Review: Bracers of Dueling by Brandon Sanderson

Review of the book “The Bracers of Mourning” by Brandon Sanderson. (Mistborn 6)

The Mistborn is the sixth book in the Mistborn series written by Brandon Sanderson. Published in 2019, it is a direct sequel to Shadows of Identity, and follows main characters Waxillium Ladrian, Wayne, and Marasi as they face a new threat in the city of Elendel.

If you’re a fan of epic fantasy and haven’t read Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series yet, you’re missing out on one of the greatest works of the genre ever written. And if you’ve already devoured the first five books, you’re probably looking forward to the sixth: The Mistborn.

In this review I’m going to tell you why The Bracers of Mourning is the perfect ending to a saga that has marked a before and after in fantasy literature. But first, I’ll give you a brief summary of what has happened so far in the world of Scadrial, where magic is based on the use of metals that grant powers to Allomancers and Feruchemists.

The Mistborn saga is divided into two trilogies: the first takes place in a medieval era, where a group of rebels led by the Allomancer Kelsier tries to overthrow the tyrannical Lord Ruler, who has ruled with an iron fist for a thousand years. In this trilogy we meet Vin, a young thief who discovers that she is a Mistborn, that is, someone capable of burning all Allomantic metals and using their powers. Vin becomes Kelsier’s disciple and the hope of the rebellion.

The second trilogy is set three hundred years later, in a time similar to the Wild West, where technology has advanced and political and social conflicts have multiplied. The protagonist is Waxillium Ladrian, a nobleman who has renounced his heritage to become a lawman in the Wildlands, where he uses his Allomantic and Feruchemical skills to fight crime. Wax is forced to return to Elendel, the capital of the basin named after the hero who freed the world from the Lord Ruler, to take charge of his house and business. There he reunites with his old friend Wayne, a fun and cunning skinchanger, and meets Marasi, a young and intelligent student of history and Allomancy. Together they face various threats that threaten the stability of the basin and the legacy of the ancient heroes.

The Bracers of Mourning is the sixth book in the series and the third in the second trilogy. It resolves many of the mysteries that had been raised in the previous books and closes the story arc of Wax and his friends. But it also opens a new door to the Cosmere, the shared universe where other works by Sanderson take place, such as Elantris, The Stormlight Archive or Born of the Sun.

The plot of Mourning Bracers revolves around the search for a legendary pair of bracers worn by the Lord Ruler centuries ago, until the Warrior of the Ascension snatched them from him, precipitating his death. These bracers are said to contain great power and could alter the balance of power in the basin. Wax receives a clue about their possible location from a Kandra scholar, a race of shapeshifters who can take the appearance of any living being. But he will not be the only one interested in finding them: his enemies will also be interested, among them is a mysterious character who seems to have a connection with God himself.

Bracers of Mourning is a book full of action, adventure, humor, romance and surprises.

The story begins with an explosion in the city that results in the deaths of several innocent citizens. Wax, Wayne, and Marasi investigate the incident and discover that a group of terrorists known as The Remnants are responsible. As they dig deeper into the investigation, they discover that The Remnants have a much bigger and more dangerous plan for the city of Elendel.

Once again, Sanderson has created a vibrant and exciting world, filled with fascinating characters and unexpected plot twists. The story unfolds at a fast pace, with plenty of action and excitement. As in the previous books in the series, the system of Allomantic magic and Feruchemy plays a key role in the plot, and the reader witnesses exciting new abilities and combinations.

Aside from the exciting plot and magic system, what really makes The Bracers of Mourning shine are the characters. Waxillium Ladrian is a complex and multifaceted character who has suffered a lot of loss in his life. In this book, he has to deal with the consequences of his actions and confront his own morality once again. Wayne is also an interesting character, and his relationship with Wax is further deepened in this book. Marasi also plays a major role, and her intelligence and investigative skills are vital to solving the mystery of The Remnants.

One of the most interesting aspects of this book is the exploration of deeper themes, such as justice, revenge, and loyalty. Sanderson writes about these themes in an authentic and sincere way, which makes the characters feel more realistic and three-dimensional.

Overall, The Mistborn is an exciting and satisfying addition to the Mistborn series. Sanderson has created a coherent and exciting world that feels fresh and exciting, even after six books. The plot is thrilling, the characters are complex, and the exploration of deeper themes adds an emotional depth that elevates the series to the next level. If you are a fan of the Mistborn series, you should definitely read this book. If you haven’t read the series yet, start with the first book, The Final Empire, and enjoy a thrilling adventure filled with magic, intrigue, and action.