Dragonsteel Nexus (DSNX), an annual convention based on the works of Brandon Sanderson, was held December 5–7 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Previously known as Dragonsteel (the name of Sanderson’s rapidly expanding business), the newly rebranded DSNX24 was the fourth annual convention marking a Sanderson book release. This year’s book: Wind and Truth, the much-anticipated fifth and final book in Part I of Stormlight Archive. The first three conventions celebrated Cytonic (2021), The Lost Metal (2022), and Defiant (2023).
In a strange twist of fate for a convention usually held in late November, DSNX24 occurred on the same weekend as Brazil’s CCXP24 and the coinciding release of the Wheel of Time season 3 trailer. So you can imagine how Wheel of Time fans at DSNX24 might have felt trying to absorb two very big sources of excitement. (Tired. The answer is very tired).
I didn’t really know what to expect going into DSNX24. I’d only ever been to Wheel of Time conventions, which are quite humble in comparison to DSNX when it comes to numbers. I kept wondering what 7,000 attendees would actually look like and if I would be able to, as a more casual cosmere reader, understand the language being spoken around me.
When I finally stepped foot into the Salt Palace, I felt silly for not making the connection before: it’s basically like attending a big sporting event or concert. You can’t actually see the thousands of people until you’re in your seats, so most of the time you only pay attention to the hundred or so that surround you at any given time. But you can feel the buzzing energy of the masses.
And while there were no “nosebleed seats” in the main convention hall (dubbed “Roshar,” after the planet setting of The Stormlight Archive), it had the look, sound, and feel of a professional concert venue. The lights, the sound, the music playing between panels, the giant projector screens—all of it created an ambiance of excitement, anticipation, and “yeah, we’re definitely not in Kansas anymore.” A lot of the credit for creating this atmosphere should go to the behind-the-scenes work of the DSNX staff aka “squires,” in particular the A/V team and crowd control, who kept things running smoothly all weekend.
Entering and exiting Roshar after a big event or trying to navigate the Exhibitor’s Hall during peak times had the same packed, cattle-herded feel as everyone leaving a concert venue at the same time. But there is one very important difference: I don’t really like any of the people pushing and shoving me and spilling drinks on me at a concert. At DSNX, I kind of wanted to be best friends with them all.
Far from stressful, it felt almost warm and fuzzy to be in a huge crowd of fellow nerds, many of them in costume, who are just super happy to be there and in no rush to go anywhere (unless it’s a book signing or limited seating event). Even among the long line of people camped outside in the cold for numbered copies of Wind and Truth, the vibe was friendly and joyful.
The most entertaining part of walking past lines and weaving through crowds was catching snippets of people deep into cosmere analysis. Soundbites like “...Soulcasting…” and “Who is Jaddeth?” and “Hoid wouldn’t…” It was like an inside joke that everyone was in on. And even though, as I had feared, I did not understand the language they were speaking, I recognized the characters they were cosplaying and the enthusiasm they were radiating.
If you’re not a hardcore cosmere nerd, DSNX still offers a lot to aspiring writers and fans of speculative fiction in general: panels run by industry professionals, crafts, tabletop games, photo ops, sword/spear workshops, and a HUGE Exhibitor’s Hall holding almost 150 fantasy-based businesses, authors, artists, vendors, sponsors, and content creators.
If you’re a fantasy fan and you still don’t like any of those things, you could just spend the whole weekend sampling all the food and drinks from about ten different on-site vendors. My favorite snack was churros from the Mexican place.
You might be able to try all the food, but it would’ve been impossible to attend every event, meet-up, panel, and book-signing offered at DSNX24 over the course of its three-day schedule. So here are some highlights (in no particular order):
Wind and Truth Release Party
With Roshar packed full of thousands of DSNX attendees and members of the public, Brandon Sanderson and his wife Emily took the stage to celebrate the release of the fifth book of the Stormlight Archive and acknowledge all the people who contributed to its publication.
They also shared what Sanderson had teased earlier that day as “just about the coolest thing you could imagine, short of a movie or TV series”: Dragonsteel will be publishing the Wheel of Time series in leatherbound editions, one per year, starting with The Eye of the World in winter 2025.
