Blightfall

Riftwake #1

by Brandon Sanderson, Janci Patterson

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson and Janci Patterson comes the first book in a new, high-flying trilogy featuring the legendary Skyward Flight as they undertake a deadly intergalactic mission to explore a mysterious alien world.

After decades of war against alien oppressors, the humans of the Defiant Defense Force are finally free. Yet for Arturo Mendez, leader of Skyward Flight, freedom isn’t what he thought it would be.

His first postwar assignment seems simple: The DDF has found evidence of other settlements of humans who were isolated during their long war against the aliens, and Arturo and his flight of pilots are to escort a team of diplomats as they attempt to make contact. It’s an easy mission—get in, guard the diplomats, and get out.

But no element of this mission turns out to be simple. Blightfall is inhospitable, surrounded by mysterious debris and covered in giant, invasive forests that have swallowed most of the planet. Upon arrival, Arturo’s team is attacked, and it quickly becomes clear that this human settlement isn’t what it appears to be.

Now trapped in an unfamiliar world and unsure who to trust, Arturo and his team must find allies and uncover long-buried secrets if they hope to escape and return home.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Space, Dystopia

496 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication September 1, 2026

About the author

I’m Brandon Sanderson, and I write stories of the fantastic: fantasy, science fiction, and thrillers.

The release of Wind and Truth in December 2024—the fifth and final book in the first arc of the #1 New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive series—marks a significant milestone for me. This series is my love letter to the epic fantasy genre, and it’s the type of story I always dreamed epic fantasy could be. Now is a great time to get into the Stormlight Archive since the first arc, which begins with Way of Kings, is complete.

During our crowdfunding campaign for the leatherbound edition of Words of Radiance, I announced a fifth Secret Project called Isles of the Emberdark, which came out in the summer of 2025. Coming December 2025 is Tailored Realities, my non-Cosmere short story collection featuring the new novella Moment Zero.

Defiant, the fourth and final volume of the series that started with Skyward in 2018, came out in November 2023, capping an already book-filled year that saw the releases of all four Secret Projects: Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and The Sunlit Man. These four books were all initially offered to backers of the #1 Kickstarter campaign of all time.

November 2022 saw the release of The Lost Metal, the seventh volume in the Mistborn saga, and the final volume of the Mistborn Era Two featuring Wax & Wayne. Now that the first arc of the Stormlight Archive is wrapped up, I’ve started writing the third era of Mistborn in 2025.

Most readers have noticed that my adult fantasy novels are in a connected universe called the Cosmere. This includes The Stormlight Archive, both Mistborn series, Elantris, Warbreaker, four of the five Secret Projects, and various novellas, including The Emperor’s Soul, which won a Hugo Award in 2013. In November 2016 all of the existing Cosmere short fiction was released in one volume called Arcanum Unbounded. If you’ve read all of my adult fantasy novels and want to see some behind-the-scenes information, that collection is a must-read.

I also have three YA series: The Rithmatist (currently at one book), The Reckoners (a trilogy beginning with Steelheart), and Skyward. For young readers I also have my humorous series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, which had its final book, Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians, released in 2022. Many of my adult readers enjoy all of those books as well, and many of my YA readers enjoy my adult books, usually starting with Mistborn.

Additionally, I have a few other novellas that are more on the thriller/sci-fi side. These include the three stories in Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds, as well as Perfect State and Snapshot. These two novellas are also featured in 2025’s Tailored Realities. There’s a lot of material to go around!

Good starting places are Mistborn (a.k.a. The Final Empire), Skyward, Steelheart, The Emperor’s Soul, Tress of the Emerald Sea, and Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians. If you’re already a fan of big fat fantasies, you can jump right into The Way of Kings.

I was also honored to be able to complete the final three volumes of The Wheel of Time, beginning with The Gathering Storm, using Robert Jordan’s notes.

Sample chapters from all of my books are available at brandonsanderson.com—and check out the rest of my site for chapter-by-chapter annotations, deleted scenes, and more.

Reviews

[BookishKB]

🚀🌌 Blightfall 🌌🚀

📖 Bookish Thoughts

A full review will be shared closer to the publication date.

