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Mistborn: Wax & Wayne #1
The Alloy of Law
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Fantasy (2011)Three hundred years after the events of the Mistborn trilogy, Scadrial is now on the verge of modernity, with railroads to supplement the canals, electric lighting in the streets and the homes of the wealthy, and the first steel-framed skyscrapers racing for the clouds.
Kelsier, Vin, Elend, Sazed, Spook, and the rest are now part of history—or religion. Yet even as science and technology are reaching new heights, the old magics of Allomancy and Feruchemy continue to play a role in this reborn world. Out in the frontier lands known as the Roughs, they are crucial tools for the brave men and women attempting to establish order and justice.
One such is Waxillium Ladrian, a rare Twinborn who can Push on metals with his Allomancy and use Feruchemy to become lighter or heavier at will.
After twenty years in the Roughs, Wax has been forced by family tragedy to return to the metropolis of Elendel. Now he must reluctantly put away his guns and assume the duties and dignity incumbent upon the head of a noble house. Or so he thinks, until he learns the hard way that the mansions and elegant tree-lined streets of the city can be even more dangerous than the dusty plains of the Roughs.
Kelsier, Vin, Elend, Sazed, Spook, and the rest are now part of history—or religion. Yet even as science and technology are reaching new heights, the old magics of Allomancy and Feruchemy continue to play a role in this reborn world. Out in the frontier lands known as the Roughs, they are crucial tools for the brave men and women attempting to establish order and justice.
One such is Waxillium Ladrian, a rare Twinborn who can Push on metals with his Allomancy and use Feruchemy to become lighter or heavier at will.
After twenty years in the Roughs, Wax has been forced by family tragedy to return to the metropolis of Elendel. Now he must reluctantly put away his guns and assume the duties and dignity incumbent upon the head of a noble house. Or so he thinks, until he learns the hard way that the mansions and elegant tree-lined streets of the city can be even more dangerous than the dusty plains of the Roughs.
332 pages, Hardcover
First published November 8, 2011
About the author
Brandon Sanderson
359 books234k followersI’m Brandon Sanderson, and I write stories of the fantastic: fantasy, science fiction, and thrillers.
Defiant, the fourth and final volume of the series that started with Skyward in 2018, comes out in November 2023, capping an already book-filled year that will see the releases of all four Secret Projects: Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and Secret Project Four (with its official title reveal coming October 2023). These four books were all initially offered to backers of the #1 Kickstarter campaign of all time.
November 2022 saw the release of The Lost Metal, the seventh volume in the Mistborn saga, and the final volume of the Mistborn Era Two featuring Wax & Wayne. The third era of Mistborn is slated to be written after the first arc of the Stormlight Archive wraps up.
In November 2020 we saw the release of Rhythm of War—the fourth massive book in the New York Times #1 bestselling Stormlight Archive series that began with The Way of Kings—and Dawnshard (book 3.5), a novella set in the same world that bridges the gaps between the main releases. This series is my love letter to the epic fantasy genre, and it’s the type of story I always dreamed epic fantasy could be. The fifth volume, Wind and Truth, is set for release in fall 2024.
Most readers have noticed that my adult fantasy novels are in a connected universe called the Cosmere. This includes The Stormlight Archive, both Mistborn series, Elantris, Warbreaker, and various novellas available on Amazon, including The Emperor’s Soul, which won a Hugo Award in 2013. In November 2016 all of the existing Cosmere short fiction was released in one volume called Arcanum Unbounded. If you’ve read all of my adult fantasy novels and want to see some behind-the-scenes information, that collection is a must-read.
I also have three YA series: The Rithmatist (currently at one book), The Reckoners (a trilogy beginning with Steelheart), and Skyward. For young readers I also have my humorous series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, which had its final book, Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians, come out in 2022. Many of my adult readers enjoy all of those books as well, and many of my YA readers enjoy my adult books, usually starting with Mistborn.
Additionally, I have a few other novellas that are more on the thriller/sci-fi side. These include the Legion series, as well as Perfect State and Snapshot. There’s a lot of material to go around!
Good starting places are Mistborn (a.k.a. The Final Empire), Skyward, Steelheart,The Emperor’s Soul, and Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians. If you’re already a fan of big fat fantasies, you can jump right into The Way of Kings.
I was also honored to be able to complete the final three volumes of The Wheel of Time, beginning with The Gathering Storm, using Robert Jordan’s notes.
Sample chapters from all of my books are available at brandonsanderson.com—and check out the rest of my site for chapter-by-chapter annotations, deleted scenes, and more.
Defiant, the fourth and final volume of the series that started with Skyward in 2018, comes out in November 2023, capping an already book-filled year that will see the releases of all four Secret Projects: Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and Secret Project Four (with its official title reveal coming October 2023). These four books were all initially offered to backers of the #1 Kickstarter campaign of all time.
November 2022 saw the release of The Lost Metal, the seventh volume in the Mistborn saga, and the final volume of the Mistborn Era Two featuring Wax & Wayne. The third era of Mistborn is slated to be written after the first arc of the Stormlight Archive wraps up.
In November 2020 we saw the release of Rhythm of War—the fourth massive book in the New York Times #1 bestselling Stormlight Archive series that began with The Way of Kings—and Dawnshard (book 3.5), a novella set in the same world that bridges the gaps between the main releases. This series is my love letter to the epic fantasy genre, and it’s the type of story I always dreamed epic fantasy could be. The fifth volume, Wind and Truth, is set for release in fall 2024.
Most readers have noticed that my adult fantasy novels are in a connected universe called the Cosmere. This includes The Stormlight Archive, both Mistborn series, Elantris, Warbreaker, and various novellas available on Amazon, including The Emperor’s Soul, which won a Hugo Award in 2013. In November 2016 all of the existing Cosmere short fiction was released in one volume called Arcanum Unbounded. If you’ve read all of my adult fantasy novels and want to see some behind-the-scenes information, that collection is a must-read.
I also have three YA series: The Rithmatist (currently at one book), The Reckoners (a trilogy beginning with Steelheart), and Skyward. For young readers I also have my humorous series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, which had its final book, Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians, come out in 2022. Many of my adult readers enjoy all of those books as well, and many of my YA readers enjoy my adult books, usually starting with Mistborn.
Additionally, I have a few other novellas that are more on the thriller/sci-fi side. These include the Legion series, as well as Perfect State and Snapshot. There’s a lot of material to go around!
Good starting places are Mistborn (a.k.a. The Final Empire), Skyward, Steelheart,The Emperor’s Soul, and Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians. If you’re already a fan of big fat fantasies, you can jump right into The Way of Kings.
I was also honored to be able to complete the final three volumes of The Wheel of Time, beginning with The Gathering Storm, using Robert Jordan’s notes.
Sample chapters from all of my books are available at brandonsanderson.com—and check out the rest of my site for chapter-by-chapter annotations, deleted scenes, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 14,452 reviews
April 20, 2012
As always, after reading something by Sanderson, I find myself irritated at how good he is.
So let's take it as a given that the book has all the essential ingredients: character, plot, dialogue, mystery, and action. All of these things are there, some of them merely great, most of them included to exceptional degree.
What truly impresses me though, is that Sanderson has done something extraordinarily unique with this book. Something that just isn't done in fantasy.
First, Sanderson wrote the Mistborn trilogy, an amazingly good fantasy trilogy set it in a unique, carefully-constructed world with a well defined magic system.
Then he moved that world forward 300 years. He evolved it away from the low-industrial/dark-ages culture into a much more modern setting.
This simply isn't done.
You see, here's the way things work:
1. You either write secondary world fantasy which is pretty medievally, or Renaissance-y, or occationally dark-ages-ish. Maybe you go crazy and make it kinda Asian. Or you make it bronze age. That's rare though. Pretty fringe.
2. Your other option is to set something in THIS world. Most of the time when you do this, the setting is modern, which gets you urban fantasy. If you're not quite so modern, you get steampunk. If you go back further than that, it's alternate history. But again, that's kinda rare.
These are the rules. They're not written down anywhere, but generally speaking, that's how things work. This is just the way things are done.
But Sanderson has done something different here. Two somethings, actually.
1. He evolved his world through time, changing the society significantly while staying true to the world he established in the earlier Mistborn books.
(Yeah yeah. There have been a few other authors that have done this. Frank Herbert, for example. But it's so rare as to be practically unique. And in my opinion Sanderson has done it better than Herbert did for the simple fact that I want to read Sanderson's future books in this world, while I just couldn't make it through the second Dune sequel.)
2. Sanderson has written urban fantasy THAT ISN'T SET IN THIS WORLD. Call it what you want, urban fantasy, qua-western, steampunk, whatever. That's what he did.
I read this book and found myself thinking, "What? You can do that? How come nobody's done this before?"
This is what happens with all truly clever innovation. Once someone does it, it seems obvious. It seems like anyone could do it.
But everyone didn't do it. Sanderson did. That's a very special sort of clever.
What's my point?
My point is that this book is good, and you should give it a try.
My other point is that this book does something different, and pulls it off very smoothly, so you should give it a try.
My last point is that Sanderson has now been added to a very short list of authors. Specifically, the list authors whom I wish to kill so that I might eat their livers and thereby gain their power.
So yeah. My hat's off to you, Brandon. Watch your back.
So let's take it as a given that the book has all the essential ingredients: character, plot, dialogue, mystery, and action. All of these things are there, some of them merely great, most of them included to exceptional degree.
What truly impresses me though, is that Sanderson has done something extraordinarily unique with this book. Something that just isn't done in fantasy.
First, Sanderson wrote the Mistborn trilogy, an amazingly good fantasy trilogy set it in a unique, carefully-constructed world with a well defined magic system.
Then he moved that world forward 300 years. He evolved it away from the low-industrial/dark-ages culture into a much more modern setting.
This simply isn't done.
You see, here's the way things work:
1. You either write secondary world fantasy which is pretty medievally, or Renaissance-y, or occationally dark-ages-ish. Maybe you go crazy and make it kinda Asian. Or you make it bronze age. That's rare though. Pretty fringe.
2. Your other option is to set something in THIS world. Most of the time when you do this, the setting is modern, which gets you urban fantasy. If you're not quite so modern, you get steampunk. If you go back further than that, it's alternate history. But again, that's kinda rare.
These are the rules. They're not written down anywhere, but generally speaking, that's how things work. This is just the way things are done.
But Sanderson has done something different here. Two somethings, actually.
1. He evolved his world through time, changing the society significantly while staying true to the world he established in the earlier Mistborn books.
(Yeah yeah. There have been a few other authors that have done this. Frank Herbert, for example. But it's so rare as to be practically unique. And in my opinion Sanderson has done it better than Herbert did for the simple fact that I want to read Sanderson's future books in this world, while I just couldn't make it through the second Dune sequel.)
2. Sanderson has written urban fantasy THAT ISN'T SET IN THIS WORLD. Call it what you want, urban fantasy, qua-western, steampunk, whatever. That's what he did.
I read this book and found myself thinking, "What? You can do that? How come nobody's done this before?"
This is what happens with all truly clever innovation. Once someone does it, it seems obvious. It seems like anyone could do it.
But everyone didn't do it. Sanderson did. That's a very special sort of clever.
What's my point?
My point is that this book is good, and you should give it a try.
My other point is that this book does something different, and pulls it off very smoothly, so you should give it a try.
My last point is that Sanderson has now been added to a very short list of authors. Specifically, the list authors whom I wish to kill so that I might eat their livers and thereby gain their power.
So yeah. My hat's off to you, Brandon. Watch your back.
August 17, 2023
Brandon Sanderson commented on this review via reddit! See below.
The original Mistborn trilogy was a masterwork of fantasy, artfully combining a cool magic system, detailed and lush worldbuilding, and a plot and characters that were incredibly enthralling, weaving them together so perfectly that every piece depended completely on every other piece.
Sanderson has spoken and written about his goal for the world he created: three trilogies, spanning many centuries on the same world. Sometime in the future we will see an "urban fantasy" trilogy and finally a "science fiction" trilogy, all based on the same magic system and, if The Alloy of Law is any indication, religions and mythologies derived directly from the first series.
But the author decided to give us a treat in the meantime, something that initially started out as a short story but due to an epic writing style, even "short" turns out to mean 300+ pages. And so we have this novel, in a setting similar to the American Old West, with the most notable difference of gunslingers with magical powers.
Overall, this is a very fun action/mystery novel for anyone looking for something unique or genre-bending. The tone is a bit lighter than Sanderson's other work, so while crime and death and moral questions abound, it is still not quite so dark and serious as it could have been. I am certainly glad, though, that these ethical issues were not left out, as they are one of my favorite aspects of his writing. There are some great twists and turns, exciting gunfights enhanced by abilities to push and pull metal, manipulate time, and heal quickly, to name a few.
Because it's a short novel, however, there is a distinct lack of Sanderson's trademark world building; the reader is largely left to imagine a vague western setting. It's also not nearly the intricately planned masterpiece his other novels tend to be, so expectations should be set appropriately for a more straightforward novel where the author is simply having some fun in his fictional playground.
Some have claimed that this book stands on its own, and that one needn't read the original trilogy in order to enjoy it. That may be so, but I suspect that anyone who does will have a distinct sense of being left a little bit out of the loop. Many of the original characters are referenced in passing as parts of various religions, and so without that prior knowledge of the world's history, such a reader would be at a disadvantage. There are also a couple of more important passages that cannot be fully appreciated without knowing those characters. For those of us who loved the first trilogy, they point to an exciting potential aspect of the future trilogies, and make me very excited for the next Mistborn book, whenever that may arrive.
In the end, the last couple chapters are the most meaningful, both to the story and to the world itself, so I would recommend that this not be the book that introduces you to the Mistborn series, as the best parts of the climax and resolution would go right over your head, and the trilogy novels are each superior to this one. Those books are the main courses; The Alloy of Law is just a delicious snack meant to hold you over until the next big feast.
