Author: Brandon Sanderson
Narrated by: Michael Kramer
Publisher: Tor Books / Macmillan Audio
Rating: ★★★★★(5/5)
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org

This One Absolutely Rips

The Bands of Mourning is the kind of book that reminds you why you fell in love with this series in the first place. It’s fast, smart, emotionally grounded, and firing on all cylinders. Every time I thought the bar had peaked, Sanderson raised it again.

What really stood out to me is how every character gets their moment, and none of it feels forced. Wax is still carrying that familiar weight, but he’s no longer carrying the story alone. The ensemble here is locked in, and it shows.

Wayne remains a chaotic joy, perfectly timed humor without ever undercutting the stakes. Marasi continues to grow into herself in ways that feel natural and rewarding. Steris once again proves she’s one of the most quietly brilliant characters in the series — thoughtful, capable, and endlessly compelling. And MeLaan? Sharp, funny, unsettling in the best way. She cuts through the tension every time she’s on the page and adds real texture to the story.

Action With Purpose

There’s a lot of action here, but none of it feels like empty spectacle. Big set pieces, clever twists, and that unmistakable Sanderson momentum keep things moving without losing clarity or emotional grounding. This is one of those books where you promise yourself one more chapter and suddenly realize a lot more time has passed than you planned.

I enjoyed every word of this one.

Audiobook Experience

On audio, Michael Kramer once again delivers an excellent performance. His pacing is sharp, his character work is distinct, and he elevates an already fantastic story without ever distracting from it. This was a great listening experience from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

This is an easy five stars. The Bands of Mourning doesn’t just succeed — it builds on everything that came before and proves just how strong Mistborn Era 2 really is. The characters, the momentum, the emotional payoff — it all clicks.

This series just keeps raising the bar.

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