✨ What to Expect
• YA Science Fantasy
• Space Adventure
• Military Squad
• First Contact
• Found Family
• Survival Mission
_ _ _ _

📅 Pub Date: September 1, 2026
Thank you to Delacorte Press, Random House Children's Books, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[Katie]

I am hoping Janci grows Riftwake with her audience. I felt like mental health was not treated authentically in Evershore and Defiant. If you're going to portray characters like Jorgen with massive PTSD, grief, and emotional instability, then you can't have them "fail upwards" or consistently avoid death (because the enemy is very accommodating and incompetent) in combat situations and during war; that’s like having your cake and eating it too. It's one thing to try and create a realistic portrayal of these PTSD mental loops, but if you never follow through in a truthful way, it starts to look like a caricature.

The failing upwards in Evershore was ridiculous too - Jorgen is shut down and in his own head, grieving and suffering from massive PTSD - being extremely reckless in combat, trying his new mind blades without shields in his cockpit, etc. - only to become vice-admiral and become temporary leader of Detritus. Like what? Odds of survival = 0% in reality.

I am also hoping this series lays off the navel-gazing. Evershore was extremely guilty of this. There are at least four chapters where Jorgen is mostly just in his head - like multiple 20 minute chapters via audiobook - and then two more chapters almost entirely dedicated to "therapy speak" sessions between characters, as if the goal of the book were simply to spread the message of mental health. The enemy was very accommodating while one of them was happening too. Evershore didn't actually get going until Chapter 16 (out of 21 Chapters). I cannot read an entire novel written like that.

Because of this, I am definitely holding out on Blightfall until I can ask people what is actually in the book. This is a sci-fi series; it should be about ideas, solving problems in new ways, and action. I just hope the balance is right this time because I feel like the series went off the rails in Evershore. And then when you read Defiant, you realize no character development happened because Jorgen was still suffering PTSD, grief and leadership pressures. I just don't think this series handled mental health and emotional character arcs well (not that it was a requirement - not every novel/series needs it, but if you're going to do it, do it well).

[jaycee ann ✞ (in wonderland)]

╰┈➤ Pre-Release
I’m actually so so so excited for this 🤩 The Skyward series is one of my favorites ever, and I’m so interested to see what this series holds.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imaginative and Immersive

Brightfall delivers exactly what Sanderson fans come for: a vivid world, clever magic, and characters who feel like they’re carrying the weight of something bigger than themselves. The story moves with a confident rhythm; steady enough to follow easily, but punctuated with those sharp, satisfying turns Sanderson is known for.

I especially enjoyed the worldbuilding. It’s layered without ever becoming overwhelming, and the lore feels lived‑in rather than decorative. The characters are engaging and are genuinely memorable.

Some sections feel a bit more predictable than others. Still, the execution is strong enough that even the expected moments are enjoyable, and the payoff is worth the journey.

Overall, Brightfall is a highly enjoyable fantasy adventure—immersive, imaginative, and absolutely worth reading.

Thank you to Netgalley, Random House Children's Books | Delacorte Press for this ARC copy. This is my review.

[Cande]

Skyward was the series that got me to read again after not reading for ~6 years. It's just that good! It got me totally hooked, and reading became one of my main hobbies again.

Sooo excited for this next series! Can't wait to go back into this world that gave me back my love for reading 😊

[Kent Fairbourn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advance Readers Copy (Netgalley)

I loved the Skyward series and was a little skeptical of what else could be added to it. I was wrong. This book pulled me in right from the start. All in all a great adventure for some of the beloved Skyward characters, getting to know some more than the past books allowed and a few great new characters as well.

I really enjoyed this book and think Janci Patterson did an incredible job!

[Sadie Steffens · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a big fan of Brandon Sanderson's adult fiction, I was excited to receive an ARC of this YA novel set in the Cytoverse.

While the writing style has a different, more accessible feel than his sprawling adult epics, it still delivers the same fast-paced, highly enjoyable fantasy I've come to expect. The worldbuilding is fantastic, and I loved the teleporting, cuddle-loving slugs!

