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dillonbrantley's review against another edition
2.0
Elantris is Sanderson's first novel, and boy does it show. It's not bad, and certainly better than many books I've begun. However, it was fairly lackluster beyond the initial premise of the Elantrians.
If I were not so invested in the Cosmere, I would have stopped about a third of the way in, I think. It just didn't have much to bring to the table to get me interested, unfortunately. The magic system is vaguely presented and honestly pretty uninteresting (especially compared to the excellent alternatives in his later books) and felt almost unnecessary.
If you are truly looking for the entirety of the Cosmere experience, I think it's worthwhile, but just barely. Sanderson has come so far from his Elantrian roots.
If I were not so invested in the Cosmere, I would have stopped about a third of the way in, I think. It just didn't have much to bring to the table to get me interested, unfortunately. The magic system is vaguely presented and honestly pretty uninteresting (especially compared to the excellent alternatives in his later books) and felt almost unnecessary.
If you are truly looking for the entirety of the Cosmere experience, I think it's worthwhile, but just barely. Sanderson has come so far from his Elantrian roots.
ballista_2003's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
What an incredible book! After reading this I can totally understand why Sanderson’s career took off and gained the recognition he deserves with all his talent!
kittyp's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
matthewthe38th's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
virgoreading's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
pinakamataas's review against another edition
challenging
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Elantris was an interesting mix of Yes, Sanderson magic!, with wait, a zombie romance?, and religious zealotry?!, and me finally finding Cosmere connections?!
It took me stupidly long time to get through the book, and I partially blame the really hard to stomach religious zealotry that was the first 30% (when it was on page). After that tough beginning I did pick up the pace and I blame my real life for the rest of it, it really got better.
The BrandoSando twists were still pretty unexpected, but I wasn’t invested in any of the other side plots apart from Sarene and Raoden’s main story, so I’d label it as Sanderson heavy romance set in fantasy realm. Because this was reminiscent of my favourite couple from WoT (which to this day i don’t know if it’s solely Sanderson or Robert Jordan left his notes and he just executed it perfectly) - Pevara&Androl, all the romance is in very muted subtext based exchanges and more based on what they think of each other; and I just love when the romance is created by wholly unromantic quips.
I cared a little for side characters, but unfortunately in the beginning I was also nitpicking over plot holes and never saw a lot of distinction of character from others - basically to the end of the book I mixed up the friend Eondel and the King Iadon.
Overall I see why Elantris is not Sanderson’s strongest work, but it is a novel worth reading, even if just for the mindfuck with Hoid (Hoed?!). I sure loved to meet such a weirdo, but what’s his companion?!
It took me stupidly long time to get through the book, and I partially blame the really hard to stomach religious zealotry that was the first 30% (when it was on page). After that tough beginning I did pick up the pace and I blame my real life for the rest of it, it really got better.
The BrandoSando twists were still pretty unexpected, but I wasn’t invested in any of the other side plots apart from Sarene and Raoden’s main story, so I’d label it as Sanderson heavy romance set in fantasy realm. Because this was reminiscent of my favourite couple from WoT (which to this day i don’t know if it’s solely Sanderson or Robert Jordan left his notes and he just executed it perfectly) - Pevara&Androl, all the romance is in very muted subtext based exchanges and more based on what they think of each other; and I just love when the romance is created by wholly unromantic quips.
I cared a little for side characters, but unfortunately in the beginning I was also nitpicking over plot holes and never saw a lot of distinction of character from others - basically to the end of the book I mixed up the friend Eondel and the King Iadon.
Overall I see why Elantris is not Sanderson’s strongest work, but it is a novel worth reading, even if just for the mindfuck with Hoid (Hoed?!). I sure loved to meet such a weirdo, but what’s his companion?!
hannahhew's review against another edition
5.0
While this isn't as good as the other Cosmere books I've read, it is still amazing.
allysalumley's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0