Brandon Sanderson has no shortage of exciting projects to look forward to, but Mistborn Era 3 is one of the most highly anticipated on his roster. It’s sparking excitement on par with The Stormlight Archive arc 2, though it will be here before the next chapter of Sanderson’s massive fantasy series.
And the end of Wind and Truth lays the groundwork to jump right into Mistborn: Ghostbloods. However, in a recent YouTube video, Sanderson confirmed that he’s taking his time with the next series. The first Mistborn Era 3 book won’t be out until 2028, something he alluded to in his 2024 State of the Sanderson blog post as well.
According to the fantasy author, he’s gotten questions about why this is the case. He sought to explain his release timeline in his latest update, acknowledging that his mainline books typically only have a year between them. However, he reasoned that the longer, three-year wait for Mistborn‘s return would be better for everyone.
Sanderson noted that the reason he’s turned recent books around so quickly has to do with the way publishing functions. Publishers seek to release more work from authors who become dependable bestsellers, a descriptor that certainly applies to Sanderson these days:
“The way that publishing works is very similar to the way that a lot of entertainment works, where your top-selling titles do tend to form the bulk of your income, which you use to fund releasing the rest of your books, hoping to get more and more top-selling titles.”
Given Sanderson’s popularity, it makes sense that he’s been on a faster release schedule. However, the author stated that this isn’t sustainable long-term, especially as publication dates get closer and closer. With him having more say over his timelines, he has decided to approach Era 3 more slowly:
“I feel rushed, and it’s just not a good place to be in. So, now that I’m in the position where I have the power to determine when my release dates are, I’m like, ‘For years, we’ve been saying we need to claw this time back. And this is the time to claw it back.’ I want to finish Ghostbloods 1 this year … I’m writing Ghostbloods 1 in 2025, and then it will have three years until it needs to come out.”
The author went on to apologize for the delay, adding, “But it is the best way to make sure that this is all sustainable going forward.” He highlighted the positives of the longer gap as well:
“It will also have the advantage of… theoretically, I will have the third one’s first draft done before the first one actually has to come out, and so, I can make sure the continuity all works through all three books. It’s something that I did on the first trilogy that I want to try again on this one.”
Given how beloved Mistborn Era 1 is, it’s hard to argue with Sanderson’s logic. So, while his Mistborn: Ghostbloods update might be a bit disappointing, there’s also good reason to be hopeful about it.
What Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn: Ghostbloods Update Means For Era 3
Sanderson’s words drive home the reality that readers will be waiting a while for more Mistborn books, but he’s right about the silver linings that come with that. It’s a relief to know that the entire Ghostbloods trilogy will be finished before book 1 hits shelves. This eliminates any concerns about the sequels becoming seriously delayed.
Taking more time to work on these novels is also likely to improve their quality, as Sanderson’s continuity comment suggests. Churning out stories too quickly can take a toll on their quality, and while that hasn’t been apparent with Sanderson’s recent books, it’s always something to consider. It’s better to have a series that Sanderson feels satisfied with than one he feels rushed to release.
Readers Have New Brandon Sanderson Books To Look Forward To In The Meantime
Although Mistborn: Ghostbloods won’t be here until 2028, there are other Sanderson releases that readers can look forward to in the meantime. The author’s Tailored Realities collection hits shelves in December, pulling readers into new and familiar sci-fi and fantasy narratives.
Isles of the Emberdark is also coming out in its physical format, as it’s currently only available as an ebook, audiobook, or in its Dragonsteel premium hardcover. Those who are waiting for the 2026 release will be able to dive into that in the wait for Mistborn Era 3. And knowing Sanderson, he’ll have more stories, videos, and talks to occupy us in the interim.
Source: YouTube, 2024 State of the Sanderson
