Isles of the Emberdark
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson comes a legendary standalone novel that navigates the seas and the stars of a far-future Cosmere. Illustrated by Esther Hi‘ilani Candari.
All his life, Sixth of the Dusk has been a traditional trapper of Aviar―the supernatural birds his people bond with―on the deadly island of Patji. Then one fateful night he propels his people into a race to modernize before they can be conquered by the Ones Above, invaders from the stars who want to exploit the Aviar.
But it’s a race they’re losing, and Dusk fears his people will lose themselves in the effort. When a chance comes to sail into the expanse of the emberdark beyond a mystical portal, Dusk sets off to find his people’s salvation with only a canoe, his birds, and all the grit and canniness of a Patji trapper.
Elsewhere in the emberdark is a young dragon chained in human form: Starling of the starship Dynamic. She and her ragtag crew of exiles are deep in debt and on the brink of losing their freedom. So when she finds an ancient map to a hidden portal between the emberdark and the physical realm, she seizes the chance at a lucrative discovery.
These unlikely allies might just be the solution to each other’s crises. In their search for independence, Dusk and Starling face perilous bargains, poisonous politics, and the destructive echo of a dead god.
Sanderson expands his thrilling novella “Sixth of the Dusk” into a mythic novel of legends, lore, and warring galactic superpowers.
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Brandon Sanderson
Few modern fantasy authors have reshaped the genre quite like Brandon Sanderson. Renowned for his intricate worldbuilding, innovative magic systems, and compelling character arcs, he has captivated millions of readers worldwide. His work blends epic storytelling with meticulous attention to detail, making his novels both immersive and intellectually engaging.
Breaking onto the scene with Elantris, he quickly gained recognition, but it was Mistborn: The Final Empire that solidified his place among the genre’s greats. The trilogy introduced a unique alchemical-inspired magic system, Allomancy, and a cast of unforgettable characters navigating a world of oppression and rebellion. His ability to craft deep, well-structured narratives continued with The Stormlight Archive, a sweeping epic that has drawn comparisons to some of fantasy’s most revered sagas.
Secret Project
What happens when an author lets imagination off the leash—and invites readers to do the same? The Secret Project series is Brandon Sanderson at his most unbound, a collection of five standalone novels that each open the door to an entirely different kind of world, voice, and emotional weight. These books aren’t sequels or spinoffs—they’re experiments in storytelling, atmosphere, and magic, each one a self-contained journey that challenges the boundaries of epic fantasy.
Secret Project consists of four books — series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
Main series Cosmere
