Allomancer Jak and the Pits of Eltania

The Cosmere #17

by Brandon Sanderson

Also available in Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Short Stories, High Fantasy, Audiobook, Novella, Epic Fantasy

40 pages, Paperback

First published August 3, 2014

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

[Tharindu Dissanayake · Rating 3 out of 5]

"These lands of adventure and danger are my natural habitat, and I thrive upon the challenge they provide."

Another interesting side story, but I still don't understand how this fits in to the bigger picture. The first person narrative was also unexpected. Not a 'major' novella and (so far) it feels like one wouldn't miss anything related to plot by skipping this one, unless of course the events here do play a role in future Misborn books.

[Manisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you ever wanted to read a book with an ostentatious tone similar to Gilderoy Lockhart combined with the lack of accuracy of Rita Skeeter, this is the story for you.

The best way to read this story is with a dramatic flair. It’s just pure fluff and entertainment, and it’s not meant to be taken seriously.

The story follows Allomancer Jak (cue the background music), as he adventures on with death defying action (cue the wink), and saves damsels in distress who never needed saving after all (“Oh, Jak”). It is high stakes, head-spinning, grandiose adventure that has never been seen in thousands of years.*



*You wouldn’t want to skip the footnotes. The accuracy is in the footnotes.

[Luna. ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not my favorite novella by Sanderson & far from being my favorite Mistborn novella. There was really nothing new. however it was still a great read and I think all Sanderson mega fans should definitely read it.
*continues worshipping my hero bs*

[Rodrigo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Breve relato ambientado en la segunda era de nacidos en la bruma.
Recuerda a los relatos de aventuras de historias pulp como bien dice el autor al final del mismo.
Nos narra su aventura con los Koloss de un alomante llamado Jack y su búsqueda del tesoro del "superviviente", un lugar de culto por los Koloss.
Valoración: 6/10
# 18. El libro más corto de tu lista de pendientes de goodreads. Reto literario Lecturas pendientes 2023

[Anna [Bran. San. Stan] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Already never a fan of the Allomancer Jak broadsheet excerpts in the novels, I didn’t expect much going into this story. Like so many others, I felt it had three redeeming qualities: the entertaining footnotes by the Terris steward, Jak‘s boasting being reminiscent of Gilderoy Lockhart, and of course Sanderson‘s writing ability and creativity. Were it not for those qualities, I doubt I would have read this: The parallels as well as the contrast between Jak and Wax – and the background information on the Koloss – would not have been enough to make it worth the read. Still, if you decide to skip this, you won’t miss anything.

[Wera · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Allomancer Jak and the Pits of Eltania is a short story that is a bit melodramatic for my taste and does not have really a lot of value for me. We follow Jak as he seeks out the Treasure of the Survivor all the while battling koloss. This is a quick read that doesn't require a lot of brainpower, so I'd still recommend it to someone looking for a book to read over a coffee or as a short break from work.

There were two things that I actually liked about this short story. Firstly, I liked the steward Handerwym's notes a lot. He had that perfect skeptic and realistic attitude of the Terris that I love to read so much. Since Wax isn't the typical Terris dude, I wouldn't say I get my bookly fix of Terris-ness in Era 2 books, so this was a welcoming return to that Sazed-styled quip.

The other thing ties to this quote from the postscript (by Sanderson of course:

“In the Wax and Wayne books, I was already telling stories that were a more authentic evolution of pulp stories, with more solid characterization and less melodrama.
Jak, then, had to be about contrast—a way to highlight the old against the new."

I think Sanderson managed to achieve his goal of writing a contrasting character to Wax who is a more down-to-earth version of Jak. This comparison is actually quite visible and blatant, so you know exactly what Sanderson is going for, which in this case is nice.

Overall, I didn't like this short story, but I didn't like it either. It was unremarkable, but it had elements like the Terris quip and Wax contrast that I really enjoyed.

Thank you all for joining in for Episode 7 of Quickie Review with Valliya!



Previous episode: The Eleventh Metal - Brandon Sanderson ★★★

Next episode: Sixth of the Dusk - Brandon Sanderson ★★★.75

[Reem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dearest brand sand,

a thousand apologies, I should have trusted you more. I wasn’t planning to read this novella on account of Wayne, and how he’s not in it!!!!! but then I got the cosmere (+michael kramer) withdrawals……..

