Shallan Davar, Adolin Kholin, and others, will likely take center stage, providing readers with new perspectives on the world of Roshar.
Furthermore, Sanderson has stated that the second arc will expand the geographical scope of the series, taking readers to new places on Roshar that have not yet been explored. This expansion will allow for the introduction of new cultures, societies, and conflicts, making the world of The Stormlight Archive even richer and more immersive.
The second arc will also continue to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Cosmere, a vast and interconnected universe that spans many of Sanderson’s works. Fans who are familiar with the Cosmere will be excited to see how the events of The Stormlight Archive tie into the larger narrative that is unfolding across Sanderson’s other series.
How Long Will Fans Have to Wait for the Next Book?
The biggest question on the minds of Stormlight Archive fans is when they can expect the next book in the series. Unfortunately, Sanderson has indicated that the wait could be several years. While the first half of The Stormlight Archive took more than a decade to complete, the second arc will likely take just as long, if not longer. Sanderson is known for his meticulous planning and world-building, so fans should expect nothing less than an epic continuation of the story.
In the meantime, fans can enjoy Sanderson’s other works, including Mistborn, Elantris, and the White Sand series. These books, while distinct from The Stormlight Archive, are all set in the same Cosmere universe and offer valuable insights into the broader narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will Brandon Sanderson write more Stormlight Archive books?
Yes, the Stormlight Archive is planned to have ten books, split into two arcs. The first arc concluded with Wind and Truth, and the second arc will focus on secondary characters and explore new parts of Roshar. However, Sanderson will take a break before returning to this series to focus on other projects.
2. When can we expect the second arc of The Stormlight Archive?
The second arc of The Stormlight Archive is expected to be released in several years. Sanderson is focusing on other projects, including Mistborn and Elantris sequels, before he starts work on the next books in The Stormlight Archive.
3. What is the Cosmere?
The Cosmere is the shared universe in which many of Brandon Sanderson’s books take place. It connects various series, including The Stormlight Archive, Mistborn, and Elantris, through common themes, characters, and mystical elements.
Conclusion: The Future of The Stormlight Archive and Beyond
Brandon Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archive has captured the imaginations of millions of readers worldwide, and the first arc’s conclusion in Wind and Truth marks a major milestone in the series. While fans will have to wait for the next book in the series, Sanderson’s other projects, including Mistborn and Elantris, offer exciting glimpses into the vast Cosmere universe. As always, Sanderson’s dedication to creating intricate worlds and compelling characters ensures that his fans will have plenty to look forward to in the years to come.
