The Bands of Mourning (#6)
Three hundred years after the events of the Mistborn trilogy, Scadrial is now on the verge of modernity, with railroads to supplement the canals, electric lighting in the streets and the homes of the wealthy, and the first steel-framed skyscrapers racing for the clouds.
The Bands of Mourning are the mythical metal minds 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. 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. Along the way he discovers hints that point to the true goals of his uncle Edwarn and the shadowy organization known as The Set.
Reviews
“A fast-paced novel that’s part Wild West, part Indiana Jones, and wholly entertaining, combining high emotional stakes with a deep, good-natured sense of humor.”
“This quest is classic Sanderson, with magic, intrigue, and witty repartee. All the familiar elements from the earlier Mistborn novels are here, including the metal-based magics of allomancy, feruchemy, and the forbidden art of hemalurgy (about which more is revealed over the course of this story). Open questions from earlier adventures are finally addressed, and Sanderson skillfully weaves in new opportunities for the dynamic duo’s next adventure.”
“Definitely the best in this series, THE BANDS OF MOURNING incorporates the excellent action and scenery of the early trilogy while ironing out the character conflicts that held them back [...] THE BANDS OF MOURNING encompasses the kind of cinematic adventure of an Indiana Jones movie but sets it in the fascinating Mistborn world. This is a very satisfying conclusion, but one that also definitely sets up further stories in this universe.”RT Book Reviews
“THE BANDS OF MOURNING is a rollicking good time, albeit with moments of sadness and seriousness [...] Sanderson does a nice job of expanding his world greatly in the last part of this novel, and giving us too a vividly strong ending that opens things up as well.”Fantasy Literature
“Witty, memorable characters; a fast-moving, plate-spinning plot; and a deepening of one of the most creative magic systems ever conceived: it’s everything a Sanderson fan could ask for.”
“Overall, I give THE BANDS OF MOURNING 5 stars, and I highly recommend it for fans of the series!”
“You will find delight in this book.”
“THE BANDS OF MOURNING provides a story that’s much lighter — but still thought-provoking — than its predecessor, ‘Shadows of Self’…the characters show real development by coming to terms with loss, love and duty […] New characters add some interesting elements in addition to fleshing out the world.”
“In addition to the wonderful characters, the story itself is incredibly engaging […] The action sequences are often breathtaking. The warmth between the main characters is genuine and heartfelt. THE BANDS OF MOURNING is beautifully written. This is a fabulous novel with great action and pacing, politics, a quest, a very well developed mythology, and thoroughly memorable characters. Highly Recommended!”
“I loved this story and would strongly recommend it to those who love action-packed adventure, fascinating and structured magic, and plenty of wit and humor.”Pure Textuality
“This is a must for fans of Brandon Sanderson and his Mistborn tales.”Henry Lazarus blog
“This is absolutely worth your time. Pick it up, and you probably won’t be able to put it down again for quite a while – it’s a great read.”Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reviews
“This is another fantastic entry into the Cosmere and an epic Mistborn adventure. Along the way there will be love, laughs and great secrets revealed, which will change the face of the world forever.”BookLoons
Awards & Accolades
#6 New York Times Bestseller List
Goodreads Choice Award Finalist: 2016 “Best Fantasy”