Review: Shadows of Self

Title: Shadows of Self

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Date Completed: 2-25-2016

Brandon Sanderson is probably one of the best fantasy authors I have ever read. He's also prolific, so keeping which stories belong where can be confusing. Here's how the Mistborn books series works:

1-Mistborn

2-The Well of Ascension

3-The Hero of Ages

Alloy of Law (bridge between time periods/introduced cast of new characters)

1-Shadows of Self

2-I haven't read yet

3-Forthcoming

The magic system of the Mistborn world is part magic, part science, and completely fascinating. I highly recommend just reading the books, because I doubt you'd regret it. But if not, here's a description of the three types of magic: allomancy, feruchemy, and hemalurgy.

I was skeptical at first of putting magic in a Victorian/"Wild West" world as I typically prefer my fantasy set in the traditionaly medieval-setting. That was the first reason I held out so long on reading Alloy of Law. (The second reason is I don't like to read incomplete series.) However, Sanderson has crafted the start of a wonderful new trilogy. The events of the first trilogy are now pretty much myth, religions have sprouted around the heroes, etc. But the characters in the bridge book and Shadows of Self soon learn that Harmony (their god) not only exists, but is playing an active role in the events of the world. In this book we learn that Harmony has specifically chosen to work through Wax and provides him with a glimpse at the divine struggle.

This book has such a surprising and heart-wrenching plot twist so I hesitate to share much about the story for fear of ruining it. The Wax & Wayne banter is fun as usual adding some lightheartedness into the rather dark and violent circumstances the characters find themselves. Marasi has a more secondary role this time around, but is still a strong and capable female protagonist. Steris is proving to be a more interesting and wise character despite the engagement of convenience.

In listening to the author interviewed he has plans of following this magic system through the centuries with another possible trilogy in a 1940s-esque world and another possible trilogy set in the tech world of the 1980s. Sold! I'll be along for the whole Mistborn ride now.