I had so much fun getting ready for work this morning listening to mk’s perfect narration, of a gentleman adventurer who embellishes his stories and the annotations made by his HILARIOUS, FAITHFUL ,TERRIS STEWARD!!! guys listen to the audiobook because the main story isn’t that interesting,, but THE ANNOTATIONS!!!! wonderful wonderful stuff about his employer whose writing is inconsistent but doesn’t want it changed when pointed out, over the top action that somehow doesn’t happen when the steward’s around, the embellished facts, the inaccuracies, how he forgot to save his steward in the end,, and more.

[Amin Matin · Rating 3 out of 5]

شوخی خوبی بود آقای سندرسون، اندکی مزاح کردیم

[C.P. Cabaniss · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
I read this in Arcanum Unbounded

This was fun enough, but I must admit that the 3.5 is for the footnotes. I very much enjoyed Handerwym's notes on Jak's adventures. A fun piece for fans of the series, though it lacks the depth (obviously, since it's a short story) and action I tend to associate with Wax and Wayne.

[Jonathan O'Neill · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (Edited from 3.5)

Reading the tales of Allomancer Jak is like having to sit there listening to the obviously false or at least heavily exaggerated stories of one of your co-workers who you know to be a compulsive liar. The twist being that his mate is standing right next to him, calling out all his bullshit. Handerwym's constant derision of Jak in the footnotes of these episodes which he has "faithfully" edited for his friend show off a side of Sanderson's humour I was yet to see.

"I once mentioned to Jak that my people, the Terris, were at one time considered savages.... He put a hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is alright. I am proud to count a savage as my friend.' He was so sincere, I dared not explain just how insulting he was being."

[Sydneroo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a nice short fun novella that gave us more Koloss. Just something to read while I wait for more Sanderson.

[Велислав Върбанов · Rating 4 out of 5]

„Аломантът Джак и Ямите на Елтания“ е много приятен и забавен приключенски разказ! Действието в него се развива в началото на втората ера, преди събитията от „Сплавта на закона“, като проследява премеждията на Джак сред колосите.



„- Всички колоси някога са били човеци. - каза един от древните.
Бях чувал подобни твърдения преди. И, скъпи читатели, осъзнавам, че ги омаловажих пред вас. Смятах ги за глупави и измислени.
С натежало сърце трябва да ви кажа, че грешах. Толкова грешах. Оттогава насам научих ужасната истина. Древните са прави.“

[Brittney · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a quick and sweet novella. The tidbit on the “creation” of Koloss was interesting.

[Dylan · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first half is the least enjoyable thing Sanderson has written in his entire career. The second half of the short story is okay. Overall not a fan at all, besides some Koloss worldbuilding, I didn't feel like it was worth it.

Note for some further explanation: Sanderson framed narrative for this short story is him at his weakest. Mostly poorly placed footnotes that attempt to be insightful but do the opposite. Furthermore, Jak is both a bland and boring character.

[Jarek "the Mistborn" Dąbrowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

As all sanderson stories..at least most this one was pretty cool but too short and I wish there was more to come. It would be really nice to see some other characters and how they manage living in these worlds. All around good story 4 stars:)

[Raviteja · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

A short, light story of the Allomancer Jak that was fun because of those witty footnotes

Allomancer Jak reminds me of Gilderoy Lockhart (from Harry Potter), or a toned down version of Brother Longfoot (from the First Law Trilogy). If you had paid attention to the various newspaper clippings in Mistborn Era 2 books, you will find brief articles of Jak's adventures and this is a some-what bigger version of one such adventure. The annotations/footnotes from Jak's terris steward Handerwym makes this a fun read, but otherwise, it feels like listening to an over-exaggerated story.

The below excerpt from the book gives you a brief idea of what you can expect.

However, it has ever been my goal to present to you a sincere and unexpurgated account of my travels in the Roughs. Honesty is my greatest virtue. And so, I offer you the truth of what needed to happen next.

I knelt down and began to lick the wall.

I would not ever wish to look foolish before you, dear readers. But in order to survive in the Roughs, a man must be willing to seize opportunity. I did so. With my tongue.

[Caleb M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection.

