Review: The Alloy of Law

The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Holy crap, this book is fast paced! I'm writing this review on my second read of this book, and I had forgotten how quickly the plot progresses.

While listed as Mistborn #4 on Goodreads, The Alloy of Law is really the start of a new story in Scadrial, a dark, ash-covered world introduced in Sanderson's original Mistborn trilogy. Taking place several generations after The Hero of Ages, Alloy is a steampunk adventure following lawman-turned-lord Waxillium Ladrian. Not long after returning from the lawless Roughs to care for his family's estate in the city of Elendel, Wax is drawn into hunting criminals once again. A mysterious band known as the Vanishers is terrorizing the city with armed robberies and kidnappings of the city's elite.

What starts as a tale of political intrigue turns into a relentless, gripping crime drama. Fans of the Dresden Files will love Wax's gritty, yet honest, persona. The lead characters in this book are some of Sanderson's best. And the questions raised about justice and morality will keep you thinking even after the explosive and satisfying finale.

Alloy is a must for Sanderson fans. Although it could technically be read without reading the original Mistborn trilogy, much of the world's mythology--and the intricacies of Allomancy--are not explained as deeply here. Plus there are several references to history throughout that are much more meaningful to those who read the books from the First Era.

Although the popular opinion is that the Second Era books are not as good as the First Era, Alloy is easily just as exciting as The Final Empire. While not as grand in scope, the pace of the story will keep you turning the page and holding your breath.

-jas

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