Shadows of Self (Mistborn: Wax and Wayne, #2) (Cosmere Universe) (Mistborn, #5)

by Brandon Sanderson

[Briana @ Pages Unbound]

I love everything I've read by Brandon Sanderson, but in some ways that makes reviewing his books boring.  Each time I have the urge to say, "It's good. Very good. They're all good in the same ways all of his books are good. Let's move on."  I mean, if you want a unique premise, a complex magic system, detailed world building, dynamic characters, and crazy plot twists, you should check out Brandon Sanderson.  Any of his books, because that could describe each one of them.  Just close your eyes and pick one at random off the shelf.

So what do I have to say that's new about Shadows of Self?  Frankly, not much.  The Wax and Wanye series isn't my favorite of Sanderson's work, but only because pseudo-medieval worlds are more of my thing than Industrial Revolution-type worlds.  However, I completely respect Sanderson's attempt to imagine what his Mistborn world would look hundreds of years in the future and how the magic would develop, and the books are really skillfully written, regardless of my personal preferences for setting.

My one gripe is that Wayne is sometimes overdone.  He provides much of the comic relief in the series, and generally I like him.  He might be annoying to know in real life, despite his marvelous intentions, but he's perfect for a book character--except when Sanderson just keeps pushing him.  Readers see a little more of Wayne's serious side here, and I'd like to see more balance in that respect.  We can't forget that Wayne isn't all bad jokes; he's human and also a hero in his own right, even though he sometimes gets stuck in Wax's shadow.

Otherwise, however, this book is about as fantastic as I've come to expect Sanderson's books to be.  Sanderson also, once again, caught me off guard with the ending, even though I thought there was no way he could surprise me with Shadows of Self.  I'm looking forward to the next book.