--
Mr. Sanderson's gracious comment:
This is a really solid review of the book, Gunner. Thank you. You basically captured what I feel is the spirit of the book. One of my primary worries with this is that readers will expect too much. It's meant to be fun and enjoyable, but the shorter length and smaller scope means that it's not going to have the depth of the original trilogy or of TWoK.
I kind of look at this like I view some of the great sf television series out there. Many, like DS9, had beautiful, long-running arcs with enormous scope. But occasionally, they'd stop to do a stand-alone episode that was just meant to be fun. That's what Alloy of Law is.
The original Mistborn trilogy was a masterwork of fantasy, artfully combining a cool magic system, detailed and lush worldbuilding, and a plot and characters that were incredibly enthralling, weaving them together so perfectly that every piece depended completely on every other piece.
Sanderson has spoken and written about his goal for the world he created: three trilogies, spanning many centuries on the same world. Sometime in the future we will see an "urban fantasy" trilogy and finally a "science fiction" trilogy, all based on the same magic system and, if The Alloy of Law is any indication, religions and mythologies derived directly from the first series.
But the author decided to give us a treat in the meantime, something that initially started out as a short story but due to an epic writing style, even "short" turns out to mean 300+ pages. And so we have this novel, in a setting similar to the American Old West, with the most notable difference of gunslingers with magical powers.
Overall, this is a very fun action/mystery novel for anyone looking for something unique or genre-bending. The tone is a bit lighter than Sanderson's other work, so while crime and death and moral questions abound, it is still not quite so dark and serious as it could have been. I am certainly glad, though, that these ethical issues were not left out, as they are one of my favorite aspects of his writing. There are some great twists and turns, exciting gunfights enhanced by abilities to push and pull metal, manipulate time, and heal quickly, to name a few.
Because it's a short novel, however, there is a distinct lack of Sanderson's trademark world building; the reader is largely left to imagine a vague western setting. It's also not nearly the intricately planned masterpiece his other novels tend to be, so expectations should be set appropriately for a more straightforward novel where the author is simply having some fun in his fictional playground.
Some have claimed that this book stands on its own, and that one needn't read the original trilogy in order to enjoy it. That may be so, but I suspect that anyone who does will have a distinct sense of being left a little bit out of the loop. Many of the original characters are referenced in passing as parts of various religions, and so without that prior knowledge of the world's history, such a reader would be at a disadvantage. There are also a couple of more important passages that cannot be fully appreciated without knowing those characters. For those of us who loved the first trilogy, they point to an exciting potential aspect of the future trilogies, and make me very excited for the next Mistborn book, whenever that may arrive.
In the end, the last couple chapters are the most meaningful, both to the story and to the world itself, so I would recommend that this not be the book that introduces you to the Mistborn series, as the best parts of the climax and resolution would go right over your head, and the trilogy novels are each superior to this one. Those books are the main courses; The Alloy of Law is just a delicious snack meant to hold you over until the next big feast.
--
Mr. Sanderson's gracious comment:
This is a really solid review of the book, Gunner. Thank you. You basically captured what I feel is the spirit of the book. One of my primary worries with this is that readers will expect too much. It's meant to be fun and enjoyable, but the shorter length and smaller scope means that it's not going to have the depth of the original trilogy or of TWoK.
I kind of look at this like I view some of the great sf television series out there. Many, like DS9, had beautiful, long-running arcs with enormous scope. But occasionally, they'd stop to do a stand-alone episode that was just meant to be fun. That's what Alloy of Law is.
July 28, 2022
4.5/5 stars
The Alloy of Law is an immensely enjoyable start to the second era of Mistborn Saga by Brandon Sanderson.
It has been almost six years since I first read The Alloy of Law for the first time in 2016. I’ve never written a proper review for it, and now that I finished my reread of the novel, I might as well do it now. The Alloy of Law the first book in Mistborn: Wax and Wayne series, a series that started as a side project, but eventually turned into the official second era of Mistborn Saga. Because, well, Brandon Sanderson. And I will not be complaining about it. More Mistborn is always a good thing for me. Whether it’s the first era or the second era, the world of Scadrial feels like home to me. And that notion is proven once again as I found myself continuously captivated by The Alloy of Law on my reread. The first time I attempted reading The Alloy of Law, I was worried. The first Mistborn Trilogy is a series that is immensely important to me. I was worried The Alloy of Law and its sequels would be inferior in comparison. Luckily, this worry of mine was unfounded. In fact, I think I loved The Alloy of Law even more on my reread. It is never wrong to believe in Sanderson's storytelling skills.
The story in The Alloy of Law takes place three hundred years since the events of The Mistborn Trilogy. The world of Scadrial is now a world filled with science, technology, railroads, electricity, and tall buildings. And yet, these advancements in civilizations don't mean Allomancy and Feruchemy disappear; they continue to shine and become a necessity in the world. Allomancy and Feruchemy are more necessary in the frontier lands known as the Roughs, because they are crucial tools to establish order and justice. Our main characters are Waxillium Ladrian, a rare Twinborn who can Push on metals with his Allomancy and use Feruchemy to become lighter or heavier at will, and his partner, Wayne. After twenty years in the Roughs, Wax must now put away his guns and assume his duties as the head of a noble house—until he learns the hard way that the mansions and elegant tree-lined streets of the city can be even more dangerous than the dusty plains of the Roughs. The novel is relatively small, fast-paced, and incredibly compelling. Despite this novel being a shorter novel by Sanderson's standard, Sanderson successfully tells a very readable narrative with the themes of responsibility, doing good, overcoming regret, and the difficulty and downside of law superbly.
If you are reading this review and have not checked other reviews on The Alloy of Law yet, I will give you a reminder first. It is mandatory for you to NOT expect Mistborn: Wax and Wayne to be told in a similar vein to the first Mistborn Trilogy. Although this is indeed a canonical story in The Mistborn Saga by Brandon Sanderson, the way it is told is different than the first trilogy. The first era of Mistborn is darker and more epic in its tone and storytelling scope, The Alloy of Law and its continuation is not like that. At the very least, for The Alloy of Law, it is meant to be fun and entertaining. And in my opinion, this novel totally delivered on those fronts. I forgot how fun The Alloy of Law is until I reread this book. Of course, if you’ve read the first Mistborn Trilogy, you will find many elements and Easter Eggs that enhance your reading experience of The Alloy of Law. But more on this later. I will talk about the new cast of characters first.
Picture: Waxillium Ladrian by Dan Watson
Wax & Wayne is a duo I cherish. I remember on my first read that I immediately warm up to these two characters, and on my second read, I can certainly understand why. I feel like the contrast and harmony of these two characters were excellent. It reminded me of watching Sherlock Holmes (A more casual version of him) and John Watson (Wayne is a happy-go-lucky version) trying to solve cases together. In the world of Scadrial, too! Wax's kindness felt palpable, and in a relatively short amount of reading time, I effortlessly empathized with him on several occasions in the book, especially after the life-changing event that happened to him in the prologue. This is where Wayne comes in. Without Wayne, I do not think Wax would ever find moments of happiness again. I love this duo. Similar to other of my favorite duos in the fantasy genre like Royce and Hadrian, Locke and Jean, many in the Malazan Book of the Fallen, and more, Wax and Wayne is indeed one of my favorite duos in fantasy. They continuously make me smile and laugh with their banter, and reading their conversation with each other just feels like I'm watching my old friends talking again.
But Wax and Wayne weren’t the only characters that drive the narrative. We also have Marasi Colms and Steris. If this is your first time reading through The Alloy of Law, you will like Marasi more than Steris here. That’s totally understandable. I was the same when I first read this book. Plus, Marasi does have so much more spotlight in this book compared to Steris. But I can assure you one thing, Steris will become a character you will love by The Bands of Mourning. Up to this day, I still think Steris is one of Sanderson’s best female characters so far. But I am getting ahead of myself. And this isn’t me saying I don’t like Marasi. She’s a great character. And her ability and interests in law and justice provided intriguing discussions on the theme of morality. I just, well, love Steris so much more. Yes, this is after the fact that Marasi is insanely capable of handling a rifle.
Picture: Marasi Colms by Dan Watson
For years, I have mentioned many times that the three metallic arts in Mistborn Saga is my favorite magic system in the fantasy genre of novels. The three metallic arts are the magic system of Allomancy, Feruchemy, and Hemalurgy. But what we have seen in Mistborn Trilogy is not the end of the line for these magic systems. Sanderson proved, once again, just how creative and brilliant he is at crafting a unique, memorable, and immersive magic system by adding the concept of Twinborn. A Twinborn is someone capable of using both Allomancy and Feruchemy, usually one ability for each metallic art. Mistborn is super rare now. But with the concept of Twinborn being applied to the narrative, Sanderson opened up many paths and potential that led to dynamic, fast-paced, and innovative magic and action sequences. This is already shown through Wax's usage of Push and his capability to decrease/increase his weight. And undoubtedly, through Wayne's usage of the speed bubble. Which I will let you find out for yourself. Or even the effect of compounding used by Miles Hundredlives. It is all so impressive, and we are only at the beginning stage of Mistborn: Wax and Wayne.
Picture: Miles Hundredlives by Ari Ibarra
Lastly, as I said earlier, you are in for a barrage of Easter Eggs if you have read the first trilogy before starting this one. When you open the first few pages of the book, you will immediately notice the name "Elendel" on the map. Plus, it is not only Elendel; many other sections in the map are named after the characters of the first trilogy. The world of Scadrial in this era has moved away from the ash-fallen dark world. We are now in a Steampunk and Western setting. This gives a refreshingly new and yet familiar feeling to the world. I loved it. I could extend this review by another thousand words if I were to describe each Easter Egg in the novel. And I do think this is something you have to experience yourself. I mean... One or two characters from the first trilogy briefly appeared here. Who are they? Read and find out!
I do not think The Alloy of Law will blow your mind. But if you’re looking for a wonderful and addictive short novel to read, you can’t go wrong with The Alloy of Law. it is pretty much Mistborn infused with Sherlock Holmes and X-Men. The characterizations were well done, and for such a relatively short book, Sanderson has packed more than enough impressive ideas and intricacies to make the world-building and action sequences. Personally speaking, I think it is necessary to read the first trilogy first before reading The Alloy of Law. With all The Easter Egg and the Cosmere implications going on, it is not recommended to read Mistborn: Wax and Wayne without at least reading the first era. The Alloy of Law is built to entertain, and it succeeded brilliantly at it for me. From what I can recall, The Shadows of Self and The Bands of Mourning were better than this one. And I look forward to rereading them.
Picture: The Alloy of Law by Marc Simonetti
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The Alloy of Law is an immensely enjoyable start to the second era of Mistborn Saga by Brandon Sanderson.
“The measure of a person is not how much they have lived. It’s in how they make use of what life has shown them.”
It has been almost six years since I first read The Alloy of Law for the first time in 2016. I’ve never written a proper review for it, and now that I finished my reread of the novel, I might as well do it now. The Alloy of Law the first book in Mistborn: Wax and Wayne series, a series that started as a side project, but eventually turned into the official second era of Mistborn Saga. Because, well, Brandon Sanderson. And I will not be complaining about it. More Mistborn is always a good thing for me. Whether it’s the first era or the second era, the world of Scadrial feels like home to me. And that notion is proven once again as I found myself continuously captivated by The Alloy of Law on my reread. The first time I attempted reading The Alloy of Law, I was worried. The first Mistborn Trilogy is a series that is immensely important to me. I was worried The Alloy of Law and its sequels would be inferior in comparison. Luckily, this worry of mine was unfounded. In fact, I think I loved The Alloy of Law even more on my reread. It is never wrong to believe in Sanderson's storytelling skills.
“If you remove the foundation of trust from a relationship, then what is the point of that relationship?”
The story in The Alloy of Law takes place three hundred years since the events of The Mistborn Trilogy. The world of Scadrial is now a world filled with science, technology, railroads, electricity, and tall buildings. And yet, these advancements in civilizations don't mean Allomancy and Feruchemy disappear; they continue to shine and become a necessity in the world. Allomancy and Feruchemy are more necessary in the frontier lands known as the Roughs, because they are crucial tools to establish order and justice. Our main characters are Waxillium Ladrian, a rare Twinborn who can Push on metals with his Allomancy and use Feruchemy to become lighter or heavier at will, and his partner, Wayne. After twenty years in the Roughs, Wax must now put away his guns and assume his duties as the head of a noble house—until he learns the hard way that the mansions and elegant tree-lined streets of the city can be even more dangerous than the dusty plains of the Roughs. The novel is relatively small, fast-paced, and incredibly compelling. Despite this novel being a shorter novel by Sanderson's standard, Sanderson successfully tells a very readable narrative with the themes of responsibility, doing good, overcoming regret, and the difficulty and downside of law superbly.
“The mark of a great man is one who knows when to set aside the important things in order to accomplish the vital ones.”
If you are reading this review and have not checked other reviews on The Alloy of Law yet, I will give you a reminder first. It is mandatory for you to NOT expect Mistborn: Wax and Wayne to be told in a similar vein to the first Mistborn Trilogy. Although this is indeed a canonical story in The Mistborn Saga by Brandon Sanderson, the way it is told is different than the first trilogy. The first era of Mistborn is darker and more epic in its tone and storytelling scope, The Alloy of Law and its continuation is not like that. At the very least, for The Alloy of Law, it is meant to be fun and entertaining. And in my opinion, this novel totally delivered on those fronts. I forgot how fun The Alloy of Law is until I reread this book. Of course, if you’ve read the first Mistborn Trilogy, you will find many elements and Easter Eggs that enhance your reading experience of The Alloy of Law. But more on this later. I will talk about the new cast of characters first.
