Reviews

Elantris by Brandon Sanderson

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alexiasp's review against another edition

adventurous slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The beginning and end of this book are easily its strongest parts. While the premise is interesting, it took me a very long time to care about the lore and religions of the cities outside Elantris, and the middle bit of the book felt like a big slog. All the information went in and out of my brain.
The graphic audio definitely helped me get through it and enhance my experience; otherwise, I might have given it 2.5 stars. However, the graphic audio also had its problems. The background noises became way too loud in any battle scene, and I could not hear the narrator properly. I’m sure this is why a lot of stuff just went over my head.
Regardless, I liked the magic system, so I will definitely try more from Sanderson.

marenlade's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful reflective medium-paced

4.0

s_h_a_z_z_a's review against another edition

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mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

Interesting concept, poor execution.
Would love to see it revised and rewritten now that Sanderson has a couple decades experience.

winxna's review against another edition

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

Most people say this is one of Brandon Sanderson’s least compelling books. While I do understand this viewpoint - it’s maybe slower and has less big magical and political manoeuvrings. However it had huge emotional pay off in the last section of the book, due to the stronger focus on characters. It’s the only one of his books so far that has actually made me cry. As his first published book, I think he did an excellent job.

glennau's review against another edition

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2.0

Good concept and the full cast dramatized audiobook was quite enjoyable to listen to. My main issue is with the FMC. While she is written as a strong and politically savvy person, when with the MMC she seems to lose part of her strength waiting for him to save her. Her character lacked growth throughout the story. All in all, the world building was entertaining, but the individual characters could use more depth.

whisper_dvm's review against another edition

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3.75

Overall enjoyed this though it reminded me strongly of Warbreaker at the start. Can definitely tell it’s an early novel of Sanderson as it’s not quite as polished as his later work. There are several minor plot contrivances that come up that I don’t think Sanderson would use now.

I enjoyed Sarene and Raodens perspectives. Hrathen was the perspective that I was reading just to get through but then by the end I was thoroughly enjoying his perspective as well.

Lots of open threads for future books so I’m glad Sanderson plans to continue this series in the future.