The scene where Wayne is on his way to Ranette and randomly helps people in need really reminds me of the scene where uncle Iroh is going to visit his son..

Steris book 1 - why? Steris book 2 - Ok I am listening Steris book 3 - One of the best characters in the Cosmere.

"Survive!" The line that made everyone loose their shit

The hotel scene in this book is the funniest scene Brandon Sanderson’s ever written

I personally don't think that Sanderson was going for a true fake-out death/resurrection scene. It was more of a way to have a scene with Sazed and have him explain things to the characters and readers, which is why it happened so fast. Whether that makes it better or worse is a separate question. For me, that made it better, because like you, I didn't believe that he was really going to die. Plus I was happy to see Sazed again and get his perspective on things.

Wayne is my favorite character in these books. And I think that he is, as you say intentionally rude. He tries to annoy people and make them dislike him because of his own self hatred and he believes he deserves to be disliked. And as someone who was very much the "class clown" type in my youth I really relate to someone who reflexively responds to any and every situation with humor, even when humor is not the most appropriate response. I can't count the number of times for myself when I knee jerk reacted with a joke because I genuinely didn't know how to express my emotions and I feel that a lot from Wayne as well.

They communicate with hand gestures... The southern Scadrians are Italian

I dont think that Wax's "fakeout death" is meant to be like "Oh no is our main character going to die". It's more used to just do those things you mentioned, to give us good Wayne development scenes, show us the power of the Bands, and give an excuse for a talk with Sazed. We're not meant to believe that he's actually dead

I always figured Wayne being a jerk is part of him not forgiving himself.

For me Wax is the Ruin side and Marasi is the Preservation side of Harmony. And book 3 is them accepting that.

The scene with the hotel owner (not shopkeeper, though, as you said) reminds me of a Marx Brothers sketch. It just builds and builds and ads more jokes. And, we all love Sterris.

Steris is easily my favorite character in the Cosmere. I think it's because she reminds me of my wife? I think she is written so we'll that she feels real in an unreal world.

The draft for book 4 was just finished a few hours ago, and Sanderson said he might release it Christmas 2022 if all goes well.

A lot of Sterris's "isms" and character quirks really made a lot more since when I heard Brandon talk about her being on the spectrum.

I think the thing about Marasi is that she's realizing she's not like Wax, and doesn't even want to be. It was her youthful idealization, just as her crush on Wax had been. Her not using the Bands made perfect sense here. But I think we're following a "Vin situation" here. She's giving up power now, but in the next book she'll accept it (if only temporarily and a different way). I see BoM as the end of Wax's journey, and the middle of Wayne and Marasi's journey. They're learning about themselves, and they're going to have a great conclusion in TLM. Note: It is very interesting to realize that if Marasi had used the power of the Bands to fight the Set, Wax would have really died.

I wouldn't say I am simping for Wayne. He really is a jerk. But idk. Do yall ever like the way a character is a jerk? Lmao.

I'm the minority enjoying more era 2 than era 1. To boot, this one is the the first in seven books than expand the view on the entire world (for me there was a disconnect since era 1 about saving the world while the whole setting was essential a big valley). It definitely picked my interest to see how things will go down in the next one.

Maybe i was/am overthinking this, but to me it was never meant as an insult when wayne told that woman "for the next time you need to be a man..." In his world being able to take on other personas is a good thing. The more variety, the better. We saw him take on the persona of an old lady, and he is constantly trying to refine his own skills in that regard. To me it felt like, yes he did insult that woman, but no he didnt realize that he did, because what he said was geniunie. Again, might overthink this and you might be totally right with your assumption ^^°

The scene with Sazed might be my favorite Cosmere scene ever.

For me it wasn’t a fakeout death. He was badly wounded but I never thought he would die. For me it was a near death moment.