Picture: Waxillium Ladrian by Dan Watson
Wax & Wayne is a duo I cherish. I remember on my first read that I immediately warm up to these two characters, and on my second read, I can certainly understand why. I feel like the contrast and harmony of these two characters were excellent. It reminded me of watching Sherlock Holmes (A more casual version of him) and John Watson (Wayne is a happy-go-lucky version) trying to solve cases together. In the world of Scadrial, too! Wax's kindness felt palpable, and in a relatively short amount of reading time, I effortlessly empathized with him on several occasions in the book, especially after the life-changing event that happened to him in the prologue. This is where Wayne comes in. Without Wayne, I do not think Wax would ever find moments of happiness again. I love this duo. Similar to other of my favorite duos in the fantasy genre like Royce and Hadrian, Locke and Jean, many in the Malazan Book of the Fallen, and more, Wax and Wayne is indeed one of my favorite duos in fantasy. They continuously make me smile and laugh with their banter, and reading their conversation with each other just feels like I'm watching my old friends talking again.
“That hat looks ridiculous.”
“Fortunately, I can change hats,” Wayne said, “while you, sir, are stuck with that face.”
But Wax and Wayne weren’t the only characters that drive the narrative. We also have Marasi Colms and Steris. If this is your first time reading through The Alloy of Law, you will like Marasi more than Steris here. That’s totally understandable. I was the same when I first read this book. Plus, Marasi does have so much more spotlight in this book compared to Steris. But I can assure you one thing, Steris will become a character you will love by The Bands of Mourning. Up to this day, I still think Steris is one of Sanderson’s best female characters so far. But I am getting ahead of myself. And this isn’t me saying I don’t like Marasi. She’s a great character. And her ability and interests in law and justice provided intriguing discussions on the theme of morality. I just, well, love Steris so much more. Yes, this is after the fact that Marasi is insanely capable of handling a rifle.
Picture: Marasi Colms by Dan Watson
For years, I have mentioned many times that the three metallic arts in Mistborn Saga is my favorite magic system in the fantasy genre of novels. The three metallic arts are the magic system of Allomancy, Feruchemy, and Hemalurgy. But what we have seen in Mistborn Trilogy is not the end of the line for these magic systems. Sanderson proved, once again, just how creative and brilliant he is at crafting a unique, memorable, and immersive magic system by adding the concept of Twinborn. A Twinborn is someone capable of using both Allomancy and Feruchemy, usually one ability for each metallic art. Mistborn is super rare now. But with the concept of Twinborn being applied to the narrative, Sanderson opened up many paths and potential that led to dynamic, fast-paced, and innovative magic and action sequences. This is already shown through Wax's usage of Push and his capability to decrease/increase his weight. And undoubtedly, through Wayne's usage of the speed bubble. Which I will let you find out for yourself. Or even the effect of compounding used by Miles Hundredlives. It is all so impressive, and we are only at the beginning stage of Mistborn: Wax and Wayne.
Picture: Miles Hundredlives by Ari Ibarra
Lastly, as I said earlier, you are in for a barrage of Easter Eggs if you have read the first trilogy before starting this one. When you open the first few pages of the book, you will immediately notice the name "Elendel" on the map. Plus, it is not only Elendel; many other sections in the map are named after the characters of the first trilogy. The world of Scadrial in this era has moved away from the ash-fallen dark world. We are now in a Steampunk and Western setting. This gives a refreshingly new and yet familiar feeling to the world. I loved it. I could extend this review by another thousand words if I were to describe each Easter Egg in the novel. And I do think this is something you have to experience yourself. I mean... One or two characters from the first trilogy briefly appeared here. Who are they? Read and find out!
“Once one becomes a man, he can and must make his own decisions. But I do offer warning. Even a good thing can become destructive if taken to excess.”
I do not think The Alloy of Law will blow your mind. But if you’re looking for a wonderful and addictive short novel to read, you can’t go wrong with The Alloy of Law. it is pretty much Mistborn infused with Sherlock Holmes and X-Men. The characterizations were well done, and for such a relatively short book, Sanderson has packed more than enough impressive ideas and intricacies to make the world-building and action sequences. Personally speaking, I think it is necessary to read the first trilogy first before reading The Alloy of Law. With all The Easter Egg and the Cosmere implications going on, it is not recommended to read Mistborn: Wax and Wayne without at least reading the first era. The Alloy of Law is built to entertain, and it succeeded brilliantly at it for me. From what I can recall, The Shadows of Self and The Bands of Mourning were better than this one. And I look forward to rereading them.
Picture: The Alloy of Law by Marc Simonetti
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August 2, 2019
Sanderson is the most original fantasy writer of his generation. Not only has he written a complex and intricate trilogy (the original mistborn novels) but he has also somehow rebooted it with a time gap of three hundred years without losing any of the original edge. It’s kind of weird really. I don’t think many writers could have achieved this quite as well. Sanderson’s world is fully visualised and explained, the world building is phenomenal. And to retain this is a new semi-nineteenth century setting, years on, is great.
The novel’s protagonist is a retired law bringer. He’s also an alomancer, a user of metals. Wax has finally put away his revolvers and returned to the life of a gentleman; he has given up a life of excitement and justice seeking for a life of sophistication and socialising. He’s now getting married. It doesn’t sound very fun does it? It could never last; some people are born for adventure, and some books demand it. Wax is one of those people, and this is one of those books, so it’s not really surprising when he eventually tries to escape from the pedantic and joyless situation that is his life and goes to hunt down some criminals.
“Wayne: You wanna know why I really came to find you?
Waxilliam: Why?
Wayne: I thought of you happy in a comfy bed, resting and relaxing, spending the rest of your life sipping tea and reading papers while people bring you food and maids rub your toes and stuff.
Waxilliam: And?
Wayne: And I just couldn't leave you to a fate like that...I'm too good a friend to let a mate of mine die in such a terrible situation.
Waxilliam: Comfortable?
Wayne: No. Boring.”
Luckily for him, and old friend turns up. He needs some help with a new case, help only Wax’s expertise can deduce. Another ex-law bringer has gone rogue, and is now committing the very things he once sought to prevent. Naturally, Wax’s interest is peeked ever so slightly. He reluctantly begins to piece the case together, and as time goes on he realises how deep this case is. It’s not something simple. This is Sanderson after all. Behind the case is a powerful crime syndicate, one that poses a huge amount of danger. The rogue law bringer is much more than he seems.
So it all goes down in the usual mistborn style, which means pieces of metal flying around, people flying around too and the bad guys getting it handed to them. Though there is more to it than that. Not only can Sanderson write excellent plots along with great action, but he can also write convincing characters with real morale dilemmas. The antagonist isn’t a bad man. In another time he would have been a hero. But in this one he is a terrorist. His convictions are morally right, but his methods are terrible. This made the whole thing very interesting, as the conflict between the two men was a battle of rights, and wrongs.
I have high hopes for the rest of this series. This one was as good as the original books, which, for me, was really quite surprising. I expected it to feel different, but it was all very much the same. It will be interesting to see how far Sanderson takes these characters, if he goes as far as he did before, then wax has a lot of development coming his way. After the terrible ending of the Reckoners series, I need to be reminded exactly why Brandon Sanderson is so awesome and this book did exactly that. I might just go on and read the next one straight away.
The novel’s protagonist is a retired law bringer. He’s also an alomancer, a user of metals. Wax has finally put away his revolvers and returned to the life of a gentleman; he has given up a life of excitement and justice seeking for a life of sophistication and socialising. He’s now getting married. It doesn’t sound very fun does it? It could never last; some people are born for adventure, and some books demand it. Wax is one of those people, and this is one of those books, so it’s not really surprising when he eventually tries to escape from the pedantic and joyless situation that is his life and goes to hunt down some criminals.
“Wayne: You wanna know why I really came to find you?
Waxilliam: Why?
Wayne: I thought of you happy in a comfy bed, resting and relaxing, spending the rest of your life sipping tea and reading papers while people bring you food and maids rub your toes and stuff.
Waxilliam: And?
Wayne: And I just couldn't leave you to a fate like that...I'm too good a friend to let a mate of mine die in such a terrible situation.
Waxilliam: Comfortable?
Wayne: No. Boring.”
Luckily for him, and old friend turns up. He needs some help with a new case, help only Wax’s expertise can deduce. Another ex-law bringer has gone rogue, and is now committing the very things he once sought to prevent. Naturally, Wax’s interest is peeked ever so slightly. He reluctantly begins to piece the case together, and as time goes on he realises how deep this case is. It’s not something simple. This is Sanderson after all. Behind the case is a powerful crime syndicate, one that poses a huge amount of danger. The rogue law bringer is much more than he seems.
So it all goes down in the usual mistborn style, which means pieces of metal flying around, people flying around too and the bad guys getting it handed to them. Though there is more to it than that. Not only can Sanderson write excellent plots along with great action, but he can also write convincing characters with real morale dilemmas. The antagonist isn’t a bad man. In another time he would have been a hero. But in this one he is a terrorist. His convictions are morally right, but his methods are terrible. This made the whole thing very interesting, as the conflict between the two men was a battle of rights, and wrongs.
I have high hopes for the rest of this series. This one was as good as the original books, which, for me, was really quite surprising. I expected it to feel different, but it was all very much the same. It will be interesting to see how far Sanderson takes these characters, if he goes as far as he did before, then wax has a lot of development coming his way. After the terrible ending of the Reckoners series, I need to be reminded exactly why Brandon Sanderson is so awesome and this book did exactly that. I might just go on and read the next one straight away.
October 19, 2018
3.5
I was warned this wasn't the best one in this new series but I'm just happy to be back in this universe. I'm looking forward to seeing where things go now technology is advancing!
I was warned this wasn't the best one in this new series but I'm just happy to be back in this universe. I'm looking forward to seeing where things go now technology is advancing!
September 10, 2020
1.) The Final Empire ★★★★★
2.) The Well of Ascension ★★★
3.) The Hero of Ages ★★★★
3.5) Secret History ★★★★★
Oh, I loved finally experiencing this next era of the mistborn world, especially in a city called Elendale (be still, my heart)! Yet, I was not expecting this book to start out with a very tragic murder plotline where the bodies are arranged in a very specific pose, and for the actual story to be taking place five years later where Wax is very much still grieving that night. And when the kidnappings start happening again, especially when these people being kidnapped are from mistborn family lines.
I also really love how mistborns are no longer a thing in this new day and age! At most people can have one alomatic ability and one feruchemic ability (twinborns)! And our main characters have some really cool and fun powers with these two abilities:
➽ Wax – pushes steel & can grow heavier and lighter
➽ Wayne – Can alter time & heals quickly (can also make great disguises, but unrelated to metals and powers!)
Overall, I really enjoyed this first installment in a very beloved universe! And I can’t wait to continue on! Also, I will forever be the biggest fangirl of a certain brother who is destined to continue his brother’s work. Okay, brb, crying.
Content and Trigger Warnings: murder, death, mention and threat of rape, kidnapping, gore, and violence.
Buddy read with Melissa! ❤
2.) The Well of Ascension ★★★
3.) The Hero of Ages ★★★★
3.5) Secret History ★★★★★
"Huh [...] tea's poisoned."
Oh, I loved finally experiencing this next era of the mistborn world, especially in a city called Elendale (be still, my heart)! Yet, I was not expecting this book to start out with a very tragic murder plotline where the bodies are arranged in a very specific pose, and for the actual story to be taking place five years later where Wax is very much still grieving that night. And when the kidnappings start happening again, especially when these people being kidnapped are from mistborn family lines.
I also really love how mistborns are no longer a thing in this new day and age! At most people can have one alomatic ability and one feruchemic ability (twinborns)! And our main characters have some really cool and fun powers with these two abilities:
➽ Wax – pushes steel & can grow heavier and lighter
➽ Wayne – Can alter time & heals quickly (can also make great disguises, but unrelated to metals and powers!)
Overall, I really enjoyed this first installment in a very beloved universe! And I can’t wait to continue on! Also, I will forever be the biggest fangirl of a certain brother who is destined to continue his brother’s work. Okay, brb, crying.
Content and Trigger Warnings: murder, death, mention and threat of rape, kidnapping, gore, and violence.
Buddy read with Melissa! ❤
December 27, 2022
"I pride myself on my cheery, optimistic attitude."
… back to Mistborn… and fast-forward 300 years…
Wayne: "I suggest that you never ask her to pass the milk. As she seems likely to throw a cow at you, just to be certain the job is done thoroughly."
Mistborn Era 1 got to be the fantasy series of the year for me. It was perfect in every possible way, from world building to character development to magical system… I had zero complaints! But when I was picking up The Alloy of Law, I was yet again injected with a not so little dose of anxiety: would it ruin the perfect record of Mistborn? However, there was a ‘300-year’ safety net this time around! If this doesn’t work out, I could always consider it a separate series. That and this fourth novel was said to be a ‘short-story’ by some. This was basically my mindset starting Era 2.
Wax: "Doesn’t this seem a little… stiff to you?"
Steris: "Stiff?"
Wax: "I mean, shouldn’t there be room for romance?"
Steris: "There is. Page thirteen. Upon marriage, there shall be no more than three conjugal encounters per week and no fewer than one until a suitable heir is provided. After that, the same numbers apply to a two-week span."
Wax: "Ah, of course. Page thirteen."
Well, it turns out no safety net was necessary. While not quite reaching the awesomeness that was the Era 1, Sanderson begins the new sub-series here with a light, relatively short and an action-packed intro to the new timeline, the modified setting, and the new characters. And most importantly, this is loads of fun! The plot might have gotten simpler from the days of Final Empire, but the characters have become much better (and funnier). I think Wax & Wayne could even end up being my overall favorites, replacing Kelsier and Vin.
Wayne: ”That’s different. She was a woman. Good at lying, they are. The God Beyond made’m that way.”
Marasi: ”I’m not certain how I should take that.”
Wax: ”With a pinch of copper. And a healthy dose of skepticism. Just like anything Wayne says.”
Sanderson has also found a clever way to scale the original magical system from the days of Kel and Vin. We now have ‘Twinborns,’ who are able to use both Allomanantic and Feruchemical abilities. This allows some cool new possibilities, making the magical system even more interesting. While it is a bit sad to see that there will no longer be any real mistborn running around, the possibilities and limitations of the new systems seems more intriguing.
Wax: "I once shot the tail off a dog by mistake. It’s kind of a funny story."
