Elantris Reviews

• Not a 5, but a good first novel

  
  By A9YB4QMX05GVL on 2006-06-23
  I think I may rate books differently than other readers. For me, a book starts out as a 3. That means solid writing, no major plot holes or characterization issues, and an overall satisfying experience: the basics we should expect from a published fiction. A lack of any of those facets means the book is a 2 or a 1; additions like social relevance, emotional resonance, memorable writing, or intellectual stimulation can drive the rating up to a 4 or (for those few books that have all or most of these) a 5. There are very few books I'd rate as a 5, which I think is as it should be.
  
  Elantris on my scale is a 3. The writing is clear but rarely poetic. The main characters are well-defined but two of the three are a little too perfect to relate to and don't experience any inner growth, while the secondary characters almost universally seem to exist in order to provide some sort of surprise loop-back later in the book. The system of magic was interesting but the answer to the central question -- why it had stopped working -- turned out to be something I had a hard time believing wasn't commonly known and understood. The city of Elantris was a well-described setting, a character in itself, but other countries and races seemed rather stereotypical portrayals of Earthly analogues. Overall, while reading the book I never stopped in boredom but also I never paused in wonder, and when finished I was satisfied but it's not a book that I feel any great desire to re-read.
  
  That being said, the author is someone that I plan to keep an eye on and hope to read more from in the future. It's my understanding that Elantris was written some 7 years ago, and much of the above is understandable as "young author/first publication" issues. Despite what I wrote above, the author clearly has a lot going for him: the novel was smartly structured; the inter-relationships between names, glyphs and magic, as well as the setting and basic plot, were all well imagined; genders and religions were dealt with even-handedly; and it was simply refreshing to read a fantasy that was not a multi-volume rehashing of the "orphan boy undertakes journey from one side of the map to the other with party of companions to save the princess/retrieve the object/kill the bad guy" story. I look forward to seeing what the author's intelligence and imagination can do when combined with the further refinement of his craft that only experience can bring. And by all means, pick up a copy of Elantris if the story sounds interesting to you, just don't expect it to be more than it is.
  
  

• a one volume fantasy? Yep, and it's great!

  
  By A2FEGRJQNU51P9 on 2005-06-17
  "Elantris" is the debut novel from Brandon Sanderson. Blurbs on the cover from Orson Scott Card and David Farland say this book is "the finest novel of fantasy to be written in many years" and "one of the finest debuts I've seen in years." When I read a novel I generally do not pay attention to when it was written and I know that I haven't read all of the debut fantasy novels which have come out in the past several years. I do know when I've read a very good book, however, and "Elantris" is certainly that.
  
  The prologue to the novel was all of five paragraphs but it gave all of the information needed to understand the background of what the story would be. It tells of a beautiful city named Elantris which glowed like magic and where amazing magics were possible and commonplace. Elantris was populated by godlike beings who could wield these powers as I might use a pen. But these beings were once regular humans, soldiers and serfs, princes and beggers and merchants. When something called the Shaod came upon them they were transformed into Elantrians and into a newer, greater existence. But ten years ago something happened.
  
  That something is that the blessing turned into a curse and Elantris and its population started to rot away. The city now abandoned except for the poor souls still called by the Shaod is covered in slime and muck and the Elantrians are the cursed, neither dead nor truly alive.
  
  This was a beautiful set up and pulled me right in from the start. Sanderson introduces Raoden, a prince and heir to the throne of Arelon. The city of Kae lies in the shadow of Elantris and the glory of Arelon has fallen with Elantris. Raoden is a man who gives his people hope, but when he is called by the Shaod he is doomed. His father, the king, does not reveal what happened to Raoden, but rather holds a funeral for his not beloved son. Meanwhile, Sarene, a princess from another country has arrived to marry Raoden not knowing what has happened. Her marriage contract considers her married upon the betrothal and even continues after Raoden's death, so she remains in Kae. But Raoden must find a way to survive, such as it is, in Elantris. Sarene is the only one who sees the coming doom from the religion of Darethi and an invasion from Fjordell.
  
  Brandon Sanderson has done something remarkable here. He has created an incredibly original work and unlike so many other works of fantasy this novel is complete in itself. It is not, as I understand it, the first volume of a trilogy or larger series. It is an epic work of fantasy in one self contained novel. It's one of the better fantasies that I have read. Sanderson does a good job in making all of the primary characters understandable, and sympathetic...even the "bad guys". The motivations are explained well and the characters are well developed and revealed. Simply put, with one novel Sanderson has made a fan of me. I was surprised by just how good this book was. If Sanderson writes another, I will definitely read it.
  