Sanderson then slipped into professor-mode to give a charming and heartfelt talk, urging the audience against gatekeeping fans within the fantasy community the same way other genres of literature have done with speculative fiction. He proposed welcoming all new fantasy fans, such as those who are finding fantasy through the sub-genre of “romantasy,” into a community brought together by stories—even if they don’t agree on what makes a “good” one.
The release party concluded with a Q&A session, during which fans stepped up to the mic to ask Sanderson questions about anything from his favorite dinosaur (Stegosaurus) to the mechanics of magic systems in the cosmere, or whether a concept like calculus could manifest as a spren in the Cognitive Realm. (Yes, I needed a translator for that last part).
Worldhopper Ball (contains spoilers for Wind & Truth)
New to DSNX this year was the Worldhopper Ball, an evening event held exclusively for badgeholders who had previously purchased tickets—and who were willing to dress in extravagant formal attire and/or cosplay for the night.
The theme of this “experiential novella” was the marriage of Shallan and Adolin from The Stormlight Archive, an event that had only occurred off-page until Wind and Truth revealed the details of the scene in a flashback.
But to call it a “theme” is an understatement. The ballroom was transformed into Roshar, with exquisitely detailed scenery and fantastical lighting. Food and drinks were Stormlight themed, and actors in full costume played the main characters of the series, treating guests to scenes (both from the book and improvised) throughout the evening. The actors stayed in character for the entirety of the two-and-a-half hour event, interacting with the crowd and even taking turns at the DJ table.
As with any first time event, there were a few kinks (long lines for drinks, technical difficulties), but most guests were content just to dress up and be transported into a fantastical world from the pages of a book. One Worldhopper Ball attendee was so impressed by the magical night he had, he said he would have attended DSNX only for the Ball.
Author & Artist Spotlights
In front of thousands of people in a giant concert hall doesn’t seem like the best place to have an intimate conversation, but somehow the Spotlight sessions made it feel that way. Just the guest and their host in two armchairs at center stage, under a row of colorful lights and Radiant Order banners. The vibe was more like a conversation than an interview. Spotlights of note: authors Fonda Lee (The Green Bone Saga) hosted by Dragonsteel VP of Narrative, Dan Wells; and Robin Hobb (Realm of the Elderlings) hosted by Brandon Sanderson himself.
Exhibitor’s Hall
When I wasn’t attending a panel, my favorite thing to do was roam the Exhibitor’s Hall. Walking up and down the narrow aisles between the vendors and creators in their black-curtained booths was so crowded, lively, and full of costumes, I felt like I was in a bustling village marketplace from a fantasy novel. And with the multitude of exhibitors, there was always something new to look at or something I missed on my first walk-through.
Story Deck
Among the many new things announced, teased, and launched at DSNX24, Dragonsteel’s Story Deck trading cards stood out because of the experiential way they were introduced. Armed with two starter packs and a “Worldhopper Passport” challenge to earn more, attendees found themselves interacting with people they would not otherwise have approached—which was, Sanderson revealed during the Story Deck panel, what the cards were intended to do.
The cards feature snippets that form coherent stories only after obtaining a full set for each "lost tale." Gold-trimmed, limited edition cards have official Stormlight artwork of the Heralds. Story Deck trading was, by far, the most popular activity outside of the main events and panels. Look in any direction and you’d be guaranteed to see at least one group of people holding cards, spreading them out on a table, or waiting in line at the “Silverlight Mercantile” card trading hub.
Cosplay
Imagine turning a corner and running into Vin from Mistborn in her black ball gown, arm-in-arm with Elend in his brilliant white uniform. You turn another corner, and there’s another pair of them, plus someone in full Shardplate that glows and emits puffs of smoke.
If nothing else, that was DSNX: seeing fantasy characters come to life all day, every day. The dedication and creativity of the cosmere fandom is out of this world (I’m thinking of the person dressed as Urithuru), and it is such a treat to be immersed in it all for three days.
