Isles of the Emberdark
By: THE Brandon Sanderson
My Rating: FIVE out of FIVE Stars
Best For: 14 and up (for the Cosmere-aware)

Isles of the Emberdark: The Cosmere’s Past and Future, All at Once!

Are you fully Cosmere aware? Then you’re in for a treat—just like you are with every single dang thing THE Brandon Sanderson writes. This book is a rare treasure, offering a sneak peek of the Cosmere in the distant future. It’s seeing the ancient history and the distant future merging together without knowing exactly what happens in the middle, and it’s so nerdy cool that I’m all for it.

What’s it about?

This novel expands on the original novella “Sixth of the Dusk” and is a standalone, but it is deeply woven into the fabric of the Cosmere. We follow two distinct stories and two incredible main characters. First, there’s Sixth of the Dusk, a traditional trapper of magical Aviar birds on the deadly island of Patji. He is forced to propel his people into a race to modernize before they are conquered by the “Ones Above”—invaders from the stars. Dusk fears his people will lose themselves in the process, so he takes a chance to sail into the unknown expanse of the “emberdark” beyond a mystical portal. Then, we meet Starling, a young dragon chained in human form on a derelict starship with a ragtag crew. She and her crew are deep in debt and on the brink of losing their freedom. When she finds an ancient map to the same portal that Dusk used, she seizes the chance at a lucrative discovery. These two unlikely heroes might just be the solution to each other’s problems.

What did I love?

This book was just so much fun, captivating and immersive! As a Cosmere fan, I was giddy over all the crossovers. Getting glimpses of a few characters from “Tress of the Emerald Sea” and seeing what Hoid is up to is always a good time. What’s most impressive is how Sanderson blends elements of traditional fantasy with science fiction to craft a story that feels both familiar and brand new. The world-building is top-notch, and the tension builds beautifully as Dusk and Starling face perilous bargains and poisonous politics in their search for independence.

I loved both main characters. Dusk is a wonderfully taciturn, quietly competent, and determined character who learns to trust and work with others. Starling, a dragon in human form, is a breath of fresh air and a great foil for the stoic Dusk. The story is a page-turner, and it’s a true joy to see how this incredible world continues to grow and change. The audiobook, narrated by Kaleo Griffith and Jennifer Jill Araya, is also fantastic!

Sensitive Content: No content concerns.

Should you read it?

If you are a fan of Brandon Sanderson and are fully versed in the Cosmere, this book is an absolute must-read. It’s an exciting look into the future of this beloved universe. But if you don’t know what the Cosmere is, then stop now and go find yourself a copy of “Mistborn.” This dad says Isles of the Emberdark is best for 14 and up (for the Cosmere-aware).

Happy Reading!