This is the kind of review I enjoy watching the most. There's a short non-spoiler section for those who need a little push to start reading and then we go deep diving into the plot, characters and plot twists. What I usually do (or about 99% of the time) is finish reading a book and immediately go into youtube to watch some review videos to hear what other people have to say about the stuff I've just read :) so it's perfect that You reference some random scenes You've literally just read about, because I'm in the same place and I can relate so much to that. So, a big thank You, Merphy ! As to the book itself !!!!! (SPOILERS) !!!!! - I loved it the most out of all three, because of - the ever-expanding magic system (granting other people powers through objects) - universe mythos being revealed gradually through Sazed and Trell's influence on the current conflict - connections to era 1 books (the reveal at the last page of the book really shook things up), I really missed Tensoon though. Thought he would appear if only just for a second. - Steris and Wayne characters' development (Steris is my absolute favourite) Books 1 and 2 were a little boring for me at times (just my opinion), while this one kept me interested throughout the whole run.

Damn she spent half of the video calling Wayne as Wax.

I love this last book, I'm so excited for the next one due to that end and had my mind blown with the reveals.

Am I the only person alive who likes wax as a character? I hope we get more of wax and Wayne together in book 4, I miss their scenes together, I don't think they had a single scene working together as partners in book 3.

The only time I don't like Wayne is when he is rude to Steris. Like I understand he's a Marasi and Wax shipper but that doesn't mean he can be rude to Steris. STERIS DESERVES ALL THE LOVE!!

Sanderson read The prologue to the fourth book at Jordancon. Slight Spoilers for that… It is Wayne’s POV, which makes me think he and his character and past will play a great big role in the fourth book. So excited!!

I too didn't think for a moment Wax was going to die, however I could see how a reader who having just read Era 1 might think damn this man is gonna kill the main character again.

Wayne is definitely my favorite character. While he is a little bit overblown in this, I think I share the approach of "any time is a good time for a joke" and I have had to learn that sometimes I do need to censor myself because I don't want to hurt other people. And I do think that on some level Wayne might not realize this in the moment.

Hi Merph! I just started reading Mistborn The Final Empire because of you guys hyping it up (and I just finished Name of the Wind) so I can't really watch these vids about Sanderson yet but I am already loving the metals to magic system and I can't wait for more!!!!

I just finished this book, and I agree completely about Wayne. He’s one of my favorite characters in the Cosmere, but I understand why people wouldn’t like him. I think a lot of his worst jokes/moments are him self-sabotaging bc he doesn’t believe he deserves good things, or doesn’t deserve to be liked or loved by anyone, so whenever he thinks someone might be starting to hate him less, he panics and says something gross or wildly inappropriate for the moment, to prevent that from happening. I was listening to the audiobook at work and actually had tears in my eyes when he was on his way to “present an offering to a beautiful god”, and fed the kids on the street, and then when he ruined the moment a little while later I was SO FRUSTRATED with him😭😭😂

Me: I'm gonna have a productive day and get some chores done! I'm not gonna stay on the Internet at all. Just let me check something and.... Merphy posts a Sanderson review. Me: Kindly disregard previous statement.

I really love these long reviews with so much gushing!

I LOVED Steris in this one. She was just so earnest and straightforward.

I love your channel. I just finished Rythm of War, and sadly I’ve read every other book in the Cosmere already 😢 I need good book recommendations! Keep up the great work!

I read all the Mistborn books last year. It's amazing how much I have forgotten, despite really enjoying all of the Mistborn books. I guess this was my reminder that I really need to go back and re-read these books.

SPOILERS So, I really like this book, it was my favorite of this era, and the best thing for me was that I had NO IDEA Kelsier was still alive, and the reveal at the end was just AWESOME! My question for you is: did you already suspected The Sovereign to be Kelsier?? Cause for me it was just a shock! I hope you like Secret History, and I will be waiting for your review on it. Really liked this video btw.

This is book is equal to anything from the original trilogy.

I read the book five years ago now and a lot of it is a blur, but for some scenes, when you mention them, I get this instant recollection of how I imagined it as I was reading the book back then. It's really interesting trying to piece back together the rest of the plot.

I just started mistborn Era 2 and so far it's been great❤️

I just finished Alloy of Law, about to start Shadows of Self. Will be checking out this video when Im done with BoM. Cheers!

I hope you read secret history quickly. Because it's definitely worth it.