One of the ways the con supports and encourages cosplay—and socialization—is by scheduling meet-ups for certain categories of cosplay, like Bridge Four, Radiant/Spren, Side Characters, and even Brandon Sanderson.
And if you’re lucky enough to catch them (I wasn’t), Roshar hosted two Cosplay showcases, during which cosplayers can walk the stagelit runway and show off all the incredible detail they put into their costumes.
Wheel of Time Panel
DSNX’s only Wheel of Time-themed panel was held on Friday evening in one of the smaller conference rooms. The panelists were Matt Hatch of Theoryland and The Dusty Wheel, Dragonmount founder and author Jason Denzel, Innkeeper Anas from The Dusty Wheel and The Light's Work, YouTube content creator and author Daniel Greene, BookTuber Jacky Ragnarova of Me, My Skirt and I, and Krishna Patel, a passionate Wheel of Time fan for the past decade.
The panel had a cozy, intimate feel as panelists shared candidly about their personal experiences reading Wheel of Time and what they believe to be Robert Jordan’s legacy. Naturally, the conversation led to a discussion of the community that has been built around the series, from its early days—when fans, according to Denzel, could only share information from Jordan’s Q&A’s either in person or by mail correspondence—to the community’s current form as a worldwide phenomenon, connected at all times via social media and content creation.
Even the panel’s newest Wheel of Time fan, Krishna Patel, gets what Wheel of Time fandom is all about, concluding her thoughts by telling other new fans, “This community is waiting for you with open arms.” Another highlight of the panel: someone cosplaying as Rand running through the room, waving the Dragon banner, and bantering in-character with the panelists.
Mistborn Santa
One of the benefits of waiting until after Thanksgiving to hold DSNX24 is that the holiday spirit was in full swing. Not only could attendees shop for gifts among the vendors in the Exhibitor’s Hall, they also had the opportunity to have their photo taken with “Mistborn Santa.”
I wasn’t really sure who or what Mistborn Santa was, but I became obsessed with finding out. When I did, it somehow made perfect sense: Santa in a festive, red velvet mistcloak, holding a giant Christmas-tree Shardblade. He even had his very own Honorguard who allowed me to snap this photo in the Exhibitor’s Hall.
Now that the real Santa has come and gone, I can look back and say for sure that DSNX24 was the highlight of my holiday season. I had a fantastic time, and I wish I could have spent a few more days basking in the glow of the exceptional community there. For anyone who considers themself a fan of speculative fiction, I strongly recommend adding a future DSNX to your bucket list of conventions.
Grace is a licensed mental health counselor who believes in the healing power of found family in fantasy novels and IRL. Also known as Bain & Chiad, Grace has been reading The Wheel of Time since 1998, when she and her high school sweetheart dressed up as Elayne and Rand for Halloween. She fell in love with present-day WoT fandom and was inducted into Far Dareis Mai in 2019. She is the writer of Maidens’ List and a cohost of The Light’s Work.
Special thanks to April Pixie and Innkeeper Anas for Worldhopper Ball Coverage.