  -Joe Sherry
  
  

• "'Something just doesn't feel right here, Ashe'"

  
  By ARP3JDEBKU8P3 on 2007-01-17
  Brandon Sanderson's debut deserves great praise for offering the rarest of fantasies: a stand-alone novel. Furthermore, he eschews the classic tropes of fantastical races in favor of a modern-fantasy type medieval world fragmented by religious politics and a mysterious biological plague.
  
  Unfortunately, little else in _Elantris_ is as original or promising as the concept. The pace is numbingly slow, especially in the early chapters of Sarene discovering her way through Arelon. Huge passages of expository dialog between her and her Tinker Bell-like floating confidant serve only to dump background information on the reader. Clunky prose repeatedly distracts from the tale. Sanderson's fantasy names are too similar to avoid confusion, often starting with the same series of letters: Derethi religion and Dathreki Mountains, arteth priest and Arelon kingdom, Fjon the priest and Fjordell the religion.
  
  Worse still, the characters are shallow modern archetypes--the tables-turned prince and his world-wise new friend, the harsh militant priest, and the perky young princess who changes the world. They react most predictably to the situations they face, and many of those situations seem gratuitously engineered by the author to force the outcome he wishes. The dialog is laughably wooden, lines that real people would never say. "'Something just doesn't feel right here,'" Sarene tells Ashe at one point, and she's exactly right. Sanderson's concept is wise and full of potential, but his writing is not yet equal to that challenge.
  
  

• Today's Tolkien

  
  By A2X3M0LWJX96VL on 2005-07-09
  Brandon Sanderson's debut novel is the best work of fantasy that has come out in years. It is gripping from the very first sentence, and keeps the reader enthralled for every one of its 487 pages. He creates worlds that are so real that the reader feels like a part of them, so vividly that it's easy to see it and belong to them. Like Tolkien, he has a knack for creating new races, places, and even language --- look at the end for an interesting glossary that adds to the reality of the novel. He invents legends and mythology. His many plot lines and characters come together seamlessly by the end, all the puzzle pieces locking together in an ingenius way. His writing style is beautifully moving without becoming overly flowery or excessive. It's rare to find an author who can come up with just the right words to convey an idea, but Sanderson is one of those authors.
  
  Everyone that I have introduced this novel to has been keenly delighted by it and has had difficulty in setting it aside. Orson Scott Card couldn't put it down, and raved about its perfection as a fantasy novel for days, saying this was ONE novelist he was anxious to see make it in the genre. After reading "Elantris," it's easy to understand what made him praise this work so highly.
  
  Sanderson can capture his readers and keep them hooked, taking them through unexpected paths and turns. It is so refreshing to read an author who is so unique and original. TOR has bought two other novels, and I, for one, am eagerly awaiting their publication.
  
  

• Orson Scott Card is nuts

  
  By A3DGFEJ251N6JW on 2006-11-07
  Thought I'd give this one a try after hearing it was a single, self contained fantasy novel, without any dark lords on dark thrones needing to be defeated by a band of heroes. Unfortunately though, the writing just wasn't very good.
  
  The dialog was quite weak and unconvincing, filled with thinly veiled exposition trying to pass off as natural conversation, and most of the attempts at witty banter had me rolling my eyes. The twists at the end felt extremely forced and just didn't make sense to me. There's tons and tons anachronisms (having characters think about things like "metabolisms" seems kind of out of place in a medieval setting). And finally, the main characters were just too perfect in everything they do.
  
  They succeed at everything they attempt, always insightfully seeing the truth while everyone else around them is too dumb and clueless. They never falter in their optimism (even when they've been doomed to eternal damnation, living indefinitely in an undead state where pain never goes away) they never swear, they never say anything they'll regret later. They're perfect paragons of virtue. They aren't human and I felt no sympathy for them.
  
  Many of these complaints can be applied to 90 percent of the fantasy out there, so if you enjoy most of these kind of stories, you probably won't have any complaints with this one, (I've certainly read worse). But if you're hoping for something more along the lines of A Song of Ice and Fire or The Lies of Locke Lamora, don't bother with this one.
  
  
  
• Biggest Disappointment of the Year
  By A3A9NTX54OJKWT on 2005-10-06
  I was so excited to read this book. The description, the reviews, the high praise from other authors all had me convinced this would be a great read. I didn't make it past page 200.
  
  I hung around for that long hoping something would happen. I remember reading the Bridges of Madison County years ago feeling the same thing. I couldn't understand why so many people loved the book, but I persevered to the end and was mildly rewarded. That book was 192 pages long. Elantris is considerably longer and I just couldn't bring myself to give up hours of my life to find out if it would improve.
  
  The book's concept was very appealing, the execution was not. Fantasy is rife with the same plotlines, the same archetypes--the reason why people continue to read the genre is that talented writers find new ways of making the familiar seem brand new. The writing here was not of the caliber I expected (given the reviews), it was more YA. After 200 pages I still didn't care about any of the characters including the protagonists. My biggest complaint was over the author's choice of names for people, places and things ("Sheod, Teod, Reod", anyone?). Too much similiarity between them made it hard to keep them straight.
  
