Schatten über Elantel

I definitely didn't realize how closely related this series was to the original Mistborn trilogy.In my defense, I got distracted by something the last time I was going through these and stopped after the first one, at least partially because it felt so very different. This raises the stakes and expands things quite a bit, and now I'm excited to see where things go.

Two twists, the twists! 4.5 stars.

Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson, the second book in the Mistborn sequel series (Wax and Wayne), earns a solid 3.75/5 stars. Set in a rapidly industrializing Scadrial, the novel follows Waxillium Ladrian, a lawman and noble with Allomantic powers, as he navigates a murder investigation, political intrigue, and a looming threat tied to the kandra and a mysterious entity called Trell. Strengths: Sanderson’s world-building remains top-tier, blending a gritty Western vibe with steampunk elements and the intricate Allomancy magic system. The dynamic between Wax and his snarky partner Wayne is a highlight, delivering humor and heart. The plot moves briskly, with Sanderson’s signature twists and action-packed sequences keeping you hooked. Marasi, the third main character, gets solid development, exploring her role in a changing society. The deeper dive into kandra lore and the Cosmere’s broader mythology adds intrigue for fans. Weaknesses: The pacing can feel uneven, with some political and investigative threads dragging before the explosive climax. The villain’s motives and the Trell subplot feel underdeveloped, leaving more questions than answers. Compared to the original Mistborn trilogy, the stakes here feel less epic, which might disappoint readers expecting the same scale. The 3.75 rating reflects this—it’s engaging and well-crafted but doesn’t quite hit the highs of Sanderson’s best. Overall: A fun, character-driven addition to the Mistborn saga, perfect for fans of Wax and Wayne’s banter and Cosmere enthusiasts, though it lacks the punch of Sanderson’s top works. If you enjoyed The Alloy of Law, this delivers more of the same with added depth, but don’t expect a perfect bullseye.