Shadows of Self

by Brandon Sanderson

(170 reviews)

Shadows of Self shows Mistborn’s society evolving as technology and magic mix, the economy grows, democracy contends with corruption, and religion becomes a growing cultural force, with four faiths competing for converts.

This bustling, optimistic, but still shaky society now faces its first instance of terrorism, crimes intended to stir up labor strife and religious conflict. Wax and Wayne, assisted by the lovely, brilliant Marasi, must unravel the conspiracy before civil strife stops Scadrial’s progress in its tracks.

Shadows of Self will give fans of The Alloy of Law everything they’ve been hoping for and, this being a Brandon Sanderson book, more, much more.

16 editions

Yashima reviewed Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn, #5)

Review of 'Shadows of Self' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

TL;DR It's a Sanderson, it's Mistborn, what are you waiting for?

I remember, with some surprise, about warning people off the second trilogy after reading the first book, even though Mistborn is way up there on my all-time-favorites shelf. So I conclude that this one is way better than [b: Alloy of Law|10803121|The Alloy of Law (Mistborn, #4)|Brandon Sanderson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1442889632s/10803121.jpg|15035863], because I am definitely recommending this book. Maybe it is dependent on context.

I read, and read, and suddenly it was over. The story flows smooth, Wayne makes me laugh, and it feels so comfortably familiar while still managing to surprise me. And surprise me it did. For a more in-depth review I feel I have to re-read Alloy of Law.

Major, so don't if you haven't read the book:
I think I only suspected Bleeder being Lessie when she first appeared as her, though there were clues before that.

Read, …

Sean Gursky reviewed Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn, #5)

Review of 'Shadows of Self' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

2022 Re-read:
My life ends up feeling like a beautiful ship in dry dock, built with eighteen rudders pointing in different directions to be extra certain that a steering mechanism is in place.

Seven years later and this book feels entirely fresh. I had hints of story lines that stood out but not enough to spoil what was on the next page. Still a 5/5 book and looking forward to reading Mourning next.

2015 Initial Read:
You are His Ruin...I am His Preservation.

Before reading Shadows of Self I re-read Alloy of Law, I found it beneficial to refresh on a story I read a few years ago. However, I should have taken the time to re-read the Mistborn Trilogy because Shadows of Self pulls up some references from the first three books I was fuzzy on.

I felt Alloy of Law was a solid four star rating but Shadows of Self, in part with its connection to the original trilogy, is worthy of a five. The citizens of Elendel are maturing, building their world 600 years after the events of the original trilogy. The civilization is in unrest, metallurgic ways thought to belong to the legends are not forgotten and repercussions from the original books are bleeding in to the new world, which cranks up the enjoyment factor.

Understanding that Allow of Lay was an interlude between the Mistborn and Wax and Wayne trilogies helps explain why there was more references and connections to the Mistorn trilogy. As this is only book one of a new set you better hold on to your Roughs duster because this story is accelerating, and thankfully the next book is only a few months away!

matt reviewed Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn, #5)

Review of 'Shadows of Self' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Very good. Focused and fast paced. Twists were good, nice to see some older characters returning. Lots of very interesting tidbits developing.

cargide reviewed Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn, #5)

Review of 'Shadows of Self' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

¿Qué decir de lo que es capaz de hacer este tipo?
En Aleación de Ley ya hizo la introducción a los personajes y la época que iba a usar para la segunda trilogía, que comienza con este libro y se nota, porque si haberlo leído te puedes perder muchas cosas (y además porque es un pedazo de libro, por supuesto).
Ahora a hablar de lo que toca. Aquí, se sube el nivel de la amenaza, de un "simple" ladrón, a un terrorista, pero claro, todo aderezado con la magia que ya conocemos.
Si en el anterior libro Wax era más justiciero que otra cosa, aquí llega a niveles de Batman, volando para todos sitios, peleando donde cae, y en los pocos momentos de pausa que hay en el libro, deduciendo los siguientes pasos.
Como cada palabra más que diga sube el riesgo de spoiler, voy a dejar eso aquí: Wayne …

Lord of Candy reviewed Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn, #5)

Review of 'Shadows of Self' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Getting back to the Mistborn universe is such a pleasure. It is my hope that this universe continues to evolve and age as there is so much room for growth both in a timeline and characterizations through it.

Wax, Wayne, & Marsai (who I still can't settle on a pronunciation in my head) are the main trinity of this book. Wax & Wayne -- which I wonder if there is a not so subtle tie in to the moon since their characters could combine into one character if one thinks about it. I digress.

The characters are fun, thoughtful--thought provoking, and with just the right amount of wicked humor. Wayne could have his own book I think--I can't help picture him like the GoT character Bronn. Worldly, smooth, deeply understands the root of characters and is a perfect balance to Wax's detective work and Marasi's big picture/statistical narrative.

The overall …

B. Zelkovich reviewed Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn, #5)

Review of 'Shadows of Self' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Oh, Wax... I'm so sorry. God... I'm just, so, so sorry.

This book left me with this terrible numbness that is slowly melting into this awful ache. I'm worried what I'll feel like once it all settles in.