Brazales de Duelo (Wax & Wayne 3): Una novela de Mistborn

Allik is the best and MeLaan deserves all the kudos for having her head on right about the important things.

Like how big your bust should be for formal wear.

Anyhow this ended better even if it reminded me why Harmony annoys me. Let's see what happens next!!

Gonna read Secret History next. Yes yes I know it's Kelsier specific but well you do what you gotta. Even if it means dealing with a narcissist with a Savior Complex.

Great addition to a great series. Wayne remains my favorite character, and he keeps on performing in this book. There's something awesome about speed bubbles and dueling canes.

The tech advanced quite a bit in this book from the first two of the series, and I wasn't totally ready for that. I like the wild west feel. The first trilogy was a bit more medieval, and it's fun to see technology and culture progress. It was just a little fast for me in this series.

Can't wait for the next in the series. Can't get enough of Wax and Wayne.

In the Cosmere having interactions with a god is not uncommon depending on what planet you live on, but sometimes one just can’t stand meeting them and frankly don’t like them personally because of that god’s actions. The Bands of Mourning is the sixth Mistborn novel within Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere as Waxillium “Wax” Ladrian, Wayne, and Marasi travel to the south of the Elendel Basin to save a kendra as well as to save Wax’s sister from his villainous uncle.

In just over 500 pages Sanderson covers a lot of ground as the main characters travel, develop as characters, and learn about one another. Besides the long narrative of Wax versus his uncle and “the Set”, Sanderson adds nascent political intrigue outside the city of Elendel as well as expanding the world of Scadrial by showing the Sazed-Harmony is not a very good god by ignoring half the world’s population that is only surviving outside the Basin thanks to the creator of the titular Bands of Mourning that many are looking for. There are several twists throughout the novel, the main one was blatant mainly because Sanderson didn’t want to insult his readers and try misdirection however the twist at the very end has ramifications for the history of Scadrial and possibly the entire Cosmere going forward.

The Bands of Mourning sees not only Brandon Sanderson continuing the arcs of the second Misborn era and setting up a potentially fantastic conclusion, but also is a good narrative on its own.

The Bands of Mourning is the sixth book in the Mistborn saga and the third book featuring Wax and Wayne. Long thought to be a myth, a kandra researcher has returned from an expedition with the possible location of the Bands of Mourning - the Lord Ruler's original metal minds that are said to grant the wearer his powers. When it appears that the Set are also interested in this information, Wax is determined to investigate and see if there's any truth behind the old legend.

If there is one thing that can be said about Era 2 it's that these are fun books. The Bands of Mourning is no exception. Based on the initial plot hook I was expecting another romp around Elendel and the surrounding areas. I was not disappointed. While the book does start as a typical adventure, the plot expands in scope after about the first third of the book, giving the story more of an epic feel that has been missing in this era so far. As before, just when I think I have a good understanding of Scadrial, Sanderson reveals yet another secret or three. I can't believe all this time I'd never considered that there are more populated continents on the planet! It's so obvious in hindsight.

In addition to expanding the world, there is a lot of character growth. I am so happy that Steris has finally be given a chance to shine. She's gone from interesting, quirky secondary character to possibly my favorite in the series. I hold her ability to plan and organizational skills in awe. She literally thinks of just about everything. Wax is having a crisis of faith regarding Harmony and is still feeling out his relationship with Steris. Wayne temporarily gets over his aversion guns. Marasi continues to doubt herself yet by the end she's decided who she wants to be and embraces it.

Given the new reveals, this leaves a lot of room open for interesting possibilities in the future. I'm ready for the final book!

3 1/2 stars. This was the best of the "Alloy of Law" series that I've read. The characters are the strong point for me, as I've pointed out in reviews of the earlier books in the series. It finally struck me who Steris reminds me of "Amelia Peabody" both very proper English Ladies but willing to wade into the fray when needed. My favorite part of the books was with Aunt Gin the hotel proprietor of the hotel in New Seran, it read like an old Marx brothers routine. Wayne remains my favorite character of the series.

Classic Sanderson. A big step up from the last book and back on the plane I expect for/from Mistborn. Reminded me of why I loved Mistborn so much in the first place and gets me really hyped about the next book. I also can't wait to read the novella and it seems I've found out about the Cosmere at just the right time! Now to go devour the rest of his books...

Another good book by Sanderson. This one started off slow, but the ending really picked up. The ending was satisfactory and definitely left the possibility of a sequel. It does seem that Sanderson was trying to be more edgy with this book than his previous books. Not sure what's up with that.

This is the third of the Waxwilliam and Wayne adventures, and although I have read the others, it would have greatly helped if I'd read them considerably less long ago.It also makes references back to the original Mistborn series, of which I've only the faintest recollections. I'm fairly sure the previous two weren't so explicitly tied into the previous world, but many of the motivations (and the new characters) are dependent on remembering some of these details.

