Mistborn: The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson is the first novel in the Wax and Wayne series, a spinoff from the original Mistborn trilogy set approximately 300 years later. The story introduces readers to a world that has undergone significant technological and societal changes, evolving into a more modern society with railroads, electricity, and firearms. Despite these advancements, the magical systems of Allomancy and Feruchemy continue to play a crucial role in the world of Scadrial.
The novel centers around Waxillium Ladrian (Wax), a lawman and nobleman who has spent the last twenty years in the Roughs, a lawless frontier region far from the bustling city of Elendel. Wax is a Twinborn, possessing both Allomantic and Feruchemical abilities. Specifically, he can Push on metals (an Allomantic power) and alter his weight at will (a Feruchemical power). These abilities make him a formidable lawman, able to navigate the dangerous and unpredictable environment of the Roughs.
At the beginning of the story, Wax is forced to return to Elendel after the death of his uncle, which leaves him as the head of House Ladrian. With his family’s finances in disarray, Wax must navigate the responsibilities of his new role while trying to suppress his natural instincts as a lawman. He reluctantly reenters high society, but his past soon catches up with him when a series of high-profile robberies and kidnappings plague the city.
These crimes are orchestrated by a mysterious and ruthless group known as the Vanishers, who seem to possess knowledge of both Allomancy and advanced technology. The Vanishers' ability to seemingly disappear without a trace, coupled with their brutal efficiency, leads Wax to suspect that they have powerful leadership and possibly a personal connection to him.
Despite his desire to leave his lawman days behind, Wax is drawn into the investigation when his fiancée, Lady Steris Harms, becomes a target of the Vanishers. Alongside him is his old friend and partner, Wayne, a master of disguise and a fellow Twinborn with the ability to create time bubbles that can slow down or speed up time within a small area. Wayne’s lighthearted and eccentric personality provides a stark contrast to Wax’s more serious and brooding nature, creating a dynamic and entertaining partnership.
The investigation leads Wax and Wayne through the dark underbelly of Elendel, where they encounter corrupt nobles, criminal enterprises, and the remnants of ancient magic. As they unravel the mystery of the Vanishers, they uncover a plot that goes beyond simple theft, revealing deeper conspiracies that threaten the stability of the city and the noble houses.
The novel also introduces Marasi, a young woman who is studying law and is fascinated by Wax’s exploits. Marasi becomes an integral part of the team, using her own Allomantic ability to create speed bubbles (which can make time move faster within a certain area) to aid in their pursuit of the Vanishers. Her intelligence, resourcefulness, and determination make her a valuable ally, and she quickly proves herself in the dangerous world of crime-fighting.
The Alloy of Law is a fast-paced and action-packed novel that blends elements of a Western with the intricate magic and world-building of the Mistborn series. It explores themes of duty, justice, and the tension between progress and tradition as Wax tries to balance his responsibilities as a nobleman with his calling as a lawman. The novel’s setting, with its mix of old-world magic and new-world technology, provides a fresh and exciting backdrop for the story, while the characters' personal struggles add depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.
Sanderson’s storytelling in The Alloy of Law is sharp and engaging, with witty dialogue, complex characters, and well-crafted action scenes. The novel sets the stage for the subsequent books in the Wax and Wayne series, introducing readers to a new era in the world of Scadrial while maintaining the core elements that made the original Mistborn trilogy so compelling. It’s a thrilling and satisfying read for both longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike.