'Wind and Truth': Release date, where to get Brandon Sanderson's new 'Stormlight Archive' book

Brandon Sanderson's climax to "The Stormlight Archive" series, widely considered one of the most highly-anticipated fantasy books of the year – if not the last decade or more – is about to hit bookshelves.

"Wind and Truth" serves as the fifth overall book in the sweeping epic, and the latest release in the series since 2020's "Rhythm of War." And because Sanderson plans to take a hiatus from "The Stormlight Archive" before he begins a second arc to the series, the book will also be the last for the indefinite future.

But not to worry: As the lengthiest entry in the ambitious series, "Wind and Truth" should be dense enough to keep fantasy fans enthralled for as long as it takes them to whip through more than 1,000 pages.

Sanderson rose to prominence with his original "Mistborn" trilogy and his work on the late Robert Jordan's "Wheel of Time" series, but it's "The Stormlight Archive" that has come to define him as the face of modern fantasy. While longtime fans have been reading along with each new release since 2010, plenty of new fans have likely been racing to catch up before the release of "Wind and Truth."

For those who haven't already pre-ordered their copy and made plans to isolate themselves for days or weeks to read through the tome, here's everything to know about "Wind and Truth" and where to get it.

'The Stormlight Archive': What to know about Brandon Sanderson's popular fantasy series

'Wind and Truth' release date

Sanderson's "Wind and Truth" is set to release on Friday, Dec. 6.

What is 'Wind and Truth' and where does it fit in 'The Stormlight Archive'?

Out Friday, "Wind and Truth" serves as the conclusion to the first arc – or half – of the "Stormlight Archive." Published by Tor Publishing Group, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers, the book is the fifth in a series that began in 2010 with "The Way of Kings."

Set on the magical planet Roshar, "The Stormlight Archive" is a sweeping epic full of an expansive cast of characters, political intrigue and war – all underpinned with Sanderson's signature worldbuilding, intricate magic systems and lore. As many of Sanderson's books are, "The Stormlight Archive" is set in the shared fictional universe he's dubbed "the Cosmere."

"The Way of Kings" is largely focused on a young surgeon named Kaladin who becomes embroiled in a protracted war against a group of strange warriors believed to be behind an assassination of a king. As the plot develops, subsequent books in "The Stormlight Archive" explore the backstories of other prominent characters who inhabit the kingdoms of Roshar, a planet regularly under assault by violent storms.

A synopsis for "Wind and Truth" is available on Macmillan's website, which fans can read themselves if they're caught up in the series or unconcerned about spoilers.

Cost, where to get paper copies of 'Wind and Truth'

Print copies of "Wind and Truth" can still be pre-ordered from a variety of online vendors and can, of course be purchased in-person at bookstores upon the release.

Here's where to purchase the book online, along with associated prices ahead of the release:

• Target ($24.09; preorders sold out as of Dec. 3)

• Powell's Books ($39.99)

• Barnes & Noble ($35.99)

• Amazon ($24.09)

Where to get ebooks and audio books of 'Wind and Truth'

Digital copies, or ebooks, are available for $19.99 through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Apple.

An audio book narrated by Michael Kramer and Kate Reading is also available.

While the audiobook retails at $49.99, it's included for free for those with an Audible membership and costs $29.99 through Apple Books.

How many pages is 'Wind and Truth?'

While all five books in "The Stormlight Archive" exceed 1,000 pages – excluding the two smaller novellas – "Wind and Truth" is the longest so far, at 1,344 pages.

In audio book time, that's equivalent to 62 hours and 48 minutes.

'Wind and Truth' cover

The book's cover, which was unveiled Aug. 29, will be the last one from Michael Whelan, a well-known artist specializing in cover art for science fiction and fantasy books.

The cover is the first to feature fan-favorite character Dalinar Kholin, who is depicted standing atop a mystical tower as a devastating storm approaches.

"I hope that it evokes what the book is trying to get across," Sanderson said of the cover in an interview with Dragonsteel, his publishing company. "I hope (fans) see it and realize where we're at in the story, and that they feel excited for where we're going."

What's next for the 'Stormlight Archive'?

It may be awhile until fans get to read any more "Stormlight Archive" books.

While Sanderson has long said he envisions the "Stormlight Archive" as 10 books split into two arcs, he's also said the series will be on hiatus as he turns his attention to other projects.

However, when Sanderson gets around to writing the second half, he said it will likely turn its focus to secondary characters who readers may already recognize but haven't been able to share the spotlight.

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Wind and Truth' release date, pages, where to get new Sanderson book