A thoughtfully detailed world, fast-moving action, and characters that are involving. Overall a great read, and I am looking forward to more in this series.
This is the first book in a spin-off series from the Mistborn trilogy.
Sanderson has indicated that he eventually wants to write two more Mistborn trilogies: one with 1940s or 1980's-style tech, and one with futuristic Star Trek-style tech, in order to show the evolution through time of the original Mistborn world. The Alloy of Law occurs 300+ years after The Hero of Ages, and is the first book in a spin-off Mistborn series, but it is not one of the aforementioned trilogies.
The Alloy of Law has a decidedly Wild West theme to it. The main characters, Wax and Wayne, are the proverbial sheriff and loyal deputy who are returning to the big city after decades spent in the untamed frontier. The basics of the Mistborn magic system are still in place, but they have weakened with time and have been effectively combined with gunfire.
This book was decidedly lighter and less complex than any of the Mistborn books. It was still over 300 pages, but it felt more like an appetizer than an entrée. The story moved along very quickly, skimming the surface rather than plumbing the depths, but it was still a very enjoyable read.
I particularly enjoyed the constant banter between the two main characters. While I don't feel like I know them nearly as well as any member of Kelsier's crew, I am looking forward to the adventures that they still have coming. Getting a glimpse into a post-Hero-of-Ages world (as well as some new metals!) was incredibly interesting, and showed a realistic advancement of time.
Sanderson has indicated that he eventually wants to write two more Mistborn trilogies: one with 1940s or 1980's-style tech, and one with futuristic Star Trek-style tech, in order to show the evolution through time of the original Mistborn world. The Alloy of Law occurs 300+ years after The Hero of Ages, and is the first book in a spin-off Mistborn series, but it is not one of the aforementioned trilogies.
The Alloy of Law has a decidedly Wild West theme to it. The main characters, Wax and Wayne, are the proverbial sheriff and loyal deputy who are returning to the big city after decades spent in the untamed frontier. The basics of the Mistborn magic system are still in place, but they have weakened with time and have been effectively combined with gunfire.
This book was decidedly lighter and less complex than any of the Mistborn books. It was still over 300 pages, but it felt more like an appetizer than an entrée. The story moved along very quickly, skimming the surface rather than plumbing the depths, but it was still a very enjoyable read.
I particularly enjoyed the constant banter between the two main characters. While I don't feel like I know them nearly as well as any member of Kelsier's crew, I am looking forward to the adventures that they still have coming. Getting a glimpse into a post-Hero-of-Ages world (as well as some new metals!) was incredibly interesting, and showed a realistic advancement of time.
Having read and loved the Mistborn trilogy, I was excited when I saw this one. It's a quick read but a slow starter. Nevertheless, I really liked the protagonist, Wax or Waxillium. He's brave, ethical and a courageous if a foolish risk taker at times. His sidekick, Wayne, is funny and dedicated to his friend. Miles Hundredlives is a good character and I would like to see more of him. He is probably one of the best characters in the novel. I kept wondering how he really became who he was and what his past might have been. The ending was predictable and certainly leaves room for a sequel. Do hope that the author spends more time developing that one. Lovers of the Mistborn series like me know how well this author can write. Yes, I would read the sequel and I just know that it will be much better.
