The wait for the nextStormlight Archivebook is on afterWind and Truth’srelease, though Brandon Sanderson just confirmed an unfortunate truth. The series began with 2010’sThe Way of Kingsand has since become one of the most celebrated works of contemporary fantasy. Even the author, who’s written the belovedMistbornseries as well as numerous other titles, has referred toTheStormlight Archivebooksas his opus. There’s nothing else to parallel them in size and complexity, which notably takes a toll.

In the author’s annualState of Sandersonblog post, where he shares updates on all of his ongoing projects, he expressed thatwritingThe Stormlight Archive"is quite draining" and that he’s ready for a break. AfterWind and Truth’sending, readers will have to accept a break from Roshar for the time being, as Sanderson returns to Scadrial and Sel for more sequels to theMistbornandElantristitles, expanding hisCosmere universeelsewhere.

Cover of Wind and Truth Stormlight Archive

Brandon Sanderson’s Writing Plans Confirm A Very Long Wait For The Next Stormlight Archive Book

The Stormlight Archive Book 6 Is Anticipated To Be Out In Late 2031

With Brandon Sanderson planning an entireMistborntrilogy and two moreElantrisbooks, his projected schedule anticipatesThe Stormlight Archivebook 6 releasing in 2031, meaning a seven-year wait between volumes. This is by far the longest wait between volumes since the first book was released. What’s perhaps even more jarring is thatthere won’t be a mainline Cosmere book released again until December 2028, when the nextMistbornbook comes out.Isles of the Emberdarkwill be out sooner, which is another one of hisSecret Projects.

The Stormlight Archive Sets Up Its Next Big Redemption Arc In Wind And Truth

Wind and Truth concluded many of its character arcs while also setting up several new ones, including one major redemption arc for sequence 2.

The problem with writing something so successful and beloved is that there’s a constant desire for more, andStormlight Archivefans will have to be content with the first five books for quite some time. Those books are an immense undertaking, and Sanderson undoubtedly deserves a break to pursue his other creative interests and stories. Still,The Stormlight Archivewill be missed. On the bright side, the seven-year real-world wait will add to the emotional weight of the planned in-world time jump between books 5 and 6.

Vin holding knives in front of the first Mistborn book

There’s One Silver Lining To The Huge Gap Between Stormlight Archive Arcs 1 & 2

Mistborn & Elantris Will Expand The Cosmere In The Meantime

The main silver lining about having to wait so long forThe Stormlight Archiveis that there will be several massive Cosmere novels to enjoy in the meantime.Mistborn: Ghostbloodsand theElantrissequels should continue to build on the overarching narrativeand may even feature some nods and, if we’re lucky, character appearances related toThe Stormlight Archivebooks.By the time readers can pick up volume 6, the Cosmere will feel bigger than ever, making the experience ultimately more rewarding.

The Stormlight Archive

The Stormlight Archive is an epic fantasy series by Brandon Sanderson, set on the storm-ravaged world of Roshar. The series follows multiple characters, each with their unique storylines, as they navigate political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and powerful magic. Central to the story are the Knights Radiant, legendary warriors with magical abilities who must return to save their world from impending destruction. The series explores themes of honor, leadership, and the burden of power.

The Stormlight Archive Vertical Image from Tor