Hooked again....

............and the good news is, Book 3, Bands of Mourning, is marked as "Final Draft - 100%" on BS's website. (And, the release date is only 3 months away, which is even better news!)

I must admit to finding the start of this second book in the series a little slow. I always re-listen to the books in a series, before listening to any new addition. I'd remembered enjoying the light-heartedness of the first book, and although Shadows of Self continued in this same tone, somehow this time I found Wayne's nonsense with his hats, and the banter between them just a little bit dull and repetitious....(maybe I was in a boring kind of mood myself). However, then it all got going - and it just took off! Proper nods to the Mistborn characters, and some real depth to these new characters too. And, just for good measure, a really good Sanderson plot twist to keep me hooked and waiting in anticipation for the next instalment! If you're a Mistborn fan, you'll need to add this one to your library too. Narration absolutely consistent with previous book, which is always a relief.

Thank you Brandon Sanderson, for never disappointing me!

9 people found this helpful

Sanderson does it again

If you could sum up Shadows of Self in three words, what would they be?

imaginative, unexpectedly brilliant

Any additional comments?

Sanderson has built an incredibly complex world where the laws of physics as we know do not apply to everyone. Brilliant action packed storyline and characters with extraordinary abilities are a standard for Sanderson, but in Shadows of Self he gives them a depth of personality and emotional life that other authors can seldom achieve in such a relatively short space. The fast-paced narrative made me hold my breath and at the same time my heart ached for the personal tragedies each of the characters lives. Definitely one to keep and listen to over and over again.

3 people found this helpful

not his strongest book

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

it was an engaging story that i enjoyed, it was just not up to the high standards of the true mistborn novels, and thus i felt a little let down

Would you recommend Shadows of Self to your friends? Why or why not?

not over many other Sanderson novels, so only to someone who's already a fan

Have you listened to any of Michael Kramer’s other performances? How does this one compare?

yes, and it was performed very well, as ever.

If this book were a film would you go see it?

probably i would, but then i'm a fan of the author - this wouldn't\ be the book of his to make a film of though.

Any additional comments?

i'm not sure what to think of the book, the story itself was good, but i just finished it feeling a bit let down - i also wasn't desperate to get back to the story as i was with others in the series, this one didn't grab me in the same way

2 people found this helpful

Well worth it!

What made the experience of listening to Shadows of Self the most enjoyable?

Fantastic performance of a great book. Enjoyed from start to finish. Didn't suffer from some of Sandersons extra long back story and kept pace throughout.

What did you like best about this story?

Well polished story and great characters.

Have you listened to any of Michael Kramer’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Yes - compares well. Voice acting is getting better and better.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Wanted to!

2 people found this helpful

A great mist born novel injected with humour.

What made the experience of listening to Shadows of Self the most enjoyable?

A well narrated novel full of action and the usual mist born wonders in an amazing universe. The characters bring a fun spin on the classic fantasy story. The mechanics of the magic continue to be enthralling but with the introduction of guns, cars and detectives you are now introduced to a new universe which brings new levels of engagement.

What other book might you compare Shadows of Self to, and why?

It's like mist on but with a detective spin.

What three words best describe Michael Kramer’s performance?

Versatile, engaging, excellent

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

1 person found this helpful

The 2nd part of the 2nd mist born trilogy.

Would you listen to Shadows of Self again? Why?

Definitely. It plays very well as a progression of the western era of the mistborn series. The story is strong and adds depth to the vivid world that sanderson is creating behind the scenes.

What did you like best about this story?

Sanderson has done an amazing job of making you question who is good and who is bad. The struggle of power and responsibility are evident in the movements of his God.

Sanderson writes religious uncertainty better than the majority of fantasy authors I've read, for a Mormon that is damn impressive.

What about Michael Kramer’s performance did you like?

Kramer is always very varied from character to character, making it clear who's talking without exposition. He also produces the right tone for dramatic moments that draws you very well into the tension.

1 person found this helpful

Another fantastic Cosmere adventure

Narrators breadth of voices was wonderful again, story was the same kind of roller coaster and I love returning to those Cosmere worlds. I also live the final chapter and can't wait to work out the story that weaves all the novels together!

1 person found this helpful

Can't wait for the next part

Another triumph from Brandon Sanders! Expertly read by Michael Kramer. This picks up from alloy of law (though doesn't work as a stand alone). Good to see the return of a favourite from the first mistborn series.

I absolutely love the characters and am looking forward to the next part

1 person found this helpful

A great book but struggles in the middle

Sanderson excels at delivery in the final 10% of a book and the world and logic are always sublime. That being said, he doesn't always manage to make the middle particularly enjoyable.

I always felt the sections from the relevent in world books scattered through chapters of the first trilogy did well to carry you through the middle of those books. This trilogy lacks those and while the first is held by the Easter egg references to the first trilogy and the interest in the new updated world, this one has nothing to spice up the slow middle 70% of the book.

The book always delivers, especially enough to make me read on, but this one was the hardest to get through.

Much less fun/interesting than first 3 books

Once again I'm a little disappointed. I loved the first three mistborn books so much but just found this one a bit... boring? Somehow just didn't care for the characters and i kept forgetting who was who as I wasn't drawn in enough.