The Wounded Kingdom Trilogy

R.J. Barker does of a hell of a job writing Sandersonianly strange worlds and captivating characters. Kicking off with "Age of Assassins," we meet an assassin with a unique magical ability in a world brimming with political intrigue. Barker skillfully weaves a narrative that balances suspense and character development, reminiscent of Sanderson's storytelling finesse. The protagonist's journey through a complex web of secrets and power struggles echoes the depth found in Yumi and the Nightmare Painter or The Sunlit Man. The trilogy's atmospheric setting and the protagonist's compelling arc offer fans a fresh and enthralling fantasy experience. With its blend of mystery, magic, and political machinations, The Wounded Kingdom Trilogy is a great curative for anyone looking to make their own Second Year of Sanderson.

The Tidecaller Chronicles

Sanderson famously taught that limitations are more interesting than powers, and that magic systems are better when you go deep. Jacobs takes him up on it in this series, with a slowly expanding world of powers used in clever ways with unexpected results. Tidecaller is also set in a world of plagued by devastating floods and ancient mysteries, reminiscent of Sanderson's Cosmere worlds. The series navigates a delicate balance of intricate magic, diverse characters, and a narrative that unfolds with the precision and depth characteristic of Sanderson's works. Another benefit? The series is complete at four books, so you won't have to pine for the next installment a la Stormlight! 

The Immortal Techniques

If you took all the awesome of a book like The Sunlit Man and multiplied it with kung-fu movie inspired action and a little macabre darkness, you'd get this series. Starting with "Never Die," Hayes constructs a world where divine beings and martial prowess collide in a tapestry of epic proportions. The series exhibits a Sandersonian flair through its nuanced magic systems and morally complex characters. Hayes, much like Sanderson, masterfully interlaces action, intrigue, and thought-provoking themes, ensuring a riveting experience for the post-Sanderson reader. Especially good here is a world steeped in gods' influence and mortal ambition, and the twisty kind of endings we find ourselves coming back to Sanderson for. 

The Threadlight Series

This is a series that not only crushed indie fantasy's biggest contest, Mark Lawrence's SPFBO, but was accused the entire time of being too Sandersonian--which can be nothing but good for our purposes. Starting with "Voice of War," Argyle introduces readers to a world teeming with magic, political intrigue, and complex characters—sound familiar? The series unfolds with a meticulously crafted magic system that echoes Sanderson's flair for inventive and well-defined magical concepts. As the characters navigate a landscape fraught with moral ambiguity and shifting alliances, Threadlight captures the essence of Sanderson's ability to blend high-stakes action with thought-provoking dilemmas. Argyle's narrative mastery, akin to Sanderson's, invites readers into a realm brimming with secrets and revelations. With its dynamic characters and a plot that seamlessly weaves together elements of fantasy and political machination, the Threadlight series is a great read to get you through mourning the end of Sanderson's epic year.

Cradle

If it's awesome magic systems and epic world-building you're craving, look no further. In "Unsouled" and beyond, Wight crafts a mesmerizing universe centered on the pursuit of power through cultivation. The protagonist, Lindon, embarks on a relentless journey across floating islands and mysterious ruins, sort of like the Sunlit Man, or the Frugal Wizard. What sets Cradle apart is a breakneck pace and progression that puts Sanderson to shame (many a time have I wished he would read this series then share his thoughts publically!). With every installment, the stakes rise, battles intensify, and characters evolve--sound familiar? Wight masterfully balances world-building with character-driven narratives, delivering a gripping saga that echoes Sanderson's brilliance. Just what the doctor ordered on Jan 1 of the year after Sanderson.