  Bottom-line, don't believe the hype. If you're curious save your money and get it from the library.
  
  
• Fresh Fantasy Voice
  By A3F9H3Y2DJBNLK on 2005-05-01
  As a long-time lover of fantasy (including Farland, Douglass, Eddings, Goodkind, Marillier, Rawn, Wurts, Tad Williams, etc.), I have to say that this is the most original fantasy novel I have read in years. I've been in the book business since '93 and was quite impressed by this novel...especially as a breakout work by a new, young author. I read the first line (which I would quote here if it wouldn't break copyright laws) and was immediately hooked. Sanderson does an impressive job of relating the story, characters & world in which they live in a single, richly comprehensive volume. Truly a must-read for every fantasy afficiando.
  
  
• 4 for effort, 2 for characterization
  By A5EXE3DORR8Y0 on 2005-10-28
  I've always been something of a stickler for compelling characters. If a book hasn't got them, I become annoyed, even if the plot is otherwise quite inventive. This novel would have been much better had the author put more effort into the people inhabiting his world.
  
  Raoden doesn't react the way most people would to what happens to him at the beginning of the novel. This isn't because he's a really unique guy, but rather has more to do with the author's failure to explore what a young person doomed to an agonizing, painful, possibly eternal death-in-life might feel about his fate. The situation he finds himself in is truly horrifying. Seriously grappling with this fact would have added a lot of needed depth to his character. We never get it.
  
  Sarene, the novel's heroine, is shrill and unconvincing. She easily dominates a council of senior statesmen, while constantly complaining about not being taken seriously as a woman. Uh huh. And she teaches a group of court ladies to fence, as some sort of rather silly feminist project that has no discernible liberating effect on any of them. She's progressive, certainly, but not very interesting.
  
  Hrathen, the remaining main character, is a religious fanatic with a few scruples that emerge belatedly, after the city is overrun by demonic monks who start killing everybody. Nice that he finally chose to do the right thing, but I didn't enjoy reading the chapters told from his point of view.
  
  Turning to the plot, the notion of the city of Elantris is interesting, and original. Which makes the shortcomings elsewhere all the more jarring by contrast: rule by the richest? Noblemen demoted to peons if their profits fall unacceptably low during a given year? Constant turnover in the aristocracy? I don't believe that's possible, as anyone who attained a title would then have every incentive to use his wealth to build a fortress, hire soldiers to guard it, and set up his own little empire. From which he couldn't afterward be shaken loose, no matter what the 'King' (himself a promoted merchant) might have to say about the matter. Why wasn't this happening? I have no idea. And the King himself was simply laughable; he shouldn't have lasted a week on that throne. He was thoroughly inept and insulting to everyone. He didn't even have any standing army to speak of, which seems odd given the presence of an aggressive enemy lurking nearby.
  
  Anyway. The book's worth a read, but wait until it's out in paperback. Or check it out from the library.
  
  
• Orson Scott Card was right
  By AYBBFOOPP5U7P on 2005-04-28
  I agree--it's one of the best fantasies I've read in recent years (see Card's review on his own site). From page one, Elantris is more than the typical quest fantasy, the expected "stranger leaves town" or "stranger arrives in town" plot. The pacing keeps you wanting to turn the pages, while the characters make you care about them. Original and insightful. A must read.
  
  
• I was completely captivated
  By AGQDJBG03B4HH on 2005-04-27
  Several factors shape any nation, fictional or otherwise, but three are especially important: religion, politics, and economy. Mr. Sanderson has used all three to set up a world that not only fascinates, but also convinces.
  
  And this world is populated with equally believable people. Main characters - including the antagonists! - are many-faceted and complex; secondary characters are well-rounded and distinctive. And never does the illusion shatter. All the people stay in character, with thoughts, words, and actions true to themselves.
  
  Part of the experience of reading a fantasy novel is suspending disbelief and entering another world. ELANTRIS makes that easy.
  
  
• Well Done
  By A3JC3GLQG698U7 on 2005-05-03
  I liked this book. The fact that it's a stand alone, but with room for sequels was a bonus.
  The writing is well-done with very strong characterizations. The characters are all for the most part likeable people, even the priest who isn't what I expected. That was a wonderful change since most such characters in fantasy are frothing at the mouth fanatics.
  The prince was sometimes tough for me to believe because what happens to him (and to all who go to Elantris) is quite a fall. And yet, despite this huge and terrible change in his station, he remains essentially unchanged. I had hoped to see some darkness within himself that he had to overcome, but while he overcomes external obstacles, he doesn't have to face many internal demons. However, I liked him so much that I could easily forgive the author for this. In fact, I wanted more of the story focused on his actions, but instead it is the princess to whom most of the book is devoted.
  The politics of the world seemed simplistic, at least in comparison to Martin or Scott Bakker, and the world building isn't as strong as those two (but who's is?). But, that's ok because the focus of the book isn't on world-building. While the politics may be simple, it serves its purpose which is this: What happened to this once glorious city of Elantris and how do the people of this country deal with its demise. In that, the book read almost like a mystery.
  Overall, I liked it a lot, and for some reason, I thought of Sean Russell and Greg Keyes when I read this. Maybe that's just me because no one else has pointed that out.
  
