This is a review of the fifth book in the Misborn series by Brandon Sanderson. If you have not read any of the previous books but, love books filled with action, adventure and romance, I highly suggest you stop reading this review, pick up the first book (The Last Empire) and work your way back here later. I will likely touch on some aspects of the story that may reveal key elements of the previous books. Things that are commonly referred to as 'Spoilers'.
When last we left Wax, Wayne and Marasi were recovering from their battle to take down Wax's old friend Miles Dagouter. Miles was another Twinborn and former Lawman whose Allomantic and Feruchemical abilities made him nearly unstoppable and almost immortal. Waxillium and his small crew managed the impossible and brought Miles down though, it was a hollow victory. For, the one pulling Miles' strings not only got away, he turned out to be Wax' supposedly dead uncle, Edwarn Ladrian. Coupled with the loss of his one true love, Lessie and his loveless betrothal to Steris all gives Waxillium Ladrian little to celebrate at the end of the first book.
Unlike most series, the fourth book stays in the same world but, it moves far enough forward in time that many of the feats and people from before take on legendary status. Now, in Shadows of Self, the current heroes are having to deal with the results of the feats of those legends as well as a burst of technology and innovation none where accustom to. It's that same spirit of experimentation that can make Steampunk so much fun. I wouldn't classify this novel as Steampunk but, it does have that same feel.
This is an interesting second act to this half of the series in that, relationships one may count on to get a bit closer, don't. While other character paths seem destined to collide. Of course we get a better understanding for Wax, Wayne and Marasi but, it was certain things I thought I picked up on in Steris that surprised me a bit. We even get a bit more in about Wax' first love, Lessie. All in all, the character growth in this book is the best part of it. Any time an author gets the reader to feel that much more involved with the people in a story I count it as a success.
That's not to short change the story by any means. As we watch the characters progress, we also get to see what could be the beginnings of tremendous change in the world. It's all brought along so gently and organically that even the reader may not pick up on it.
Shadow of Self is a book so entertaining one could easily try to finish it in one or two sittings. There is quite a bit of violence and some language that's a bit suggestive of mature topics all which land it in the PG13 are for me.
I really need to give Sanderson a try. I think I even own one of his books, just haven't gotten around to reading it yet. Glad to see you enjoyed this one. :)
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