Elantris

I really enjoyed this read. Whilst it was different to Mistborn there are some recognisable themes and it’s very apparent that Sanderson is great at writing a strong female lead. So much so that even the characters in the book found the FMC threatening when she was being assertive. I love how his writing is so easy to read, how the themes are so relatable even though it’s fantasy. And the magic system, wow that was amazing. There are themes of hope and redemption which I loved as well as a villain who has quite the character arc. The different storylines intertwine and I loved when they came together. There’s political intrigue as well as the mystery surrounding Elantris which was really fascinating. I love Sanderson’s writing style, he has this ability to balance action with reflection using this clear prose that is a joy to read. As I’m starting to expect from Sanderson, the book raises questions about faith, power and what it means to be human which promoted me to think about these issues further than just enjoying the story on the page

Originally published in 2005, this was the debut novel from fantasy writer Brandson Sanderson. Who has gone on to be quite a success in the genre. A genre full of trilogies and series. So Elantris is quite unique because it's a stand alone novel. With a story that is complete in one single book. It runs for six hundred and fifteen pages. It has three parts. Plus a prologue and an epilogue. And is further divided into sixty three chapters. There's a map at the front and a glossary in regards to the magic system at the back. In the world of the story, the city of Elantris was one capital of a kingdom, and an amazing city home to great magic. And those who could perform it. Transformed by magic into something more than human. But something went wrong. The city is now rotting, and home to those who once would have used the magic. But who are now turned by it into something else entirely. Raoden, Prince of the kingdom and resident of the new capital, falls prey to it. Just before he is due to be married, in a union that will unite two kingdoms against religious imperialists of another. As Raoden is forced to live in Elantris and tries to change things there, his would have been bride tries to change things in the new capital. A place where a priest called Hrathen is trying to force religious change. Many secrets are about to be revealed, and all their lives will never be the same again... Flitting between three viewpoint characters and two settings from chapter to chapter, this does get off to a pacy and involving start. Two of the three main characters are very likeable from the start also, so this really gets you involved. Hrathen isn't, but he becomes a fascinatingly three dimensional creation, as he struggles with some interesting theological questions. After about a hundred pages it does start to drop off the pace somewhat, as the narrative involves character discussions and interaction and investigation galore, so it becomes one of those books that keeps you turning the pages waiting for something really big to happen and take it to the next level. Which it does just about deliver on eventually, with a good lot of action in the final quarter. Some great character interaction once two people meet, and one other character going in a very interesting direction, and doing things out of character development rather than the needs of the plot. It's a bit rough around the edges, but the quality of the leads does shine through and make it a worthwhile read in the end. Had I read this back in 2005 I would have called it a promising debut. Which it certainly was, as the writer has developed and done even better since. Coming to this now, it's not bad. And definitely worth a look. Besides, it's a complete story in just one volume. So it deserves brownie points for that.

Fast pace and interesting characters, with political/religious intrigue and strong storyline. Definitely one of the most fun books I’ve read. Loved the world building and magic system, and character development. Characters felt really alive and powerful to connect with. Amazing talent by Mr Sanderson considering his first ever published work. Very refreshing and simpler to follow than other long series with lots of waiting periods in between, which is nice to treat yourself with as you’re not feeling with a cliffhanger and millions of questions. Saying that, Would love to learn more about the story’s history and pick up where characters left off.

As a big fan of Brandon Sanderson's work, I finally got around to reading Elantris, one of his earlier novels. I was not disappointed. The viewpoint characters were all intriguing, especially Sarene, and the plot unfolded quickly, with new mysteries being explained in good time, keeping you guessing but then rewarding you with answers. As usual for Sanderson, the magic system was unique and well thought through. He did a good job of explaining how it worked without there being too much of an information dump. The final revelation, though a bit sudden, made sense and did not come completely out of the blue. I would recommend this for any fan of fantasy. Sanderson's work always feels fresh and easy to read, with exciting, multi-dimensional characters, intelligent magic systems, and dramatic plot developments.

I loved the book, the story was really great. It made me want to keep reading — I wish there were a sequel. The way the story developed was very surprising.

I previously read Elantris courtesy of my local library but I loved it so much that I wanted my own copy. Sanderson has created a wonderful world filled with an articulate magic system, religious tension, and well-developed and likable characters. An absolute gem of a standalone fantasy novel, would recommend to anyone.

Fantastic book. Great story. Very intriguing. I had read Mistborn Era 1 already and the gone through the recommended reading before I got to Elantris and was really surprised that it had been described as Sanderson's weakest book. I don't get it. I am not a Rhode's Scholar by any stretch but I am a Classic Lit bibliophile and I had the best time reading it. Which is the point of reading fantasy, I think. Entertainment. So just get it and read it. It's fun and there are a few Easter Eggs that'll come up later if you continue on to the rest of the Cosmere. And this edition was awesome. Well-made paperbacks are my personal favorite. Easy to read, easy to hold. Great typeface, font and size.

El libro está perfecto 👏llegó en excelentes condiciones. Solamente los de la paquetería lo aventaron al dejarlo y pudieron haberlo dañado, eso no me gustó si lo quieren tomar en cuenta.

Sanderson lo conosco per via della serie della Ruota del Tempo, sebbene non sia ancora arrivato a leggere la parte scritta da lui (ho scoperto relativamente da poco la saga). Tuttavia un amico mi ha vivamente consigliato di leggere qualcuno dei suoi libri e, dopo aver letto qua e la per decidere da dove iniziare, ho optato per l'ordine cronologico. Elantris, il suo primo lavoro. E penso di non aver sbagliato perché è brillante, accattivante e quando pensavo di aver capito qualcosa, mi sono trovato spiazzato dalla narrazione. Ti tiene sulle spine, ti avvince, anche se per la maggior parte del tempo non è un libro di grandi azioni e battaglie a suon di magia. E' diverso da ogni altro fantasy io abbia mai letto, una ventata di freschezza in un mondo pieno di storie simili, dove cambiano solo l'ambientazione e i nomi dei personaggi. Non so (per ora) se il resto dei suoi lavori meritino quanto Elantris, ma fossi in voi, non me lo perderei di sicuro!