  
• Nice ideas, mediocre writing
  By A1ZAH951TOI7MC on 2005-05-09
  I loved the idea -- city of the blessed/damned and the way the world interacts with it. It is probably one of the better ideas I've encountered in fantasy recently. The characters were pleasantly drawn, except with perhaps a little too much irony. Similarly, the dialogue was a bit jarring: the prince and the princess particularly sounded like a couple of cocky, fairly smart college students. However, the worst were the author's declarative, "god-like" proclamations: "X woke up, not yet knowing he was cursed," "Y thought she was a bride but in fact was already a widow," "Z thought his fancy shoes were still safely at the cobblers' but in fact a small elf, carrying a red bucket full of slime had already dumped the contents..." (Ok, I made the last one up.)
  
  So, great ideas, fast-paced plot, mediocre/poor writing -- not bad for a first-time author. If he improves as a writer he has real potential to become a pre-eminent fantasy writer.
  
  
• Lack of Character Development
  By A2C9SQ62POEU3B on 2005-05-16
  The book is engaging: the story moves at a nice clip and there are some neat ideas. However, I had some major problems with the book, most of which can probably be explained (though not excused) by the fact that this is clearly a first-time author. The problem's the characters: there is virtually no character development (Hrathen is somewhat of an exception). The characters basically don't make sense. Take Raoden: the guy loses everything, including his body as he knew it, his status, is cursed and outcast... and pretty much remains the same person?? He remains, as someone described below, a cocky young man. The author is perhaps callow or has never met a disabled person, or actually been in pain for some period of time. Well, fine, what about at least trying to imagine it? Same with the princess: sure, she was trained for it, but wouldn't living in a country with obviously different mores, and attempting to change it to boot, change you a little bit? Or at least give you some insight? Nope, nothing.
  
  Other issues: the names sound seriously lame like something out an RPG (Hrathen? Fjorden? Teod?), annoying and arbitrary time markes (10 years, 3 months). Not serious issues - if I cared about the characters one bit. Was kind of rooting for the priest, because he was actually somewhat interesting.
  
  2 1/2 stars.
  
  
• An entertaining read, with nice structural touches!
  By A208GU52ZFYMDB on 2005-05-15
  The very first sentence of the book (beyond the prologue) is "Prince Raoden of Arelon awoke early that morning, completely unaware that he had been damned for all eternity." This is, it is true, a line with only authorial point of view. I'm personally willing to forgive it, since I think it makes a nice hook. But if point of view problems really bug you, don't worry: this is the only line in the whole book that isn't clearly from a specific character's point of view. In fact, point of view is one of the main structural foundations of the novel.
  
  There are three main characters: Prince Raoden, his "widow" Sarene, and the militant priest Hrathen. Through most of the book, with slight variation on the scene level here and there when absolutely necessary, the chapters cycle through, in order, these three parallel storylines from the three points of view.
  
  (By the way, Sarene's and Hrathen's introductory sentences, "Sarene stepped off the ship to discover that she was a widow" and "None of Arelon's people greeted their savior when he arrived," are perfectly consistent with their point of view and are not from an omniscient authorial voice--the reader finds these things out at the moment the character does, and not a page before as in Raoden's case--though they serve equally well as the hooks for their character arcs.) (There are also no elves, or any non-human races, in this book.)
  
  The three storylines start out as distinct from each other, but before long Sanderson begins to entwine them together in a skilled and entertaining manner. Events do build a bit slowly, but as more and more secrets are revealed, the pace and intensity level rise to unexpected heights--the further along you get, the harder and harder it gets to put the book down. This rise in intensity is expressed as well in the viewpoint structure: the rigid cycling of chapters symbolically breaks down as events come to a head toward the end.
  
  But frankly most people are going to be far too entertained to notice the structural foundations of the novel. It's just that good of a read. There are many great moments, such as the scene where the magic was introduced, that seriously made me gasp out loud.
  
  The supporting characters are also some of the most interesting I've seen in a fantasy novel in years. That also is one of the best aspects of the book--while only one of the three main characters is internally conflicted, the other two face their external conflicts with great tenacity and inventiveness; how the supporting characters are prompted to change and grow through their actions is very entertaining.
  
