The Sunlit Man By Brandon Sanderson Book Review
Living on a planet where the sun literally burns everything it touches, and where stopping means certain death, sounds wild, right? That’s the intense world Brandon Sanderson throws you into with The Sunlit Man, a fast-paced, sci-fi-infused fantasy set deep in his sprawling Cosmere universe.
Here’s the quick rundown: The Sunlit Man follows Nomad, a mysterious wanderer running from a relentless enemy called the Night Brigade. He lands on Canticle, a tiny planet where the sunlight is instantly fatal. To survive, everyone has to keep moving, on hoverbikes, airships, and floating cities, because the sun’s rays melt stone and incinerate anything left standing. In the middle of this brutal world, Nomad gets caught between a tyrannical ruler known as the Cinder King and a desperate rebellion trying to overthrow him. It’s a nonstop, high-stakes fight for survival, freedom, and atonement.
What really makes this book stand out is Sanderson’s signature worldbuilding pushed to new extremes: the deadly sun isn’t just a threat, it’s a core part of the planet’s hard magic system that shapes society and the story. Plus, Nomad isn’t your typical hero, he’s haunted, complex, and carries the weight of a backstory spanning multiple Cosmere worlds. Fans of Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive will spot plenty of clever lore tie-ins and character nods, but this story also has a distinct Western vibe, like a lone gunslinger drifting through a sci-fi dystopia.
Now, if you look at reader reactions, you’ll see some interesting splits. Devoted Cosmere fans tend to love it, they’re thrilled by the fast pace, the intricate connections to other books, and the breathtaking art included in some editions. Many praise it as possibly Sanderson’s best work since Rhythm of War, especially appreciating how it blends thrilling action with ethical dilemmas and cosmic mystery. But for newcomers or those not caught up with the Stormlight Archive and related works, The Sunlit Man can feel pretty dense and confusing. Some find the relentless action exhausting, with fewer quiet moments to connect with Nomad or his companion Aux. And since a lot of the backstory hinges on events in future, unreleased books, some plot points feel frustratingly vague.
From my perspective, The Sunlit Man is a rewarding read if you love Sanderson’s Cosmere and don’t mind jumping into a story that takes place later in the timeline, weaving together threads from several other series. It’s great if you want something action-packed with a darker, sci-fi twist, but probably not the best place to start if you’re new to Sanderson’s universe or prefer slower, more character-driven fantasy. Fans who enjoy world-hopping stories and expansive lore will definitely appreciate the layers here, while casual readers might feel a bit overwhelmed.
All in all, The Sunlit Man feels like a bold experiment, a thrilling ride that raises as many questions as it answers, teasing huge developments to come in the Cosmere. If you’re already invested in Sanderson’s world and excited for what’s next, this one’s a must-read. But if you want a self-contained fantasy without needing tons of background, you might want to wait until you’ve caught up on the Stormlight Archive.
So, if that sounds like your kind of story, definitely check it out. And hey, let me know what you thought if you’ve read it too!