Brandon Sanderson is “worried” about fan reaction to Wind and Truth

Brandon Sanderson is "worried" about fan reaction to Wind and Truth

As a long-time devotee of the fantastical realms that literature can create, I must say, the impending release of Brandon Sanderson’s “Wind and Truth” has me positively giddy with anticipation. Having traversed the labyrinthine plots and breathtaking landscapes of his Cosmere universe, I find myself eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this epic saga that has captivated countless readers worldwide.

This week, fans of the fantasy genre are in for a major treat: one of the most significant releases in years – “Wind and Truth”, the fifth book in Brandon Sanderson’s expansive epic fantasy series, “The Stormlight Archive”. Sanderson is an author whose name has become synonymous with fantasy; he’s made a lasting impact on the genre over the past few decades by creating his sprawling fantasy universe known as the Cosmere. It’s not an understatement to say that if there’s a publishing sensation in the sci-fi and fantasy book world comparable to Marvel, it’s Sanderson and his Cosmere.

So far, there have been four full novels and two shorter works in the Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson. This epic series is considered his masterpiece, comparable in scope and grandeur to other fantasy classics such as The Malazan Book of the Fallen, The Wheel of Time, or A Song of Ice and Fire. Each new addition to the Stormlight series is a major event, but Wind and Truth stands out as particularly significant because it concludes the first phase of the Stormlight Archive – and Sanderson’s Cosmere as a whole. Some enthusiasts even liken its impact to that of Avengers: Endgame in the world of fantasy literature.

In a recent chat with Adam Morgan of Esquire, Sanderson expressed some concern since this comparison could potentially lead to a dramatic end for his career. He admitted, “I’m concerned. If my success is about to plummet, it will likely be due to this book.

Brandon Sanderson is "worried" about fan reaction to Wind and Truth

Sanderson himself rejected the notion of comparing “Wind and Truth” to “Endgame.” He clarified that “Wind and Truth” is not like “Endgame,” which tied up all loose ends. Instead, he stated that while “Wind and Truth” may resolve certain aspects for some characters, it will also generate new, significant questions.

This is an important distinction and I think Sanderson is right to make it. No matter how awesome Wind and Truth ends up being, it’s still only the end of the first half of the story. If we had never gotten another Marvel movie or show after Endgame, it would have felt like a true ending. I wouldn’t expect Wind and Truth to feel the same, since Sanderson has said pretty explicitly that he plans to write five more books in The Stormlight Archive series, as well as sequels to Mistborn and Elantris.

In transitioning between time periods, altering elements, and veering off course in a sequence, Sanderson noted, can be quite perilous. For those familiar with Sanderson’s works such as “The Stormlight Archive” or “Mistborn”, this statement should resonate. Sanderson’s Cosmere is departing from its conventional medieval fantasy roots and gravitating towards a tone more akin to space opera. “Mistborn” has already progressed into a more technologically advanced era, while “Stormlight Archive” isn’t quite there yet, but who knows where the series will end up by the conclusion of “Wind and Truth”? Navigating such a significant genre shift is a daring move, but Sanderson remains optimistic.

Brandon wondered, ‘Am I truly creating art if I avoid challenging tasks?’ He yearned for the response, ‘Brandon’s work is fascinating and adventurous.’ Yet, it’s not up to me to judge that; it’s the audience who decides.

Brandon Sanderson is "worried" about fan reaction to Wind and Truth

Brandon Sanderson is opening a Cosmere-themed fan destination

In my perspective, a shrewd insight Morgan presents in his portrayal of Sanderson is that this author seldom employs the term “I” when discussing the creative process behind his Stormlight series; instead, he uses “we.” Given that Sanderson now manages a crew exceeding 60 members, the whole journey of publishing his novels feels more like a business venture than the usual solo author’s experience. Yet, it is essential to note that Sanderson remains the sole writer of the Cosmere universe himself.

This is relevant both in his fictional worlds and in the real world. Something that sets The Stormlight Archive apart from many other fantasy stories is their wider focus on communities and inclusion. The first book in the series feels like it could be a typical Chosen One story, with Kaladin “Stormblessed” awakening his magic powers and becoming a hero that can save the day. But as the saga goes on, more and more people join the mythical Knights Radiant; at this point, there are dozens of named characters among their ranks, and many more besides. The focus has grown so that no one character is truly at the heart of the story, which kind of mirrors the way Sanderson’s ever-growing company produces these books.

Morgan recalls an essay written by Sanderson some years back, where he shared how his experiences of being bullied as a teenager deeply impacted his understanding of what it feels like to be an outsider. This perspective has significantly influenced the inclusivity he aims for in his novels. Following this thought, fans can anticipate feeling more connected to Sanderson’s Cosmere universe, as he is soon launching a “Cosmere-themed destination” named Dragonsteel Plaza, brought to life by his publishing company.

As reported by Esquire, Sanderson has acquired land adjacent to a past amusement park in Pleasant Grove, Utah, with the aim of transforming it into a fresh arts center. The project will encompass a bookstore and newly constructed workspaces for his team members as well.

Currently, there isn’t a large, community-focused independent bookstore in Utah Valley. Instead, the plan is to establish such a store that offers more than just personal books, reaching out to the community like outstanding indie bookstores do. Additionally, Sanderson envisions a plaza housing a game store, an art store, a café, and ideally, a ballroom venue for weddings. He also dreams of creating something akin to J.K. Rowling’s wand-making workshop in the Harry Potter series.

If you’ve had a longing to delve deeper into the Cosmere universe, there’ll be even more opportunities for that in the forthcoming years, which is truly thrilling news for Brandon Sanderson fans! And with “Wind and Truth” being released this week, we can anticipate updates on the author’s future plans to surface soon.

On this coming Friday, December 6th, “Wind and Truth” is set to launch. Interestingly, this date aligns with the annual Dragonsteel Nexus convention organized by Sanderson. Keep an eye on Winter Is Coming, as we’ll be delving into all things Cosmere related in the upcoming weeks!

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2024-12-04 00:41

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