Book Review of Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson
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Book Summary

With The Alloy of Law and Shadows of Self, Brandon Sanderson surprised readers with a New York Times bestselling spinoff of his Mistborn books, set after the action of the trilogy, in a period corresponding to late 19th-century America.

Now, with The Bands of Mourning, Sanderson continues the story. 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. 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.

*****

So, where to start?? It would have been easy to write this if I had waited some days. My mind is still whirling in the possibilities this book kicks open. But I just can't wait another day to write. Towards the end I was listening to 'Starchild' and was so into this book, you couldn't have removed me from my seat even if I was caught in a stampeding herd of elephants. You could hear me rooting for the protagonist as the music reached its crescendo. Now after telling my overawed mind to shut up, here I am...

The book starts six months after the previous one ended. To be frank I was hooked in the first 2-3 chapters. Steris and Wax. Just seeing those two together gave me an inclination that I was in for one hell of a ride. Steris has always been one of those characters who remain in the background and contribute with their subtle remarks but she takes a frontseat in this one. We get to see her wild and adventurous side, the 'real' Steris; one she aspires to be but can't due the society and her own self-doubts. 

And well Wax, the lawman, he is his usual dashing self in the book. Following a trail of his uncle, he makes some startling discoveries all the while protecting himself and his associates. For a warrior you would generally not think of him as a thinker but Sanderson reveals his tender and thinking side, the way he views this world. Dangerous but not infallible, lawman yet lawbreaker one wonders how he copes with all the 'explosions' in his life. And he brings the age old adage -'Opposites attract' to a head by getting involved with Steris, a punctilious and conscientious woman, if there was one. They are like fire and ice, poles apart yet drawn to each other, needing to fill a void that none of them knew was there.

Sanderson keeps the plot interesting all the way. A slow start and one long drawn action sequence are my only complaints but 'rustings', who cares!! The book is fast paced with the steampunk character of the series being expanded upon halfway. Revelations, back-stabbings and gunfights are the order of the day. With so much seriousness going on, you wouldn't expect lot of humour, would you? But here the author shows his skill, dispensing and moulding the humor of Wayne and MeLaan like an icing on the cake. Wayne follows his friend doggedly all the way, even going so far as to overcome his trepidations and handling a gun, just showing the kind of character and steel this man has. The legend of the Bands and the overarching story of the Cosmere is well handled with nothing being rushed and nothing being held back. Sanderson is like the master who is playing with his dog, teasing him just enough to jump higher but never giving the full prize, tantalising him with the promise of more. 

With a smattering of humour, a pinchful of romance, a hint of danger and loads and loads of action, this book is a fun feast for all the Sanderson fans. How he manages to churn out one masterful book after the other is beyond any of us. We can only speculate on the possibility of Harmony whispering in his ear. :D But whatever be the case, you will not be disappointed in this one. So, until the next one comes, hold onto your seats and 'Survive'.