Elantris: Book Review

Today, we will be reviewing the fantasy novel Elantris by Brandon Sanderson. It follows the story of three characters as they fight for the future of the city of Elantris and Arelon. Keep reading to find out if you should read this epic fantasy novel!

Elantris Summary

 The city of Elantris used to be a beautiful place filled with magic as the immortal Elantrians resided there. They were considered gods by many as they could create food, heal, teleport, with just a wave of a hand. But one day, the Elantrians lost their magic as the people become cursed and were slaughtered by the merchants and overthrowing them.

It is 10 years later and Prince Roaden has been transformed into an Elantrian. He is covered with dark splotches and his hair has fallen out. He is taken from his bed to the city of Elantris along with the others affected by the Shaod. The Elantrians always feel hungry and as they suffer pain, they slowly lose themselves and go insane.

Just as Princess Sarene arrives to Arelon to marry Roaden for a political alliance, she finds out her husband has died. Sarene finds herself stuck in Arelon as her wedding contract is binding even in death. She tries to learn the ways of Arelon and learn about the city and its people. But as she soon realizes, there is a threat that will destroy her new home and if gone unchecked, her old home as well.

Lastly, we get narration by Gyorn Hrathen, a Derethi gyorn, or a high-ranking priest. He arrives in Arelon at around the same time as Sarene and is sent to convert the city to the Derethi religion or the city will be wiped out in three months’ time. He bribes the corrupt nobility but he faces opposition from Sarene as well as his own followers.

Complex Magic System and Amazing World Building

This was Sanderson’s first published novel which was released in 2005. The magic systems and world building that Sanderson is known for shine bright in this book. The characters are likable and the plot is always fresh.

It is amazing just how good this novel is. You can see the style that Sanderson becomes famous for in his future novels such as Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive series. Few authors can make you support the characters like Sanderson can and I ended up falling in love with the beautiful writing style.

The novel received positive reviews and even a raving one from fellow author Orson Scott Card. On his website, he wrote “Elantris is the finest novel of fantasy to be written in many years. Brandon Sanderson has created a truly original world of magic and intrigue, and with the rigor of the best science fiction writers he has made it real at every level.”

Conclusion

After reading so many Sanderson novels, it is amazing to see how well his first published novel holds up. There are elements from this book that show up in his other novels. It is a fresh breath of air reading his early works and seeing how much he has accomplished since then. This is a must read if you are a Sanderson fan or appreciate great world building. Happy reading!

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