Brandon Sanderson’s Ambitious Vision for Mistborn Era 3
Brandon Sanderson’s upcoming plan for the Mistborn Era 3 has generated substantial excitement among fans, hinting at the potential to surpass the critically acclaimed original trilogy. Despite the seven books currently in the Mistborn series, it is widely acknowledged that the first three remain the pinnacle of the saga. The Wax & Wayne duology contributed significantly to expanding the world of Scadrial, set centuries after the events of the first trilogy, yet nothing compares to the magic Sanderson captured in those foundational novels.
New Developments in the Cosmere
Although Sanderson has been prolific in delivering titles within his expansive Cosmere universe in recent years, only one Mistborn book has emerged in the 2020s. A long-awaited follow-up trilogy has been teased, and insights from Sanderson’s annual State of Sanderson blog provide hints about when fans can anticipate new releases. Notably, Sanderson revealed his intention to write all three volumes before any are published, aiming for a “tight continuity”akin to that of Mistborn Era 1.
Upcoming Mistborn Books |
Release Date |
Series Volume |
---|---|---|
Mistborn: Ghostbloods 1 |
December 2028 |
8 |
Mistborn: Ghostbloods 2 |
December 2029 |
9 |
Mistborn: Ghostbloods 3 |
December 2030 |
10 |
Striving for Continuity in Creative Narrative
Effective planning is crucial for crafting intricate fantasy narratives, and Sanderson is celebrated for his advanced plotting capabilities. However, the challenge arises when a story naturally evolves over time, requiring a skilled author to weave fresh ideas seamlessly into the existing framework. This dynamic can risk upending previous narrative setups, but the charm of the original Mistborn trilogy lies in its coherence, a product of Sanderson completing all three volumes prior to any of their releases.
The prospect of tighter continuity, minimal waiting periods between books, and stronger ties to the original trilogy suggests a promising future for the series. While the continuity in the Wax & Wayne books was commendable, they lacked the richness and cohesion that defined the earlier works. The announcement of releasing all three volumes within a short span of three years marks a significant improvement, especially considering the previous series spanned over a decade.
Potential for Groundbreaking Plot Twists in Ghostbloods
Sanderson’s approach for Era 3 may even elevate the Mistborn: Ghostbloods trilogy, positioning it to possibly eclipse the original stories. With two decades of writing experience under his belt, Sanderson is poised to incorporate his evolved storytelling techniques into these upcoming volumes. The simultaneous planning of all three installments allows for intricate plot twists and skillful foreshadowing, reminiscent of the cleverly laid groundwork exemplified by Vin’s earring in Mistborn Era 1.

With fan anticipation at an all-time high, Sanderson’s strategic approach to the Mistborn franchise could indeed set a new benchmark in fantasy literature.