448 pages
English language
Published Jan. 25, 2016 by Tor Books.
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.
The Bands of Mourning are the mythical metal minds owned by the Lord Ruler, said to grant anyone who wears them the powers that the Lord Ruler had at his command. Hardly anyone thinks they really exist. A kandra researcher has returned to Elendel with images that seem to depict the Bands, as well as writings in a language that no one can read. Waxillium Ladrian is recruited to travel south to the city of New Seran to investigate. Along the way he discovers hints that point to the true goals of his uncle Edwarn and the shadowy organization known as The Set.
Not my favorite Brandy Sandy, but I loved Wayne and Steris.
I love how this one starts to explore some of the more interesting ways the Scadrial magic systems can be utilized. Mistborn and the Cosmere at large work with hard rules that make the magic systems feel intuitive and understandable. It's opening the doors for some really interesting technology coming out of this world in the future.
Slightly predictable near the end, but still a good book. I just wish that the Wax & Wayne books were a little longer, since they end too soon. Looking forward to the sequel in a year or two.
This book was great, much better than some prior Sanderson novels I've read recently (namely, Calamity and Perfect State). Not that the others were bad, just that they didn't seem as well crafted as this one. While Sanderson writes good books, he is at his best when writing long, epic fantasies. The Bands of Mourning excels at presenting intriguing new aspects to the world of Scadrial and at developing already great characters. I look forward to seen how Scadrial continues to develop over time in Sanderson's planned future books.
For my full review, check out my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2016/04/book-review-bands-of-mourning-by.html