Steris: "Shooting dogs is hardly appropriate dinner conversation."
Wax: "I know. Particularly since I was aiming for its balls."
As I understand it, the Mistborn is planned as a trilogy of trilogies, and The Alloy of Law is not part of any of these trilogies. So I guess I shouldn’t be surprised by how short this was (compared to the first three). But, in my opinion, this book did a wonderful job of whetting the reader’s, and preparing them for the journey to come.
Wayne: "It’s a pretty good book. You should try it. It’s about bunnies. They talk. Damnedest thing ever."
… back to Mistborn… and fast-forward 300 years…
Wayne: "I suggest that you never ask her to pass the milk. As she seems likely to throw a cow at you, just to be certain the job is done thoroughly."
Mistborn Era 1 got to be the fantasy series of the year for me. It was perfect in every possible way, from world building to character development to magical system… I had zero complaints! But when I was picking up The Alloy of Law, I was yet again injected with a not so little dose of anxiety: would it ruin the perfect record of Mistborn? However, there was a ‘300-year’ safety net this time around! If this doesn’t work out, I could always consider it a separate series. That and this fourth novel was said to be a ‘short-story’ by some. This was basically my mindset starting Era 2.
Wax: "Doesn’t this seem a little… stiff to you?"
Steris: "Stiff?"
Wax: "I mean, shouldn’t there be room for romance?"
Steris: "There is. Page thirteen. Upon marriage, there shall be no more than three conjugal encounters per week and no fewer than one until a suitable heir is provided. After that, the same numbers apply to a two-week span."
Wax: "Ah, of course. Page thirteen."
Well, it turns out no safety net was necessary. While not quite reaching the awesomeness that was the Era 1, Sanderson begins the new sub-series here with a light, relatively short and an action-packed intro to the new timeline, the modified setting, and the new characters. And most importantly, this is loads of fun! The plot might have gotten simpler from the days of Final Empire, but the characters have become much better (and funnier). I think Wax & Wayne could even end up being my overall favorites, replacing Kelsier and Vin.
Wayne: ”That’s different. She was a woman. Good at lying, they are. The God Beyond made’m that way.”
Marasi: ”I’m not certain how I should take that.”
Wax: ”With a pinch of copper. And a healthy dose of skepticism. Just like anything Wayne says.”
Sanderson has also found a clever way to scale the original magical system from the days of Kel and Vin. We now have ‘Twinborns,’ who are able to use both Allomanantic and Feruchemical abilities. This allows some cool new possibilities, making the magical system even more interesting. While it is a bit sad to see that there will no longer be any real mistborn running around, the possibilities and limitations of the new systems seems more intriguing.
Wax: "I once shot the tail off a dog by mistake. It’s kind of a funny story."
Steris: "Shooting dogs is hardly appropriate dinner conversation."
Wax: "I know. Particularly since I was aiming for its balls."
As I understand it, the Mistborn is planned as a trilogy of trilogies, and The Alloy of Law is not part of any of these trilogies. So I guess I shouldn’t be surprised by how short this was (compared to the first three). But, in my opinion, this book did a wonderful job of whetting the reader’s, and preparing them for the journey to come.
Wayne: "It’s a pretty good book. You should try it. It’s about bunnies. They talk. Damnedest thing ever."
October 28, 2012
I mean...Sanderson is just amazing. He writes so well, his characters are SO well-drawn, you simply can't stop reading. There's a feeling of completeness in his plotting that makes you feel completely taken care of. The worldbuilding is stunning and vibrant and new...it's just, kind of ridiculous.
This is a followup in the world of Mistborn, but you DONT need to read the first three to understand what's going on (you should read them though, because it is icing on the cake as far as details.) This is a world with an amazing magic system, but vaguely steampunk/industrial-era in ambience. I went in without really remembering the first three, but the opening is one of the best I've read in a very long time. You INSTANTLY are drawn into the story.
So, if you like high fantasy, or a urban fantasy, or anything like that, pick this up.
This is a followup in the world of Mistborn, but you DONT need to read the first three to understand what's going on (you should read them though, because it is icing on the cake as far as details.) This is a world with an amazing magic system, but vaguely steampunk/industrial-era in ambience. I went in without really remembering the first three, but the opening is one of the best I've read in a very long time. You INSTANTLY are drawn into the story.
So, if you like high fantasy, or a urban fantasy, or anything like that, pick this up.
July 22, 2017
Another day, another great Sanderson book.
“Some mistakes, though, you can’t fix by being sorry. Can’t fix them, no matter what you do.”
I haven't written a review in a while because life has just been crazy lately, but this book definitely deserves a proper review.
Let's start at the very beginning. Somehow, Brandon Sanderson was able to rip my heart out and burn it just with the freaking prologue. How is that even possible? The only other author who managed to do that was Colleen Hoover with Confess, but that's another story.
His confidence took a serious blow and the guilt completely drowned him.
So Wax decides to go back to his house in the city of Elendel *cough* Mistborn references *cough* but of course, trouble follows him everywhere.
The magic System
I loved how we got to see more aspects of the magic system. So Mistborns are not a thing anymore, apparently. The best thing you can hope for is to be a Twinborn. At first I thought that would be too limiting and I was disappointed that the main character wasn't Mistborn but man oh man, was I wrong. There's SO much you can do with Allomancy and Feruchemy working together. I mean, Miles anyone?
What's with all the Ian gifs? Just Ignore my obsession. Moving on.
The Dialogue
The relationship between Wax and Wayne gives me life.
“Nothing else dangerous we could find. Other than Wayne’s body odor.”
“That’s the smell of incredibleness,” Wayne called from inside.”
The dialogue in this book is just priceless. It's funny and witty and I can never get sick of it.
The Trillaume Situation
I could not pronounce this name for the life of me. I probably even spelled it wrong but I'm too lazy to go check. I'm sure you know who I'm talking about. The bloody butler.
The Romance Situation
Okay, confession time. I kinda sorta like Lady Steris *collective gasp* I feel like in a weird way, I ... relate to her somehow? I mean she's definitely the stiffest person on earth but you gotta give it to her, the girl is organized and she knows her shit. There's something Hermiony about her and I like that.
I have nothing against Masari/ Marasi (still too lazy to go check). She's a kickass female character and you can't go wrong with that. I have a feeling she's going to be end game but we'll see.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable read. I read it in a 24 hour readathon and I feel like it made the experience even better for me.
I can't wait to jump into the rest of the series.
Thanks for reading, please share your thoughts.
July 9, 2024
Reasons to read Mistborn Era 2:
A. Wax and Wayne
B. Wayne and Wax
C. answers A and B
Centuries have passed since the events of The Hero of Ages, our original friends are long gone, but their legacy remains.
Waxillium Ladrian has been a lawman in the Roughs, the wild lands outside the city where there is no law or justice, for twenty years. A tragic accident that kills his uncle and sister leaves him as the high lord of his house and Wax finds that he has to return to Elendel, the home of his childhood.
At first Wax finds it difficult to put away his gun and take up the duties of being a high Lord responsible for thousands of employees and saving his House from destitution.
Wax soon realises that the City is just as dangerous as the Roughs and he might need those guns back.
“Funny, how quickly someone can stop calling you a miscreant and a rogue when they want your help”
I could wax poetic (see what I did there 👀) about Sanderson's writing but I think you all already know by now how much I love his easy style. People who hate being thrown into a story with little to no explanation will like Sanderson's way of explaining things without it being boring or repetitive.
It was so crazy reading all the familiar names from Era 1 that appear in The Alloy of Law. It makes me so happy to see things related to Vin, Elend, Kelsier, Sazed, and Spook mentioned in their everyday language. The nostalgia added such a pleasant touch to the book.
What also blew my mind was how advanced the people of Scadrial managed to make the new world that Harmony created for them at the end of The Hero of Ages.
You can definitely see how much more developed they are compared to Era 1. Their buildings are taller. Cars, trains and electricity have been introduced to this world.
The most awesome for me was the use of guns (which we didn't get in the first trilogy) and how allomancers manipulate the metal.
And the allomancy?!! AMAZING. I shall not elaborate if you have still to read this book but WOW. I thought I knew how it all worked but Sanderson has introduced some new metals and abilities that just left me speechless.
I really loved the plot. The setting gave this book a very different feel. It was like reading a detective mystery that was part steam punk, part western but with metal magic.
With everything I've mentioned above what really made this book (and what I'm sure is going to make the rest of the books in this series) perfection, were the characters. Wax, Wayne and Marasi were such fun to read about. Wax and Wayne, especially, had some of the best banter I've ever read.
So far, every time I finish a Sanderson book I am filled with happiness, awe and excitement to move on to the next one. I hope that feeling never goes away.
If you're still deciding whether to continue the Mistborn series after the original trilogy. Keep in mind that it is very different from Era 1 but it has its own brilliance. Please give this book a go, you won't regret it.
I had fun reading this with my fellow Wayne enthusiast
‹ 4.5 stars ›
___
My reviews for:
Era One
0.5 (short story): The Eleventh Metal
Book 1: The Final Empire
Book 2: The Well of Ascension
Book 3: The Hero of Ages
Book 3.5: The Secret History
Era Two
Book 5: Shadows of Self
Book 6: The Bands of Mourning
A. Wax and Wayne
B. Wayne and Wax
C. answers A and B
Centuries have passed since the events of The Hero of Ages, our original friends are long gone, but their legacy remains.
Waxillium Ladrian has been a lawman in the Roughs, the wild lands outside the city where there is no law or justice, for twenty years. A tragic accident that kills his uncle and sister leaves him as the high lord of his house and Wax finds that he has to return to Elendel, the home of his childhood.
At first Wax finds it difficult to put away his gun and take up the duties of being a high Lord responsible for thousands of employees and saving his House from destitution.
Wax soon realises that the City is just as dangerous as the Roughs and he might need those guns back.
“Funny, how quickly someone can stop calling you a miscreant and a rogue when they want your help”
I could wax poetic (see what I did there 👀) about Sanderson's writing but I think you all already know by now how much I love his easy style. People who hate being thrown into a story with little to no explanation will like Sanderson's way of explaining things without it being boring or repetitive.
It was so crazy reading all the familiar names from Era 1 that appear in The Alloy of Law. It makes me so happy to see things related to Vin, Elend, Kelsier, Sazed, and Spook mentioned in their everyday language. The nostalgia added such a pleasant touch to the book.
What also blew my mind was how advanced the people of Scadrial managed to make the new world that Harmony created for them at the end of The Hero of Ages.
You can definitely see how much more developed they are compared to Era 1. Their buildings are taller. Cars, trains and electricity have been introduced to this world.
The most awesome for me was the use of guns (which we didn't get in the first trilogy) and how allomancers manipulate the metal.
And the allomancy?!! AMAZING. I shall not elaborate if you have still to read this book but WOW. I thought I knew how it all worked but Sanderson has introduced some new metals and abilities that just left me speechless.
I really loved the plot. The setting gave this book a very different feel. It was like reading a detective mystery that was part steam punk, part western but with metal magic.
With everything I've mentioned above what really made this book (and what I'm sure is going to make the rest of the books in this series) perfection, were the characters. Wax, Wayne and Marasi were such fun to read about. Wax and Wayne, especially, had some of the best banter I've ever read.
“Wayne's a little attached to that hat," Waxillium said. "He thinks it's lucky."
Wayne: "It is lucky. I ain't never died while wearing that hat."
Marasi frowned. "I ... I'm not sure I know how to respond."
Wax: "That's a common reaction to Wayne.”
So far, every time I finish a Sanderson book I am filled with happiness, awe and excitement to move on to the next one. I hope that feeling never goes away.
If you're still deciding whether to continue the Mistborn series after the original trilogy. Keep in mind that it is very different from Era 1 but it has its own brilliance. Please give this book a go, you won't regret it.
I had fun reading this with my fellow Wayne enthusiast
‹ 4.5 stars ›
___
My reviews for:
Era One
0.5 (short story): The Eleventh Metal
Book 1: The Final Empire
Book 2: The Well of Ascension
Book 3: The Hero of Ages
Book 3.5: The Secret History
Era Two
Book 5: Shadows of Self
Book 6: The Bands of Mourning
March 10, 2020
“Once one becomes a man, he can and must make his own decisions. But I do offer warning. Even a good thing can become destructive if taken to excess.”
The Final Empire ★★★★ 1/2
The Well of Ascension ★★★★★
The Hero of Ages ★★★★ 1/4
The Alloy of Law ★★★★ 1/4
🌟 I loved the first Mistborn trilogy very much and it is a series that I think about a lot, I think it made me realize that I prefer fantasy books with a hard magic system because it feels very smart to me! I was hesitant to jump into the second Mistborn series because I don’t like Western settings and because the expectations would not make me enjoy it as much as I want.
🌟 As soon as I started reading it, I realized that I was wrong and that I got into the story super fast, Wax and Wayne became real people in my mind very fast and I enjoyed their relationship very much! The dynamic between them as a grumpy serious guy and a goofy laid-back friend is not a new thing but it was very well written, specially that Wayne is much smarter than he appears to be!
“That hat looks ridiculous.”
“Fortunately, I can change hats,” Wayne said, “while you, sir, are stuck with that face.”
🌟 The plot is not as complicated as the first trilogy and is much more light-hearted! That being said, the book is still atmospheric and I love that, I did not expect to love the plot very much but I did and that is all thanks to the magic system. I did not think the magic system could get any better than in the original series but Sanderson outdid himself and could improve the system without destroying the legacy he built in the first trilogy. I am a big fan of the different kinds of magic systems in the book and just seeing how they work hand in hand together to bring something more awesome is mind-blowing. Nothing makes me happy as much as a smart book can do and I assure you that this was a very smart book!
🌟 Summary: I think the expectations decide how much these books are enjoyable, I knew it was different than the original trilogy, in terms of plot and atmosphere and characters and that meant I went with different things in mind and these were exceeded, the book is fast-paced, very smart with amazing world-building and real characters, I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has for me!
“To be of use in even a single burst of flame and sound is worth more than a lifetime of achieving nothing.”