Early!!❤❤❤ So excited to watch🤗🤗

Not sure if this has been stated or not but... Wayne doesn't want people to like him, he's held up on the murder he committed. You'll notice every time someone starts to like him he'll sabotage the affection. The only person who seems to like him regardless, is Wax. I think because he understands why Wayne is the way he is.

Theory that just clicked for me right now: what if Wayne is intentionally rude/mean to people (especially in moments of kindness or thoughtfulness) as a way to prevent others from thinking positively about him because he doesn't think he deserves it, possibly related to him being a murderer and a kleptomaniac? I don't know if it's intentionally in the text but I think its an interesting reading.

Lol I’m just like Merphy - the 2nd book in the series is typically my favorite ♥️

I have alloy of law infront of me and I plan to crack it open after this video. Looking forward to see the changes the world has had since Era 1. Love that Milan is here! Although those creatures are a little creepy, I enjoy getting to them individually.

Have you reviewed hero of ages. Bcz I can't find it.

its funny, with telsin i felt like Brandon wanted the reader to guess she would backstab wax from the get-go. for me knowing this would happen just added to the anticipation of the book.

Spoiler Hot take: I don't think this was meant to be a fakeout death/resurrection. It wasn't set up as that. It was more the "woman dying to give them a character arc" but with the Main character and second main than man and lady.

Talking about loving to read about displaying emotions with hand gestures while making many hand gestures yourself... lol

All I can say is that thank you for adding to my tbr list

Wax and Wayne series is just super fun. I dont know but I prefer Era 2.

23:05 exactly, the way in which Wayne acts so rude (to put it lightly) sometimes reminded me of the game Disco Elysium, the main character is a broken alcoholic detective, and quite often (since the tone of the game is much harsher than that of the books, ofc) he ends up saying or doing very messed up things, even to the people he considers friends. He is written like a real person, one who makes mistakes all the time and can be unapologetically a piece of shit at times, meaning it or not. Back to Wayne, he acts like a person like him would, he is not a perfectly good character, who always is good no matter what. He does what Wayne would do. And that's indeed good writing.

Worm is so darn great!

Yuss finally!

"I am supposed to be taking about the plot but I am already getting into the characters" me about every sanderson book

.... Thanks..... Now I will be reading these books again

Does anyone know if she is going to read secret history?

A bit off topic but was wondering if you have ever read the Dragon Prince series by Melanie Rawn? If so, what are your thoughts?

As I read the Era 2 books, I always imagine Wayne being played by Alan Tudyk.

Thanks for the vid

Definitely my favorite scene in the book was the super overly campy "planning" discussion about what code-named method to use to get into the compound. Its so overdone and unrealistic, but its hilarious every time. From a character pov I just like it when Wayne gets to bring out the "fun" in Wax.

Steris Appreciation gang!!

Will you be reading "Mistborn: A Secret History"? It's good stuff, lots and lots of Cosmere tho. :)

Great review. Got lots of similar thoughts to you. -T

Thank You! I have been saying for years that Wayne is an eccentric Robin Hood... who is a bit more of a scoundrel lol

I relate so much to Wayne sometimes lol. He's a good man, who feels that his previous actions and failures have made him unworthy to be happy. He hates himself and will self sabotage when things are going well for him. He doesn't think he deserves to ever be forgiven or happy. That is why he is just a jerk out of nowhere.

Finished the book two days ago, only just NOW realized it was Kelsier. I’d forgotten what the scars on the arms meant lol.

As I wrote yesterday: hair looks great.

I think this is the first time I am seeing a slightly battered copy in Merphy's hand

have you done a video on the tropes you like LEAST, but you thought were done well? if not, you should!

Did you catch our favorite cosmere scholar Chis in the book?

This book is SOOO much better post-RoW. The best part of the cosmere is reading a new main entry, then going back to see the previous stories change with the new information you've been given. Like, post-RoW, I'm fully convinced Wayne is Connected to Fortune due to the multiple references to him acting to an unheard rhythm (the rhythm of Fortune?) which guides him to take/trade away what he needs and be where he needs to be. Plus Wayne is a Kendred reference and I will always appreciate Sanderson for keeping the Dragonlance alive.

Part Wild West and part Indiana Jones has me sold instantly

I'm not sure if it's me or not, but your last 2 videos have been in 480p max resolution. I just want to make sure its not just me.

