Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson is praised for its intricate world-building and compelling narrative, seamlessly blending fantasy and mystery. Fans appreciate the deep character development and unexpected plot twists. However, some readers find the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a strong sequel that enhances the Mistborn saga, despite minor flaws.

Fans of fantasy novels with intricate plotting and rich world-building will enjoy Brandon Sanderson's Shadows of Self. Readers who appreciate the blend of magic and law enforcement, similar to Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files or Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time, will find it particularly captivating.

Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson is a fantasy novel set on Scadrial, part of Sanderson’s Cosmere universe, and the second book in the Wax and Wayne Mistborn series. Waxillium Ladrian and his friends work to stop a rogue kandra, Paalm, from inciting violence and social unrest in Elendel to liberate its citizens from their God, with Wax ultimately forced to face difficult truths about his past and faith. The novel portrays classism, misogyny, sexism, and death by suicide.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Adventurous / Exciting

Brandon Sanderson

Adult

Novel

The Mistborn Saga

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Shadows of Self reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Shadows of Self | SuperSummary

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Overview

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Shadows of Self Summary and Study Guide

Background

Shadows of Self Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 4

Shadows of Self Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 5-13

Shadows of Self Part 2, Chapters 5-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 14-21

Shadows of Self Part 2, Chapters 14-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapter 22-Epilogue

Shadows of Self Part 3, Chapter 22-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Shadows of Self Character Analysis

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Themes

Shadows of Self Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Shadows of Self Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Shadows of Self Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Shadows of Self Essay Topics

Shadows of Self

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Shadows of Self?

Reading Age

Book Details