The Bands of Mourning
Ratings665
Average rating4.3
I thought this was the last book in this series so you can imagine my confusion when the size of the world and the complexity of the mechanics within it all completely blew open towards the end.
If I'm being pedantic I'll say it's not as strong as the more focussed previous entry - unsurprising since the last book didn't have to shoulder the burden of trying to smoothly add about a thousand new plot points to the series - but still a great time.
The finale could be quite epic.
Damn that epilogue! The only good thing to come out of this book was Wax and Steris
In a bit of a left-turn, W&W takes a dive into adventure movie material and becomes a bit like Indiana Jones, with the Macguffin being the Lord Ruler's feruchemical bands and the return of the (honestly weakest part of the book) Nazi-like villains the Set. Whilst this direction initially interested me, there was more explanation about Cosmere mechanics than the actual logic of what had led to these events, and I found myself having more questions than answers at the end of the book. The action was fluid, despite arguably slowing the story down at times in spectacle-filled, film-like sequences, and the characters have all developed considerably - Wax wrestles with some internal conflict, Wayne showcases more of himself and society, Marasi has become tougher and situationally-smarter and Steris goes through some really sweet growth. There was an exciting second-half revelation, and I loved the emotion of the ending. I can sense where Sanderson wants to take Era 3, but before that there's definitely a lot of room left to explore in Scadrial's near-future, and a secret history to fulfil in it's recent past... Looking forward to the Lost Metal (aka Mistborn 7)!
This is the best book of era 2 so far, and I'm so anxious to read the 7th, which still has no release date! :(
I'm fairly certain I say this in every review of a Sanderson book, but the characters in this novel are superbly written. I felt so much for their relationships between each other. The found family they've created is so meaningful and deep. Because of the banter and camaraderie between this band of misfits I found myself grinning multiple times while listening. The giant twist at the end had me almost to tears, and the ending of the novel had me smiling and giggling. Sanderson has a magical way with characterization in all of his books, and I especially felt for the characters in this series.
The plot was interesting and went in directions I didn't see coming. There were many more callbacks to the previous era, each one adding such a deep richness to the lore of the Cosmere. The ending left me slightly panicked for where this story is going to end in the next installment, and I am so anxious knowing we have no idea when that will be.
I highly recommend this book to Cosmere and Sanderson fans everywhere. I also highly recommend listening to the audiobooks for this series. Michael Kramer brings so much life to these characters. His impression of Wayne is my favorite, but they're all exquisite. I think my love for this series is largely in part to Kramer's narration. He brought so much life to the books.
I could say many good things about this book, but I'm online going to say the necessary: WE NEED THE NEXT BOOK!
loved it!! enjoyed the new scenery, new (and old) characters, new connections. i was a bit bummed about how in the end marasi was like “nah this isn't me, i'm not cool, lemme give this power to wax” but ehh i guess it matches her character. and the dude was dead lol so probably the sooner the better.
super duper curious about what the “epic finale” is going to be!! funny how i much preferred mistborn era 2 to era 1. goes to show there's no real substitution for reading something yourself!
I enjoyed this one, j think it's the best of the three. The pacing was faster and there was some interesting revelations. We also got to know the other characters much better. I've really enjoyed the Mistborn series
Well I though this was the last of a new Mistborn Trilogy... Nope! Apparently we are waiting for a 4th book?
Either way, I think this was just as strong as the other entries in the series, if not better. The all of the characters have grown and continued become interesting people, and the plot kept me guessing until the end.
My only complaint, and I'm not sure how valid it is, is that I'm having a hard part keeping up with the technological changes in the Mistborn world. I suppose I can relate to Wax, everything is changing so quickly and I feel left behind.
Bands of Mourning is great. Nevertheless, it's probably my least favorite Mistborn entry so far. The second half of the book does a substantial amount of world-building and introduces some new aspects to the magic system, and it felt rushed and somewhat unexplained compared to what I've gotten used to from this series. Nonetheless, it was still a great book, and I am looking forward to the next installment, The Lost Metal.
Exceptional world building with unique characters that grow but stay true to themselves (bookish ones solve things with words not swords- a continuity issue that seems to elude some stories). All of this in a fun Western style world. I enjoyed it and can't wait for the final book.
This book could actually be an Indiana Jones movie. Lots of adventure. Treasure hunt in mountains and caves. Booby traps etc. I can say that this book was the most different book in the series with all the adventures and technology. Personally I like the classic epic fantasy more. I love the epic battles, sword fights, sieges, politics etc. But Era #2 of mistborn explores a new genre when technology meets magic. With all the guns, trains and air ships. I have to say that Brandon does an excellent job with this book. Even me that doesn't like these genre enjoyed this book very much. Of course Era#2 is not nearly as good as Era#1 in my opinion but to be fair they are two completely different things and it is not right to compare these two to each other even though they are both misborn books. [not complete]
As always, great book by Brandon Sanderson!
I was really happy to read that there is still one more to go in this Mistborn Series.
While I wait for that I think I might have to re-read the original Mistborn Trilogy, as well as this one!
As always, great book by Brandon Sanderson!
I was really happy to read that there is still one more to go in this Mistborn Series.
While I wait for that I think I might have to re-read the original Mistborn Trilogy, as well as this one!
Not what I expected in this set of three books. The first three and second three books are remarkably different in terms of characters, setting, and pacing, but I can't imagine following the second set without starting at the beginning.
Wayne is absolutely the best character in the series. I hope to encounter him again.
