Brandon Sanderson and co-author Janci Patterson have reached a new career peak with Blightfall, which recently entered the New York Times Young Adult Audio bestseller list. Released in September 2026, the audiobook represents the first time a Sanderson title has appeared on this specific audio chart.
The No. 10 spot on the New York Times Audio chart
The audiobook version of Blightfall has secured the No. 10 position on the New York Times Audio bestseller list, a milestone that distinguishes this release from the author's typical print dominance. As reported by the source, the title also performed strongly in print, reaching the No. 2 spot on the general New York Times bestseller list. This dual success indicates that the audience for the Riftwake trilogy is diversifying its consumption habits across different media.
Produced by Listening Library, the unabridged audio recording spans 12 hours and 41 minutes.. The production features the voices of narrators Eddie Lopez and Suzy Jackson, who bring the science-fiction narrative to life for a demographic aged 12 and up. To further bridge the gap between formats, the audio edition includes a downloadable PDF of illustrations, ensuring that listeners do not miss the visual elements present in the physical copy.
Arturo Mendez and the dangers of the Blightfall planet
The narrative of Blightfall centers on Arturo Mendez, the leader of Skyward Flight, as he navigates the complexities of a postwar era.. Following a long conflict against alien oppressors, Arturo Mendez is tasked with a diplomatic mission to reconnect with isolated human settlements. This mission leads the team to the planet Blightfall, a hostile environment defined by invasive forests and mysterious debris that threaten the crew's survival.
While the audiobook is gaining traction, the story also exists as a 496-page hardcover and ebook published by Delacorte Press. By returning to the established Skyward universe, Brandon Sanderson and Janci Patterson have created a narrative that serves as both a continuation for longtime fans and an accessible entry point for new readers. The plot focuses on the tension of an uneasy peace and the discovery that isolated settlements may be hiding dangerous secrets.
50 million copies and the expansion of the Skyward universe
This audio achievement is a small but significant addition to a massive global footprint. According to the report, Penguin Random House notes that the works of Brandon Sanderson have sold more than 50 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 35 languages. This reach spans several major franchises, including The Stormlight Archive and Mistborn, establishing a pattren of high-volume sales that now extends into the specialized Young Adult Audio market.
The success of Blightfall reflects a broader trend in the publishing industry where established authors are leveraging audiobooks to maintain engagement between major print releases. By expanding the Skyward universe through the Riftwake trilogy, Brandon Sanderson is effectively utilizing a multi-format strategy to ensure his stories reach the widest possible audience, regardless of whether they prefer reading a physical book or listening to a digital recording.
The missing details on the Riftwake trilogy's remaining volumes
Despite the early success of the first installment, several key details regarding the Riftwake trilogy remain unverified. The source does not provide specific release dates for the second or third books in the series, leaving fans to wonder how quickly the rest of Arturo Mendez's journey will be unfolded. Furthermore, while the "mysterious debris" surrounding the planet Blightfall is mentionned as a plot point, the specific nature of these anomalies remains a mystery.
It is also worth noting that the current reporting focuses heavily on the achievements highlighted by the author's own YouTube channel and literary agency. There is little mention of critical reception or listener reviews beyond the chart positions, leaving a gap in the understanding of how the audio performance of Blightfall compares qualitatively to Sanderson's previous print-heavy releases.
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