A review by asearl
Elantris by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

People may say this is Brandon Sanderson’s weakest novel, but his weakest is still better than many other’s strongest. 

I, personally, did not enjoy Elantris. I believe this opinion is more because of the order I chose to read Sanderson’s books, than the quality of this book itself. I read this book after already finishing Stormlight, Mistborn (Era 1 and Era 2), Frugal Wizard, and Tress. Because I started off knowing what he was capable of writing, I was underwhelmed. He has come a long way since 2009. 

The Cons

  • From the beginning to the last couple dozen pages, the plot is ploddingly slow. 
  • The characters are one dimensional (at least relative to someone like Shallan or Tress or Dalinar). They have their “trait” and stick to it. 
  • There is so much politicking. I normally don’t mind scheming over action, so much of the book focused on scheming for it to not pay off well in the end. 

The Pros

  • The magic system is, of course, wonderful and unique. 
  • The last dozen or so pages explode in your typical Sanderson-esque finale. I think this makes the plod through the rest of the book worth it. 

All-in-all, I’d recommend Elantris to anyone willing to read his other books as well, or to those looking to understand this particular magic system. If this is going to be your only Sanderson book ever, maybe try Mistborn. 
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