Elantris

By: Brandon Sanderson

Narrated by: Jack Garrett

Length: 27 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Legendary science fiction author Orson Scott Card calls Brandon Sanderson a writer to watch.

Once the godlike rulers of the capital of Arelon, the inhabitans of Elantris have been imprisoned within themselves, unable to die after the city's magic failed years ago. But when a new prince falls victim to the curse, he refuses to accept his fate.

©2005, 2015 Dragonsteel Entertainment, LLC. (P)2008 Recorded Books,LLC

Critic reviews

"...readers won't want to put it down." ( Publishers Weekly)

"Outstanding." ( Publisher's Weekly)

Amazing Read!

I did not start out with high hopes for this book, but I was proven wrong. This is an absolutely amazing read! I recommend this book for ages 10 and up, as if can get slightly scary/gruesome, but other then that, it is really child-friendly! (It may get a bit confusing to younger readers) I would give it 10 stars if I could.

Meh

It really dragged all the way into the middle, but then eventually picked up towards the very end. The narrator kept forgetting which vice to user for which character so it really detracted from the story even more.
wouldn't suggest for others.

Worth reading for Sanderson fans, but not stellar.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I'd recommend Elantris to anyone who's read some of Sanderson's work and loved it, but with the caveat that it's my least favorite of the 8 books of his I've read.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Elantris?

Elantris, like the rest of Sanderson's books, has unique and interesting world building. I wish the book focused more on the struggles in "Elantris" itself, because that was the most interesting part of the book for me.

Do you think Elantris needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Sanderson's newer books have been some of my favorites. I wish that Elantris could be rewritten now that he's hit his stride. It's got such an interesting concept and there is a lot more exploration he could do in this compelling world.

Good, but can tell it's an early work

Good read, but I can tell it's one of his first books. well worth the credit

Long, but entertaining

Would you listen to Elantris again? Why?

I have a habit of being so eager to find out what happens that I miss details. This book is lengthy and detailed, so I'm sure there things that I will catch when I listen again. That being said, it did feel like a bit of a slog, so it will be a while before it plays again.

What other book might you compare Elantris to and why?

Perhaps to some Tad Williams books (the Memory, Sorrow & Thorn trilogy) due to length, the jumping from one character group to another and the fantasy elements

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This is not a book for one sitting. It works better to ponder the story between. Don't wait too long though, or you'll forget what's going on!

Any additional comments?

I found the narration a bit distracting at first - the narrator seemed to have a slight southern US accent that I had to work to get beyond. Also, there was one point toward the end where the editing was jarring - big action scene and a switch to something calmer - I felt like I'd suddenly started listening to a different book. A breath or pause would have been helpful, even if it was just a quick second.

Lost me halfway but finished great!

Not the best of Brandon's but still good! like the subject line says I got bored of the book half way through and them came back to it abut 4 months later and finished strong.

Would Love to See a Sequel

I am torn by this book. On the one hand, I enjoyed it and thought it was fantastic. It is a fully satisfying and enjoyable story. On the other hand this book felt like an introduction to a series is that I want more of. And after checking the author's website, I couldn't figure out if there is a future installment planned.

The story felt very similar to the Warbreaker novel by the same author. If you enjoyed Warbreaker, you will probably enjoy this as well. But if you enjoyed Steelheart, this may be a tougher sell. Steelheart is a comic book novel, this is a Sword and Sorcery novel.

I also thought that the story was slow in places, but the ending was so good and tied together the slow parts that I easily forgave it.

If you're looking for an epic fantasy story filled with intrigue and mystery, this book won't disappoint.

A story with twists and purpose

Where does Elantris rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Ranks pretty high. I would say Elantris, being the first real Sci Fi book I've gotten into was a great one.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

The narration was great. The readers voices were done very well and kept you into it at all times

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes. I found my self sitting int he car at the end of my commute a couple of extra minutes to get to a break. I didn't want to stop in the middle of something important

Any additional comments?

The chapter transitions a jarring. That would be the only thing I would complain about. no pause between them and very abrupt

It starts slow...and then gets much better

Initially, I didn't think I was going to like this book. For the first few chapters, the characters seemed a bit shallow and I had trouble getting into the story. Then things got good. The characters went from being one-dimensional to wonderfully complicated, conflicted, and relatable. Overall, I really enjoyed the story. It's not as great as Sanderson's "Stormlight Archive"...but honestly what is? :)

Great story

Very enjoyable to listen to. I know this is not a series but I wish he would turn it into one!