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A review by pinakamataas
Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
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?!