Isles Of The Emberdark by Brandon Sanderson Book Review

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 Isles Of The Emberdark 

By Brandon Sanderson 

(Novel set in the Cosmere Universe) 


Published Year: 2025

Page Count: 495 pages 

Medium Used: Kindle PW 

Genre : Science Fiction, Fantasy, Multiple Realms, Strange Creatures, 2025-read. 

Rating : 5/5 



Went blind into this.. without knowing it is an amalgamation of science fiction, interstellar politics, fantasy, dragons, giant snakes and all the kthet wonderful things. Very happy with this read! 


This is an easy 5 pointer. This story is a man's crusade to save his primitive/non technological  planet/home world from being enslaved by advanced and selfish men/creatures from the outside. There are many islands in his world but the island,Patji, which he comes from is special. It breeds birds that make bonds with humans and bestows special powers to them. It has a pool which acts as a portal between the physical realm and the spiritual plane also called ShadesMar. Naturally there are alien powers from Roshar and Malwish/Scadrial who fight to gain control over this world. The man is a trapper on Patji Island and deeply resonates with the mythological lore about his past and the first settlers on this island. 


So the aliens are trying to gain control over this world called Drominad. The man, Sixth of Dusk, has journeyed with his two birds - Sak and Rokke - to find a way to prevent the usurping. He journeys alone in the Shadesmar and figures out ways to navigate through the "unsea" amidst the multiple feet snake inhabiting those waters. He is uniquely trained to navigate this world and the god Patji himself guides him along. He meets a dragon in manacles, Starling, who is on a journey of her own. She shows him the existence of so many alien creatures and how each would want to exploit his species. She helps him and rather .. they help each other.. understand the strife they are currently in. Together they set free the crew mates of Starling's ship and they figure out ways to not become slaves to other technologically advanced species. Instead earn income from letting them use the portal on the island. And develop their own tools and technology with help from outside. 


I loved all the different alien species.. one that particularly piqued my interest is the Chrysalis. I loved how beings that are Gods which could love to eternity are still holding on ... despite the take over by technology and disbelief in people of older customs. I can't image how our world would fare when it forgets about all its ancient traditions and lore. I dont want that to ever happen. I loved the character of Dusk very very much.. for this very reason .. that he hasn't left his God or his simple faith when tested thoroughly. Do check this out! 

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