Shadows of Self cover

Shadows of Self

Mistborn, Era 2: Wax & Wayne • Book 2

4.56 ABR Score (243.6K ratings)
★ 4.26 Goodreads (211.7K) ★ 4.75 Audible (31.9K)
12h 37m Released 2015 Fantasy

Why Listen to This Audiobook?

Michael Kramer makes Waxillium's unraveling feel genuinely personal — this is the book where Sanderson's Western-fantasy mashup stops being fun and starts being devastating.

  • Great if you want: a fantasy that earns its dark emotional gut-punch
  • Listening experience: tense and propulsive with a slow dread building underneath
  • Narration: Kramer's gruff, weathered delivery is pitch-perfect for noir Sanderson
  • Skip if: you haven't read The Alloy of Law — this one doesn't wait for you

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About This Audiobook

Waxillium Ladrian finds himself caught between two worlds as his homeland of Scadrial undergoes rapid industrial transformation. Once a lawman in the frontier territories, Wax now navigates the political complexities of noble society while terrorism threatens to tear apart the fragile peace of this emerging modern age. With his roguish partner Wayne and the brilliant constable Marasi at his side, he must use both his Twinborn magical abilities and hard-won investigative skills to uncover a conspiracy that targets the very foundations of their evolving civilization. As assassinations rock the city and religious tensions escalate, the stakes become personal when the attacks strike close to home.

Michael Kramer delivers a masterful performance that captures both the gritty determination of Wax and the irreverent humor that defines Wayne's character. His narration seamlessly transitions between intense action sequences and quieter character moments, maintaining perfect pacing throughout the story's twists and revelations. Kramer's distinct vocal characterizations bring Sanderson's diverse cast to life, while his clear delivery ensures that the intricate magical systems and political machinations remain accessible to listeners. The audio format particularly enhances the novel's blend of Western adventure and urban fantasy, creating an immersive experience that highlights both explosive action and subtle emotional beats.