The Alloy of Law: A Mistborn Novel
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson, the Mistborn series is a heist story of political intrigue and magical, martial-arts action.
Three hundred years after the events of the Mistborn trilogy, Scadrial is now on the verge of modernity, with railroads to supplement the canals, electric lighting in the streets and the homes of the wealthy, and the first steel-framed skyscrapers racing for the clouds.
Kelsier, Vin, Elend, Sazed, Spook, and the rest are now part of history—or religion. Yet even as science and technology are reaching new heights, the old magics of Allomancy and Feruchemy continue to play a role in this reborn world. Out in the frontier lands known as the Roughs, they are crucial tools for the brave men and women attempting to establish order and justice.
One such is Waxillium Ladrian, a rare Twinborn, who can Push on metals with his Allomancy and use Feruchemy to become lighter or heavier at will. After twenty years in the Roughs, Wax has been forced by family tragedy to return to the metropolis of Elendel. Now he must reluctantly put away his guns and assume the duties and dignity incumbent upon the head of a noble house. Or so he thinks, until he learns the hard way that the mansions and elegant tree-lined streets of the city can be even more dangerous than the dusty plains of the Roughs.
Other Tor books by Brandon Sanderson
The Cosmere
The Stormlight Archive
The Way of Kings
Words of Radiance
Edgedancer (Novella)
Oathbringer
The Mistborn trilogy
Mistborn: The Final Empire
The Well of Ascension
The Hero of Ages
Mistborn: The Wax and Wayne series
Alloy of Law
Shadows of Self
Bands of Mourning
Collection
Arcanum Unbounded
Other Cosmere novels
Elantris
Warbreaker
The Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series
Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians
The Scrivener's Bones
The Knights of Crystallia
The Shattered Lens
The Dark Talent
The Rithmatist series
The Rithmatist
Other books by Brandon Sanderson
The Reckoners
Steelheart
Firefight
Calamity
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Reviews (192)
A Thrilling and Action-Packed Genre Hop
Last summer, I read through Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy because I heard it was a fantastic introduction to modern fantasy. I enjoyed my experience with the trilogy, and - looking for some escapism - I decided to pick up the "spin-off" series set in the same universe. However, with The Alloy of Law, Sanderson has done something particularly fascinating and unique. The Alloy of Law is the first entry in a new trilogy set 300 years after the events of the original trilogy. And this world is not static - it progresses. While the original trilogy leaned into somewhat-familiar classic fantasy trappings (nobility, castles, swords, kingdoms, etc), the new trilogy has more of a western/steampunk vibe (trains, electricity, "horseless" carriages, and pistols). And enough time has passed that the events of the original trilogy have taken on a mythic/religious quality. The new setting and environments are a breath of fresh air. Sanderson masterfully "updates" the world he created without skipping a beat - the dialogue is still witty, the new characters charming, and the action scenes still crisp, easy-to-follow, and thrilling (especially with the addition of firearms). And the metal-based "magic system" is so ingrained into lore and culture that it doesn't even feel like magic anymore - just an extension of the characters. One of my biggest gripes with the original Mistborn trilogy was that at times the books felt needlessly padded and overwrought. The Alloy of Law is much shorter than those books, and while it loses a bit of that "epic" quality, I found the more focused storyline much more riveting and engaging. Filled with Sherlock Holmes-esque detective work, masterfully written shootouts, and some instantly loveable characters, The Alloy of Law is proof that Sanderson is a master storyteller in whatever genre he chooses to pursue. I look forward to continuing this series.
Not as good as others
Not nearly as good as the first three Mistborn in my opinion. For those that don't know this is the start of a new series set in the same universe as his Mistborn Trilogy (which is excellent) but many years later with new characters and a 'western' setting rather than the more medieval setting of the first trilogy. If it weren't Sanderson I might have had lower expectations but everything else I've read of his was phenomenal and this was a really by-the-numbers story that I didn't find that exciting. I kind of had to force myself through parts of it due to being bored, which is the opposite of how I read most of his books. The two main characters are kind of cool seeming at first, but were more style than substance in my opinion (and the majority of the substance was in the first chapter), and all the rest were paper-thin (including the villain). The plot was too straightforward given how fantastic his plots are in other books. Anyways its mildly enjoyable but disappointing as a followup to the first Mistborn trilogy.