Milan- fleshed out. Kandra pun??

I just started my first fantasy! I usually read classics and I still do but a friend of mine really loves Six of Crows and let me borrow her copy. Gonna see how it turns out. I do want to read The Lord of the Rings one of these days. Do you have any recommendations for what to read next?

Another new story to read.

Literally reading this right now lol

I love Wax and Wayne. They’re two assholes with big hearts. Classic Western! 😂

What's crazy is he wrote book 3 before book 2....

Watch/read "Vinland Saga" , even ask rogerbase how awesome it is!!!!

Have you read any murakami's books? I would love to hear your points

I see Wayne a little differently after hearing your review. I don't notice how terrible some of the things he says are, I think because I've been conditioned by TV shows to accept characters that say really mean things as long as they are funny! I really thought that Wayne and Steris's relationship was handled so well. It is nice to see a slow-building relationship instead of insta-love with a love triangle or some kind of forced misunderstanding thrown in. Thank you for the fantastic review.

My favourite boookkk in series

SPOILERS FOR MISTBORN ERA 1 BOOK 1 Ever since Kelsier's death in book 1 I believe every Sanderson death until proven otherwise. We now know more details about Kelsier but for the purpose of the first era he killed the coolest character in the book. Seriously, the balls on this man! I felt about Vin and Elend taking the lead same way you do about Wayne but the second book is my favorite in the first era. That death shook me up so much that now whenever I think something is fake I have that moment of doubt 'but he did kill Kelsier'.

In Defense of Wayne: Okay, well, not actual defense. But there is an explanation for why he sometimes act in baffling ways, all backed up by Sanderson himself. Wayne is someone who does not understand certain personal and social boundaries, in a manner that is borderline psychopathic. And so, when Wayne botches up the scene with Ranette, is rude to Steris, and talks down to the shopkeeper, he is acting in ways that he doesn't see as wrong. He does understand them to be wrong, which may be why you got the impression that he knows when he is being a jerk, and he is trying to act better. But he struggles.

I never read it as a fake out death and I don't think it was meant to be read that way.

Wayne does those comments because he hate himself. So when he does something good and people start perceiving as a nice person he push them away with distasteful comments because deep down he feels he does not deserve to be loved. It’s the same when he rips into the lady he’s projecting this persona that makes people think he’s bastard but deep down he is making a comment about how all people are deserving of love in the most backhanded way posible. That said I don’t excuse his behaviour but it does make his character one of the richest in mistborn. Cheers love your reviews

I think you kept mixing up Wax and Wayne when you commented on Wayne's character... that took a while to puzzle out.

Wax had Plot armor all along

I'm a little bit surprised you liked the epilogue more then the ending of the book. For me the epilogue plot doesn't make any sense at all and I would love to here why you where expecting it.

Wanna read MISTBORN ASAP

STERIS IS THE BEST

I felt like marasi should've used the power of the band herself and not given it to wax. I was just so tired of seeing wax being "the one" .And I know he's the main character but i still felt kinda annoyed that wax used the power at last just because marasi had been thinking about how much she's feeling small and useless beside wax so I really wanted her to shine. But this definitely didn't spoil the book for me I still enjoyed it very much and pretty much agree with most of the things you said.

You keep switching between wax and Wayne while talking about Wayne and it was really hard to follow. Especially since I haven't read the book in a while

huh, interesting you like Wayne that much but not to much Mat from WoT

"We know that there are 4 books in era 2" We know that now, as far as I recall we did not know that when BoM came out

Wayne says "those things" that you don't like because he's insecure as a man, young, forces humour and desperately wants people to like him. It might be because you're a female but I think it's common in men to be crass like that in order for people to like them as a jokester. Also you need to take into consideration the loose "time period" in which the book is set, men were a lot more vulgar and a lot more open about it during those times.

Have to disagree with you on Wax's Death experience. The point of him dying, to me, was pretty obviously not meant to trick us. Mistborn as a whole is very much about death being less binary. So as soon as he was about to die all of us knew he was just going to have a chat. I can very easily see it turn into something where Wax might kill himself or have a near death experience just to speak with Sazed.