ARCANUM UNBOUNDED CONTENTS - domainedemanville

Delving into the Contents of Arcanum Unbounded

Arcanum Unbounded is a collection of Cosmere short stories and novellas written by Brandon Sanderson, offering deep dives into various planets and magic systems within his expansive fictional universe. This anthology provides valuable insights and expands upon the lore established in his novels like Mistborn, Stormlight Archive, and Elantris. It's a must-read for anyone wanting a more comprehensive understanding of the Cosmere.

A Comprehensive Look at the Stories

Arcanum Unbounded is not a novel in itself, but rather a compilation of shorter works that flesh out the different worlds within the Cosmere. The book also includes essays about each system. Here's a breakdown of the included works:

Edgedancer

This novella follows Lift, a character introduced in Words of Radiance from the Stormlight Archive series. It explores her unique abilities as an Edgedancer and her adventures in Kharbranth, offering a unique perspective on the events occurring in Roshar.

The Hope of Elantris

This short story provides an epilogue to the events of Elantris, showcasing the progress of the Elantrians and the ongoing political situation in Arelon.

The Eleventh Metal

This short story is a prequel to the Mistborn trilogy, focusing on Kelsier and his training under a mysterious Mistborn. It provides insight into his motivations and the development of his skills.

Allomantic Jak and the Pits of Eltania, Episodes 28 through 30

A fun, in-universe novella that expands upon the world of Scadrial, albeit set after the events of Alloy of Law. It is written in the style of a pulp adventure novel and provides further insight into the culture and mythology of the Roughs.

White Sand

An excerpt of Sanderson's unpublished graphic novel series White Sand, set on the planet Taldain. It showcases the unique magic system of sand mastery.

Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell

This novella is set on the planet Threnody, a world haunted by Shades. It follows Silence Montane as she navigates the perilous forests and protects her inn from the malevolent entities that roam the land.

Sixth of the Dusk

This novella is set on the planet First of the Sun and follows Sixth of Dusk, a trapper who has learned to survive the dangerous avian-dominated ecosystem. It offers a glimpse into a more technologically advanced society within the Cosmere.

Taldain System (White Sand)

A detailed description of the world of Taldain, the planet where White Sand is set. It covers the geography, cultures, and magic system (Sand Mastery).

Sel System (Elantris, Emperor's Soul)

An overview of the Sel system, the setting for Elantris and The Emperor's Soul. Details of the politics, geography and Dor are included.

Scadrial System (Mistborn)

This section covers the Scadrial system, where the Mistborn series takes place. It discusses the history, geography, and the magic systems of Allomancy, Feruchemy, and Hemalurgy. More on the Scadrial system and Mistborn can be found on the Mistborn Wikipedia page.

Roshar System (Stormlight Archive)

Details on Roshar System, where The Stormlight Archive series take place. Details of the politics, geography, highstorms and the Shattered Plains are included.

First of the Sun System (Sixth of the Dusk)

An overview of the First of the Sun system, the setting for Sixth of the Dusk.

Threnody System (Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell)

This system includes a brief description of Threnody, home to the novella Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell. arcane lineage trelo

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cosmere?

The Cosmere is the shared universe where many of Brandon Sanderson's fantasy novels and short stories are set, including Mistborn, Stormlight Archive, Elantris, and others.

Do I need to read Arcanum Unbounded to understand the Cosmere?

While not strictly necessary, Arcanum Unbounded provides valuable context and deeper insights into the various planets and magic systems within the Cosmere, enhancing the overall reading experience.

In what order should I read the stories in Arcanum Unbounded?

It's generally recommended to read the stories in the order they appear in the book, although you may want to prioritize stories related to series you've already read (e.g., read "Edgedancer" after finishing "Words of Radiance").

Are there any spoilers in Arcanum Unbounded?

Yes, Arcanum Unbounded contains spoilers for the various series within the Cosmere. It's best to read the stories after finishing the corresponding novels.

Is Allomantic Jak canon? arcane lineage ultimate trello

Yes, the Allomantic Jak stories are canon within the Cosmere, but are written in a light-hearted, pulp adventure style.

Summary

Arcanum Unbounded is a treasure trove of information and captivating stories for fans of Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere. Whether you're looking to delve deeper into existing worlds or explore new ones, this anthology offers a wealth of content that enriches the Cosmere experience.