The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson, a review.
Having read the previous trilogy of the Mistborn saga, I came to this book with certain expectations. The new trilogy follows new characters in a familiar world that has moved on in time. A world that still bears the legacy of the Mistborn but strives for new innovations and reveres those that have come before as parts of religion and legend. The city of Elendel is the primary focus of this story, though some of it occurs in the outer regions known as the Roughs. There is a familiar sense of the frontiers town to the Roughs. The book has the essence of a Western in many ways. It gives the story a flavour very different from the previous trilogy. It makes the story better not to stick to the same themes of many typical fantasy novels.
The story centres around Waxillium Ladrian and his partner Wayne. Wax is a Lord, a highborn of Elendel, that has spent several years out in the Roughs as a Lawman. This man has eschewed all he was to be in favour of a lifetime of hunting down criminals and maintaining the law in this lawless place. While running down a killer, Wax loses a loved one, and his life takes a drastic turn. A turn that leads him back to Elendel and a simpler life. Or rather, it is supposed to be simple. Unfortunately, Wax finds himself dragged into another case, one not of his choosing.
Wax is struggling to be the head of his house, a house whose finances have been run into the ground by his uncle. His lifestyle change is not to his liking, and old habits are proving hard to break. He is something of an anachronism out of place amid the highborn, yet he cannot return to his old life. His old life has not left him behind entirely, his friend Wayne having followed him to the city. That link keeps him tethered to what he had been before. Wax soon learns that the Elendel is every bit as dangerous as the Roughs in its own way. When shipments begin to go missing, his interest is piqued, and then when people are taken hostage, Wax returns to doing what he does best. With Wayne at his side, they begin their investigation, beginning with the stolen shipments of Aluminum and the most recent attack. The two men have to rely on their Allomantic and Feruchemical abilities, even as another joins their investigations and helps them to track down Wax's missing bride-to-be. Marasi is Sterris' illegitimate sister and a woman with a sharp mind. This trio has to learn to work together, to navigate this city and the dangers that lurk within it.
Sanderson continues to do a great job of writing compelling characters. I love Wayne. He is a brilliantly complex individual, unlike any of those that inhabit this world. Wax is compelling, with an air of the lawman of the wild west, though he exhibits similar detective skills to those of Sherlock Holmes. Wayne is a master of disguise, accents, and getting into places he shouldn't be. They make a great pair with their banter and rich history, Wayne's down-to-earth manner helping to level off the noble house lord.
This is a re-introduction to this world, a great start to a new trilogy, and some of Sanderson's best characters. I had forgotten how much I had enjoyed the original novels, pieces of them coming back with every page I read. I look forward to seeing what he has planned for this world and the Cosmere.
I'd give this book an eight out of ten. It is a fantastic read with complex characters and a compelling plot. I recommend this book to any fan of the Cosmere or the Mistborn, to any fan of fantasy. So, if you're looking for your next read, give this book a chance.
