©2008 Brandon Sanderson; (P)2008 Recorded Books,LLC
"... readers won't want to put it down." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)
"Outstanding." (Publisher's Weekly)
"Don't miss this one!"
I very much enjoyed this book. Even though it was long, it didn't feel like it. There were times I found myself laughing out loud and others where I almost wanted to stand up and cheer (or cry). I think this is intended to be the first in a series of books, but it ends in a way that you'll be OK until the next one is released (if there even is a next one). I see where/how a sequel could take off, but this is a very stand-alone book. Again, listening to the audio version saved me from having to try to come up with pronunciations for all the unique language/names in the text. The narrator did a fabulous job!
While there is a certain amount of magic and "fantasy" in this fantasy novel, it features deep and complex characters and relationships, as well as a well developed plot that is entertaining, often unpredictable, and always leaves you wanting more. Sure, you'll find a few things as progress through the story that make you say "I totally saw that coming!" But, those instances will be come lost amongst the many twists and turns you never expected, but which all add up to make this a very rich and satisfying entertainment experience!
"Well written and interesting to read"
If I owned the actual book and not the audiobook I would classify this as a real page turner.
This is one of the most original pieces of fantasy literature that I have had the pleasure of reading in a long time. The magic system, religions and cultures, while not totally unique, have enough of a twist on them to keep the story interesting. The book is not as complex as some other books in the fantasy genre but its simplicity is, in a sense, refreshing. Brandon does a superb job of helping the reader feel like they are part of the story.
Once I started listening I just couldn't stop... I found myself looking forward to driving to and from work so I could listen to the book... once I arrived at my destination I found myself sitting in the car for those few extra minutes just to hear what was going to happen next.
Since listening I have purchased it as a gift for my two brothers and will be buying it for my nephew this Christmas.
"Great Depth of Character and Complexity of Story"
A great book with good character development. I really liked the combination of the main storyline mystery, set within the environment of the political conflicts. It lead to a good complex story overall. I also really liked the reader, he was very easy to listen to. I mostly listen to more modern science fiction but I may be turned by this book! I will likely try another Sanderson novel.
"Original storyline. Good listen."
I didn't know this was the author's first novel until after I'd purchased it and started listening. For his first run he's done an impressive job. Yes, the ending is fairly predictable but how it gets there is not. He does a great job of keeping the story moving and I found myself actually hoping for more traffic on the way to/from work so I could listen a bit longer. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of 5 is the narrator. He speaks very VERY slowly. I've purchased several books on audio and this is the only one I've had to speed up to "fast" on my iPod. Other than that I would highly recommend this book. I'll definitely be adding the Mistborn trilogy to my library shortly.
"Interesting :)"
Interesting premise, nice details... combined with romantic POV as well as some actual romance... Romantic is really not my choice but not terribly overdone either. Reminded me of bujold, mccafrey, zimmer bradley, etc. Not great. Not bad. Interesting.
"A book for lovers of good books."
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found the ideas refreshing and the world the book encompasses to be masterfully crafted. I felt the narrator did a wonderful job and his tone matches the tone of the story nicely. While this novel is written with an adult audience in mind it is appropriate for teens and well enough told that they will be able to follow it. I've been an audible member for 2 years and listened to audio books for close to 15 years. This is one of only a very small number of books that have impressed me enough to write a review. Regardless of your favorite genre this book is a great listen. I definitely found it "credit worthy". Give it a listen.
Commodities broker, father, husband, and avid scifi/fantasy/self help fan.
"Rich, Well-Woven and Addictive..."
An exceptional audiobook has the ability to draw you in, suspend reality, and place you within the story. This fantasy novel will do exactly that, so recommending it is a pleasure. Magic, science, politics, epic warfare, and world creation come together in a fantastic read/listen.
It is, in a word, exceptional.
Without giving anything away, the hero makes makes a simple yet startling game-changing magical discovery towards the climax of the story. Something so close, yet just out of reach. Buy this audiobook, and when it happens, you'll know exactly what I'm telling you.
Not too much, he's done an extremely capable job. I look forward to hearing more of his work in the future.
"Wake up. Your nightmare awaits..."
I've read the other reviews, and while I don't agree with some of them, you'll note that almost all of us recommend you acquire it and listen. What's interesting, is the different reasons why to do so. So, there's not much more I can say, other than: "Get this wonderful audiobook. It will NOT let you down."
"Fantastic!"
I really enjoyed this book. I normally listen to audiobooks for about an hour and a half a day, during my commute to and from work. About 2/3 through Elantris, I started carrying my mp3 player with me and couldn't stop until I'd finished it. I would highly recommend this book.
"Not perfect, but very enjoyable"
I only listened to this book in order to get a feel for the author. Since he wrote the end of the "Wheel of Time" series, I wanted to become familiar with him before listening to his take on Robert Jordan's world.
This book was far from perfect, but I enjoyed listening to it. The premise grabbed me from the start, in a "whatintheheck is he gonna do with all of THIS" kind of way. The characters were engaging, and the predicaments were engrossing. Yes, too many crises were survived only through luck and Deus ex machina sorts of surprises.... but there's a lot to enjoy here.
Audiobook Junkie... Love all types of Science Fiction
"Good, but long wait until the sequel"
This is my first Brandon Sanderson novel and I really enjoyed the listen. I think some parts are a little drawn out unnecessarily, however, in the end I still wanted more. There are questions left unanswered at this books conclusion but for the most part things are wrapped up with this set of characters. I wish we didn't have to wait 10 years after this books creation date (2015) for a sequel.