  Something else refreshing is that the story really does come to a satisfying end in one volume. With that in mind, I can wholeheartedly recommend the book to even the most casual fantasy fan. If you have a good time reading it, as I did, then all that remains is to eagerly await whatever Sanderson thinks up next!
  
  
• If I could give 3 1/2 stars instead or 3 or 4...
  By AGC3HG0S0O5MP on 2006-12-14
  I seriously dont know what people are thinking when they give this book 5 stars...they must not have read very many books if they rate this one of the best books they ever read. And to compare Sanderson to Tolkien...please! Its good, I enjoyed it, but it wasnt a book I'd read again. There were many flaws in both the characters and the storytelling.
  
  First, the two main characters, Raoden and Saerene were the most unbelievable of the book...outlandish luck and the ability to overcome the most tragic of circumstances in the blink of an eye was a little too far fetched for my tastes.
  
  My favorite characters were Hrathen and Galladon. I appreciated the inner turmoil of Hrathen and thought it was well written. Galladon on the other hand I enjoyed for his comic relief. His character lacked depth, but by design, not from poor writing.
  
  I was annoyed at how easily the Sanderson made up for the constraints that he put on the characters and the plot. Everything had to be concluded in a months time...so Saerene won over the nobles in an hours time, Raoden transformed Elantris in days, Hrathen began converting Kae within days...all because the writer said so...give me reasons, dont give me the same dribble my parents gave me as a youngster..."because I said so!"
  
  Other examples: how did Galladon and Raeoden get down off the roof early on in the book? The had run up a roof to get away from Saor's men and caused the steps to collapse...yet Sanderson didnt tell us how they got down without injuring themselves. And why was it that the old Elantrian didnt go to the pool early on before the Shaod took him entirely? And how did Raoden know what to do when he was about to get thrown into the pool by Galloden that would allow the AonDor to be freed? And how come nobody came to suspect that Raoden had been sent to Elantris instead of killed...it never occurred to anyone...how annoying. And there is no way I would believe that Iadon would allow Saerene to go into Elantris to give food when he had sent his son in less than a month ago...what a huge political risk. The book is riddled with inconsistencies such as these, however, the last section of the book is exciting. Dilaf is a great character and the Dakhor Monks...nice! I would love to learn more about Fjordell in other books and the monasteries that the monks trained and a little more about Wryn. I would give this book 3 1/2 stars if I could. 4 stars would be above average and its not "above average" Its more "fair to good"
  
  
• Elantris--a new light in fantasy
  By A24GNHLKCK4W1N on 2005-06-02
  I was really impressed with this book. The author takes you into the action quickly making you care about the characters and want to read on. He makes you work a little to figure out what is going on, which makes the plot more interesting and enjoyable. The twists and turns in the book are fascinating and there is rarely a dull moment (if ever). You get so enthralled with it, you don't want to put it down. It's so fun and unique--unlike any other fantasy I've read recently. It has a great prose style that is clear and descriptive, but not overly so. The characters are wonderful and believable and the plot is very smart. It's also nice to know that it is a standalone novel and so we don't get to the end and realize we have to wait for a sequel to find out what happens. I can't wait for the next novel published by Brandon. I'm sure it will be just as great. Orson Scott Card has given it wonderful reviews as well and he is one of the greatest scifi/fantasy writers of the past few decades!
  
  
• One of the most original fanatasy books!
  By A2EMIJZLBGPSDV on 2005-10-28
  I read Elantris for an English assignment, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Needless to say, I loved it!
  Elantris is one of the most origianl fantasy books I have read. The story is creative, and not something that has been recycled. It is new, exciting, and fast paced. Not only did I love the story, but I fell in love with the characters. Sarene is a strong female character that breaks all the sterotypes of women heroes. I also came to enjoy the character Hrathen. Througout the book it is hard to tell if he is good or bad. I haven't ever encoutered a character with such internal struggle in any book. It is so refreshing to see an atagonist that actually seems real, and you can see their conflict with their evil side.
  This book doesn't just have amazing characters, but it is fast paced, exciting, and humourous. Thats right, its funny at points! It blends fantasy with a refreshing blend of humor that doesn't seem out of place or gaudy.
  I recommend this book to all fantasy lovers!
  Brandon Sanderson is a welcome new fantasy writer with a great talent. I hope to see more work from this author!
  
  
• enjoyable but overhyped
  By A21WO301QSBM1V on 2006-02-08
  Elantris is a light, entertaining read, but not a great novel. On the plus side: it's a fantasy in one volume, not another infinite series; the world is interesting if spare; and the moral complexity of one of the viewpoint characters is refreshing. On the minus side, the author's characters are wooden. You never get invested in any of them. Also, while his world is interesting, Sanderson doesn't deliver enough backstory (you learn about the city's golden age, but not why it exists and how it came to be).
  
