A surprise release has arrived for The Stormlight Archive.
Brandon Sanderson is the author of the hit fantasy books, which are part of his larger Cosmere universe. The short story duology that includes Elsecaller and King Lopen the First of Alethkar is part of The Stormlight Archive, but these stories were previously only available in print. Sanderson co-wrote Elsecaller with Dan Wells and co-wrote King Lopen the First of Alethkar with Isaac Stewart.
During Sanderson‘s weekly update on his YouTube channel, he shared that the previously print-only duology is now available via ebook. The two stories have been put together to purchase for the price of $2.99 on various ebook platforms, including Kindle. Sanderson also spoke about his fondness for both stories and where they fit in The Stormlight Archive. Check out his comments below:
These are both stories that I’m very fond of that I’ve been wanting to write for years and never found a chance. Both of them take place in the middle of book two, or in King Lopen’s case during the end of book two. They’re really fun stories. They fill in some holes in The Stormlight Archive. If you are interested in getting your Stormlight fix, those are available.
The Stormlight Archive began with 2010’s The Way of Kings and was followed by 2014’s Words of Radiance, the second book during which Elsecaller and King Lopen the First of Alethkar take place. The first story revolves around a cut section about Jasnah’s travels to Shadesmar, while the second is focused on Lopen’s time as king during the assassination attempts on Elhokar.
With the additions of Oathbringer, Rhythm of War, and Wind and Truth, five novels have been published so far in the series, and Sanderson has confirmed plans for five more books, with each half focused on its own overarching arc.
There will be a wait for these additional Stormlight Archive books, though, as Sanderson has also confirmed that he will first be writing the Mistborn Era Three trilogy and two Elantris sequels. While many fans read Elsecaller and King Lopen the First of Alethkar in their print-only editions, the new ebook release provides a new way to experience these stories as the wait for more Stormlight Archive novels continues.
An even bigger Stormlight Archives release is in the works, though, as an Apple TV series adaptation of the books is on the way. Sanderson is also working with the studio on a Mistborn movie, and at the beginning of this weekly update reveals that the screenplay is now 95% complete. Sanderson being the one to write the screenplay is one of many ways that he is actively involved with these adaptations. He previously shared that he chose them because of “the amount of control that Apple was willing to offer” and “the partnership felt right with Apple.”
With the likes of Severance, Silo, Pluribus, For All Mankind, Foundation, Dark Matter, and Murderbot, Apple TV has become the ultimate streaming destination for science-fiction shows. The Stormlight Archives show presents an opportunity to help cement the platform as one of the best for fantasy as well, especially given that their partnership with Sanderson has only recently begun, and he has a wealth of existing and future source material to adapt.
Elsecaller and King Lopen the First of Alethkar can be purchased on Kindle and other ebook platforms.