Wind and Truth

But if you ask these heroes why they risked their lives, don't do it on a stand in front of a crowd while you give them their medal. Because the truth is, they likely didn't do it for their country. Or even for their ideals. Consistently, across cultures, eras, and ideologies, war heroes report the same simple motivation. They did it for their friends.This is a good story, well-told, with characters I was rooting for. I'm a Brandon Sanderson fan, so I'm not surprised I liked this, but I wasn't expecting it to be so charming. The story is written from the point of view of a Cosmere character I am particuarly fond of, and it's written a lot like the Princess Bride--the narrator clearly knows a lot of things about the "real" world (and a few other worlds as well), and the narration is funny and sassy and great to read. It isn't in the same tone as Brandon Sanderson's other works, and that works fine for this tale. Don't expect the seriousness of The Stormlight series, and you'll be fine. Come in expecting to be told a <i>story</i>, not read a book, and you'll enjoy it a lot more. Tress' journey is fun and dangerous and full of quirky characters. The narrator is one of them, and again, seeing him was a delight. Tress herself is a lot stronger than she gives herself credit for, and her quest, while a pretty basic concept, turns into something more, as quests are wont to do. The ending surprised me with a few things, which is always what I want from a Brandon Sanderson book. I found the denouement sweet. There are tons of connections to the Cosmere, though the book is readable without knowing what they mean. They're just easter eggs, and it's fun to see them. I marked all of them in my physical copy just so I can go back and connect some things. Overall I loved this a lot and I'm glad to see the Secret Projects are going to be delightful.

I am emotionally damaged now and forever. Thanks, Sanderson. No, really, thanks. Journey before destination, but the destination was great, too.

Pros: Engaging Plot: The story follows Wax, Wayne, and Marasi on a thrilling hunt for the mythical Bands of Mourning, delivering a mix of heist vibes, political intrigue, and magical showdowns. The pacing is brisk, with plenty of twists that keep you hooked. World Expansion: Sanderson deepens the Scadrial universe, introducing new cultures, technologies, and hints of larger Cosmere connections that excite fans of his broader works. Character Dynamics: Wayne’s wit and Marasi’s growth shine, with their banter and development adding emotional weight. Wax’s arc, while solid, feels slightly overshadowed but still compelling.Magic and Action: The Allomancy and Feruchemy systems are used creatively, especially in climactic battles that are cinematic and satisfying.Cons: Middle-Book Syndrome: While enjoyable, it feels like a setup for the final book (The Lost Metal), with some plot threads left unresolved, which might contribute to the 3.75 rating. Complexity Creep: The expanding lore and Cosmere tie-ins can feel overwhelming for casual readers. Predictability: Some twists, while fun, may not surprise seasoned Sanderson readers, slightly tempering the impact. Overall: The Bands of Mourning delivers a fast-paced, magic-fueled adventure with enough Cosmere nuggets to thrill fans, though it doesn’t quite hit the emotional or narrative peaks of Sanderson’s best. Your 3.75/5 rating feels fair—great but not flawless, a book that entertains while setting the stage for more. Recommended for Mistborn fans, especially those invested in the larger Cosmere.