Rare
Dragonsteel Nexus (DSNX), an annual convention based on the works of Brandon Sanderson, was held December 5–7 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Previously known as Dragonsteel (the name of Sanderson’s rapidly expanding business), the newly rebranded DSNX24 was the fourth annual convention marking a Sanderson book release. This year’s book: Wind and Truth, the much-anticipated fifth and final book in Part I of Stormlight Archive. The first three conventions celebrated Cytonic (2021), The Lost Metal (2022), and Defiant (2023). In a strange twist of fate for a convention usually held in late November, DSNX24 occurred on the same weekend as Brazil’s CCXP24 and the coinciding release of the Wheel of Time season 3 trailer. So you can imagine how Wheel of Time fans at DSNX24 might have felt trying to absorb two very big sources of excitement. (Tired. The answer is very tired). I didn’t really know what to expect going into DSNX24. I’d only ever been to Wheel of Time conventions, which are quite humble in comparison to DSNX when it comes to numbers. I kept wondering what 7,000 attendees would actually look like and if I would be able to, as a more casual cosmere reader, understand the language being spoken around me. When I finally stepped foot into the Salt Palace, I felt silly for not making the connection before: it’s basically like attending a big sporting event or concert. You can’t actually see the thousands of people until you’re in your seats, so most of the time you only pay attention to the hundred or so that surround you at any given time. But you can feel the buzzing energy of the masses. And while there were no “nosebleed seats” in the main convention hall (dubbed “Roshar,” after the planet setting of The Stormlight Archive), it had the look, sound, and feel of a professional concert venue. The lights, the sound, the music playing between panels, the giant projector screens—all of it created an ambiance of excitement, anticipation, and “yeah, we’re definitely not in Kansas anymore.” A lot of the credit for creating this atmosphere should go to the behind-the-scenes work of the DSNX staff aka “squires,” in particular the A/V team and crowd control, who kept things running smoothly all weekend. Entering and exiting Roshar after a big event or trying to navigate the Exhibitor’s Hall during peak times had the same packed, cattle-herded feel as everyone leaving a concert venue at the same time. But there is one very important difference: I don’t really like any of the people pushing and shoving me and spilling drinks on me at a concert. At DSNX, I kind of wanted to be best friends with them all. Far from stressful, it felt almost warm and fuzzy to be in a huge crowd of fellow nerds, many of them in costume, who are just super happy to be there and in no rush to go anywhere (unless it’s a book signing or limited seating event). Even among the long line of people camped outside in the cold for numbered copies of Wind and Truth, the vibe was friendly and joyful. The most entertaining part of walking past lines and weaving through crowds was catching snippets of people deep into cosmere analysis. Soundbites like “...Soulcasting…” and “Who is Jaddeth?” and “Hoid wouldn’t…” It was like an inside joke that everyone was in on. And even though, as I had feared, I did not understand the language they were speaking, I recognized the characters they were cosplaying and the enthusiasm they were radiating. If you’re not a hardcore cosmere nerd, DSNX still offers a lot to aspiring writers and fans of speculative fiction in general: panels run by industry professionals, crafts, tabletop games, photo ops, sword/spear workshops, and a HUGE Exhibitor’s Hall holding almost 150 fantasy-based businesses, authors, artists, vendors, sponsors, and content creators. If you’re a fantasy fan and you still don’t like any of those things, you could just spend the whole weekend sampling all the food and drinks from about ten different on-site vendors. My favorite snack was churros from the Mexican place. You might be able to try all the food, but it would’ve been impossible to attend every event, meet-up, panel, and book-signing offered at DSNX24 over the course of its three-day schedule. So here are some highlights (in no particular order): Wind and Truth Release Party With Roshar packed full of thousands of DSNX attendees and members of the public, Brandon Sanderson and his wife Emily took the stage to celebrate the release of the fifth book of the Stormlight Archive and acknowledge all the people who contributed to its publication. They also shared what Sanderson had teased earlier that day as “just about the coolest thing you could imagine, short of a movie or TV series”: Dragonsteel will be publishing the Wheel of Time series in leatherbound editions, one per year, starting with The Eye of the World in winter 2025. Sanderson then slipped into professor-mode to give a charming and heartfelt talk, urging the audience against gatekeeping fans within the fantasy community the same way other genres of literature have done with