The Bands of Mourning takes the Wax and Wayne series to a whole new level, expanding the world in exciting ways while delivering a thrilling adventure filled with action, humor, and some big revelations. After the darker tone of Shadows of Self, this book brings back a sense of excitement and discovery that made The Alloy of Law so much fun.
Wax is once again caught between his duty and his personal struggles, and his character arc is one of the strongest in the series. Wayne continues to be hilarious, but we also get to see more depth to his character. And Steris? She absolutely shines in this book—her growth and her dynamic with Wax are some of the highlights.
The story itself is packed with mystery and exploration, as Wax and his team set out to uncover the truth behind the legendary Bands of Mourning. The mix of Allomancy, Feruchemy, and new technology makes for some incredible action scenes, and the way Sanderson expands the lore of the world makes everything feel fresh and exciting.
With strong character moments, great pacing, and a fantastic mix of humor and intensity, The Bands of Mourning is one of the best books in the second Mistborn era. A fantastic read from start to finish.