Title: Shadows of Self
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Series: Mistborn #5, Wax & Wayne #2
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 383
Published: 2015, Tor Books
My Grade: 5 out of 5
Review Summary: Shadow of Self mixes Era 1 nostalgia with Era 2 freshness in a twist-filled story with a heartbreaking ending.

GOODREADS’ DESCRIPTION

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.

When family obligations forced Waxillium Ladrian to forsake the frontier lands and return to the metropolis of his birth to take his place as head of a noble House, he little imagined that the crime-fighting skills acquired during twenty years in the dusty plains would be just as applicable in the big city. He soon learned that there too, just being a talented Twinborn — one who can use both Allomancy and Feruchemy, the dominant magical modes on Scadrial — would not suffice.

This bustling, optimistic, but still shaky society will now face its first test by terrorism and assassination, crimes intended to stir up labor strife and religious conflict. Wax, his eccentric sidekick Wayne, and brilliant, beautiful young Marasi, now officially part of the constabulary, must unravel the conspiracy before civil strife can stop Scadrial’s progress in its tracks.

MY REVIEW

Now this is what I’m talking about! This is Sanderson. This is him managing to make every single book in the same trilogy completely different. After The Alloy of Law, I kind of have to admit that it was his reputation that kept me going. It wasn’t that bad, but the setting really dragged it down for me. But in Shadows of Self, the focus drifted from the Wild West theme to incorporate more of what was in Era 1. I loved seeing Era 1 come to life again, 300 years later. There have been references to the first trilogy even in the first book, but not like this. Characters came back!

I might have gotten used to Wayne as a character, but I did feel that he toned down a little bit, still funny, still witty, but not as extreme. The other characters were pretty much the same. I have to admit that I missed Steris in this one. I respect her and I really hope she will be more present in the next one.

Story-wise, this really moves forward! Lots of events, always something going on, and in not too much time. I’m impressed at how detailed everything is, how incredible the world building is, when the full story only goes over such a short period of time. Sanderson still manages to make it impossible to put down the book, even when the same night of horror has been going on for several chapters. Impressive!

The ending was really heartbreaking with a twist I did not see coming (like usual, I would dare say now). And I already started the third, The Bands of Mourning, right away! Sanderson stepped up his game to my liking and he will get another 5 out of 5 for it!