The prologue features a young Wax, in Terirs boarding school and already concerned with justice, investigating one of his friends, and the influence (and different character) his sister has on him. We never hear about the friend again, but rumours of the sister still being held by Wax's uncle drive Wax out of the capital and into the Outer Cities. Before he can leave however Wayne manages to interrupt Wax's wedding to the unbending Steris. And although concerned for safety and the unpredictability of the Outer Cities, she accompanies him, for at least she can school him through the social engagements he'll be required to attend. The constable Marasi also accompanies them as the Kendra have come across disconcerting rumours of an ancient Artifcat that allows any ferrochemcial powers to be transferred to any person irrespective of their prior abilities. It seems Wax's uncle is also hunting these as the Set seek to regain their control over the politics of the nation. Railways have come, and so Wax and co enjoy the ride out, until the action starts after which there's very little pause to stop and think about what's happening.

All the ferrochemical discussions get a bit confusing. I'm fairly sure Brandon knows them all very well, but the mix of 16 metals, some alloys and two or three disciplines is too much to make sense of. Fortunately you can more or less take it all on trust that he knows what he's doing, and none of the characters gain any new powers except as explicitly explained. Even remembering what powers they should have is hard enough. In terms of clever tricks though this - always the case with Brandon's worlds - starts to loose it's charm. The first encounter with allomancy in Mistborn was amazing. It was properly edge of the chair gripping reading some so new and inventive, and the ways it could be used were a delight. But we've met most of them now. They're not new or clever, they're just what we expect those people to do in that situation. And so it comes across as either contrived or expected when we play games with the powers. Continually introducing new features doesn't really work either.

Which just leaves the characters, and by now we know them well too. Wax chases, everyone else follwos and tries to keep up. The Uncle is always ahead. Only Wyane's banter makes it entertaining. An yet for all that the plot rattles along at pace, and is enjoyable throughout. Given the required balance of a series not yet complete, and a magic system we're familiar with, it does as well as Brandon can. It's just not as good as Mistborn.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I absolutely love the banter between Wax and Wayne, and MeLaan fits into their group like a glove. Steris even turned into a likable character here but in a very natural way. It was very well done, and I look forward to seeing more of her. I'm glad the book went with her for Wax instead of Marasi. In an odd way, she's actually a better fit for him.

Overall, I don't think it was quite on the level of Shadows of Self, but that doesn't mean I didn't love it. It's interesting to see this world expand just a little bit more.

Another Wax and Wayne book, though this one is almost entirely a Wax book. In this, the third book about these two lawmen, Wax is about to get married when his arch enemies interfere and send Wax off to the suburbs to deal with yet another problem. For those familiar with these books, this picks up right where the previous book left off and if you try to start with this book, you'll find things a bit confusing.
There is a lot more attention paid to Wax's fiance, Steris and her sister, Marasi. The now 4 person team get involved in bigger and bigger conspiracies. These books feel like one of the Sherlock Holmes movies, but set in Sanderson's Cosmere, in the world of the Mistborn. Very much action and character driven, it was a lot of fun and really explored the characters a bit more this time. Great stuff.

Not sure I like the airships much; it reminds me of how much I hate stories on sailing ships: very limited scope and scenery, which severely limits the characters.

Still, an outstanding ending and great epilogue!

THAT ENDING THOUGH!

This was such a good instalment into this series! I loved where the plot is going and how things developed, yet it still felt like its own story. Brandon Sanderson just has such a way with words. I can't count how many times I laughed out loud, and giggled to myself while reading this.

Steris was amazing. The character development for her in this book was soooo good. I loved how we got to know her more and she became more than just a cold, boring lady. I also enjoyed Marasi's character development and seeing her come into herself more. I can't wait to see where her story line goes. I liked the introduction of more characters in this novel as well - Allik, MeLaan (gets more fleshed out and really becomes a part of the group). The Malwish plot line is definitely going to be interesting. Can't wait to see where that goes.

I really enjoyed getting to see more of this new world, getting outside of Elendel. It was super interesting and I enjoyed the descriptions of New Seran. I'm excited for the expanded world with the Malwish as well!

I cannot wait for The Lost Metal!

Aaaah. I think this is my favorite of the three Wax & Wayne era books, though as the middle of its own trilogy it sort of reminds me of The Empire Strikes Back. Heroes have accomplished some things, but there's greater forces out there...

Also, hi, Sazed!


AND KELSIER APPARENTLY I need to read the short story that follows this, which will have obvious spoilers...

This book was not as compelling as the first three Mistborn books. Wax, Wayne, Marasi and Steris are all a bit to caricatured, so they can be funny and have great adventures, but they seem flat and lifeless. The grand quest they find themselves on in this book seemed almost like an aside to their main goals, so while it is dramatic, it comes across as a muted adventure, with the characters' personal quests more or less finished long before they go after the Bands. But, with several books of character development published, perhaps these characters will feel more well-crafted and life-like in the next book.

