The Alloy of Law

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did the novel’s blend of fantasy, Western, and detective mystery feel to you? Did these different genres come together successfully, or did one seem to overshadow the others?

2. The Alloy of Law has been described by Brandon Sanderson as an “experiment” that bridges the epic fantasy of his original Mistborn trilogy with a more modern, fast-paced story. If you’ve read his other books, such as Mistborn: The Final Empire or The Way of Kings, how did this one compare in its tone and scope?

3. Did the novel succeed in being a “fun, fast-paced” adventure as the author intended? How did you feel about the balance between its lighter, action-oriented moments and its exploration of darker themes like trauma, corruption, and social inequality?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Wax struggles to reconcile his identity as a Roughs lawman with his duties as a high lord. Have you ever felt a similar tension between a personal passion and a professional or family obligation? How do you navigate those different parts of your life?

2. What are your thoughts on Wayne’s personal code of “trading” for items instead of stealing them? Do you have any personal rules or quirks that might seem unusual to others but are important to how you navigate the world?

3. Steris uses meticulously detailed plans and contracts to manage her social anxiety and make sense of the world. When you face unfamiliar or stressful situations, do you find yourself more comfortable with meticulous planning, or do you prefer to be spontaneous?

4. Marasi initially believes her Allomantic power to slow time is useless compared to the more combat-oriented abilities of Wax and Wayne. Can you recall a time when you felt a skill or talent you possess was undervalued or not suited for your circumstances?

5. Wayne’s sense of duty to the man he accidentally killed compels him to send money to the victim’s family for years. What did you think of his method of seeking redemption? Do you believe it’s possible to truly make amends for a past mistake?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The novel’s setting mirrors the tension between the American “Old West” and the rapidly industrializing cities of the early 20th century. How does this fantasy world comment on real-world conflicts between frontier individualism and the structured, often impersonal, nature of modern urban society?

2. Miles justifies his violent crimes as “payback” for Elendel’s exploitation of the Roughs. In what ways can this conflict be seen as a commentary on the relationship between metropolitan centers and the rural or colonial regions that supply their resources?

3. What parallels do you see between the novel’s world, where technological advances like aluminum guns can neutralize magical abilities, and our own society, where new technologies often disrupt traditional skills and power structures?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Miles Dagouter is positioned as Wax’s dark mirror, a lawman who chose a different path. In what ways does their shared background elevate their conflict beyond a simple battle of good versus evil and turn it into an ideological debate about the nature of justice?

2. Guns are a recurring symbol, from the Sterrions Wax locks away to the aluminum pistols used by the Vanishers. How does the meaning of these weapons shift throughout the story, reflecting both Wax’s internal journey and the changing nature of power in Elendel?

3. What is the role of contracts and ledgers in the novel? How do these documents help define the culture of Elendel and highlight the central theme of Reconciling Personal Identity With Social Duty?

4. Wayne’s constant use of disguises and hats is a key motif. What does his ability to change identities so freely suggest about the nature of selfhood in Elendel’s rigid society compared to the more fluid world of the Roughs?

5. The narrative alternates between high-speed action sequences, like the fight on the train, and quieter moments of investigation and planning. How did this pacing affect your reading experience and build suspense toward the final confrontation?

6. What effect does beginning the story with the prologue, which details the traumatic death of Lessie, have on your understanding of Wax’s motivations and his initial reluctance to act as a lawman in Elendel?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. What modern profession do you think would be the perfect “trade” for Wayne to adopt in order to solve a crime in our world today, and what quirky object would he leave behind in exchange for a crucial piece of evidence?

2. What kind of broadsheet headline and short article would have been written about the explosive finale at the Ironspine Building? How might the tone differ between a high-society paper and one catering to the working class?

3. What kind of specialized, non-lethal tool could Ranette design for Wax and Wayne that would help them capture criminals in a city as crowded as Elendel without causing quite as much property damage?