Post — Aaron Ngo

Spoilers are ahead… read with caution.

After I finished The Alloy of Law (Published in 2011), I immediately started reading Shadows of Self (Published in 2015) throughout August 2019. The Wax and Wayne series is too good to pass up, and Brandon Sanderson’s writing has consumed me. For some context, Era 2 of the Mistborn adventures take place several centuries in the future after Vin and Elend’s time, which is idealized in stories and religion.

The main characters are Wax, Wayne, and Marasi. Wax is a Twinborn lawman, Wayne is his partner / side-kick, and Marasi is not the love interest but a good friend to both Wayne and Wax. After the events of the first novel, one year has passed where Wax has become a rogue Noble man who helps the constabulary along with Wayne and Marasi. Marasi is the only one out of the trio who officially works for the constabulary which causes tension with her co-workers.

The mystery element in this novel worked beautifully in this novel. While The Alloy of Law appeared to have set up Wax’s Uncle Edwarn as the next villain, that is not the route Brandon Sanderson went. The surprise occurred early, kicking off the plot with Wax chasing after a criminal who resembles the dead.

Bloody Tan, and later his deceased lover Lessie, appeared in front of Wax. This mystery killer is causing tensions to flare between the social, economic, and political standings of Elendel, hoping to cause the entire place to burn. The Allomancy fight scenes, lore, world-building, character dynamics, revelations, and witty dialogue is why I’m in love with Sanderson’s writing. In addition, Wax, Wayne, and Marasi had three different stories that were brought to satisfying conclusions. Oddly though, Wayne was the dude who had the least amount of time in the novel’s overall narrative. We learned more about his character, where he came from and how he met up with Wax, and most importantly his tragic backstory.

Talking about Wax would spoil too much, but he’s forced to learn truths and secrets that would challenge his beliefs and those he trusts. His relationship with Steris, his arranged marriage, was unexpectedly cool and their scenes together were amazing. I think Wax and Steris need each other more than they realize. I am glad though that Brandon Sanderson didn’t just slap Wax and Marasi together. It’d make more sense if Marasi and Wayne get together if Sanderson was looking to pair characters for his third book.

Overall, I enjoyed Shadows of Self and reread the Prologue right after finishing. My whole perspective on the scene is different. Trust me, the Mistborn series are the books for you if you’re into epic fantasy genre. I’m currently reading The Bands of Mourning and will proceed to acquire the novella afterwards. I am not ready to catch up with a book series.

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