speculative fiction. He proposed welcoming all new fantasy fans, such as those who are finding fantasy through the sub-genre of “romantasy,” into a community brought together by stories—even if they don’t agree on what makes a “good” one. The release party concluded with a Q&A session, during which fans stepped up to the mic to ask Sanderson questions about anything from his favorite dinosaur (Stegosaurus) to the mechanics of magic systems in the cosmere, or whether a concept like calculus could manifest as a spren in the Cognitive Realm. (Yes, I needed a translator for that last part). Worldhopper Ball (contains spoilers for Wind & Truth) New to DSNX this year was the Worldhopper Ball, an evening event held exclusively for badgeholders who had previously purchased tickets—and who were willing to dress in extravagant formal attire and/or cosplay for the night. The theme of this “experiential novella” was the marriage of Shallan and Adolin from The Stormlight Archive, an event that had only occurred off-page until Wind and Truth revealed the details of the scene in a flashback. But to call it a “theme” is an understatement. The ballroom was transformed into Roshar, with exquisitely detailed scenery and fantastical lighting. Food and drinks were Stormlight themed, and actors in full costume played the main characters of the series, treating guests to scenes (both from the book and improvised) throughout the evening. The actors stayed in character for the entirety of the two-and-a-half hour event, interacting with the crowd and even taking turns at the DJ table. As with any first time event, there were a few kinks (long lines for drinks, technical difficulties), but most guests were content just to dress up and be transported into a fantastical world from the pages of a book. One Worldhopper Ball attendee was so impressed by the magical night he had, he said he would have attended DSNX only for the Ball. Author & Artist Spotlights In front of thousands of people in a giant concert hall doesn’t seem like the best place to have an intimate conversation, but somehow the Spotlight sessions made it feel that way. Just the guest and their host in two armchairs at center stage, under a row of colorful lights and Radiant Order banners. The vibe was more like a conversation than an interview. Spotlights of note: authors Fonda Lee (The Green Bone Saga) hosted by Dragonsteel VP of Narrative, Dan Wells; and Robin Hobb (Realm of the Elderlings) hosted by Brandon Sanderson himself. Exhibitor’s Hall When I wasn’t attending a panel, my favorite thing to do was roam the Exhibitor’s Hall. Walking up and down the narrow aisles between the vendors and creators in their black-curtained booths was so crowded, lively, and full of costumes, I felt like I was in a bustling village marketplace from a fantasy novel. And with the multitude of exhibitors, there was always something new to look at or something I missed on my first walk-through. Story Deck Among the many new things announced, teased, and launched at DSNX24, Dragonsteel’s Story Deck trading cards stood out because of the experiential way they were introduced. Armed with two starter packs and a “Worldhopper Passport” challenge to earn more, attendees found themselves interacting with people they would not otherwise have approached—which was, Sanderson revealed during the Story Deck panel, what the cards were intended to do. The cards feature snippets that form coherent stories only after obtaining a full set for each "lost tale." Gold-trimmed, limited edition cards have official Stormlight artwork of the Heralds. Story Deck trading was, by far, the most popular activity outside of the main events and panels. Look in any direction and you’d be guaranteed to see at least one group of people holding cards, spreading them out on a table, or waiting in line at the “Silverlight Mercantile” card trading hub. Cosplay Imagine turning a corner and running into Vin from Mistborn in her black ball gown, arm-in-arm with Elend in his brilliant white uniform. You turn another corner, and there’s another pair of them, plus someone in full Shardplate that glows and emits puffs of smoke. If nothing else, that was DSNX: seeing fantasy characters come to life all day, every day. The dedication and creativity of the cosmere fandom is out of this world (I’m thinking of the person dressed as Urithuru), and it is such a treat to be immersed in it all for three days. One of the ways the con supports and encourages cosplay—and socialization—is by scheduling meet-ups for certain categories of cosplay, like Bridge Four, Radiant/Spren, Side Characters, and even Brandon Sanderson. And if you’re lucky enough to catch them (I wasn’t), Roshar hosted two Cosplay showcases, during which cosplayers can walk the stagelit runway and show off all the incredible detail they put into their costumes. Wheel of Time Panel DSNX’s only Wheel of Time-themed panel was held on Friday evening in one of the smaller conference rooms. The panelists were Matt Hatch of Theoryland and The Dusty Wheel, Dragonmount founder and author Jason Denzel, Innkeeper