Author: Brandon Sanderson | Narrator: Michael Kramer
Runtime: 14h 42m | Genre: Fantasy, Steampunk, Urban Fantasy, Adventure, Airships, Magic Systems, Cosmere
Wax, Wayne, and Marasi journey into the uncharted south by steam train and airship to locate the mythical Bands of Mourning, the metalminds of the Lord Ruler.
Spanning nearly fifteen sweeping, Indiana Jones-style adventure hours, *The Bands of Mourning* expands Brandon Sanderson’s *Mistborn* universe beyond all previous boundaries, shifting from urban detective work to globe-trotting exploration. Following the devastating revelations of Shadows of Self, a kandra returns from the southern polar wilderness bearing photographic evidence of an ancient temple containing the mythical 'Bands of Mourning'—the legendary spearheads said to hold the pooled Allomantic and Feruchemical power of the Lord Ruler himself.
With the villainous syndicate known as 'The Set' racing to claim this doomsday weapon, Waxillium Ladrian, Wayne, Marasi, and Steris embark on an expedition into the frontier city of New Seran and beyond. The introduction of airships, flying thermal technology, and the astonishing revelation of Southern Scadrian human civilizations completely rewrites listener understanding of the Cosmere. Steris Harms evolves from a stiff, contractual fiancee into one of Sanderson’s most endearing, tactically brilliant heroines, while Wayne’s antics aboard luxury steam trains provide continuous comedic gold.
Michael Kramer is at the absolute peak of his storytelling powers throughout this recording. Kramer handles the exhilarating aerial shootouts, temple traps, and mind-bending Cosmere revelations with effortless enthusiasm and rhythmic mastery. The explosive climax and epilogue set the stage for universal Cosmere connections that will make every fantasy fan gasp aloud. For listeners seeking grand adventure, brilliant magic systems, and top-tier voice acting on a single credit, this audiobook is an absolute delight.
Mistborn Series Reading Order: • The Final Empire (Era 1, Book 1 – 24h 39m) • The Well of Ascension (Era 1, Book 2 – 27h 14m) • The Hero of Ages (Era 1, Book 3 – 26h 18m) • The Alloy of Law (Era 2, Book 1 – 10h 48m) • Shadows of Self (Era 2, Book 2 – 12h 37m) • The Bands of Mourning (Era 2, Book 3 – 14h 42m) • The Lost Metal (Era 2, Book 4 – 19h 12m)
Michael Kramer’s narration on The Bands of Mourning is an absolute masterclass in pacing, humor, and grandeur. Kramer brings out Steris’s endearing, hyper-organized charm with wonderful sensitivity, transforming her relationship with Wax into the beating heart of the series. His pacing during the breakneck airship battles and temple infiltrations is thrilling, while his delivery of ancient Cosmere lore sends shivers down the spine. Recorded with pristine clarity across nearly fifteen hours, this is a five-star audio experience.
*Note: Narrators may differ across regional releases and audiobook editions.