A BR with my favorite South African Reviewer :3
April 5, 2022
I surprisingly large step down from the quality of the original Mistborn series
Check out my new youtube channel where I show my instant reactions to reading fantasy books seconds after I finish the book.
I wanted to like this book so badly, and my expectations were sky high. Unfortunately, I just couldn't get into it like other Sanderson works. The world felt rather bland to me, the story was shallow, and the twists weren't as mind blowing as some others (except for one at the end). I felt like Sanderson was trying his best to write a "Pratchett" type story without the comedic prowess that Pratchett had.
I think Sanderson thrives when he has huge, epic scale books to work with. And I think he comes up short when trying to write these shorter novels.
I did however enjoy the two main characters and how they interacted with each other. They were the one bright spot for me in this story.
I'll keep reading this series, but my excitement level has dropped significantly.
Check out my new youtube channel where I show my instant reactions to reading fantasy books seconds after I finish the book.
I wanted to like this book so badly, and my expectations were sky high. Unfortunately, I just couldn't get into it like other Sanderson works. The world felt rather bland to me, the story was shallow, and the twists weren't as mind blowing as some others (except for one at the end). I felt like Sanderson was trying his best to write a "Pratchett" type story without the comedic prowess that Pratchett had.
I think Sanderson thrives when he has huge, epic scale books to work with. And I think he comes up short when trying to write these shorter novels.
I did however enjoy the two main characters and how they interacted with each other. They were the one bright spot for me in this story.
I'll keep reading this series, but my excitement level has dropped significantly.
December 21, 2017
6/11/17
I buddy read this with Warda, who shares my love and adoration for Mistborn & BS.
SO GOOD to be back into this world again. And as a huge fan of the Mistborn trilogy, I knew going in that this would in no way match the original series in terms of… well, epic-ness (for lack of better terms) however, I was still certain that it’d not disappoint. It is, after all, Mistborn #2! It was yet another damn fine work by the one and only.
If you're a fan of the original trilogy, you will undoubtedly enjoy this. TAoL is set about 300 years after The Hero of Ages and though it’s a series that stands on its own, to get the most out of it and a better understanding of the world, I highly recommend reading them chronologically starting with The Final Empire.
And while keeping this short and concise, here’s a little preview of what’s in store...
-- A new and exciting world that is more evolved and modernized with technology and cultural advancements. It is descriptive and logical where the characters we've come to know and love from the first series have become mythical legends and heroes. Oh, the feels.😞
-- A refreshing blend of familiar and new magic system (which I won’t lie, I was confused by at first) however, Sanderson once again proves that he is the master of unique and badass magic systems. It's almost like he’s been blessed by the gods of Magical Systems (and that goes for all his books).
-- Lovable and complex characters plus an awesome bromance (you know I'm a sucker for bromance). Wax and Wayne are the perfect pair and foils. Their relationship is built on a long-standing trust and faithfulness to one another and as opposites as they are, they perfectly compliment each other through and through.
Wax is the staple of all Sanderson’s characters. He's the good, heroic and supposedly tormented LC while Wayne is the funny but always lovable sidekick who's never short of witty or snarky comebacks.
The side characters were also nothing short of awesomeness, from the intelligent and tough female lead to the misguided main antagonist.
-- The action scenes are filled with great and wonderful imagery, full of Allomantic battles that’d translate beautifully to the movie screen. (I’m still waiting for a BS movie!)
And last but certainly not least, the epilogue… *SIGH* he really is the king of epilogues.
4/11/17
Finally, finally, finally, back in the world of Mistborn!!! 😍
I buddy read this with Warda, who shares my love and adoration for Mistborn & BS.
SO GOOD to be back into this world again. And as a huge fan of the Mistborn trilogy, I knew going in that this would in no way match the original series in terms of… well, epic-ness (for lack of better terms) however, I was still certain that it’d not disappoint. It is, after all, Mistborn #2! It was yet another damn fine work by the one and only.
If you're a fan of the original trilogy, you will undoubtedly enjoy this. TAoL is set about 300 years after The Hero of Ages and though it’s a series that stands on its own, to get the most out of it and a better understanding of the world, I highly recommend reading them chronologically starting with The Final Empire.
And while keeping this short and concise, here’s a little preview of what’s in store...
-- A new and exciting world that is more evolved and modernized with technology and cultural advancements. It is descriptive and logical where the characters we've come to know and love from the first series have become mythical legends and heroes. Oh, the feels.😞
-- A refreshing blend of familiar and new magic system (which I won’t lie, I was confused by at first) however, Sanderson once again proves that he is the master of unique and badass magic systems. It's almost like he’s been blessed by the gods of Magical Systems (and that goes for all his books).
-- Lovable and complex characters plus an awesome bromance (you know I'm a sucker for bromance). Wax and Wayne are the perfect pair and foils. Their relationship is built on a long-standing trust and faithfulness to one another and as opposites as they are, they perfectly compliment each other through and through.
Wax is the staple of all Sanderson’s characters. He's the good, heroic and supposedly tormented LC while Wayne is the funny but always lovable sidekick who's never short of witty or snarky comebacks.
The side characters were also nothing short of awesomeness, from the intelligent and tough female lead to the misguided main antagonist.
-- The action scenes are filled with great and wonderful imagery, full of Allomantic battles that’d translate beautifully to the movie screen. (I’m still waiting for a BS movie!)
And last but certainly not least, the epilogue… *SIGH* he really is the king of epilogues.
4/11/17
Finally, finally, finally, back in the world of Mistborn!!! 😍
February 8, 2017
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
"Wayne, you can't make bets with people when they aren't there."
HOLD ON. HOLD ON A SECOND. I NEED TO SAVOR HOW HAPPY I AM IN THIS MOMENT.
You guys, I cannot express how much I adore the Mistborn novels. The series is written so well, with characters that I love.
This was such a clever and seamless transition into a new Mistborn era. As we have seen, adding to an already golden series doesn't always work out for the best. I'm looking at you J.K. Rowling.
Wax and Wayne are a perfect, hilarious duo. The new setting with a western spin is so refreshing!This book was a great introductory piece, and I'm so excited to continue on with their story. Also special shout out to all those throwbacks to the original Mistborn trilogy, for they made my heart glad.
Buddy read this one with my girls Celeste AND Nafeeza!!!
"Wayne, you can't make bets with people when they aren't there."
HOLD ON. HOLD ON A SECOND. I NEED TO SAVOR HOW HAPPY I AM IN THIS MOMENT.
You guys, I cannot express how much I adore the Mistborn novels. The series is written so well, with characters that I love.
This was such a clever and seamless transition into a new Mistborn era. As we have seen, adding to an already golden series doesn't always work out for the best. I'm looking at you J.K. Rowling.
Wax and Wayne are a perfect, hilarious duo. The new setting with a western spin is so refreshing!This book was a great introductory piece, and I'm so excited to continue on with their story. Also special shout out to all those throwbacks to the original Mistborn trilogy, for they made my heart glad.
Buddy read this one with my girls Celeste AND Nafeeza!!!
February 26, 2019
Surprising !
Sanderson never ceases to amaze me ....
He managed to continue a series considered complete in a unique way.
Sanderson never ceases to amaze me ....
He managed to continue a series considered complete in a unique way.
December 11, 2017
I mean, are we in any doubt that Sanderson is THE main man, THE author of epic and original fantasy?!
I swear, he's close to being a god. I cannot fathom how he writes books like this. Where does he get his ideas?
This glorious story is set 300 years after the events of The Hero of Ages. The transition to this world was just smooth and epic, with some of the lands and Houses being named after the characters in the Mistborn Trilogy. Safe to say I squealed numerous times and felt the need to cry as well.
It follows probably one of the best duo, Wax and Wayne, who I became obsessed with. The wittiness, the constant banter even when everything was going to shits brought me pure and utter joy.
This book is way more lighthearted than the original trilogy. It's different, in the best possible way, but still there's that thread that links it to that other world. I was endlessly reminiscing. Nani, who I was buddy reading with, and I couldn't stop geeking out! :D
As for the plot, I feel we've probably only managed to scratch the surface with The Alloy of Law, to the point where I don't feel the need to mention it here in my review. It seems minute (and the story is mainly centred around those Wax and Wayne) and more than likely, there's a LOT more left to explore.
P.S. THAT EPILOGUE FUCK ME! I NEED ANSWERS!
I swear, he's close to being a god. I cannot fathom how he writes books like this. Where does he get his ideas?
This glorious story is set 300 years after the events of The Hero of Ages. The transition to this world was just smooth and epic, with some of the lands and Houses being named after the characters in the Mistborn Trilogy. Safe to say I squealed numerous times and felt the need to cry as well.
It follows probably one of the best duo, Wax and Wayne, who I became obsessed with. The wittiness, the constant banter even when everything was going to shits brought me pure and utter joy.
This book is way more lighthearted than the original trilogy. It's different, in the best possible way, but still there's that thread that links it to that other world. I was endlessly reminiscing. Nani, who I was buddy reading with, and I couldn't stop geeking out! :D
As for the plot, I feel we've probably only managed to scratch the surface with The Alloy of Law, to the point where I don't feel the need to mention it here in my review. It seems minute (and the story is mainly centred around those Wax and Wayne) and more than likely, there's a LOT more left to explore.
P.S. THAT EPILOGUE FUCK ME! I NEED ANSWERS!
September 25, 2022
Re-re-read before The Lost Metal is released
I'd forgotten so much. Wax, Wayne and Marasi together are hilarious. Definitely more light hearted than the first trilogy in the Mistborn world. I even think I found a few clues I missed the first time. Now I'm totally ready for the Shadows of Self release Oct 6
Original Review Jun 2014
4.5 Harmonic Stars The Brandon Sanderson Buddy Read and Epic Adventure continues with Athena and Alexa. I had so much fun reading this with these girls.
This is a fan’s book for sure. I loved every minute of it and all the references that wouldn’t have seemed important if you had not read the Mistborn trilogy first. It is 300 years since the rebirth and I have to say that some of my favorite things in the book are how the culture and religions of this time evolved around the characters that I loved from the original series; From Harmony’s forearms replacing Lord Ruler as a curse to the religions surrounding the Ascendant Warrior and The Survivor as well as the genealogy back to Lord Mistborn and the naming of cities streets and buildings.
If that wasn’t enough for me to be happy Sanderson made sure that I had an entertaining and exciting story filled with mystery and great characters. This is a lighter book than the original Mistborn series and I enjoyed laughing with Wax, Marasi and Wayne.
Waxillium has been out in the roughs acting as a lawman for years but is called back to Elendel after tragedy strikes and he is the only heir to his uncle’s house. He isn’t taking to the Lords life well and still itches to be a part of the action. Added to that is he needs to find someone to marry but his rough and tumble past is making that difficult. He does have one prospect but she is a little on the dry side compared to his sneakily snarky one.
“Lord Ladrian,” Steris said as they began eating, “I suggest that we begin compiling a list of conversational topics we can employ when in the company of others. The topics should not touch on politics or religion yet should be memorable and give us opportunities to appear charming. Do you know any particularly witty sayings or stories that can be our starting point?”
“I once shot the tail off a dog by mistake,” Waxillium said idly. “It’s kind of a funny story.”
“Shooting dogs is hardly appropriate dinner conversation,” Steris said.
“I know. Particularly since I was aiming for its balls.”
When railcars full of aluminum start to be stolen directly off the tracks vanishing into the Mists Wax is intrigued and egged on by Wayne a long-time friend from the roughs to join in the investigation. I freaking loved Wayne!!! You want a book with a great bromance this is it. The friendship that he and Wax has is phenomenal and hilarious.
“You wanna know why I really came to find you?” Wayne asked.
“Why?”
“ I thought of you happy in a comfy bed, resting and relaxing, spending the rest of your life sipping tea and reading papers while people bring you food and maids rub your toes and stuff.”
“And?”
“ And I just couldn't leave you to a fate like that...I'm too good a friend to let a mate of mine die in such a terrible situation.”
“Comfortable?”
“No. Boring.”
They have known each other for so long and I totally ate up the dialogue between them and the quirkiness that was Wayne. He has an interesting way of looking at the world and he was never boring. Sanderson easily creates some of the best side characters I’ve ever read. Wayne steals the show, he is a hoot and a half and his philosophies on life just crack me up.
“So,” Marasi said, “you traded a dead man’s scarf for another dead man’s gun. But…the gun itself belonged to someone dead, so by the same logic—”
“Don’t try,” Waxillium said. “Logic doesn’t work on Wayne.”
“I bought a ward against it off a traveling fortune-teller,” Wayne explained. “It lets me add two ’n’ two and get a pickle.”
AND NOW ONTO MY FAVORITE CHARACTER – I like Wayne but I’m team Marasi she is my girl!!! I know that Steris is the potential marriage partner for Wax but I love Marasi so I ship them together so hard. She and I are having a hoemance that is the female equivalent of a bromance isn’t it? She is like Hermione Granger all grown up meets Nancy Drew in my mind and I love it. Marasi was so full life and questions and so excited to get in on the action even though she is a little terrified of all of the things going on around her. She has a little hero worship going on for Wax as she has read all about his exploits in the roughs but even as she is getting to know the man Wax really is she takes it all in with this wonder and excitement that I love adored. Plus she seems to be able to hold her own with the boys too.
He’s fine,” Wayne said, holding the door open for them. “I got quite near my entire rusted back blown off earlier, if you’ll kindly recall, and I didn’t hear nearly an ounce of the sympathy you’re showin’ him”
“That’s different,” Marasi said, walking part him.
“What? Why? ‘Cuz I can heal?”
“No,” she said, “because – even after knowing you only a short time – I’m fairly certain that on one level or another, you deserve to get blown up every now and again.”
I cross my fingers and hope that there is more in store in the future for Waxillium and Marasi, I think they could make a formidable couple solving crimes together.
