logo

64 pages 2 hours read

Brandon Sanderson

Shadows of Self

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

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.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Shadows of Self?

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.

Book Details
Pages

383

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Elendel • Industrial fantasy world

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.