Oh man this was a super fun and light hearted read! I wasn't to sure how I felt about it when I first started reading, but once you get used to the style and the annotations its a good time! Another very quick read, but much more enjoyable than The Eleventh Metal. I was grinning like an idiot most of the way through. Lots of fun, this one! I doubt it, but I hope to see more Allomancer Jak stuff in the future.

[Ana Novkovic · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad I've read this, it made me smile.

[OhWell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth reading for Handerwym's footnotes alone, those are hilarious!

[Marielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun!

[Zoe Artemis Spencer Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Footnote is everything.

[Melcat · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little novella to read between the volumes of the Mistborn Era Two. I enjoyed it, very funny and different, and most of all great for a compulsive completionist like myself :)

[Jeraviz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ejercicio literario curioso creado para dar contexto a un juego de mesa basado en Mistborn (creo que es así, si alguien sabe algo más que me diga).
Narrado en primera persona, Jak nos cuenta sus peripecias mientras que su ayudante corrige el texto y pone notas a pie de página.
Para fans del Cosmere ya que nos sirve conocer un poco más a los koloss durante la segunda era de la saga.

[Evelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Това е разказ за приключенията, на търсещия силни усещания аломант Джак, който разказва за тях в своите писма до вестник в град Еландил. Абсурдните му преживявания са изпълнени с излишна показност и мелодрама, но бележките под линията ги правят двойно по-забавни и интересни, показвайки че ако не Джак то приятелите му редактиращи писмата му имат повече от 1 работеща мозъчна клетка.
Чувствам се длъжна да отбележа, че разказът няма нищо общо с книгите от първата епоха в "Мъглороден" ( т.е за приключенията на Келсиър, Вин, Еланд и т.нат) и макар да няма общо с героите от втората епоха, то поне се помещава по това време на действие. Друга положителна страна на разказа освен с дозата здравословен хумор е обогатяването на познанията ни що се отнася до колос и живота им през тази епоха. Очевидно те вече се съвокупляват т.е вече има женски колоси и плодовете на утробата им са тези леко сивкави на цвят и по-силни хора, които се срещат в "Сплавта на закона".

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

3* for Handerwym's annotations that made me laugh out loud a couple of times! *hurray*

It's a very light read about an Allomancer called Jak who writes his adventures down and Handerwym, his Terris companion, makes the corrections and witty comments. In this short novella we learn how new Koloss are made more in details, which was quite interesting.
Overall not my most favorite novella but I enjoyed the read very much.

[Amanda Sola · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute and entertaining but it didn't really offer much in the way of worldbuilding with one exception. The story follows Jak as she writes of his adventures and his Terrisman steward who corrects his writings. Jak is a Don Quixote or Professor Lockhart type and the Terrisman is basically like his fact checker. While I enjoyed the Terrisman who was quippy, I was indifferent to Jak. It was also suuuuuuper short so there wasn't really much in the way of getting to know the characters or having any type of grow - it was more of a vignette of their adventures.

[Holden Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun little read. Nothing too amazing. not much to say about it honestly.

[Monica (readbymoni) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Allomancer Jak and the Pits of Eltania is another short story about one of Mistborn Era 2's "gentleman adventurers" - Jak. He comes off as an arrogant, narcissistic stereotype cowboy, as further evidenced by his steward's footnotes. There are several broadsheets throughout Era 2 that feature Jak, and this one in particular talks about his encounters with the koloss and how he manages to escape. It's an entertaining, humorous story that serves to expand Era 2's worldbuilding, but definitely not an essential read.

Read March 22, 2023

[˚༚✧˳⁺⁎davm⁎⁺˳✧༚˚ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sanderson went and wrote his own crack fanfiction lol.
“Ko!oss” 😂

[Bookteafull (Danny) · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHY WAS I SO AMUSED BY THIS??????

Imagine, if you will, Gilderoy Lockhart going on Indian Jones-like adventures and writing it down, only to have his "epic tales" edited, annotated, and fact checked by this guy:



That's it. That's the short story. And if you understood all of these references - I love you, you are perfect, never change.

Sanderson said he wanted to create a somewhat "inauthentic" adventurer and he *clap* nailed *clap* it. He additionally wrote in his post script that Handerwym's annotations were "one of the most amusing things" he's ever done as a writer and IT SHOWS.

It was so dumb and I loved it. Kinda wish there was more tbh. This novella had Good Omens vibes to it and I am HERE FOR IT.