The Story - I don’t think Sanderson is capable of writing a bad story at this points. There were clues along the way to let you try and figure it out on your own but the mystery is still so good that I didn’t guess most of it. Plus there is still the wonderful immersement into different combinations of magic and mysticism. I’m always amazed with the sheer amount of information that can be packed into one of these novels and not in a tell you kind of way. Sanderson always shows you how things work and it is always entertaining in the process.
I can’t wait to read more of these characters. I almost loved this more than the original Mistborn series but I wouldn’t have loved it nearly as much if I didn’t have that foundation already. Such a great addition to the Mistborn world.
I'd forgotten so much. Wax, Wayne and Marasi together are hilarious. Definitely more light hearted than the first trilogy in the Mistborn world. I even think I found a few clues I missed the first time. Now I'm totally ready for the Shadows of Self release Oct 6
Original Review Jun 2014
4.5 Harmonic Stars The Brandon Sanderson Buddy Read and Epic Adventure continues with Athena and Alexa. I had so much fun reading this with these girls.
This is a fan’s book for sure. I loved every minute of it and all the references that wouldn’t have seemed important if you had not read the Mistborn trilogy first. It is 300 years since the rebirth and I have to say that some of my favorite things in the book are how the culture and religions of this time evolved around the characters that I loved from the original series; From Harmony’s forearms replacing Lord Ruler as a curse to the religions surrounding the Ascendant Warrior and The Survivor as well as the genealogy back to Lord Mistborn and the naming of cities streets and buildings.
If that wasn’t enough for me to be happy Sanderson made sure that I had an entertaining and exciting story filled with mystery and great characters. This is a lighter book than the original Mistborn series and I enjoyed laughing with Wax, Marasi and Wayne.
Waxillium has been out in the roughs acting as a lawman for years but is called back to Elendel after tragedy strikes and he is the only heir to his uncle’s house. He isn’t taking to the Lords life well and still itches to be a part of the action. Added to that is he needs to find someone to marry but his rough and tumble past is making that difficult. He does have one prospect but she is a little on the dry side compared to his sneakily snarky one.
“Lord Ladrian,” Steris said as they began eating, “I suggest that we begin compiling a list of conversational topics we can employ when in the company of others. The topics should not touch on politics or religion yet should be memorable and give us opportunities to appear charming. Do you know any particularly witty sayings or stories that can be our starting point?”
“I once shot the tail off a dog by mistake,” Waxillium said idly. “It’s kind of a funny story.”
“Shooting dogs is hardly appropriate dinner conversation,” Steris said.
“I know. Particularly since I was aiming for its balls.”
When railcars full of aluminum start to be stolen directly off the tracks vanishing into the Mists Wax is intrigued and egged on by Wayne a long-time friend from the roughs to join in the investigation. I freaking loved Wayne!!! You want a book with a great bromance this is it. The friendship that he and Wax has is phenomenal and hilarious.
“You wanna know why I really came to find you?” Wayne asked.
“Why?”
“ I thought of you happy in a comfy bed, resting and relaxing, spending the rest of your life sipping tea and reading papers while people bring you food and maids rub your toes and stuff.”
“And?”
“ And I just couldn't leave you to a fate like that...I'm too good a friend to let a mate of mine die in such a terrible situation.”
“Comfortable?”
“No. Boring.”
They have known each other for so long and I totally ate up the dialogue between them and the quirkiness that was Wayne. He has an interesting way of looking at the world and he was never boring. Sanderson easily creates some of the best side characters I’ve ever read. Wayne steals the show, he is a hoot and a half and his philosophies on life just crack me up.
“So,” Marasi said, “you traded a dead man’s scarf for another dead man’s gun. But…the gun itself belonged to someone dead, so by the same logic—”
“Don’t try,” Waxillium said. “Logic doesn’t work on Wayne.”
“I bought a ward against it off a traveling fortune-teller,” Wayne explained. “It lets me add two ’n’ two and get a pickle.”
AND NOW ONTO MY FAVORITE CHARACTER – I like Wayne but I’m team Marasi she is my girl!!! I know that Steris is the potential marriage partner for Wax but I love Marasi so I ship them together so hard. She and I are having a hoemance that is the female equivalent of a bromance isn’t it? She is like Hermione Granger all grown up meets Nancy Drew in my mind and I love it. Marasi was so full life and questions and so excited to get in on the action even though she is a little terrified of all of the things going on around her. She has a little hero worship going on for Wax as she has read all about his exploits in the roughs but even as she is getting to know the man Wax really is she takes it all in with this wonder and excitement that I love adored. Plus she seems to be able to hold her own with the boys too.
He’s fine,” Wayne said, holding the door open for them. “I got quite near my entire rusted back blown off earlier, if you’ll kindly recall, and I didn’t hear nearly an ounce of the sympathy you’re showin’ him”
“That’s different,” Marasi said, walking part him.
“What? Why? ‘Cuz I can heal?”
“No,” she said, “because – even after knowing you only a short time – I’m fairly certain that on one level or another, you deserve to get blown up every now and again.”
I cross my fingers and hope that there is more in store in the future for Waxillium and Marasi, I think they could make a formidable couple solving crimes together.
The Story - I don’t think Sanderson is capable of writing a bad story at this points. There were clues along the way to let you try and figure it out on your own but the mystery is still so good that I didn’t guess most of it. Plus there is still the wonderful immersement into different combinations of magic and mysticism. I’m always amazed with the sheer amount of information that can be packed into one of these novels and not in a tell you kind of way. Sanderson always shows you how things work and it is always entertaining in the process.
I can’t wait to read more of these characters. I almost loved this more than the original Mistborn series but I wouldn’t have loved it nearly as much if I didn’t have that foundation already. Such a great addition to the Mistborn world.
![Profile Image for Anna [Bran. San. Stan].](https://cdn.statically.io/img/i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1593184464i/98245866._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
March 17, 2024
2024: Yup, I still absolutely love this!
2022: Read #3. I know November and the release of book 7 is still a ways off, but I just can't help myself.
2020: What a brilliant idea: plant the seeds to a post-apocalyptic (unironical) brave new world in Mistborn #3, take the same magic system (and expand it), fast forward 300 years, leave the previous doom-and-gloom mood behind, add some action-mystery, some more humor and reveal something that, though far from utopian, is surprisingly humorous and light.
Though I was intrigued by the whole premise from the outset, I did not expect to be delighted by this story. Was I as heart-broken and deliciously hurting as in the previous books? No. To me, this book does not evoke the same intense feelings as the first trilogy did, but then, I did not expect it to. It was smart to add a new twist, new protagonists (Waxillium Ladrian, Breeze's descendant, and Wayne) and not try and recapture the previous feel of the books, but to deliver something new.
I really enjoyed the expansion of the magic system by the addition of the "missing" four metals and by exploring the abilities of the so-called Twinborn (both Allomancer and Feruchemist - but with access to only one metal each) - so much so I didn’t even miss the fact there are no more full Mistborn (= access to all allomantic metals) in this new world. Discovering ties to the old world was so much fun. too: Lord Mistborn (Spook), the Last Emperor (Elend), the Ascendant Warrior (Vin), Harmony (Sazed), Ironeyes (Marsh). And the ending? Wow.
Still, even though I highly recommend reading this once you’ve read the first trilogy, it does not quite live up to the unfairly high standards the first books set - and as far as I’ve seen from one of his comments, Sanderson simply intended for this to be "fun and enjoyable“ and, since it’s much shorter, without "the depth of the original trilogy.“
Mission accomplished, again: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(To be fair, the first trilogy was at least 6 stars out of 5.)
*Bran. San. Stan*
If you’re thinking of reading this, you should really start at the beginning for maximum appreciation of Sanderson's literary genius:
The Final Empire (Mistborn #1)
The Well of Ascension (Mistborn #2)
The Hero of Ages (Mistborn #3)
Happy reading!
2022: Read #3. I know November and the release of book 7 is still a ways off, but I just can't help myself.
2020: What a brilliant idea: plant the seeds to a post-apocalyptic (unironical) brave new world in Mistborn #3, take the same magic system (and expand it), fast forward 300 years, leave the previous doom-and-gloom mood behind, add some action-mystery, some more humor and reveal something that, though far from utopian, is surprisingly humorous and light.
Though I was intrigued by the whole premise from the outset, I did not expect to be delighted by this story. Was I as heart-broken and deliciously hurting as in the previous books? No. To me, this book does not evoke the same intense feelings as the first trilogy did, but then, I did not expect it to. It was smart to add a new twist, new protagonists (Waxillium Ladrian, Breeze's descendant, and Wayne) and not try and recapture the previous feel of the books, but to deliver something new.
I really enjoyed the expansion of the magic system by the addition of the "missing" four metals and by exploring the abilities of the so-called Twinborn (both Allomancer and Feruchemist - but with access to only one metal each) - so much so I didn’t even miss the fact there are no more full Mistborn (= access to all allomantic metals) in this new world. Discovering ties to the old world was so much fun. too: Lord Mistborn (Spook), the Last Emperor (Elend), the Ascendant Warrior (Vin), Harmony (Sazed), Ironeyes (Marsh). And the ending? Wow.
Still, even though I highly recommend reading this once you’ve read the first trilogy, it does not quite live up to the unfairly high standards the first books set - and as far as I’ve seen from one of his comments, Sanderson simply intended for this to be "fun and enjoyable“ and, since it’s much shorter, without "the depth of the original trilogy.“
Mission accomplished, again: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(To be fair, the first trilogy was at least 6 stars out of 5.)
*Bran. San. Stan*
“So where were you when the bandits started shooting people in the head?”
Brettin’s face grew red, but Waxillium held his eyes.
“I’m not threatened by you,“ Brettin said.
“Good, I haven’t said anything threatening yet.”
Brettin hissed softly, then pointed at Waxillium, tapping a finger against his chest. “Keep your tongue civil. I’ve half a mind to toss you into jail for the night.”
“Then do it. Maybe by morning you’ll have found the other half of your mind, and we’ll be able to have a reasonable conversation.”
If you’re thinking of reading this, you should really start at the beginning for maximum appreciation of Sanderson's literary genius:
The Final Empire (Mistborn #1)
The Well of Ascension (Mistborn #2)
The Hero of Ages (Mistborn #3)
Happy reading!
October 20, 2015
This isn’t Mistborn.
This is a fantasy retelling of The Lone Ranger meets The Dark Knight Rises. With guns and gangsters. And magic.
Lord Waxillium Ladrian returns from his life as a lawman in the rural Roughs. Coming back to Elendel to assume the mantle of head of his house after his uncle’s untimely death, he engages in the social life of the urban nobility. Until Wayne appears, and all changes…
”I think it's one of his personal failings. I try to help him out by being damn near perfect, but so far, that hasn't been enough.”
The duo of Wax and Wayne is definitely one of the best sets of characters Brandon Sanderson has created. Wax is the refined gentleman who does everything with style. Wayne is the funny sidekick who is so much more than a funny sidekick. Together, they are legendary heroes from a world the people of the city know nothing about.
The prologue of this book was absodamnlutely great. It was very… not Sanderson. Not that Sanderson with his normal repertoire is not good, but this was very different. And it remained that way throughout the book.
Unfortunately, it got too simple by the end. This was to me a book that started out on top, and from there it could only go one way. The second half was nowhere near as good as the first, and neither the villain(s), the revelations nor the actual progress of the story were particularly complex in any way. The conclusion was slightly disappointing, but only based on the high standard set in the early parts.
However (a rather big however), the epilogue gracefully saved the book. There were no less than two character appearances that I was waiting for (I think both were actually supposed to be surprising), and I absolutely loved when they finally showed up.
There are three very interesting things to note. The first is that this is Mistborn for adults. Again, not that the first trilogy was a set of children’s books. But this book is not only considerably more violent, but also has a few subtle references to sex. It’s almost enough to make you forget that this is written by Brandon Sanderson. But then the wondrously simplistic writing sets in again and makes you remember.
The second thing is of course the setting. Mistborn was never actually medieval fantasy, but the progress into an industrialised society with trains and cars and gunslingers is a good one. I would have liked even more focus on the technological, political and social development, but hey, we have three more books to go.
The last thing is the only slightly negative one. If you know me and my fantasy tastes, you’ll know that I am deeply obsessed with nostalgia. Nothing is better when it comes to fictional literature for me. And Sanderson gives himself this brilliant opportunity to play on the feeling. He uses it… but nowhere near enough. There are a few place names (Elendel etc.) and mentions of the religions like the Church of the Survivor, but I would have liked to see much, much more. It might be that Sanderson was afraid to overdo it, which is understandable, but to me it was rather underwhelming. It might also be that he wanted to separate this world from the world of the first Mistborn trilogy, and that definitely works, for better or worse. The lack of nostalgia did not decrease the quality of the book or my enjoyment of it in any way, though; I’m just saying it could have been even better.
In any case, I take what I can get. Like this…
”The Church of the Survivor taught that the mists belonged to him, Kelsier, Lord of the Mists. He appeared on nights when the mist was thick and gave his blessing to the independent. Whether they be theives, scholars, anarchists, or a farmer who lived on his own land. Anyone who survived on their own-or who thought for himself-was someone who followed the Survivor, whether he knew it or not.”
All in all, this is a great addition to the Mistborn universe and the Cosmere as a whole. I must admit I thought early on that it would be a strong five-star and my favourite Sanderson book since The Final Empire. It unfortunately seems that it was not, but it still was incredibly enjoyable.
This is a fantasy retelling of The Lone Ranger meets The Dark Knight Rises. With guns and gangsters. And magic.
Lord Waxillium Ladrian returns from his life as a lawman in the rural Roughs. Coming back to Elendel to assume the mantle of head of his house after his uncle’s untimely death, he engages in the social life of the urban nobility. Until Wayne appears, and all changes…
”I think it's one of his personal failings. I try to help him out by being damn near perfect, but so far, that hasn't been enough.”
The duo of Wax and Wayne is definitely one of the best sets of characters Brandon Sanderson has created. Wax is the refined gentleman who does everything with style. Wayne is the funny sidekick who is so much more than a funny sidekick. Together, they are legendary heroes from a world the people of the city know nothing about.
