Brandon Sanderson's latest science fiction novel, Blightfall, co-written with Janci Patterson, marks the first crossover between his established Cosmere universe and his separate Cytoverse series. While the Cosmere is a galaxy populated by planets with distinct magic systems, the Cytoverse chronicles the far-future existence of humanity on isolated worlds after Earth's disappearance.
The connection manifests through the recurring character Hoid, a figure present in numerous Sanderson novels. Hoid, known for his trickster nature and storytelling, has appeared across various Cosmere planets under different names and with varied powers. In Blightfall, he is reimagined as a taynix, a slug-like alien with psychic abilities. This unexpected inclusion originated from a fan discussion on the 17th Shard forums, where a user suggested naming a slug character Hoid. Patterson incorporated the idea into the book, and Sanderson did not object.
Patterson clarified that the Cytoverse is not part of the Cosmere. Instead, the Cosmere is depicted within the Cytoverse as a fictional universe, comparable to how The Lion King or Hamlet exist in our own reality. This allows characters in the Cytoverse, set in Earth's distant future, to reference real-world history and culture, including Sanderson's own literary works.
Collaborating with Sanderson, known for his prolific output, allows for more of his ideas to be realized. Patterson described their working relationship, which began in critique groups, as a dynamic process of brainstorming, outlining, and drafting. Sanderson provides parameters for projects, and Patterson develops them, with Sanderson offering feedback on outlines and drafts. This partnership has already yielded three Cytoverse novellas: Sunreach, ReDawn, and Evershore, released in 2021, preceding Cytonic, the third book in Sanderson's Skyward series.
Developing new stories within the Skyward universe, such as Blightfall and the subsequent Riftwake trilogy (Songrise is the next installment), presented challenges. Patterson aimed to satisfy existing fans while ensuring new readers could engage with the material without feeling lost. This meant carefully balancing appearances and references to established characters like Spensa, the protagonist of the original Skyward books, whose story Sanderson is reserving for potential solo novels.
Addressing the mechanics of Sanderson's cytonic magic system, which enables faster-than-light travel via teleportation, also required careful development. Patterson noted that the initial scope of this power needed refinement. Together, she and Sanderson established limitations, particularly concerning the Delvers, extradimensional beings from whom cytonics draw power. In Blightfall, an inhibitor is introduced to restrict cytonic abilities on the planet, a narrative device necessary to create stakes for characters stranded there after a diplomatic mission goes awry. Patterson emphasized that Sanderson's direct involvement ensures narrative coherence, even when she initially tried to gloss over potential plot holes. Patterson is currently two-thirds of the way through writing the final book in the Riftwake series. She credits her early career, inspired by Sanderson's output, with developing efficient writing skills, enabling her to contribute to his extensive body of work.