I am also excited to finally find a Sanderson book that is appropriate for my 9-year-old son. He loves a good fantasy, but Sanderson's other works are still a bit too mature for him. I will have to investigate the rest of the books set in the Cytoverse while I await the next installment of the trilogy.

Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a review.

[Vincent Villegas Rangel · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️

[Mike P]

The Skyward Saga is one of Sanderson's better works, with Janci Paterson proving to be a very talented author in her supporting role.

Go to the Coppermind Wiki to get a summary ... per Sanderson this is Book #1 of at least a 3-book series. Blightfall is due out in early 2026, while he indicates Book #2 Songrise may be out later in 2026.

Note on Janci Paterson ... she also writes as part of Cara Witter .. The 5-Lands Saga

[charlotte ☆]

I actually ADORE this series ah ah ah ah im so excited for 2026

re-reading RIGHT NOW AHHHHHHHHHH

[Patrick Hiltz · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Blightfall" by Brandon Sanderson & Janci Patterson is a YA novel in the Cytoverse series. I need to disclose that YA fiction is not really something that I enjoy. I don't love the focus on teenage angst, the predictable tropes about not fitting in, friendships making everything better etc., and the strange connection between Young Adults and dystopian worlds which implies to me that too many Millennials are writing YA, lol.

Having said all of that Brandon Sanderson is one of my favorite authors of all time. So I couldn't resist the urge to read this when the opportunity came up.

The plot unfolds with a mystery that overshadows a Skyward Flight mission. The mission takes the main characters out of their normal environment and forces them to scramble and to try to unravel the mystery at the heart of the book.

My favorite parts of this book were the slugs. Honestly, the interludes where the slugs talk about snuggling just made me laugh. I also appreciated the nod to the Cosmere, Sanderson's main universe (that everyone should go out and work through over the next 4 years of their lives...yeah there is a lot of it to read). But despite what I said about YA...I did appreciate the surprisingly deep conversation that two of the characters had about life and optimism/pessimism and working to be happy. It was well written and caused some organic character relationships to form as it should have since it was probably the most profound section of the book (in my opinion).

If you are a fan of the Cytoverse you should definitely check out this latest installment. It is the beginning of a 3 book arc. If you are a fan of YA books, this is much more refined than a lot of YA books that are out there. I would say that you probably shouldn't start with this book if you don't want to be confused about important references made to this universe that are taken for granted and not explained. However since I had read at least 3 other books in this series I knew what they meant without any trouble. Start with "Skyward Flight" and work your way forward chronologically. I think that is the most helpful way to approach this book.

I'm grateful to Random House Children's Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Len Laegrim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Advance Reader's Copy (Netgalley)

Skyward is a series I really enjoyed, and what Janci did with Skyward Flight really breathed a new life into the series for me, so I was very excited for Blightfall's release, and ecstatic when I got my eARC.

Picking back up some time after the end of Defiant, Skyward Flight has a new mission: go to Blightfall, a planet surrounded by a spacial anomaly, to contact an isolated human colony. Uppon arrival they are attacked by the human's alien jailers, and must change their approach if the mission is to succeed.

While reading the prior books is recommended, this could also be an entry point into the series for new readers. Janci managed to strike a good balance between introducing us to new characters and concpets while still maintaining cohesion and a throughline with the Skyward saga.
It is worth mentioning that the writing is very consistent with the previous books, in tone and quality, especially with Skyward Flight and Defiant, and brings back some of what made the first Skyward book really stand out from the rest for me.

The pacing of this book was enjoyable. Action and investigation/introspection felt balanced to me, and I enjoyed the voices of our two narrators.
One of the stronger parts of the book is how it develops the slugs, their inclusion was a great decision and brings both levity and emotion to the story.
I personally enjoyed the humor, but that may not be the case for other readers. If previous books in this series were not your cup of tea, don't expect a radical change in this one.

Readers looking for a deeper exploration of some of the character's arcs from previous books, especially when dealing with heavier topics like mental health and the consequences of war might find this book lacking. It sticks to the "young adult" lable on that front.
However, I did find the romantic relationships more fleshed out than in previous books in the series, as well as its queer characters.

All in all, a fun, relatively low-stakes adventure with good banter between the Flight, a hallmark of this series and one of its stronger points.