The prologue of this book was absodamnlutely great. It was very… not Sanderson. Not that Sanderson with his normal repertoire is not good, but this was very different. And it remained that way throughout the book.
Unfortunately, it got too simple by the end. This was to me a book that started out on top, and from there it could only go one way. The second half was nowhere near as good as the first, and neither the villain(s), the revelations nor the actual progress of the story were particularly complex in any way. The conclusion was slightly disappointing, but only based on the high standard set in the early parts.
However (a rather big however), the epilogue gracefully saved the book. There were no less than two character appearances that I was waiting for (I think both were actually supposed to be surprising), and I absolutely loved when they finally showed up.
There are three very interesting things to note. The first is that this is Mistborn for adults. Again, not that the first trilogy was a set of children’s books. But this book is not only considerably more violent, but also has a few subtle references to sex. It’s almost enough to make you forget that this is written by Brandon Sanderson. But then the wondrously simplistic writing sets in again and makes you remember.
The second thing is of course the setting. Mistborn was never actually medieval fantasy, but the progress into an industrialised society with trains and cars and gunslingers is a good one. I would have liked even more focus on the technological, political and social development, but hey, we have three more books to go.
The last thing is the only slightly negative one. If you know me and my fantasy tastes, you’ll know that I am deeply obsessed with nostalgia. Nothing is better when it comes to fictional literature for me. And Sanderson gives himself this brilliant opportunity to play on the feeling. He uses it… but nowhere near enough. There are a few place names (Elendel etc.) and mentions of the religions like the Church of the Survivor, but I would have liked to see much, much more. It might be that Sanderson was afraid to overdo it, which is understandable, but to me it was rather underwhelming. It might also be that he wanted to separate this world from the world of the first Mistborn trilogy, and that definitely works, for better or worse. The lack of nostalgia did not decrease the quality of the book or my enjoyment of it in any way, though; I’m just saying it could have been even better.
In any case, I take what I can get. Like this…
”The Church of the Survivor taught that the mists belonged to him, Kelsier, Lord of the Mists. He appeared on nights when the mist was thick and gave his blessing to the independent. Whether they be theives, scholars, anarchists, or a farmer who lived on his own land. Anyone who survived on their own-or who thought for himself-was someone who followed the Survivor, whether he knew it or not.”
All in all, this is a great addition to the Mistborn universe and the Cosmere as a whole. I must admit I thought early on that it would be a strong five-star and my favourite Sanderson book since The Final Empire. It unfortunately seems that it was not, but it still was incredibly enjoyable.
August 13, 2019
3.5 stars - this was a solid start to this new series and I’m excited to be back in this world. I enjoyed the nods to the original trilogy but also how different this felt.
August 11, 2022
2022 reread: I stand by everything I wrote in 2017. My opinion hasn't changed in the slightest. Not a perfect book, but a lot of fun and a really interesting return to a fascinating world. I loved seeing how said world had changed over the course of centuries, and how technology impacted the magic system. Original review below!
What do you get when you combine one of the most prolific fantasy authors of our time with an old school Spaghetti Western? This book right here. With Alloy of Law, Sanderson built on the amazing world he created in the original Mistborn trilogy and gave us more of the fantastic system, but in a new era with new technology advances and the problems that come with progress. We see how the religion of that land grew and changed based on the events of the first trilogy, and how the shape of the world has changed.
I was hesitant the first time I read this book, and didn’t give it the chance it deserved. I thought the book was fun, but decided not to continue on to the second and third books. In hindsight, I really can’t recall why on earth I didn’t want more Wax and Wayne. Because Rust and Ruin, those two are a joy to read. They are the Batman and Robin of an otherworldly Wild West, but with more sassy banter and less moody brooding. Not that each man doesn’t have problems and demons from their respective pasts, because they most definitely do. They have their crosses to bear, but they can laugh anyway, because who doesn’t have some weight on their shoulders?
Alloy of Law is mainly the story of Waxillium Ladrian, a noble who makes his mark as a lawman in the Roughs before returning to the city of Elendel. Wax is a powerful Twinborn, and an impressive marksman. He’s a dangerous man, but most definitely still a nobleman at his core. He’s our hero, and I really like him. I also appreciated the fact that our main character was in his forties instead of his teens or twenties. The maturity was a welcome change. He’s well fleshed out, and has plenty of personality. But my favorite character was Wayne. He’s also a Twinborn, and a master of disguise to boot. Every time he made an appearance, I immediately smiled. My favorite dialogue was always spoken by Wayne. The man is just so darn funny.
There were other characters that I enjoyed too, that I hope to see more of in the next books. While I know from friends that Steris becomes a more central character in following books, I didn’t see enough of her to form much of an opinion. I did find her refreshingly blunt and endearingly awkward, and can’t wait to see her grow. My favorite female in this particular book was Marasi. She was sweet and smart and inquisitive and funny, and had more of a backbone than I expected. I just really enjoyed her.
I wavered between four and five stars for this book, and settled on four after much internal debate. The reasons are very subjective, and have no bearing the quality of the book. There were two main writing decisions that kept my rating from being higher. First, the allomantic idioms kind of threw me out of the story whenever I came across them, though I appreciated what Sanderson was trying to do with them. An example would be “take it with a pinch of copper” instead of with a pinch of salt. There were a lot of these variations. And like I said, I get it, I really do. They’re cute, and they give some realism, because every society develops their own idioms after a while. They just disrupted the flow for me. Second, I’m just not the biggest fan of steampunk and flintlock. Which is totally not Sanderson’s fault, I just bogged down in the details of weapons and other technology.
But that being said, I had a lot of fun reading this book, and I read more of Wax and Wayne’s adventures!
What do you get when you combine one of the most prolific fantasy authors of our time with an old school Spaghetti Western? This book right here. With Alloy of Law, Sanderson built on the amazing world he created in the original Mistborn trilogy and gave us more of the fantastic system, but in a new era with new technology advances and the problems that come with progress. We see how the religion of that land grew and changed based on the events of the first trilogy, and how the shape of the world has changed.
I was hesitant the first time I read this book, and didn’t give it the chance it deserved. I thought the book was fun, but decided not to continue on to the second and third books. In hindsight, I really can’t recall why on earth I didn’t want more Wax and Wayne. Because Rust and Ruin, those two are a joy to read. They are the Batman and Robin of an otherworldly Wild West, but with more sassy banter and less moody brooding. Not that each man doesn’t have problems and demons from their respective pasts, because they most definitely do. They have their crosses to bear, but they can laugh anyway, because who doesn’t have some weight on their shoulders?
Alloy of Law is mainly the story of Waxillium Ladrian, a noble who makes his mark as a lawman in the Roughs before returning to the city of Elendel. Wax is a powerful Twinborn, and an impressive marksman. He’s a dangerous man, but most definitely still a nobleman at his core. He’s our hero, and I really like him. I also appreciated the fact that our main character was in his forties instead of his teens or twenties. The maturity was a welcome change. He’s well fleshed out, and has plenty of personality. But my favorite character was Wayne. He’s also a Twinborn, and a master of disguise to boot. Every time he made an appearance, I immediately smiled. My favorite dialogue was always spoken by Wayne. The man is just so darn funny.
There were other characters that I enjoyed too, that I hope to see more of in the next books. While I know from friends that Steris becomes a more central character in following books, I didn’t see enough of her to form much of an opinion. I did find her refreshingly blunt and endearingly awkward, and can’t wait to see her grow. My favorite female in this particular book was Marasi. She was sweet and smart and inquisitive and funny, and had more of a backbone than I expected. I just really enjoyed her.
I wavered between four and five stars for this book, and settled on four after much internal debate. The reasons are very subjective, and have no bearing the quality of the book. There were two main writing decisions that kept my rating from being higher. First, the allomantic idioms kind of threw me out of the story whenever I came across them, though I appreciated what Sanderson was trying to do with them. An example would be “take it with a pinch of copper” instead of with a pinch of salt. There were a lot of these variations. And like I said, I get it, I really do. They’re cute, and they give some realism, because every society develops their own idioms after a while. They just disrupted the flow for me. Second, I’m just not the biggest fan of steampunk and flintlock. Which is totally not Sanderson’s fault, I just bogged down in the details of weapons and other technology.
But that being said, I had a lot of fun reading this book, and I read more of Wax and Wayne’s adventures!
March 10, 2020
Came for the banter. Left with my heart STOLEN!
February 8, 2019
i've really been putting off the second era of mistborn bc i heard so much about how it lacked compares to the first era.........and while that has SOME truth to it, IT WAS SO MUCH FUN
don't really have much to say on the book bc SO MUCH HAPPENS but this takes place wayyy after era 1, where all the characters we love and adore are known as myths and legends. our current main characters are two goofs, wax and wayne and their dynamics and friendship HAS GOT ME WEAK
©
it was action packed and fun and fast paced and filled with even more allomancy and tragedy (bc you know how sanderson literally cannot go two seconds without making me grieve)
like always, the characters are incredibly developed as is the world and the magic system. i adore the audiobooks bc the narrator remains the same and WOW it makes me feel like i'm back home
to conclude: read it
4.5 stars
“That hat looks ridiculous.”
“Fortunately, I can change hats,” Wayne said, “while you, sir, are stuck with that face.”
don't really have much to say on the book bc SO MUCH HAPPENS but this takes place wayyy after era 1, where all the characters we love and adore are known as myths and legends. our current main characters are two goofs, wax and wayne and their dynamics and friendship HAS GOT ME WEAK
©
it was action packed and fun and fast paced and filled with even more allomancy and tragedy (bc you know how sanderson literally cannot go two seconds without making me grieve)
like always, the characters are incredibly developed as is the world and the magic system. i adore the audiobooks bc the narrator remains the same and WOW it makes me feel like i'm back home
to conclude: read it
4.5 stars
April 10, 2017
I know people get very excited about the pretty covers but does anyone else, like me, care more about the title?
Just listen to these & tell me they don't promise awesomeness!
1) The Final Empire
2) The Well of Ascension
3) The Hero of Ages
4) The Alloy of Law
5) Shadows of Self
6) The Bands of Mourning (This has got to be my most favorite one!)
7) The Lost Metal (IS THIS WHAT I THINK IT IS?!)
Just listen to these & tell me they don't promise awesomeness!
1) The Final Empire
2) The Well of Ascension
3) The Hero of Ages
4) The Alloy of Law
5) Shadows of Self
6) The Bands of Mourning (This has got to be my most favorite one!)
7) The Lost Metal (
September 15, 2018
“The mark of a great man is one who knows when to set aside the important things in order to accomplish the vital ones.”
― Brandon Sanderson, The Alloy of Law
🌟4.5/5🌟
Not as good as the original trilogy but its still worth every second of your time !!
― Brandon Sanderson, The Alloy of Law
🌟4.5/5🌟
Not as good as the original trilogy but its still worth every second of your time !!
February 9, 2017
Review is up!
I admit one of the reasons I delayed reading this was because it was liken to the Western period and I am not a fan of that genre (don't read it, don't watch it), but I should have know that if anyone could make me like it, it would be Sanderson. This book takes place 300 hundred years after the original Mistborn Trilogy and is more light-hearted than its predecessor. That is not to say that the story is not of the same quality, quite the contrary. Wax returns home after 20 years in the Roughs due to the death of family members to become Lord of the House and assume the responsibilities that come with it. After a slew of crimes, he soon discovers that high society is more cunning and dangerous than the anything experienced in Roughs.
Sanderson speciality is in crafting a world and characters so complex and transfixing that you forget everything else around you just to experience it for yourself and by the end you are sitting there with a smile on your face (or more likely tears running down your cheeks), so thoroughly satisfied that you long to go back and read it again.
So let's talk about the characters shall we; meet Waxillium Ladrian, Aka Wax - High Lord, "Sheriff" and Badass Extraordinaire. He is Twinborn (Coinshot and a Skimmer plus gun slinger), he is also funny to boot! Has mind for strategy and solving crimes. Then there is Wayne, the quick wit Deputy, master of disguises and "Trading". Collector of accents and hats and you do not want to end up on the business end of his dueling canes. His past is heart breaking but I love him even more for it. He is also a Twinshot (Bloodmaker and A Slider), his powers are very cool and interesting.
“You like the new duster?”
“Is that what took you so long? Please tell me you didn’t go shopping while I was fighting for my life.”
“Had to take out three gits that was guarding the entrance up above,” Wayne said, spinning his dueling canes. “One of them had this fine garment upon his person.” He hesitated. “I’m a little late ’cause I was trying to figure a way to beat him up without ruining the coat.”
The bromance between these two were off the charts, I love their banter and how well they played off of each other. When they team up to fight, it is awesomeness to behold. They may just end up being my favorite pair EVER!
“Five left?” Waxillium asked.
“Six,” Wayne said, picking up and spinning his dueling canes. “There’s another in the shadows over there. I brought down seven. You?”
“Sixteen, I think,” Wax said distractedly. “Haven’t been counting carefully.”
“Sixteen? Damn, Wax. I was hoping you’d “have rusted a bit, was thinkin’ maybe I’d be able to catch you this time.”
Waxillium smiled. "It’s not a competition.” He hesitated. “Even if I am winning. Some men got out the door with Steris. I shot the guy who took your hat, though he lived. He’s probably gone by now.”
“You didn’t grab the hat for me?” Wayne asked, sounding offended.
“I was a little busy being shot at.”
“Busy? Aw, mate. It doesn’t take any effort at all to get shot at. I think you’re just makin’ excuses on account of being jealous of my lucky hat.”
That is not to say that the ladies don't shine too. There is Marasi - a law student who is adorably strong willed and competent and Steris, man Steris is just so calculating and um... organized.
“Waxillium shook his head, closing the contract. “Doesn’t this seem a little … stiff to you?”
“Stiff?”
“I mean, shouldn’t there be room for romance?”
“There is,” Steris said. “Page thirteen. Upon marriage, there shall be no more than three conjugal encounters per week and no fewer than one until a suitable heir is provided. After that, the same numbers apply to a two-week span.”
