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Brandon Sanderson: Shadows of Self - Wax and Wayne (Mistborn Era 2) book 2

 Continuing my reading of Wax and Wayne and trying to get to the last one!

Shadows of Self continues the story of Waxillium Ladrian. Picking up only a few months after the conclusion of The Alloy of Law, we find Wax chasing a criminal through Elendel. As the chase goes on, he sees a face he hasn't seen in a long time: the face of the last man he brought in out in the Roughs, the criminal that killed Lessie. This puts him on the trail of a kandra known as Bleeder. The kandra is missing one of her spikes and has gone crazy. She has murdered multiple people, including the brother of the governor. Intent on wreaking havoc on the city, Bleeder is using her unique talents to strain Elendel to the point of breaking. Can Wax, Wayne, and Marasi catch up to her before it's too late?

I loved this book a lot. I finished it and immediately picked up the next book. The twists in this book are amazing.

I first of all loved that Sanderson brought back the kandra and other pre-Catacendre creatures. This book also explores more of Hemalurgy, and Sazed's position as Harmony. I love the more direct part Harmony takes in this book, and it's clear that it's going to continue in further novels. The further development of Marasi and Wax's awkward relationship with each other is also fascinating. While Wax and Marasi are better paired than Wax and Steris, I can't wait to see where it all goes. As far as love triangles go, I think this one is not like other clichés that usually dominate this trope. This one is well-written and interesting. I personally feel a little bad for Marasi, because I think deep down, she really does like Wax and wants his attention. She's too proper to admit it, especially because her sister is marrying Wax, which makes it sadder.

I can't wait to finish The Bands of Mourning and see more of what the Set is up to.

I rate this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PG-13 for violence


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