[Megan Beavers · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

My non spoiler review of Blightfall with all of my slug friends :)

Do you need to read Skyward First? You absolutely should read Skyward, but no worries if you haven’t. Janci has worked hard to ensure Blightfall is a comfortable entry point into the series and can be read without Skyward.


My overall review: Blightfall is absolutely everything I hoped and dreamed it would be.


A quick summary of the book! Blightfall picks up shortly after the events of Defiant and focuses on our friends in Skyward Flight. The DDF is sorting through a world without the harsh leadership and control of the Superiority. They are sending diplomatic teams out to free formerly enslaved planets and not everything goes according to plans. From there, the chaos of everything we loved about Skyward shines through. The space chaos, the friendships, the life and death stakes, and the mission to always do the right thing.

Right from the first page, I am in the shoes of these characters and fully understand their thoughts, emotions, and what will drive their decisions. Janci is the queen of bringing the taynix to life and the imagery of the book is best it’s ever been.

This book had me screaming while my husband was asleep next to me, laughing on airplanes where people stared at me, and so heavily invested that I broke away to read it at every possible opportunity. I laughed and cried and my heart was so full the entire time.

Thank you Brandon for originally gifting this universe to us, and thank you Janci for bringing Skyward to life again. I could not be more thankful to see this series continued in the absolute best hands possible.

Please please read this book and talk to me about it!

[Second Chapter Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

**⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐**

*Blightfall* is an exciting return to the Skyward universe that proves there's still so much story left to tell. Brandon Sanderson and Janci Patterson deliver a fast-paced adventure filled with aerial combat, mystery, and plenty of twists that kept me hooked from beginning to end.

Following Arturo and Skyward Flight on their first mission after the war was a refreshing change of pace. What begins as a straightforward diplomatic escort quickly spirals into a dangerous survival mission on a hostile planet filled with hidden secrets, unexpected allies, and enemies you can't quite trust. The mystery surrounding Blightfall kept me turning pages, and I loved slowly uncovering what was really happening.

The world-building is as immersive as ever, and the camaraderie between the members of Skyward Flight remains one of the series' greatest strengths. While this story introduces a new setting and new challenges, it still captures everything I love about the Skyward universe - action, heart, humor, and impossible odds.

Whether you're a longtime Skyward fan or looking for an exciting YA science fiction adventure, *Blightfall* is a fantastic start to what promises to be another incredible trilogy. I can't wait to see where the story goes next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

[LongSunMalrubius · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-arc!

3 stars.

Blightfall is a book of two parts, one of which works quite well, the other is not quite a disaster but definitely could be much better.

The space/air combat here is fantastic. Each set piece is very different, there’s tons of action, and, most importantly, there are stakes. After reading so many Cosmere fights where characters can just heal through anything, reading fight sequences where charactery can and do die was pretty stunning to me. Whenever we got one of these sequences, it grounded me in the world and kept me hooked until the end.

The other part of the book, the events outside the cockpit, was much worse. I wouldn’t say it’s terrible, but it is the modern style that has been plaguing Sanderson for some time. This series also has one of my least favorite tropes, the alien race that exists solely to be an exotic love interest for humans. You can give them all sorts of backstory and lore but at the end of the day, that’s what the UrDail are.

All in all, a mixed bag that leans more positive than negative. It definitely feels a bit more adult than Skyward but I wouldn’t say it’s totally abandoned the YA feel. The big lore reveals are awesome and definitely set up an interesting sequel, so we will see where things go.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

After many years of war, the humans of the DDF (Defiant Defense Force) are free. But all is not as the leader of the Skyward flight thought it would be. The flight's first post-war assignment is to guard a ship of diplomats to other outlying settlements of once-enslaved humans and try to unite them under their new world. First stop is Blightfall, Arturo, the Skyward leader, soon finds out is a hostile place and attacks the diplomat's vessel and kills all. Now Arturo needs to find out how to get out without more loss, when help is far off. They need to find allies and fast, before the tree people or worse find them.
I really liked this book; it is action-packed and very suspenseful. The story moves along pretty fast, so great for all, even reluctant readers, but it is a fantasy world, so some neurodivergent folks might have a hard time with some of it. The characters are likable and have the same issues then as we do now, basic people stuff. I liked the story even though I have not read the Skyward series and didn’t feel lost at all. It is the YA genre, but it is great for adults and some middle graders, after parents' approval, as well.

