Reviews

The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson

ktschreib's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Really enjoyed this!! The ending was, of course, incredible (per Sanderson’s style). I loved how this book widened the era 2 world SO much more & the twists were unexpected and really good. So excited to see how it all ends and see who/ what Trell is!!

etorresd91's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

elenasquareeyes's review against another edition

5.0

The Bands of Mourning is the sixth book in the Mistborn series and follows on from The Alloy of Law and Shadows of Self, so while this is a spoiler-free review, there may be vague spoilers for the series as a whole. 

The Bands of Mourning are the mythical metalminds owned by the Lord Ruler, said to grant anyone who wears them the powers that the Lord Ruler had at his command. Hardly anyone thinks they really exist. But now a kandra researcher has returned to Elendel with images that seem to depict the Bands, as well as writings in a language that no one can read. Waxillium Ladrian is recruited to travel south to the city of New Seran to investigate, and along the way he discovers hints that point to the true goals of his uncle Edwarn and the shadowy organization known as The Set. 

I’m still happy to say I’m really enjoying the Mistborn Saga and The Bands of Mourning is my favourite out of the Wax & Wayne series (so far). This series does a great job of building on what we know about this world in a way that makes it interesting and rich but also pretty easy to understand. Having a lot of the book’s events take place outside of the city of Elendel, which is where most of the previous two books have been, shows more of the world and its people. Because Wax has been so focussed on finding his uncle and figuring out his plans, he hasn’t necessarily paid attention to the wider political landscape he is a part of. 

Steris on the other hand, has. Steris really came into her own in The Bands of Mourning. I’ve always quite liked her and enjoyed seeing how her and Wax’s relationship has slowly been evolving from a marriage of convenience to perhaps something more on both sides, but in this book she really shows how useful and competent she can be. She’s a lot different from her sister Marasi, and from Was and Wayne, but those differences can help the others a lot and it was great to see her go on an adventure with them all. Her practicality and ability to think imagine potential scenarios (often ones where things go wrong) means she’s often not surprised by the shootouts and chases she ends up in and instead she’s made plans and prepared for these things. 

The four of them work really well together and they, along with MeLaan the kandra, are paired up in different ways throughout the book and it’s a really fun way to learn more about these characters personalities and see their different relationships. There are a few moments in The Bands of Mourning where you see just how much Wax and Wayne mean to one another and they truly are ride or die besties. At one point Wax almost goes feral to protect Wayne and it was great. 

The mystery element of The Bands of Mourning was really interesting as it forces characters to look into the past and try and figure out to what extent the myths or legends have any truth to them. It also becomes more of an adventure story in the vein of Indiana Jones or National Treasure which I wasn’t expecting but very much enjoyed. 

The pacing in The Bands of Mourning, like many of the books in this series, is really good. The action scenes are really exciting and vivid and then the quieter moments when characters are plotting and scheming is just as gripping. The last third or so of the book is some proper page turning stuff with twists and shocks and some really great character moments. 

I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series but The Bands of Mourning really ups the stakes and expands the world, magic and lore and continues to make it really interesting. The characters and their relationships are still one of my favourite things about this series and The Bands of Mourning gives some moments that tug on the heartstrings. 

straw's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

dillonbrantley's review against another edition

4.0

The Bands of Mourning does much more than the previous two entries of this era to explore Allomancy, Hemalurgy, and Feruchemy, ultimately leading to some exciting discoveries and interactions.

What is more enjoyable, however, is the plethora of interactions between these characters I have come to enjoy so much. Wax and Steris actually get some fantastic development, and Wayne is funnier than ever.

althaea's review against another edition

5.0

This series has taken me completely by surprise! The more of the books I listen to, the more I'm falling in love with the characters and the story.
Steris is so lovely, and I love the fondness that has sprung between her and Wax.
And Allik giving Marasi his mask??

I'm so excited for the final book in Era 2, but I absolutely don't want it to end either

shandyt's review against another edition

4.0

4.25 stars.

I'm still not entirely "sold" on this series, for some reason, though I appreciated the expansion of the setting beyond Elendel, and the greater stakes. Each successive book does seem to be better than the last.

lnoronha's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

queenduck's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

grishreads's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0