Fans of Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere universe have begun receiving their physical copies of "The Fires of December" and other titles from the "Hoid's Storybook Collection." The BackerKit campaign, launched by Dragonsteel, has fulfilled its initial tiers, with ebooks, PDFs, and audiobooks having shipped on September 15, followed by physical editions of books, stickers, and pins on October 5.
The Fires of December
"The Fires of December" is the third installment in Sanderson's "Hoid's Travails" series, following "Tress of the Emerald Sea" and "Yumi and the Nightmare Painter." While featuring a new protagonist, December, on an unexplored planet within the Cosmere, the book is narrated by the familiar Worldhopper, Hoid. The premium hardcover edition boasts custom art with gold trim and features colored text and illustrations by Tran Nguyen, designed to enhance the narrative's vibrant world.
Initial impressions suggest the book is immediately engaging, with the first chapter drawing comparisons to the gameplay loop of the PS5 title "Returnal." For those who missed the BackerKit, the standard edition ebook, audiobook, and physical book will be available, with digital versions released on October 6 and the physical edition scheduled for December 8, 2026. Premium hardcover versions are exclusive to the campaign.
Hoid's Storybook Collection Picture Books
The collection also includes four illustrated picture books adapted from the Stormlight Archive. "The Dog and the Dragon," "The Girl Who Looked Up," and "Wandersail" are drawn directly from stories Hoid tells within the main series. The fourth book, "The Chasm Friends Get a Pet," is an original story by Dan Wells, a frequent collaborator with Sanderson.
Each picture book features distinct artwork: Howard Lyon illustrated "The Dog and the Dragon," Alexis and Justin Hernandez contributed to "The Girl Who Looked Up," Steve Argyle handled "Wandersail," and Anna Early illustrated "The Chasm Friends Get a Pet." The art styles vary, from the whimsical and playful tones in "The Dog and the Dragon" and "Chasm Friends" to the epic fantasy illustrations for "Wandersail" and "The Girl Who Looked Up," complementing their respective stories.
Additional Rewards
Beyond the books, backers also received a "December" pin and bookmark, stickers for each storybook, and a digital copy of "Hoid's Worldsinger Symposium," a community-written story. The overall reception indicates satisfaction with the collection's presentation and content, particularly the premium hardcover and the faithful adaptation of the Stormlight Archive stories into accessible picture books.