  I've been reading fantasy and science fiction for two decades now, and I've come to accept that there are often quality trade-offs in these genres. Some authors are better at world building than character development (Kim Stanley Robinson), and others devote so much time to building characters that the backstory fades away (early Robin Hobb). Sanderson falls in middle; he doesn't excel in either category, making the book a light adventure read with no greater resonance. Sanderson is certainly NOT the new Tolkien (whatever that means nowadays).
  
  If you want to read this, definitely buy it in paperback. I enjoyed reading it, but it's not worth the hardcover price. On a final note, I find many of the 5 star reviews here odd, almost as if they're working from talking points. Eerliy reminiscent of the Robert Stanek marketing machine.
  
  
• Great work by first-time author
  By A15JSTSB628EX2 on 2005-05-21
  I was most impressed by this novel's combination of religion, politics, social strata and economics. These elements combine to create a more complex world than the typical good-versus-evil we see in so many other works of fiction. It's pleasing that this work relies on these complex systems and their products, rather than simply setting characters on some physical quest and exposing them to new lands and beings as the source of entertainment. Equally important is the concept of magic, called AonDor, in this novel. The idea is well-rooted in a spiritual construct, rather than simply granted as a source of power and wonder. Furthermore, there are secrets to using it that can only be discovered by study and practice. This is a well-thought out perception of how a magical force might work. There is a well-outfitted cast of characters, and it's satisfying to see that they each have combinations of faults as well as virtues. This makes the characters more engaging, since the protagonists are at-times flawed and make mistakes and the antagonists can still stir sympathy and understanding in the reader. The only detractions I found in this novel were some phrases and expressions that seemed overused by the author, perhaps in his zeal to remind you of the world and characters he created. Things like the princess tapping her cheek, or the Dula character who says "Kolo" in as many as a quarter of his phrases eventually become a distraction and almost come across as overly insistent attempts to make you perceive the characters as the author imagines them. This, however, is a minor distraction when the great value of the other elements are taken into account. All in all, the story is engaging and there are several unexpected events which take the story down paths not anticipated, yet are rewarding. Fantastic work, and I look forward to reading more from Brandon Sanderson.
  
  
• Bleary eyed the next day.
  By APGCVMQS9Y071 on 2005-05-26
  With a book collection numbering over 2000, I'm always looking for new authors, especially in the realm of fantasy. I picked up Elantris while browsing through the bookstore thinking to myself that it sounds like an interesting concept.
  
  Of course I sat down to start reading and was up until 3 AM finishing the darn book, on a work night, in one sitting. Hurrah for Mr. Sanderson. Great concept and a pretty good implementation. The characters were definitely interesting and entertaining and at least a couple of the plot twists were not predictable.
  
  I'm hoping for some other stories in this world. Whether in the future, past or present, it seems that the foundation for interesting religions and cultures have been well defined.
  
  
• Best Fantasy of the Decade!!!!
  By AU5AAQ4A2YECP on 2005-10-22
  I first saw the book Elantris at my library. After reading the back cover, it seemed to be fascinating, so I checked it out and read the entire book. Boy, was I rewarded. Elantris is my new favorite book. I won't say "Eragon" was not entertaining, because it was, but "Elantris" was definitely far more creative. Harry Potter and Eragon just copy off of the old fantasy masters, but Brandon Sanderson, author of "Elantris" actually came up with something entirely new and fresh, but captivating at the same time. From politcs to religion to fantasy magic and violence, Elantris is perfect for every fantasy reader. I give it ten out of five stars and dub it the best book of the decade!!!
  
  
• Not Just Another Fantasy Title -- One of the Best
  By A18I8K6XGYBADL on 2005-10-23
  Although this book will likely appeal to a smaller audience than your run-of-the-mill modern fiction or science fiction and fantasy with flashier covers or from popular mainstream settings, it's a damn shame because this is a very exciting, mature, and fascinating book.
  
  At first I was a little put off by the early introduction of foreign slang and foreign terms but they are much simpler and less in number than say, that of Frank Herbert's Dune or something more in the vein of science fiction.
  
  Unlike most fantasy books that focus on adventure and often a party of individuals, Elantris is a more realistic story of political intrigue that is split between three main characters. These are the two protagonists -- a bright, savvy princess who comes to a foreign country to marry its prince and hopefully secure peace for their side of the continent and the kind-hearted, cunning prince who effectively dies on the very first page and before he can meet his fiancée -- and the antagonist, a calculating but remorseful priest from a theocratic empire that very nearly has control of the known world. His orders are to convert the king and/or the entire city in three months or else the city would be violently and forcibly converted.
  
  Besides these three main characters is one character that looms above them all very literally: the city of Elantris and its long-gone people. Elantris was literally a city of people ascended to godhood and had been for as long as known history. But ten years prior to the setting of the book, something inexplicable happened and the Elantrians fell, also literally.
  
