Bands of Mourning

5 stars

I’ve loved this series from the start, and this book really brought everything together in such a satisfying, intense way. Wax and Wayne continue to be one of my favorite duos in fantasy—their friendship, loyalty, and humor make the story feel alive and grounded no matter how epic the events get.

What I loved most about this one was how it made the characters feel so real. They’ve grown so much since Alloy of Law, and you can see the weight of their experiences shaping them. The plot is fast-paced and full of surprises, the action is thrilling, and the worldbuilding just keeps getting richer. I loved the clever twists, the mysteries, and the way Sanderson balances humor, heart, and danger so effortlessly.

But honestly… the ending hit me like a ton of bricks. I cried. Full-on, ugly crying. I was not emotionally prepared for it, and it left me sitting there for a while, just processing everything. It hurt in the best way—because it was earned, because the story and the characters had become so real to me. That kind of emotional impact is rare, and it made me love the book even more.

Overall, The Bands of Mourning is everything I wanted from a Wax and Wayne story—heart, humor, clever worldbuilding, and epic adventure. It’s exciting, emotional, and unforgettable. I can’t stop thinking about it, and I’ll definitely be returning to this series again and again.