Fans of acclaimed fantasy author Brandon Sanderson received exciting news during his recent appearance at the Dragonsteel Nexus convention in Salt Lake City. On Thursday, Sanderson announced a new addition to his popular Cosmere universe, titled The Fires of December, set for release in 2026. The announcement, which took place at the Salt Palace Convention Center, elicited enthusiastic cheers from an audience eager for new content from the beloved author.
During his announcement, Sanderson reflected on the annual tradition of releasing a Cosmere novel. He noted, “For a number of years now, we’ve had a Cosmere novel every year,” prompting fans to inquire about the upcoming title for 2026. With a sense of excitement, he confirmed, “We’ve got one,” before revealing the novel’s cover art to the delighted crowd.
Exploring the Themes of ‘The Fires of December’
Sanderson elaborated on the thematic connections of The Fires of December to his earlier works. He described the novel as part of a narrative series tied to the character Hoid, who has appeared in previous books. “I really enjoyed writing Tress of the Emerald Sea and Yumi and the Nightmare Painter,” he shared. “There are more terrible things that have happened to Hoid in the Cosmere, and this is now a series.”
The new novel will delve into Hoid’s challenges, with Sanderson indicating that it will explore further “terrible things” that befall the character. During the event, he read excerpts from the first two chapters, which focus on a character named December. Fans can expect to find these early chapters shared later via his newsletter and official website.
Release Plans and Crowdfunding Details
While Sanderson did not announce a specific release date for The Fires of December, he confirmed that it will be available through multiple channels next year. The novel is categorized under his “secret projects” and will be included in a crowdfunding campaign set for March. For those who prefer not to participate in the crowdfunding effort, the book will also be published by Tor in time for the Christmas season.
As anticipation builds for Sanderson’s latest creation, fans can look forward to the continued expansion of the Cosmere universe, along with the engaging storytelling that has become synonymous with his work. With its rich connections to existing narratives and the promise of fresh adventures, The Fires of December is poised to be a significant addition to Sanderson’s oeuvre in 2026.