Anas from The Dusty Wheel and The Light's Work, YouTube content creator and author Daniel Greene, BookTuber Jacky Ragnarova of Me, My Skirt and I, and Krishna Patel, a passionate Wheel of Time fan for the past decade. The panel had a cozy, intimate feel as panelists shared candidly about their personal experiences reading Wheel of Time and what they believe to be Robert Jordan’s legacy. Naturally, the conversation led to a discussion of the community that has been built around the series, from its early days—when fans, according to Denzel, could only share information from Jordan’s Q&A’s either in person or by mail correspondence—to the community’s current form as a worldwide phenomenon, connected at all times via social media and content creation. Even the panel’s newest Wheel of Time fan, Krishna Patel, gets what Wheel of Time fandom is all about, concluding her thoughts by telling other new fans, “This community is waiting for you with open arms.” Another highlight of the panel: someone cosplaying as Rand running through the room, waving the Dragon banner, and bantering in-character with the panelists. Mistborn Santa One of the benefits of waiting until after Thanksgiving to hold DSNX24 is that the holiday spirit was in full swing. Not only could attendees shop for gifts among the vendors in the Exhibitor’s Hall, they also had the opportunity to have their photo taken with “Mistborn Santa.” I wasn’t really sure who or what Mistborn Santa was, but I became obsessed with finding out. When I did, it somehow made perfect sense: Santa in a festive, red velvet mistcloak, holding a giant Christmas-tree Shardblade. He even had his very own Honorguard who allowed me to snap this photo in the Exhibitor’s Hall. Now that the real Santa has come and gone, I can look back and say for sure that DSNX24 was the highlight of my holiday season. I had a fantastic time, and I wish I could have spent a few more days basking in the glow of the exceptional community there. For anyone who considers themself a fan of speculative fiction, I strongly recommend adding a future DSNX to your bucket list of conventions. Grace is a licensed mental health counselor who believes in the healing power of found family in fantasy novels and IRL. Also known as Bain & Chiad, Grace has been reading The Wheel of Time since 1998, when she and her high school sweetheart dressed up as Elayne and Rand for Halloween. She fell in love with present-day WoT fandom and was inducted into Far Dareis Mai in 2019. She is the writer of Maidens’ List and a cohost of The Light’s Work. Special thanks to April Pixie and Innkeeper Anas for Worldhopper Ball Coverage.
It isn’t hard to see the similarities between Brandon Sanderson’s cosmere and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Sanderson himself has expressed his intention to create a world as expansive and influential as Stan Lee did with Marvel. And by all measures, including the explosive growth of his business, he is on his way to succeeding. Both IPs have drawn in millions of fans from all corners of the globe. Both feature increasingly intertwined worldbuilding across multiple settings, planets, and timelines. Both release content at an insane rate, with Sanderson “accidentally” writing 4 books during COVID and Marvel releasing so much content in 2025 they need a trailer for it. Readers echo this comparison as they talk about their hopes for an “Avengers: Endgame level” conclusion in Wind and Truth, the much anticipated fifth and final book in Part I of Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive. But Sanderson has been clear that it isn’t Endgame and warned fans to check their expectations, because they will be left with “big questions” and unfinished storylines. Perhaps MCU fans can consider Wind and Truth something more along the lines of Infinity War than Endgame. Wheel of Time fans might say it isn’t the ending, but an ending. Worried cosmere fans can be reassured: Sanderson sticks the landing. Wind and Truth provides the perfect blend of explosive action and closure, while setting up the second half of the series. The story picks up right where the previous book, Rhythm of War, left off—with the people of Roshar preparing themselves for a contest of champions between Odium and Dalinar Kholin to determine the future of the planet. Wind and Truth covers the 10 days prior to the contest, one day at a time, from morning to night—a unique narrative choice that will keep readers in suspense and flying through the book's 1,344 pages. The “Sanderlanche”—a cascading series of action scenes, big reveals, character growth, and catharsis—comes later than expected (about halfway through Day 10), but in a way, the entire book is the Sanderlanche of the series. Readers are treated to flashbacks that provide insight into the past and fill in the blanks of lore that has been referenced since The Way of Kings. Characters level up and use their powers in new and creative ways. Fight scenes are riveting, dynamic, and surprising throughout. There’s also some great throwbacks to oft-quoted, fan-favorite moments from