  Yes, it sounds fantasical and fanciful but it's not really that much so for 50% of the book, if not more. Pretend it's renaissance France -- only it's on the border of the Holy Roman Empire who is almost done taking over Europe and the Black Plague ate everyone in the next country over ten years ago. Then you're all set.
  
  If you just can't deal with the fantastical aspect of the Elantrians but you like interesting, three-dimensional, characters and some political intrigue, suck it up and try Elantris anyway. It's that good. Just look at the first sentence of the book, quoted at the top of the page.
  
  
• An obvious first novel
  By A2FETPGACXKT5M on 2007-09-29
  I picked up this book because of the orson scott card remark on the cover only to remember later that these things tend to be favors, bought and even part of publishers contracts.
  It took me a while to get over the obvious, Elantris/Atlantis name. Sanderson's naming scheme in this book was problematic. A lot of his made up words and character names sounded the same or read similarly. Even though i know it was intention to have the names reflect the culture it made it difficult.
  The various plot "twists" were weak and often forced. I got the impression that Sanderson wanted to write a novel of intriguing and political savvy. It's obvious that he just doesn't have the mind to think like that. His character's were a little shallow.
  Lastly, and this might just be me but reading between the lines I saw Sanderson trying to hard to counter act his Mormon frame of mind especially when it came to talking about the various religions in the book.
  Yet, beside all that I wanted to finish reading the book, wanted to know what happened. It wasn't poorly written, slow or boring. I did though get a little disheartened when at the end the subplots and characters felt mashed together to finish the story as quickly as possible.
  
  
• Amazing premise
  By A1OPA8AH7QXDDK on 2005-05-21
  The premise for this novel is breathtaking. I must admit, that on reading the blurb on the back I thought to myself, 'there is no way this book can measur o up to this premise'. I was pleasantly surprised as Sanderson proved me wrong.
  
  The plotting is intricate and unpredictable (on at least three occasions I gasped with the melodramatic panache of a cartoon character). The pacing is also impeccable.
  
  One slight deficiency is that for the first half of the book, the Hrathen sub plot is not as interesting as the Raoden and Sarene sub plots. This imbalance is shortlived and in the second half, Hrathen's arc becomes as fascinating as the other two characters.
  
  The system of magic and the world are interesting and original. A novel approach to the fantastic.
  
  The end is satisfying but has weaknesses. it hurtles by at such a rapid pace that some of the built momentum segues into anticlimax rather than climax. Also, there are way too many 'surprise' revelations that happen too quickly, creating a soap operaesque situation in the final 50 pages. Amid these revalations, the given explanation for Elantris' fall is somewhat disappointing.
  
  Even so, this book is way ahead of competitors in the fantasy field. It is an astonishing first novel and I eagerly await to see where Sanderson's career leads.
  
  
• Finally a One Novel Epic Fantasy
  By A1GLDLNFV3RSG7 on 2005-06-08
  Elantris juggles so many balls in the air that I am deeply amazed by newcomer Brandon Sanderson's skill. The characters are simultaneously forced to confront magic, religious controversy, politics, and economic policies. Not only all they all dealt with completely and competently, but it is a fascinating read. The three main characters are Raoden, a fallen prince of Arelon, Sarene, his fiance and a politically savvy strongwilled woman, and Hrathen, a Derethi gyorn (high priestish) trying to conquer a nation to save it from a worse fate. Each of these characters is superbly handled, they become almost real people and grow as the novel progresses. The supporting cast is also wonderfully done; I can't think of one two-dimensional character. It would be excellent if Mr. Sanderson did someday return to Elantris, but this book really leaves no threads unfinished. Elantris is a worthy read for characterization, depth of plot, world-building, and because it is interesting. My advice, don't wait for a possible paperback reissue, go for the hardback.
  
  
• This book made me angry at the author
  By A95HEW0CE173 on 2005-07-10
  I was very upset that I lost an entire night of rest in order to finish the book. The ideas are refreshing and unique in a genre that has too many rehashes and same-old-plot stories. With one exception (Sarene), the main characters are interesting and enjoyable to follow. The settings and locations are different and well thought out.
  
  The plot itself, however, is where the book shines the brightest. The basis of the story is gripping and interesting from the start and the development of the plot flows well. Most of the twists that come are unexpected and made me want to keep reading. As it is, I am wasted as I write this, as I have not slept for almost 40 hours because of Elantris.
  
  I look forward to the next in the series and hope it makes me as tired as I am now.
  
  Curse you, Mr. Sanderson, for taking my rest from me. May Domi protect you if we ever meet...
  
