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- Title: Lost Metal: A Mistborn Novel
- Author: Brandon Sanderson
- Narrator: Michael Kramer
- Length: 18:46:51
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 15/11/2022
- Publisher: Macmillan Audio
- Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s something magical about diving into an epic fantasy audiobook while the world outside your window transforms into a canvas of adventure. That’s exactly how I felt when I first pressed play on ‘Lost Metal: A Mistborn Novel’ by Brandon Sanderson, narrated by the unparalleled Michael Kramer. As a travel writer who’s spent years chasing stories across continents, I’ve come to cherish the audiobook experience as a companion on long drives and quiet nights in far-flung places. This latest installment in Sanderson’s Mistborn series, set in the Wax and Wayne era of Scadrial, didn’t just keep me company – it transported me to a realm of political intrigue, magical metals, and existential stakes.
I’ll never forget driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile, the driest place on Earth, listening to ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ as the surreal landscape mirrored García Márquez’s magical realism. ‘Lost Metal’ evoked a similar sense of wonder, though in a completely different way. Sanderson’s world of Scadrial, with its gritty industrial cities and frontier lawlessness, reminded me of the raw, untamed beauty of places I’ve explored – places where history and progress clash as fiercely as Waxillium Ladrian clashes with the shadowy Set. It reminds me of a time when I stayed with a family in Oaxaca, listening to their grandmother weave tales each evening. Her voice, full of pauses and gravitas, taught me the power of oral storytelling – a power that Michael Kramer channels with every line.
Let’s talk about the story itself. ‘Lost Metal’ is the earth-shattering conclusion to the second era of the Mistborn saga, and Sanderson doesn’t hold back. Wax, now a senator in the bustling city of Elendel, continues his hunt for the Set, a nefarious organization tied to his own family’s dark past. Alongside him are Marasi Colms, a detective uncovering conspiracies in the Outer City of Bilming, and Wayne, the lovable rogue whose humor hides a deeper pain. The plot thickens with the discovery of a devastating new explosive and the influence of a rival god, Trell, whose worshippers threaten Scadrial’s very existence. Add to that offworlders from the larger Cosmere universe with their own mysterious agenda, and you’ve got a narrative that unfolds like a winding mountain path – each turn revealing a new vista, each step raising the stakes. The epic fantasy genre is alive and well here, with themes of duty, faith, and sacrifice woven into a tapestry of Allomantic magic and political machinations.
What struck me most was Sanderson’s ability to balance personal struggles with cosmic threats. Wax’s rocky relationship with Harmony, the god who’s shaped his destiny, felt like a meditation on free will – a theme I’ve pondered while gazing at ancient ruins, wondering about the hands that built them and the beliefs that drove them. Marasi’s recruitment by offworlders echoed moments in my travels when I’ve had to trust strangers in unfamiliar lands, unsure of their true intentions. And Wayne – oh, Wayne – his humor and heartbreak reminded me of the people I’ve met on the road, those who mask their scars with a laugh. This audiobook experience brought these characters to life in a way that felt as intimate as swapping stories over a campfire.
Now, let’s turn to the listening experience itself, because Michael Kramer’s narration is nothing short of a revelation. Brandon Sanderson himself has said that Kramer is his favorite narrator, and after immersing myself in this performance, I understand why. Kramer doesn’t just read – he embodies. His gravelly timbre for Wax carries the weight of a man torn between duty and doubt, while his lighter, playful tone for Wayne captures every quip and quirk. Marasi’s voice is steady and determined, reflecting her growth from a supporting role to a central figure. Kramer’s pacing is impeccable, knowing exactly when to linger on a moment of tension or rush through a burst of action. You can almost feel the metallic clink of Allomantic powers and hear the smoky haze of Elendel’s streets. The audio quality is crisp, enhancing every dramatic pause and whispered secret. For anyone seeking a top-tier science fiction and fantasy audiobook, Kramer’s work here is a masterclass in narration.
That said, no journey – or story – is without its bumps. While ‘Lost Metal’ is a triumphant conclusion to the Wax and Wayne series, it does assume familiarity with the broader Mistborn saga and even the Cosmere at large. As someone who’s trekked through remote villages where context is everything, I appreciated the depth this brought, but newcomers might feel lost in the sprawling mythology. Additionally, while the epic fantasy scope is thrilling, some character arcs – particularly those of secondary figures – felt rushed amidst the grander plot. Still, these are minor quibbles in a narrative that delivers on nearly every front.
Comparing ‘Lost Metal’ to other works in the genre, it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Sanderson’s own ‘Stormlight Archive,’ particularly in its intricate world-building and moral complexity. Yet, where ‘Stormlight’ feels like an expansive ocean voyage, ‘Lost Metal’ is more like a high-stakes caravan through rugged terrain – focused, intense, and deeply personal. It also shares DNA with other epic fantasy giants like Patrick Rothfuss’s ‘Kingkiller Chronicle,’ though Sanderson’s knack for action and resolution gives ‘Lost Metal’ a more immediate punch.
Who would I recommend this audiobook to? Anyone who craves a science fiction and fantasy escape with rich characters and high stakes. If you’re a fan of the Mistborn series, this is a must-listen – the culmination of Wax and Wayne’s journey is as satisfying as reaching a hidden oasis after a long trek. For those new to Sanderson, I’d suggest starting with ‘Mistborn: The Final Empire’ to fully appreciate the layers of ‘Lost Metal.’ And if you’re an audiobook enthusiast like me, seeking a narrator who can transform words into worlds, Michael Kramer’s performance alone is worth the dive.
Reflecting on this audiobook experience, I’m reminded of why I love stories – they’re a way to travel without moving, to live a thousand lives in a single lifetime. ‘Lost Metal’ took me back to Scadrial, a place I’ve visited through Sanderson’s words before, but never with such urgency and heart. It’s a reminder of the power of epic fantasy to mirror our own struggles, whether it’s Wax wrestling with his purpose or Marasi stepping into her own. As I listened, I thought of those evenings in Oaxaca, of voices carrying stories through the night, and I felt that same connection here – a bridge between worlds, built by words and sound.
Until our paths cross again, keep seeking stories that move you, whether on the page, through headphones, or in the voices of those around you. This is Marcus Rivera, signing off with a heart full of Scadrial’s magic – hasta pronto, amigos!
