Shadows of Self
The sequel to The Alloy of Law.
The #1 New York Times bestselling author returns to the world of Mistborn
With The Alloy of Law, Brandon Sanderson surprised readers with a New York Times bestselling spinoff of his Mistborn books, set after the action of the trilogy, in a period corresponding to late 19th-century America.
The trilogy’s heroes are now figures of myth and legend, even objects of religious veneration. They are succeeded by wonderful new characters, chief among them Waxillium Ladrian, known as Wax, hereditary Lord of House Ladrian but also, until recently, a lawman in the ungoverned frontier region known as the Roughs. There he worked with his eccentric but effective buddy, Wayne. They are “twinborn,” meaning they are able to use both Allomantic and Feruchemical magic.
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.
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Brandon Sanderson
Few modern fantasy authors have reshaped the genre quite like Brandon Sanderson. Renowned for his intricate worldbuilding, innovative magic systems, and compelling character arcs, he has captivated millions of readers worldwide. His work blends epic storytelling with meticulous attention to detail, making his novels both immersive and intellectually engaging.
Breaking onto the scene with Elantris, he quickly gained recognition, but it was Mistborn: The Final Empire that solidified his place among the genre’s greats. The trilogy introduced a unique alchemical-inspired magic system, Allomancy, and a cast of unforgettable characters navigating a world of oppression and rebellion. His ability to craft deep, well-structured narratives continued with The Stormlight Archive, a sweeping epic that has drawn comparisons to some of fantasy’s most revered sagas.
The Mistborn Saga
The Mistborn Saga by Brandon Sanderson is an extraordinary fantasy series that has captivated readers with its complex magic system, intricate world-building, and unforgettable characters. Set in a unique world where ash falls from the sky and mist dominates the night, the saga combines elements of epic fantasy, political intrigue, and personal redemption, making it a must-read for fans of rich, immersive storytelling.
The Mistborn Saga consists of seven primary books, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of six more books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
Main series Cosmere
Book Reviews
Shadows of Self continues Wax and Wayne’s story, bringing a deeper and darker tone to the Mistborn world. While The Alloy of Law was more of a fast-paced adventure, this book dives into deeper themes, including morality, law, and the challenges of leadership. The stakes feel bigger, and the world of Elendel is becoming more unstable, which adds a great sense of tension.
Wax is still a strong lead, but this book really shines in how it develops the supporting cast. Wayne, as always, brings humor, but we also get to see a more serious side of him. Steris, who didn’t stand out as much in the previous book, becomes a much more interesting and well-rounded character here. The villain is also compelling, and the way the plot ties back to the original trilogy adds an extra layer of depth to the story.