  
  
  
• Elantris is an exciting book by a new author
  By A16I2V06RKR26W on 2005-08-03
  I had heard about Elantris from my brother who told me that he thought it was an excellent book. After reading what Orson Scott Card and David Farland had to say about it i decided to give Brandon Sanderson a chance and so I bought the book. I found the beginning chapters to be very captivating and provoking. The author set up a world that was nothing like any other world i had ever read about. He doesn't bog down the reader with lenghty descriptions but allows you to gain an image of the world over time and throughout the entire book.
  I was immediatly drawn in by the plot and literally could not put the book down. I started reading about 10 am and read until 3 am. I will admit that the second quarter of the book felt a little slow but not to slow to get my to stop reading.
  I loved the complex problems that Sanderson created in the book and seeing the intrigue and plotting that was going on in the book. It came to a point when i began to fear that Sanderson had created to big of a problem for him to solve. I have read far too many books where the author cannot create an interesting and plausible ending for his book. However, Sanderson did it. This book pulls it off, just when i thought everything had lots controlled, Sanderson showed that he knew exactly what was going on and how he was going to solve his problem.
  
  I loved this book and felt satisified upon reading it.
  If you are looking for a fun book to read that at the same time will introduce some interesting ideas choose this book.
  Elantris is by far the best book i have read in years.
  
  
• Easily the best book I've read this year
  By ATNZA7EE83D47 on 2005-06-14
  Its becoming harder and harder today to find such a great talent like Brandon Sanderson. This book is incredible, on par with some of the best fantasy out there.
  
  The most intriguing element to me of this story is that it is centered around a city (Elantris). My imagination got some practice building this place in my mind, something it hasn't gotten to do in a long time. From start to finish, Elantris itself plays a key role in the story, a fact that I found, well, really cool.
  
  The action begins right at the beginning, unexpectedly, and in the first few chapters I got a little confused, thinking I had missed something. But as you keep reading, everything is revealed, so if you pick this book up (which you should), avoid the temptation to keep flicking back and forth to find answers.
  
  Interesting revelations are spread out through the book and will keep the reader on its edge until the very end. When the end comes its a little too fast-paced, but I can't think of any good way to change it. Not to mention all loose ties are cleaned up, a good thing considering this is a stand-alone. That might be my only real complaint, but so many authors push their books out too far. Even though I'd like to see the characters again, its not necessary and I'd hate to see the story ruined. This book easily in my top five fantasy, and I'm confident most would agree with me after reading it.
  
  
• Great
  By A3NPNYLGL3RCIH on 2005-07-20
  I saw this book in a book store and I liked the cover so I picked it up and looked at the book jacket. It looked pretty interesting, but I don't usually buy hard cover unless it's the next book in a series and I've been waiting for it. Because this is Brandon Sanderson's first novel, I'd never heard of him. Then I read the first page...and I couldn't put it down. It's different and very original. There are three separate main stories: Sarene, Hrathen, and Raoden. Sarene is a princess coming to marry Raoden only to find that he had died. In fact, Raoden isn't dead. He has been transformed by the mysterious Reod and thrown into the decaying city of Elantris. Hrathen is the priest sent to convert Raoden's country, Arelon to his empire's strange and dangerous religion. Sarene is determined to stop him and in doing so enters Elantris and meets the deformed Raoden who calls himself "Spirit". Of course, she and Spirit begin to fall in love and together they try to save Arelon.
  It's really not that simple, though. This book is incredibly complex in a good way. Even small details that don't seem important are tied together in the end so that everything makes sense. This novel technically stands alone. Everything is concluded, but he leaves a small opening so that there could be second novel ( I hope so!).
  I liked all of the characters, as well. Sarene is a great female character, very independent and smart. She and Raoden go well together. (I especially like the whole kinda "Beauty and the Beast" sort of thing where she falls in love with him despite his strange appearance).
  Anyways, it's just one of those books you keep reading late into the night and when people talk to you while you're reading, you ignore them. And when it's over, you miss it...
  I love books like that. Elantris is great. Read it :) :)
  
  
• Elantris: Not your typical debut fantasy
  By A1BY93CEI2HTUK on 2005-08-14
  Elantris is a decaying city that was once the center of the civilized world. Its inhabitants, once worshiped as Gods, are now detested and despised, locked within the towering walls of Elantris, never-dying but also barely living. When Raoden, price of Kae, is taken by the Shaod and transforms into an Elantrian, he is declared dead and thrust into Elantris for eternity.
  
  Sanderson's Elantris is an amazingly well-executed first novel. Within its pages one will not find the tired cliches nor the over-used archetypes of the genre. Elantris offers to its readers a new and original world of magic, intrigue, and mystery. In today's world of never-ending Fantasy epics, Elantris is a magnificient stand-alone book.
  
  

• The Final Empire (Mistborn, Book 1)
• The Well of Ascension (Mistborn, Book 2)
• The Hero of Ages (Mistborn, Book 3)
• The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle, Day 1)
• The Lies of Locke Lamora