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!!

This book is amazing. Believable, complex characters in a rich and inventive world. Sanderson nails it! I've recommend this book to anyone who will listen, and it leaves everyone with a smile and a hunger for MORE. The only unhappy aspect of this book is that it's all alone. Should have at least been a trilogy.

Interesting

If you enjoy political fantasy, you might find this exciting. It is a very interesting world that was created but it seemed a little small. As a young writer, I think there is definitely a lot of potential. I'm not sure how big this world is supposed to be but the governence and politics seemed way too simple for a large fantasy world. The author seemed to be setting these characters up for a long series but I don't know that there is enough of interest to flesh out.

If you like fantasy there are some interesting concepts here but nothing all that original.

Great book, Just not for me

Is there anything you would change about this book?

More action

What other book might you compare Elantris to and why?

Books that I could not finish, lack of action combat.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the main character first got aeon door to work.

Did Elantris inspire you to do anything?

No

Any additional comments?

The Author personally told me this book would not suit me, I still had to try it. If you like intrigue especially political, this is for you. Many twist, well written and a great reader.

Good read

Slow start, but worthwhile read. Kept me intrigued the whole way. Wide variety of well developed characters. Sometimes a bit difficult to track.

The Science of the Fanciful

More of a fantasy, with a little string theory thrown in, but very enjoyable. Disney could turn it into another Beauty and the Beast, except the with a very real threat looming at the end that begs to be developed in the sequel.

I know I'll be buying.

Fun and very inventive; some plot holes

Story: I enjoyed this a lot. Fun characters, intriguing and unique world, some great payoffs. Sanderson can be counted on for those!

Unfortunately I found the plotting is sloppier than usual (it's a very early work by Sanderson.) Two small examples: a couple times a Seon is sent as a messenger instead of having it contact another Seon directly. Seon's are also described as rare enough to be notable, yet Sarene talks to hers openly in the king's throne room yet remains inconspicuous.

One more: Reoden doesn't think about his impending marriage at all in the first chapter. I think this is so that Sanderson can reveal it in the first sentence of chapter 2. It's a great hook for that chapter but hardly seems realistic, particularly when Reoden talks later about his high esteem for his betrothed..

But the truly frustrating examples are when characters behave inconsistently in favor of advancing the plot. I can't give examples without spoiling anything so I won't.

Many people won't notice these flaws and maybe I'm being too picky. Sanderson is so inventive and good that I find it annoying when he falls short of "great". (Maybe if he slowed down his writing a little? But I don't see that happening-- he's a fountain of stories and they need to come out!)

Narration: The narrator doesn't so much read the story as proclaim it. It I found his reading style ponderous and annoying. Thank goodness for Audible's 1.25x setting-- at that speed it sounded like a normal reading to me!

Not Bad Once I Tried Something Different

If you're a Sanderson fan, this book should keep your interest enough through its entirety. As many reviewers have already mentioned, it's one of his first works and as such not as polished a the Mistborn Series.

I found the pace to be a bit slower than I would typically like. Also, the protagonist doesn't have any particular character flaws nor make many mistakes (the Wesley Crusher of Elantris).

But to mitigate the pace I hit the 2X on the iPOD touch. Once I adjusted to that speed I still found the pace to be too slow.

3X increased the pace of the listen, allowed the story to develop quicker, and probably afforded an additional star in my rating.

Simply Great

The story is just as great as the narrator, Sanderson does a great job of creating a believable society and successfully transports into the world of Elantris. This is a must read in my opinion.

Good concept implemented nicely

The entire concept of Elantris is very fascinating. Something that can be applied to any civilization. Obviously not entirely but with a pinch of salt and some imagination. The characters are well written and well developed over the course of time. I have started liking the way Sanderson draws his protagonist as the one leading with mysterious qualities and sometimes mystic abilities. The climax seems rushed and a wide jump to a complete magical and teleportation abilities which are hardly discussed. It does make an exciting end.

Jack Garrett does a great job too with every characters representation.

One of my favorite books

I wish there were more books set in this world and with these characters. I know they pop up in a few of Brandon Sanderson's other books, but I really wish he would continue this story.