Mistborn: The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson is the third book in the Wax and Wayne series, continuing the adventures of Waxillium Ladrian (Wax) and his companions in the evolving world of Scadrial. The novel delves deeper into the mysteries of the ancient past, the true nature of the magical systems, and the hidden forces that have been shaping events behind the scenes.
The story begins with Wax still grappling with the revelations and losses he experienced in the previous novel, Shadows of Self. Despite his personal turmoil, Wax is called upon to undertake a new mission: to recover the legendary Bands of Mourning, mythical metalminds created by the Lord Ruler himself. These artifacts are said to grant the user the full power of the Lord Ruler, making them an incredibly valuable and dangerous item in the wrong hands.
Wax’s journey takes him, Wayne, Marasi, and Steris to the city of New Seran, a place filled with both opulence and secrets. Along the way, they encounter members of the mysterious Set, a secretive organization with nefarious plans involving both the Bands of Mourning and the larger political landscape of Elendel. The Set's involvement adds layers of intrigue and danger to their quest, as they are constantly one step ahead, manipulating events from the shadows.
As the group delves deeper into the search for the Bands, they uncover more about the ancient history of Scadrial, including hidden knowledge about the metalminds and their connection to the Shards of Preservation and Ruin. The novel explores the complexities of Allomancy and Feruchemy, revealing new abilities and combinations that challenge the characters' understanding of their world.
One of the novel's central themes is Wax’s struggle with his identity and the legacy of his family. He must confront his own doubts and fears about the path he has chosen, the burdens he carries as a nobleman, lawman, and hero, and the impact of his actions on those he cares about. This internal conflict is mirrored by the external challenges he faces, as the quest for the Bands of Mourning becomes a test of his resolve and leadership.
Steris, who has often been seen as a secondary character, comes into her own in The Bands of Mourning. Her meticulous planning, intelligence, and growing bond with Wax make her an invaluable member of the team. Her development adds depth to her character and provides a balance to Wax’s impulsive nature.
Wayne and Marasi continue to play crucial roles in the story, with Wayne’s unique blend of humor and combat skills providing both levity and tension. Marasi, now a constable, uses her investigative skills and Allomantic abilities to aid in the pursuit of the Bands, all while dealing with her own evolving understanding of justice and morality.
The climax of The Bands of Mourning is a thrilling and action-packed sequence that ties together the various threads of the story. The revelation of the true nature of the Bands, and the subsequent confrontation with the forces seeking to control them, provides a satisfying and dramatic conclusion. However, as with all of Sanderson’s works, the ending also raises new questions and sets the stage for future adventures, leaving readers eager for more.
Mistborn: The Bands of Mourning is a compelling continuation of the Wax and Wayne series, blending epic fantasy with elements of a mystery and adventure story. Sanderson’s world-building is as meticulous as ever, with the novel offering both a deeper exploration of the magic systems and a broader view of the world of Scadrial. The characters are well-developed, with personal arcs that resonate emotionally and tie into the larger narrative in meaningful ways. Overall, The Bands of Mourning is a must-read for fans of the series, delivering on both action and story while expanding the rich lore of the Mistborn universe.