Good but very rushed
This book felt about half as long as the ones in the preceding trilogy. Almost more of a novella than a full novel. As a result of the cramped size of the book, character development feels sparse, and where it does occur, very forced. Though characters are not exactly Sanderson’s “thing”, (not that his characters are bad, it’s just not where he shines the most) he usually does a good job of revealing crucial background details about a character over a broader number of pages, and allows more natural character interactions to drive exposition. That isn’t happening here. The contrast is pretty significant, in fact. For example, he goes through a very long process of foreshadowing with the characters in Stormlight Archive, holding back or merely hinting at the traumas and regrettable decisions in their past. And while he doesn’t do that to the same degree in the prior Mistborn Trilogy, the process of characterization there is still more drawn out, and, therefore, more believable. This simply doesn’t happen in Alloy of Law. The book begins with a straight up and down depiction of the tragic event that defines Wax, the main character. The sidekick, Wayne, doesn’t even get that level of attention from Sanderson: Wayne reveals his dark secret in a paragraph-long expository block delivered to a character whom, in canon, he has literally met once or twice before. You could chalk that up to Wayne being a cheeky over-sharer, but you could also chalk it up to Sanderson wanting to cram a novel’s worth of character development into a page or two. Overall, the book feels much more like an extended short story than a true novel; perhaps this is because the pace of the story is very rapid. Or perhaps it’s because the book was intended to be a tacked-on novella (as Sanderson has produced for other series’ of his) rather than a fully-fledged intro to a new series. (I may Google that after I finish writing this, actually. It would explain a lot.) The book is still good, of course. The action scenes are largely clean and well-written, though there were one or two times when I had to reread a description of some gunplay a few times before I “got” it. And, of course, the worldbuilding is there, as the author builds skillfully on the basic principles he set up already in the prior books set in this world. The really interesting thing is the combined Allomancy/Feruchemy powers of people Sanderson labels “Twinborn”. However, he only displays three characters with those kinds of powers in this book, and there’s only really a single memorable execution of a “combo ability”, so to speak, by any of the characters. It’s not the magic that drives this book, really. It’s simply integrated very well into the plot of the book. At no point does it feel like Sanderson is using his magic systems as a deus ex machina; characters with godlike powers counter one another very cleverly and in very logical ways. Like all his books, the systems of magic that make Alloy of Law a fantasy novel (rather than a run of the mill western) are so smoothly written and logically described that they enhance the believability of the narrative, rather than detracting from it. It’s a testament to his skill in designing a setting that when Sanderson’s characters use magical powers to escape perilous situations, it requires almost no suspension of disbelief from the reader. The powers of the characters are sensical and clearly delimited; instead of just “flying”, characters have to leap through the air with careful bursts of magnetic force. Instead of just being “invulnerable”, characters have to spend two weeks being sick so they can spend a minute healing a gunshot wound when they need it. It’s details like that that make the book (like all his books) a compelling read. I only wish there were more of it in there. Over all, The Alloy of Law suffered from a cramped plot and a lack of natural character development. But those flaws didn’t stop me from enjoying the book, and what Sanderson has done to bring the story from a medieval fantasy setting to a western fantasy setting is interesting enough to make me buy the next book in the series. Here’s hoping it’ll be longer than this one was.
Thrilling read, very well written, easy to follow yet layers of complexity
Gave it 5 stars because I just love Sanderson's writing style. Not fair to compare it to the original trilogy which was perfect (and more epic due to higher stakes). Still a great read. Sanderson builds on his unique use allomancy in very fun ways. The new protagonist, Wax, is a fun character. Some complain he isn't developed well enough. We meet him and he's already a renowned allomancer. I didn't mind that if you can appreciate how capable all allomancers are supposed to be in his world. In the original trilogy I had disliked how long Vins character took to develop. Alloy if Law is a much faster pace, more like a mystery novel mixed with old west justice. As a follow-up edit, I have now finished the second mistborn trilogy and it's amazing. Sanderson continues to slap you in the face with foreshadowing you just don't see on a first read. Books 4+5 remind you there's always more secrets. Can't wait for the lost metal
Great fun that left me waiting eagerly for the next one
This was a 4.5 star book for me, and a whole lot of fun! I went into this book with very high expectations, especially because of my undying love for the Misborn Trilogy. I couldn't wait to get back into this world! And in that respect it did not disappoint. The world is well built and it does stand apart from the original Mistborn world in a fun and ingenious way. With steampunk aspects (which I normally love) and Western flare (which I neither like nor deslike), this world is fully fleshed out without being overwelming. What was amazing, and by far the best part of the book for me, was the action-packed dynamics of this book. The pace is very fast, without sacrificing character development or plot. The new (yes, new!) allomantic and feruchimical powers were incredible and there are so many interweaving possibilities between the different powers, the old world, the new one, the characters, and argh... So good! The one thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars was Wax, the main character. All the characters were great, had distinct and interesting voices, wondeful personalities, and great overall appeal... Except Wax. There are some interesting developments towards the end, and he isn't bad at all (I was rooting for him the whole time). But it felt like this was a preface to Wax's true story (which I heard is how Brandon Sanderson describes this). The good thing is that I am sure (because of the ending) that he will be further developed in the next book. It is an absolutely worthwhile read, and if you liked the Mistborn Trilogy you should definetely pick this up. (And if you haven't read the Mistborn Trilogy yet, please do! It's brilliant!)