I still tend to like the characters and the plot, and writing remains well done, but the arch tone, particularly the arch self-awareness of Steris and Marais keep me from being absorbed in reading the book

Once you get to read alot of books, across alot of years, you start to see patterns, and learn to recognize small cheats. This book has the later. Specifically, it's a so-so story, but the author ends it with a huge reveal, so you are left with a "Wow" impression instead of the "meh" impression that the book really was.

3 stars because Shadows of Self was really more fun to read and had more interesting characters moment. This book isn't bad, but it's not like most reviewer are saying it is. The rave review are probably for the last 25 pages or so.

Very good continuation of the Wax and Wayne (and friends) story where we learn a lot of new interesting information. Looking forward to the next book as usual!

Satisfactory conclusion, with some interesting twists (can't really say any more without a BIG spoiler block). 

I like Sanderson's writing. Until this book, though, I never felt much connection with his characters.

The protagonist, Wax, is clever, powerful, but not especially wise. Essentially, he's a comic book superhero, kind of like Batman. Nothing wrong with that. Comic book heroes can be fun.

His sidekick, Wayne, is...well...a nutjob. Well meaning, but so incredibly annoying he makes the need for enemies superfluous except in times of mortal danger, in which he suddenly becomes an asset. He's another fun character, but a bit over the top for credibility.

We don't see much of the main antagonist, Suit, but he seems to make sense. He's not actually 'evil', but he's a selfish, power-hungry SOB. He's like an amoral corporate suit or a James Bond super-villain.

Another sidekick, Marasi, is a young female cop getting over a case of hero-worship for Wax (finally). She doesn't get a whole lot of face time, but she's a believable character.

The one character I can say I actually like in this book is Steris, Wax's bride to be. She has an undeserved inferiority complex but is probably the only character of the bunch that seems both rational and emotionally stable more than half the time.

All of these characters have distinct personalities and understandable motivations. But then, there's Harmony. I still don't get the need for the Harmony character at all. He's like an almost omnipotent god that pops in from time to time, but his presumed activity behind the scenes makes the actions of the other characters feel kind of pointless, as if they they are game pieces being manipulated...or perhaps more like farm animals. The magic system Sanderson uses in these books doesn't really need the character and, I think, would make more sense without it (keeping in mind that this is fantasy and doesn't bear close scrutiny as far as sense is concerned). Perhaps the role it plays will be clearer in the next book.

I love the way the relationship between Waxillium and Steris developed and how they were just so much fun together. Still Wayne is still a great character. I would have liked to see more of the romance that built between Wax and Steris but she showed how she wanted the best for him every step of the way and how she was willing to fight in her own way for it all. Steris is rapidly becoming my favourite character in this series, along with Wayne.

Things are both improved and disimproved. Wax solves some mysteries and fails to solve some and dies (but not permanently) and discovers more about himself and his world.

Decent book, but not as great as the others in the mistborn series. I found myself getting bored through most of it.

Enjoyed. Like the characters and not as bloated as the original saga.

The Bands of Mourning is the third book in Sanderson’s newer Mistborn series. You don’t have to have read the original Mistborn trilogy, but you should read The Alloy of Law and Shadows of Self before picking up The Bands of Mourning. My review will be spoiler free for The Bands of Mourning.

A kandra researcher has discovered the possible location of the Bands of Mourning, the legendary metalminds worn by the Lord Ruler himself, reputed to grant the wearer his powers. Unfortunately, along the way back to Elendel, the kandra was attacked and one of his spikes stolen. His mind is fragmentary, and he can recall little of what he found. When Wax uncovers evidence that his uncle might somehow be involved with the mystery, he agrees to go looking for the bands, along with Wayne, Marasi, Steris, and MeLaan.

The Bands of Mourning was as awesome as I expected it to be. The dialog is snappy, there’s plenty of humorous moments, I love the character interactions, and there’s plenty of plot twists and reveals about the greater world. Hoid, a character who appears in all of Sanderson’s cosmere novels, was tangentially plot relevant in this one, and it’s exciting to think about how all the different novels might tie together.

Sanderson continues to use the magic system he set up in the original Mistborn books in new and inventive ways. I’ll admit that my eyes kind of glazed over at the particulars of how everything worked. I’m willing enough to accept that it does work and go from there.

I loved the return of MeLann and Steris’s continued character growth. When I read Alloy of Law, I sort of assumed that Steris would end up being pushed aside by the narrative. I’m so glad that didn’t happen as she’s becoming one of my favorite characters of the series.

The Bands of Mourning is fun, fast paced, and full of adventure. This series has generally felt lighter than the original trilogy, and I’m really hoping that translates into fewer deaths in the final book! If you were a fan of the past two Wax and Wayne books, you should enjoy this one too.

Review originally posted on The Illustrated Page.