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Arcanum Unbounded


Synopsis


Welcome to New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller Brandon Sanderson's first collection of short fiction.

These wonderful works, originally published individually, have been collected for the first time and convey the true expanse of the Cosmere. Telling the exciting tales of adventure Sanderson fans have come to expect, Arcanum Unbounded include the Hugo Award-winning novella 'The Emperor's Soul', an excerpt from the graphic novel 'White Sand', and the never-before-published Stormlight Archive novella 'Edgedancer'.

The collection will include nine works in all:
'Edgedancer' (Stormlight Archive)
'The Hope of Elantris' (Elantris)
'The Eleventh Metal' (Mistborn)
'The Emperor's Soul' (Elantris)
'Allomancer Jak and the Pits of Eltania' (excerpt; Mistborn)
'White Sand' (excerpt; Taldain)
'Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell' (Threnody)
'Sixth of Dusk' (First of the Sun)
'Mistborn: Secret History' (Mistborn)

This superb collection also includes essays and illustrations which offer an insight into the numerous worlds in which the stories are set.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Emperor's Soul*

* Summary: Shai, a Forger, is imprisoned by the emperor of Hallandren. He must use his talent to forge a flawless soul for the emperor's dying sister, but discovers a conspiracy that threatens the kingdom.
* Real Example: The scene where Shai is forging the soul is a breathtaking example of Sanderson's mastery of magic systems. The intricate process, involving silver and fire, vividly captures the essence of soul forging.

Chapter 2: The Hope of Elantris*

* Summary: Raoden, the prince of Elantris, is cursed with the Shaod, a mysterious affliction that turns people into living statues. Despite his despair, he discovers a glimmer of hope that could save his people.
* Real Example: The transformation of Kae, Raoden's beloved, into a Shaod is a poignant moment that highlights the heart-wrenching consequences of the curse.

Chapter 3: The Eleventh Metal*

* Summary: Wayne, a Mistborn who can burn all eleven Allomantic metals, embarks on a quest to find a lost metal that could grant him unimaginable power.
* Real Example: The scene where Wayne fights an army of Inquisitors using his unique abilities showcases the thrilling and inventive combat of the Mistborn universe.

Chapter 4: Allomancer Jak and the Pits of Eltania*

* Summary: Jak, a young Allomancer, and Saze, a powerful Feruchemist, team up to investigate a mysterious cult that is kidnapping Allomancers.
* Real Example: The tense and claustrophobic atmosphere of the Pits of Eltania, where Allomancers are forced to fight for survival, creates a gripping and unforgettable setting.

Chapter 5: Mistborn: Secret History*

* Summary: Kelsier, Vin, and the crew of the Final Empire return in a prequel that reveals the origins of Allomancy and the true nature of the Lord Ruler.
* Real Example: The revelation of Ruin's plans and the role of Harmony in shaping the world expands the scope and complexity of the Cosmere.

Chapter 6: Sixth of the Dusk*

* Summary: Six, a thief who can manipulate shadows, joins forces with a mysterious traveler to uncover a plot to assassinate the king of First of the Sun.
* Real Example: The climactic chase scene, where Six uses her powers to outwit her pursuers, showcases the author's skill in crafting thrilling action sequences.

Chapter 7: Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell*

* Summary: Silence, a mute hunter, and Sazed, a scholar, venture into the dangerous Forests of Hell to investigate a prophecy that could threaten the world.
* Real Example: The encounter with the Fused, powerful beings from another realm, provides a glimpse into the broader Cosmere mythology and the overarching conflict between good and evil.

Chapter 8: Edgedancer*

* Summary: Lift, a young Edgedancer who can control windspren, joins Dalinar Kholin's army to fight against the Parshendi.
* Real Example: The scene where Lift confronts a highstorm, wielding her windspren, is a breathtaking display of the power and magic of the Stormlight Archive universe.

Chapter 9: White Sand (Early Draft Snippet)*

* Summary: This chapter provides a glimpse into the early development of the White Sand graphic novel series, featuring a brief excerpt from the draft.
* Real Example: The introduction to White Sand's unique setting, with its sand magic and mythical creatures, offers a tantalizing taste of the world that Sanderson later fleshed out.