I'd like to take a trip to Elendel. One way ticket, please. And can you find me Wax?
What can I say that hasn't already been said? I loved everything this book had to offer. I loved Wax and Wayne. Lady Marasi. The fact that Elend and Vin's story didn't really end with the final chapters of The Hero of Ages Because it didn't end there. It was calm for awhile, but there's always someone who thinks they need to rule. There's always someone who has to be the bad guy. There's always someone who is chosen. There's good and there's evil. Which side will prevail this time? Brandon Sanderson delivers the humor in this book. I laughed so much. Wax and Wayne are such likable characters and I can't wait to see where they take us. Excellent book, good sir. Most excellent.
Welcome change of pace and setting
So this probably isn’t the typical first Brandon Sanderson novel that people read. I know he’s famous for his original Mistborn series, as well as helping out with the Wheel of Time series and some other stuff. But the steampunk side to this really intrigued me. I’m glad this was my introduction to his unique take on magic with metals and alloys. Even better, this was a mystery-slash-suspense-slash rescue the kidnapped damsel in distress. All very Victorian, and very wonderfully realized. Those who have read the Mistborn series undoubtedly know all about the system of magic that Sanderson has created–some individuals, known as Allomancers have abilities tied to particular metals, including steel, pewter, gold, etc. They must ingest the metal in order to use their special abilities. There’s a lot more to it that that, but in general I found it fascinating. In addition, Sanderson has some really great characters. Even the “damsel in distress” is not your typical damsel. She’s a cold and calculating woman who creates process procedures for everything. Including engagements and marriage. I adored Wayne in particular, and his trials after losing his beloved bowler hat. It’s little idiosyncrasies like that that make the book enjoyable. I also like main character, even if I wanted to shoot him for the length of his first name. (Another point–there’s quite a bit of humor in the book as well.) The book leaves things very open for a sequel or a series. I have to be honest. I’ve been a little tired of the whole medieval setting fantasy lately. This book was a welcome change of pace and setting.
Toss it in the smelter
I have to say up front this is a brittle product compared to the original Mistborn storyline, but Sanderson takes a pretty good whack at blending a good western mystery with a remarkable fantasy world of his making. Some thematic elements from the original series subtly tie future to the past, adding a unique level of interest for Mistborn fans. At the base of the conflict between his new hero Wax, and the mysterious forces he's fighting, are the very ideals that drove his original cast of characters; freedom, choice, and corruption. This book was on my very short absolutely must read list, but it disappointed and lacked the original story's excitement. I enjoyed the industrial-age, turn of the century setting, with its classic lexicon and style, but I didn't care for the pace and plot, which felt forced at many points. The mystery aspect Mistborn fans loved in the originals fizzled a bit in this cowboy follow up. It feels like the victim of an over-taxed author, and there are likely few with as many top-tier projects as Sanderson. If you're already a Mistborn fan it's worth a read, but newbies should probably pass. Only 3 stars because there are far more and better Sanderson works to whet your appetite for fantasy. Tom Clementson (Motley Chronicles)
Fantastic
Once again Brandon Sanderson shows how to write a book. Since this was not the second epic in Mistborn history, this book was a nice change of pace from the saving the world and fulfilling prophecies stuff, with a refreshing scenario set in a very steampunk age, it's really nice to see a writer giving superpowers to his characters and still understanding how said superpowers work. And not needing to add random weaknesses to be able to raise the tension of the storyline. Better yet it is very good to read a history where things run in a smart way and keep consistency. Great job, very good read.
Sanderson does a wonderful job with this setting
In this novel, Brandon Sanderson tackles what has long been a pet peeve of mine with fantasy series: the lack of technological improvements over time. Taking place 300 years after the Mistborn trilogy, the world has undergone an industrial revolution, moving from the medieval/renaissance culture of the original novels to a setting reminiscent of mid-1800's America (western frontier and all). Sanderson does a wonderful job with this setting, creating a very realistic industrial world that happens to include Allomancy and Feruchemy (the magic systems in the Mistborn universe). The story is told (mainly) from the viewpoint of Waxillium "Wax" Ladrian, a former frontier lawman who's also a "twinborn," with the allomantic ability to push metals and the feruchemic ability to alter his mass. Having returned home after inheriting his uncle's estate and business, Wax is unable to put aside his lawman past as he finds himself embroiled in the schemes of an unknown instigator, whose plans threaten not only Wax, but the lives around him. Witty dialogue, shootouts, and a decent mystery: the Alloy of Law is a fun, albeit short (for Sanderson), romp.
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