the previous four books. Plotlines divide the main characters into five groups, all trying to save the planet in their own way: Dalinar and Navani searching for answers on how to win against Odium; Venli and the singers finding their place on the Shattered Plains; Adolin leading troops into battle; Szeth and Kaladin chasing a Herald in Shinovar; and Shallan, Rlain, and Renarin going after the Ghostbloods. All five storylines are riveting, but Adolin’s was the surprise standout that will have him becoming many readers’ favorite character (if he wasn’t already). And you can take Brandon’s word for it, too—during the Wind and Truth Release Party at DSNX, he was asked to share his favorite scene or chapter to write. His answer: a sequence involving “a certain Kholin son who knows his way around a sword.” Wind and Truth also shines in its themes—the virtues of hope and trust, promises and oaths, and the strength one can wield only after being broken. And, powerfully presented by the requisite flashback scenes (Szeth’s, in this case) and woven effortlessly throughout: the illusion of a fixed right and wrong and the importance of trusting one’s own judgment. But that trust doesn't come easily, as characters grapple with betrayal by their own minds; so readers can expect Wind and Truth to continue and build upon its depiction of mental health challenges within the main characters. By the end of Book 4, most of the characters have overcome some of their darkest moments. Wind and Truth sees them using what they’ve learned to either fight the demons that remain or help others fight theirs. The series finale does have a sprinkling of weaknesses that only stand out because the rest of the story is so strong. For example, the mental health themes sometimes come across as heavy-handed or out of place, like when characters stop abruptly in the middle of a fight scene and try to use therapy to win over their opponent. The other problems won’t surprise most Sanderson fans who are familiar with his quirks—dorky puns, cheesy humor (there’s a poop talk within the first 35 pages), and characters using modern slang that risks pulling readers out of the story. But the quirks are minor, and Sanderson’s more subtle humor always lands (all birds on Roshar being called “chicken” will never not be funny). Sanderson does cute pretty well, too—some familiar spren make charming appearances, and there’s a new character that is destined to inspire the newest cosmere plushie. So what if you’re not a plushie-buying, leatherbound-collecting, Investiture-studying, Easter-egg-hunting, hardcore cosmere fan? Do you need to become one to enjoy Wind and Truth? Yes and no. Wind and Truth forges connections within the universe more comprehensively than any other cosmere book has thus far—full of familiar names, missing pieces of lore, and crossover characters and magic systems from other worlds. The result is deeply satisfying and just pure fun for readers who can draw those connections. Being a more hardcore fan provides the opportunity to experience all the squeals of joy and Leonardo-Dicaprio-pointing-gif moments while witnessing a massive integration of multiple cosmere books—in particular, Mistborn Era 1 and 2 (including Secret History), Warbreaker, Elantris, Arcanum Unbound, and Sanderson’s 2023 Secret Projects. It isn’t that prior knowledge of these books is necessary to understand what’s happening; it’s more like a missed opportunity for maximum impact. Like not getting the fireworks when you beat a Super Mario Brothers level, or not collecting all the armor upgrades in the Legend of Zelda before beating Ganon. You still win, and winning is awesome—you just don’t get all the bells and whistles. Less hardcore fans, or those who have only read The Stormlight Archive, will still love Wind and Truth. It's full of surprises, exciting new uses of the magic system, and BIG moments for the main characters. It is exactly as a series finale should be—tying together loose ends, rounding out character arcs, delivering on the promises of foreshadowing, and bringing the first act of The Stormlight Archive to what Aristotle would approve of as the quintessential “unexpected but inevitable” conclusion. Buy Wind and Truth direct from the Dragonmount ebook store here! Accolades (soft spoilers) Overall MVP: Adolin Coolest use of Stormlight: Shallan Best fight scene: Szeth Most tearjerking moment(s): Kaladin Most changed since Book 1: Renarin Needed more screen time: Lift, Jasnah Best side character arc: Yawnagawn The POV upgrade you didn't know you needed: Sigzil Best Worldhopper cameo: Thaidakar (wink-wink) Best villain (ever?): Taravangian Grace is a licensed mental health counselor who believes in the healing power of found family in fantasy novels and IRL. Also known as Bain & Chiad, Grace has been reading The Wheel of Time since 1998, when she and her high school sweetheart dressed up as Elayne and Rand for Halloween. She fell in love with present-day WoT fandom and was inducted into Far Dareis Mai in 2019. She is the writer of Maidens’ List and a cohost of The Light’s Work.