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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The Fires of December is a standalone Cosmere novel narrated by Hoid, with a US publication date of December 8, 2026. The story follows December as she tries to warn a king’s court about an approaching plague. Sanderson groups it informally with Tress of the Emerald Sea and Yumi and the Nightmare Painter as “Hoid’s Travails,” and says readers can start with any of the three.
What is The Fires of December about?
Tor describes the book as a standalone novel in the Cosmere. Its premise centers on December, who learns that a devastating plague is approaching her forgotten land. She sails up the River Violet to warn the king’s court, where skeptical officials, court intrigue and a roguish count complicate her mission. Her companions include a talkative priestess and a fledgling fashion designer. This is the publisher’s synopsis, not a full plot summary. Tor Books / Macmillan
How does it fit into the Cosmere?
Sanderson describes “Hoid’s Travails” as an informal grouping of stories told in Hoid’s voice about his stops on less central Cosmere worlds. He associates The Fires of December with Tress of the Emerald Sea and Yumi and the Nightmare Painter. Although he has called the grouping a new Cosmere “series,” he immediately qualified that label as “Kind of!”; it is not presented as a formally numbered series. State of the Sanderson 2025
Do you need to read Tress or Yumi first?
No. Sanderson says the Hoid’s Travails books have no fixed reading order, so The Fires of December can be read on its own. He says it takes place chronologically before Tress and Yumi, even though Hoid narrates it after telling those stories. Sanderson’s 2025 update
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When does The Fires of December come out?
Sanderson’s 2025 annual update described commercial editions as planned for December 2026. The current US Tor listing specifies December 8, 2026. Gollancz lists its UK hardback for the same date but explicitly calls it anticipated and subject to change. US Tor / Macmillan listing · UK Gollancz listing
Which editions are listed?
| Region and publisher | Format and length | ISBN | Listed date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US — Tor Books / Macmillan | 384 pages; format not stated in the cited listing details | 9781250462657 | December 8, 2026 |
| UK — Gollancz / Hachette | Hardback, 384 pages | 9781399640893 | December 8, 2026, anticipated and subject to change |
These publisher records establish edition identifiers and formats, but do not establish textual or bonus-content differences. Macmillan lists Amazon and other retailers on its US book page; check the retailer listing for current availability rather than assuming stock or pre-order status.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How is the crowdfunding edition different?
Sanderson’s 2025 update described a premium edition planned for the March 2026 Hoid Storybook crowdfunding campaign, separate from the commercial editions planned for bookstores. In a February 27, 2026 author post, he said The Fires of December was one of five books in the Hoid’s Storybook Collection campaign launching March 3 on BackerKit. Those campaign details do not, by themselves, establish differences in the text or contents compared with bookstore editions. Sanderson’s February 27, 2026 post
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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