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A review by whatevanreads
Elantris: Tenth Anniversary Author's Definitive Edition by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
4.25
If Elantris is considered Brandon's worst book (as a lot have said), then I'm expecting the Stormlight Archive to be nothing short of perfection because this was great! Having said that, it wasn't quite as good as the Mistborn trilogy but was still fun and engaging.
Elantris was once a beautiful city full of equally beautiful residents who had magical abilities. Then a disease known as the Shaod happened, turning Elantris's elite into mere husks of their former selves. After a rebellion, the city collapsed and now only houses those stricken by the Shaod. Following a cast of compelling characters, we see religious factions seeking to control the empire surrounding Elantris and the people who will do anything to stop them.
Sanderson's character work needs to be studied in writing courses everywhere because as with the Mistborn trilogy, my favorite aspect of Elantris was the characters and the personal journeys they go on. Raoden, Sarene, her seon (familiar) Ashe, Galloden, and Hrathen were standouts of course, but I also loved Shuden and Kiin as well.
The only thing that took this down a notch for me was the pacing. I enjoyed the plot and was curious to see how things would unfold, but I felt like there was a lot of nothing happening half the time with major discoveries not feeling quite as major as perhaps they should've. Then, in stark contrast, the ending felt too abrupt. Whiplash is the best way I can describe it.
Having said that, this was still excellent and would round up slightly to a 4.25/5. Between the characters and the world-building, Elantris is something special. I'd love to see a prequel or a sequel someday!
Elantris was once a beautiful city full of equally beautiful residents who had magical abilities. Then a disease known as the Shaod happened, turning Elantris's elite into mere husks of their former selves. After a rebellion, the city collapsed and now only houses those stricken by the Shaod. Following a cast of compelling characters, we see religious factions seeking to control the empire surrounding Elantris and the people who will do anything to stop them.
Sanderson's character work needs to be studied in writing courses everywhere because as with the Mistborn trilogy, my favorite aspect of Elantris was the characters and the personal journeys they go on. Raoden, Sarene, her seon (familiar) Ashe, Galloden, and Hrathen were standouts of course, but I also loved Shuden and Kiin as well.
The only thing that took this down a notch for me was the pacing. I enjoyed the plot and was curious to see how things would unfold, but I felt like there was a lot of nothing happening half the time with major discoveries not feeling quite as major as perhaps they should've. Then, in stark contrast, the ending felt too abrupt. Whiplash is the best way I can describe it.
Having said that, this was still excellent and would round up slightly to a 4.25/5. Between the characters and the world-building, Elantris is something special. I'd love to see a prequel or a sequel someday!