A review by ethias
Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson

2.0

2.5 stars. This is probably the first time I have really seen the influence of Sanderson’s religious views in his writing. Largely enjoyable in a very shallow way, but difficult to stomach at a couple points largely toward the end. The entire idea that is honed in on by the end seems to be similar to “god gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers”. The part where Paalm is shot in the head and taken over again by Harmony felt similar to someone getting a lobotomy. I’m not sure how pleased I am with the prevalence of Harmony in these novels, I’m not sure I like it and I’m not sure I like how it was done. I don’t think I’m enjoying the way that politics and religion are being handled in era 2, it feels very…. Anti revolution…. Which is strange considering the plot of era 1. The made up slang was in world is still very distracting and somewhat cringeworthy. It’s unfortunate how much I didn’t enjoy this one.