Review copy provided by Netgalley

[Carissa Manrique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blightfall is an enjoyable read that captures the fast pacing and accessible style readers expect from the Skyward universe. It kept me engaged enough to finish, and there were several entertaining moments throughout.

That said, I struggled with the book's identity as a spinoff. Rather than carving out its own voice, it often felt like it was trying to recreate the tone and character dynamics of the original *Skyward* series. I would have loved to see the story take more risks and establish itself as something unique within the same universe.

The main character, while likable, seemed written in the mold of Spensa. The similarities made it difficult for the protagonist to develop a distinct personality, and as a result, the emotional journey never felt as compelling as it could have. The romance was sweet and had potential, but it also lacked the emotional depth needed to make it memorable.

Overall, Blightfall is an entertaining addition to the Skyward universe, but I found myself wanting greater originality, stronger character development, and more emotional depth. It feels like a solid companion novel rather than a standout story in its own right.

[Christine Craft · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blightfall is another exciting and adventurous read within the Skyward series.

The plot and pacing were excellent. The writing is fantastic, the world-building is immersive, and Arturo and Sadie’s contrasting perspectives enhanced the narration. I loved both the returning and new cast of characters, as each had development. The new crew is awesome, and the trust and camaraderie between them are admirable. The romance that blossoms is even cute. I’m also happy that the slugs are just as helpful and adorable as ever in the new series!

Overall, this is an excellent return to the Skyward Series! The new crew is amazing and their next adventures are something I’ll be looking forward to reading. I highly recommend this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review.

[Cami l · Rating 4 out of 5]

The slugs’ POV definitely won my heart in this book (still in disbelief that I got this ARC!)


I think this book is best as a little lighthearted read with cute slugs that want their friends to get along, a little bit of AI criticism and some light internal dilemmas for the MCs. Mental health, and specifically, PTSD are not treated super authentically in this book, but it was a very minor plot point with one of the characters so I’m willing to overlook it. I also didn’t care much for the inter-species dating dilemma. I think one thing the authors did get right was the portrayal of a nonbinary character who had more dimensionality than just their gender. Overall, this was a cute heartwarming read if you don’t look too deeply into the parts that are meant to be “more serious.”

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun space adventure!
The members of a young space squadron, after serving a decades long fight against a group of alien opponents, are now sent on a diplomatic mission. They are tasked with taking a group of diplomats to a planet with a human population and establishing relationships. However, upon arriving there, they find things are not what they expected. We follow the squadron of young pilots as they explore the area and figure out the lay of the land. I found the story fun, enjoyed the characters and the storyline. I especially enjoyed the slug critters. This is the first book in a series and I will definitely be looking to read the next book when it is released!

[Milana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blightfall is my very first ARC and I am so happy to report that this book was absolutely INCREDIBLE!!!!!!! I am going to come back and add more to the review as I think of it, but what immediately comes to mind is the integration of the slugs into the narrative as equals. Absolutely incredible. No one writes slugs like Janci!!!! The relationships were so sweet and lovely, and the action/mystery had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! Blightfall is an absolute banger, and I can't wait until everyone gets a chance to read it so we can gush about it together.

[Drew Osburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to Janci Patterson for the ARC!
I loved this! Janci's writing style blended seamlessly with Brandon's and despite exploring the world of Skyward still felt fresh and new.
I laughed out loud multiple times (Taynix chapters were my favorite) while also feeling very moved. There were several good twists and turns that I enjoyed immensely.
Sadie and Arturo were great main POVs and their perspectives felt very fresh.

[Audrey Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest books I have ever read, and that's saying a lot!! I can't wait for this book to be in public so I can see peoples reactions 😁😁😁

[Adam Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review submitted to School Library Journal for potential professional publication.

[Cressa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this continuation the starlight story. I felt like the "relationships" took over the storyline for me a bit too much which is why it didn't get a 4 star review.


ARC from netgalley

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review to come closer to publication date.