I loved the book as much as I loved its title. Starts slowly but picks up pace rapidly. Each character is developed through the book which is quite tough given that we know most of the characters well already. The magic system by now probably makes sense only to Brandon because I am struggling to understand it a bit. But the appearance of a new civilization takes us in a new direction for the next book so onwards!
I can't even.
O, Brandon Sanderson, the gifted story teller, I forfeit the gift of intelligence to you.
Should you read books 4-7?
Oh my! Oh my! Brandon Sanderson never fails to impress me. This volume made me laugh, cry and took the story in places I never even imagined it was going to go, weaving a continuing tale that still has ties to the original trilogy, but in surprising and exciting ways. I love the characters and their adventure alongside their own personal journeys that continues to give me all the feels and inspiration that I loved so much in the first trilogy. I can't praise this series enough and this volume is not just a worthy addition, but a step up, setting the bar high for the conclusion that I wish was already out now.
Executive Summary: I enjoyed this a lot more than [b:Shadows of Self 16065004 Shadows of Self (Mistborn, #5) Brandon Sanderson https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1435053013s/16065004.jpg 21855448], though I'm hard pressed to say exactly why. Either way, I'm looking forward to the final book in this trilogy. 4.5 stars.Audiobook: Michael Kramer is excellent as always. He does voices for the characters and speaks clearly and with good inflection. This series is definitely audio-only for me.Full ReviewEver since discovering the first Mistborn series, I've considered [a:Brandon Sanderson 38550 Brandon Sanderson https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1394044556p2/38550.jpg] one of my favorite authors. I love everything to do with the Cosmere, but his Mistborn books come second only to Stormlight. For the last few years it's been a toss-up between him and [a:Jim Butcher 10746 Jim Butcher https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1400640324p2/10746.jpg] as my favorite.I really enjoyed the stand alone [b:The Alloy of Law 10803121 The Alloy of Law (Mistborn, #4) Brandon Sanderson https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1442889632s/10803121.jpg 15035863]. I was really excited for [b:Shadows of Self 16065004 Shadows of Self (Mistborn, #5) Brandon Sanderson https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1435053013s/16065004.jpg 21855448]. I came away disappointed. It wasn't a bad book. I gave it a rounded-up 3.5 stars, which isn't bad in general, but it's low for me to give to any Sanderson book, let alone a Mistborn book. Add that in with the non-Cosmere[b:Firefight 15704459 Firefight (Reckoners, #2) Brandon Sanderson https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1413220816s/15704459.jpg 21979689] that I liked even less and his last two books were letdowns for me.Needless to say, I came into this one nervous. Was I outgrowing Mr. Sanderson? Was his breakneck output finally showing in the quality of his books? Other Sanderson fans seems to disagree with me about [b:Shadows of Self 16065004 Shadows of Self (Mistborn, #5) Brandon Sanderson https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1435053013s/16065004.jpg 21855448], so I was really apprehensive I was outgrowing him.After reading this book, I think the answer is a little of both. I'm probably less forgiving than I was, and likely much less forgiving than many Sanderson fans. When this book was announced, Mr. Sanderson admitted to struggling with the previous one:“jumping into Shadows of Self was slow going, and I found it much easier to go write the sequel to refresh myself on the world and characters. That done, I was able to move back to Shadows of Self and finish it up.”So personally, I think that struggle showed in the final product. This book however, is classic Sanderson. My worries have been alleviated for the most part. I really enjoyed this one. In fact it's now one of my favorites of the series, and I think the best Wax & Wayne book to date.So why is that? Well for me it's largely because of Sterris. She's quickly become my favorite character. I often struggle with Mr. Sanderson's jokes in general. I consider it a weak point in his writing. The groan factor of his jokes for Wayne are a very close second to his jokes in the Reckoner series, and those are intentionally bad. Sterris had me cracking up though. I'm not sure if it's intentional or not. If so, then maybe Mr. Sanderson is simply better at subtle humor than outright jokes. Of course humor is always subjective. I've had people argue with me that they enjoy his humor. To each their own.Mostly, I just love Sterris' character development as this series has gone on. I'm sure it has a lot to do with self-identification with some of her neurocies. Her constant planning, and making of lists are things I find myself doing a lot. Although, not nearly as detailed as she does. Either way, she's a great compliment for Wax.Like all Mistborn books (and really Sanderson books in general), the magic system is top-notch. He once again finds new and interesting ways to use the magic while mostly staying within the bounds he's previously established. When he does cross those bounds, he does so in a way that feels like we're simply learning more details about magic we didn't know before, not that he's breaking rules. And of course the action is excellent. Most of all though, he's building a really interesting story. Cool magic, fast-paced action and great characters are all well and good, but it was the mysteries of The Set and the Bands of Mourning that had me hating to stop listening, and were enough to finally motivate me to hook up my trainer so I could get an extra 30-45 minutes of audio in each day.I'm really happy with this book. This book ends in a decent enough place at least. Things are set up nicely, without leaving you on a giant cliffhanger. I'd be disappointed at having to wait so long for the conclusion if his next book wasn't [b:Oathbringer 17250961 Oathbringer (The Stormlight Archive, #3) Brandon Sanderson https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png 23840254] (or whatever he ends up calling Stormlight Archive 3). Hopefully [b:The Lost Metal 23947089 The Lost Metal (Mistborn, #7) Brandon Sanderson https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png 43551632] will be worth the wait.