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A review by radiance_01
Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I did enjoy this book, but it's evident that it is Sandersons first.
The Sanderlanche was coined by this book - Elantris has quite the dramatic and fast paced ending, with a myriad of scenes happening simultaneously that it can be a struggle to comprehend and keep up with. That pacing can be seen throughout the book in general, a little inconsistent and sometimes hurrying things along despite the distances and efforts involved.
Sarene and Raoden, too, were characters that stayed true to themselves throughout the book. There wasn't too much development on their parts, although they were written in such a way that even though it's evident that they're the heroes it's not written in a way that bores you.
The structure of magic in Elantris is one of its best features. Physical components to magic, the artistry, the mystery to its formation and how it works was one of the most interesting parts of the book for me. Elantrians as a whole are an interesting take on godlike characters with magic at their fingers and what becomes of them when it's gone - or doesn't work.
Hrathen was an interesting take, even if it becomes obvious that he has his own internal conflicts within his order, and I was genuinely impressed with his own development. Moreso than the other two main POV characters, even if I was quite unamused and dismissive of one particular trope at the end.
All in all, it's a pleasant standalone novel even if it may seem a bit fast or disjointed at times, fans of creative magic systems rejoice.
The Sanderlanche was coined by this book - Elantris has quite the dramatic and fast paced ending, with a myriad of scenes happening simultaneously that it can be a struggle to comprehend and keep up with. That pacing can be seen throughout the book in general, a little inconsistent and sometimes hurrying things along despite the distances and efforts involved.
Sarene and Raoden, too, were characters that stayed true to themselves throughout the book. There wasn't too much development on their parts, although they were written in such a way that even though it's evident that they're the heroes it's not written in a way that bores you.
The structure of magic in Elantris is one of its best features. Physical components to magic, the artistry, the mystery to its formation and how it works was one of the most interesting parts of the book for me. Elantrians as a whole are an interesting take on godlike characters with magic at their fingers and what becomes of them when it's gone - or doesn't work.
Hrathen was an interesting take, even if it becomes obvious that he has his own internal conflicts within his order, and I was genuinely impressed with his own development. Moreso than the other two main POV characters, even if I was quite unamused and dismissive of one particular trope at the end.
All in all, it's a pleasant standalone novel even if it may seem a bit fast or disjointed at times, fans of creative magic systems rejoice.