Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson
Synopsis:
When family obligations forced Waximillium Ladrian to forsake the frontier lands and return to the metropolis of his birth as the new head of a noble house, he little imagined that the crime-fighting skills acquired during twenty years in the dusty plains would be just as applicable in the big city. He soon learned that there too, just being a talented Twinborn – one who can use both Allomancy and Feruchemy, the dominant magical modes on Scadrial – would not suffice.
This bustling, optimistic, but still shaky society will now face its first test by terrorism and assassination, crimes intended to stir up labor strife and religious conflict. Wax, his eccentric sidekick Wayne, and the brilliant Marasi – now officially part of the constabulary – must unravel the conspiracy before civil unrest can stop Scadrial’s progress in its tracks.
Review:
Waximillium (Wax) and Wayne investigate a strange mass murder that leads them on a trail of intrigue to eventually the gods themselves. Years ago, Wax lost the love of his life, and suddenly he sees the man responsible for her death. But he’s supposed to be dead as well.
Shadows of Self is a solid, standalone story in Sanderson’s Mistborn universe. Sanderson does an incredible job of worldbuilding, and his novels never fail to impress. This latest Mistborn novel is full of suspense, mystery, magic, and mysticism. The story is riveting and the characters are vivid and engaging. And while there is a lot of story already set in this universe, this novel can still be fully appreciated if you’ve never read anything else in the saga. Though the magic/mysticism wont make as much sense. But there’s a nice, comprehensive glossary in the back, if you want to find out more about the laws of this unique fantasy world. Don’t miss this epic fantasy series.