*Snickers* See, organized, but she has depth and I look forward to exploring that further. A special shout out to Ranette, I met her briefly but it was love at first sight! I am so looking forward to these ladies development in the future. Sanderson did a great job expanding this world, making it seem new and exciting while still keeping parts that are reminiscent of the first era. I also enjoyed getting to dive even further into the the art of Allomancy and Feruchemy. And the little throw backs to the original cast made my heart sing. I was eating those little tidbits up faster than you can say Harmony.
PS: I need to get my hands on Arcanum Unbounded right now!
Thanks for the BR my lovelies Mary and Celeste
I admit one of the reasons I delayed reading this was because it was liken to the Western period and I am not a fan of that genre (don't read it, don't watch it), but I should have know that if anyone could make me like it, it would be Sanderson. This book takes place 300 hundred years after the original Mistborn Trilogy and is more light-hearted than its predecessor. That is not to say that the story is not of the same quality, quite the contrary. Wax returns home after 20 years in the Roughs due to the death of family members to become Lord of the House and assume the responsibilities that come with it. After a slew of crimes, he soon discovers that high society is more cunning and dangerous than the anything experienced in Roughs.
Sanderson speciality is in crafting a world and characters so complex and transfixing that you forget everything else around you just to experience it for yourself and by the end you are sitting there with a smile on your face (or more likely tears running down your cheeks), so thoroughly satisfied that you long to go back and read it again.
So let's talk about the characters shall we; meet Waxillium Ladrian, Aka Wax - High Lord, "Sheriff" and Badass Extraordinaire. He is Twinborn (Coinshot and a Skimmer plus gun slinger), he is also funny to boot! Has mind for strategy and solving crimes. Then there is Wayne, the quick wit Deputy, master of disguises and "Trading". Collector of accents and hats and you do not want to end up on the business end of his dueling canes. His past is heart breaking but I love him even more for it. He is also a Twinshot (Bloodmaker and A Slider), his powers are very cool and interesting.
“You like the new duster?”
“Is that what took you so long? Please tell me you didn’t go shopping while I was fighting for my life.”
“Had to take out three gits that was guarding the entrance up above,” Wayne said, spinning his dueling canes. “One of them had this fine garment upon his person.” He hesitated. “I’m a little late ’cause I was trying to figure a way to beat him up without ruining the coat.”
The bromance between these two were off the charts, I love their banter and how well they played off of each other. When they team up to fight, it is awesomeness to behold. They may just end up being my favorite pair EVER!
“Five left?” Waxillium asked.
“Six,” Wayne said, picking up and spinning his dueling canes. “There’s another in the shadows over there. I brought down seven. You?”
“Sixteen, I think,” Wax said distractedly. “Haven’t been counting carefully.”
“Sixteen? Damn, Wax. I was hoping you’d “have rusted a bit, was thinkin’ maybe I’d be able to catch you this time.”
Waxillium smiled. "It’s not a competition.” He hesitated. “Even if I am winning. Some men got out the door with Steris. I shot the guy who took your hat, though he lived. He’s probably gone by now.”
“You didn’t grab the hat for me?” Wayne asked, sounding offended.
“I was a little busy being shot at.”
“Busy? Aw, mate. It doesn’t take any effort at all to get shot at. I think you’re just makin’ excuses on account of being jealous of my lucky hat.”
That is not to say that the ladies don't shine too. There is Marasi - a law student who is adorably strong willed and competent and Steris, man Steris is just so calculating and um... organized.
“Waxillium shook his head, closing the contract. “Doesn’t this seem a little … stiff to you?”
“Stiff?”
“I mean, shouldn’t there be room for romance?”
“There is,” Steris said. “Page thirteen. Upon marriage, there shall be no more than three conjugal encounters per week and no fewer than one until a suitable heir is provided. After that, the same numbers apply to a two-week span.”
*Snickers* See, organized, but she has depth and I look forward to exploring that further. A special shout out to Ranette, I met her briefly but it was love at first sight! I am so looking forward to these ladies development in the future. Sanderson did a great job expanding this world, making it seem new and exciting while still keeping parts that are reminiscent of the first era. I also enjoyed getting to dive even further into the the art of Allomancy and Feruchemy. And the little throw backs to the original cast made my heart sing. I was eating those little tidbits up faster than you can say Harmony.
PS: I need to get my hands on Arcanum Unbounded right now!
Thanks for the BR my lovelies Mary and Celeste
December 14, 2022
“Some mistakes, though, you can’t fix by being sorry. Can’t fix them, no matter what you do.”
I am incredibly excited to be reading Mistborn Era 2. Mistborn Era 1 was one of the first adult fantasy series I read and made me fall in love with fantasy! I can’t begin to describe how much I love Mistborn Era 1. I had been told repeatedly that Era 2 is different from Era 1, so I picked up Alloy of Law with low expectations.
Alloy of Law takes place 300 years after the events in the Mistborn Trilogy and follows Wax, a high lord of House Ladrian, and Wayne, a friend and colleague of Wax. Wax is forced to return to Elendel, where he has to take on the responsibilities of being a high lord and leave his old life behind. However, soon after returning to Elendel, Wax hears about railcars being stolen. Wax now has to decide if he will take up his old habits and get involved in solving this crime or honour his role as a Highlord of House Ladrian.
Let me start by saying that Alloy of Law feels very different from the original Mistborn trilogy. The plot is much more straightforward, and the tone of this story is much more lighthearted. Moreover, the cast of characters is smaller, and the stakes aren’t as high!
I still loved this book! It was fascinating to see how the world had changed after the events in Era 1. The characters of Era 1 are almost seen as mythological creatures instead of real-life people! Moreover, technology has evolved, and people are now using Allomancy and guns! Allomancy is the best magic system I have encountered, and I was so excited to learn more about it in Alloy of Law.
I also love when authors allow their worlds to move into the future and evolve! I am already wondering what Sanderson will do with Mistborn Era 3 and 4. Will Allomancy and space battles become a thing in the future?
Wax and Wayne are brilliant characters! I can see that some readers will find the banter to be cheesy and potentially a bit cringe-worthy. However, I enjoyed the constant banter between these two main characters! I am looking forward to learning much more about Wax and Wayne in the coming books!
In conclusion, Alloy of Law is a quick, lighthearted and entertaining read! If you pick up this book expecting a similar story as Era 1, then you will be disappointed. It is much better seeing this new series as something totally new! I am excited to continue with this series!
4 / 5 stars
I am incredibly excited to be reading Mistborn Era 2. Mistborn Era 1 was one of the first adult fantasy series I read and made me fall in love with fantasy! I can’t begin to describe how much I love Mistborn Era 1. I had been told repeatedly that Era 2 is different from Era 1, so I picked up Alloy of Law with low expectations.
Alloy of Law takes place 300 years after the events in the Mistborn Trilogy and follows Wax, a high lord of House Ladrian, and Wayne, a friend and colleague of Wax. Wax is forced to return to Elendel, where he has to take on the responsibilities of being a high lord and leave his old life behind. However, soon after returning to Elendel, Wax hears about railcars being stolen. Wax now has to decide if he will take up his old habits and get involved in solving this crime or honour his role as a Highlord of House Ladrian.
Let me start by saying that Alloy of Law feels very different from the original Mistborn trilogy. The plot is much more straightforward, and the tone of this story is much more lighthearted. Moreover, the cast of characters is smaller, and the stakes aren’t as high!
I still loved this book! It was fascinating to see how the world had changed after the events in Era 1. The characters of Era 1 are almost seen as mythological creatures instead of real-life people! Moreover, technology has evolved, and people are now using Allomancy and guns! Allomancy is the best magic system I have encountered, and I was so excited to learn more about it in Alloy of Law.
I also love when authors allow their worlds to move into the future and evolve! I am already wondering what Sanderson will do with Mistborn Era 3 and 4. Will Allomancy and space battles become a thing in the future?
Wax and Wayne are brilliant characters! I can see that some readers will find the banter to be cheesy and potentially a bit cringe-worthy. However, I enjoyed the constant banter between these two main characters! I am looking forward to learning much more about Wax and Wayne in the coming books!
In conclusion, Alloy of Law is a quick, lighthearted and entertaining read! If you pick up this book expecting a similar story as Era 1, then you will be disappointed. It is much better seeing this new series as something totally new! I am excited to continue with this series!
4 / 5 stars
November 18, 2022
Nearly three years have passed since I read the first era of Mistborn. With the final book of the second era being released just this week, I figured it was high time I dive back into Brandon Sanderson’s incredible world.
It wasn’t until I finished the first chapter of The Alloy of Law that I realized how much I missed Mistborn. The first era wrecked me (Damn you, Sanderson!), and I wondered how the Wax and Wayne books would hold up, whether they’d have the same near-perfect mix of magic, martial arts, political intrigue, and emotional wallop.
And they don’t. Not really. But in some ways it may be a good thing.
Set 300 years after The Hero of Ages, The Alloy of Law is much lighter in tone, way less serious, and so much fun. It has more of a western feel to it, with guns being the weapon of choice rather than hand-to-hand combat. And the characters – Wax and Wayne – oh my. Has Sanderson ever created a more likable pair? Their witty banter is some of the best he’s ever written.
I’m eager to read the next book in the series, Shadows of Self. And while I don’t think the Wax and Wayne era will ultimately live up to the original trilogy, I know I’m in for one hell of a ride.
Giddy up.
It wasn’t until I finished the first chapter of The Alloy of Law that I realized how much I missed Mistborn. The first era wrecked me (Damn you, Sanderson!), and I wondered how the Wax and Wayne books would hold up, whether they’d have the same near-perfect mix of magic, martial arts, political intrigue, and emotional wallop.
And they don’t. Not really. But in some ways it may be a good thing.
Set 300 years after The Hero of Ages, The Alloy of Law is much lighter in tone, way less serious, and so much fun. It has more of a western feel to it, with guns being the weapon of choice rather than hand-to-hand combat. And the characters – Wax and Wayne – oh my. Has Sanderson ever created a more likable pair? Their witty banter is some of the best he’s ever written.
I’m eager to read the next book in the series, Shadows of Self. And while I don’t think the Wax and Wayne era will ultimately live up to the original trilogy, I know I’m in for one hell of a ride.
Giddy up.
October 5, 2015
I remember having liked this book the first time around, but that it did disappoint me slightly. I wasn’t sure why, but having now reread it, I can say that it is better than I remembered and another excellent entry into the Mistborn series of trilogies.
The problem I experienced the first time around, was that I was expecting another The Final Empire. That book blew me away the first time I read it. I had never read anything so imaginative or epic up to that point and it set the standard for me by which I was to measure future forays into the world of fantasy books.
The second problem was that I fell in love with the characters in the first series and found it hard to part with them. There are a lot of references in this book to those characters, and although these reminders are cool, they also stirred a sense of sadness in me. I won’t get to see most of them again. I even feel sad that the characters from the different trilogies won’t get to meet each other and I guess that means that I need to tip my hat to Mr Sanderson and blame him for making me like the first trilogy too much.
So to set this straight.
This book is NOT a more modern version of the Final Empire, but it is a story set 300 years after the events in The Hero of Ages, and thus in a more modern world. It did not have that epic feel, but instead it was a light and fun story set in the same world with some pretty cool characters who kicked ass. Think allomancers in a steampunk western. Yep, mistborn style action in a world with guns and gadgets. These allomancers don’t have the powers of old, in fact nowadays they only ever possess one of the allomantic abilities. Some others have inherited a single feruchemical ability. And in rare cases there are twinborn with both. Meet Waxillium Ladrian AKA Wax.
Wax is a lawman. He policed the Rough for many years, but has now returned to the city of Elendel and is being forced to change his gun-toting ways to fit in with civilized society. Events conspire however, that force his hand. Evil is afoot. Picking up his gun, cloak and hat again, he teams up with his old partner Wayne (who is weird, inappropriate and hilarious at the same time) and sets of to kick ass and solve mysteries. There is great banter between these two and Lady Marasi (a fact-quoting criminologist) who gets involved in helping them track the villains and solve the case. She also happens to bring a little romantic interest to the table that I hope we will see more of later on.
There is no question about it. This is a great book with awesome storytelling that deserves nothing less than five stars.
The problem I experienced the first time around, was that I was expecting another The Final Empire. That book blew me away the first time I read it. I had never read anything so imaginative or epic up to that point and it set the standard for me by which I was to measure future forays into the world of fantasy books.
The second problem was that I fell in love with the characters in the first series and found it hard to part with them. There are a lot of references in this book to those characters, and although these reminders are cool, they also stirred a sense of sadness in me. I won’t get to see most of them again. I even feel sad that the characters from the different trilogies won’t get to meet each other and I guess that means that I need to tip my hat to Mr Sanderson and blame him for making me like the first trilogy too much.
So to set this straight.
This book is NOT a more modern version of the Final Empire, but it is a story set 300 years after the events in The Hero of Ages, and thus in a more modern world. It did not have that epic feel, but instead it was a light and fun story set in the same world with some pretty cool characters who kicked ass. Think allomancers in a steampunk western. Yep, mistborn style action in a world with guns and gadgets. These allomancers don’t have the powers of old, in fact nowadays they only ever possess one of the allomantic abilities. Some others have inherited a single feruchemical ability. And in rare cases there are twinborn with both. Meet Waxillium Ladrian AKA Wax.
Wax is a lawman. He policed the Rough for many years, but has now returned to the city of Elendel and is being forced to change his gun-toting ways to fit in with civilized society. Events conspire however, that force his hand. Evil is afoot. Picking up his gun, cloak and hat again, he teams up with his old partner Wayne (who is weird, inappropriate and hilarious at the same time) and sets of to kick ass and solve mysteries. There is great banter between these two and Lady Marasi (a fact-quoting criminologist) who gets involved in helping them track the villains and solve the case. She also happens to bring a little romantic interest to the table that I hope we will see more of later on.
There is no question about it. This is a great book with awesome storytelling that deserves nothing less than five stars.
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