Summary
Elantris, Brandon Sanderson's 2005 debut novel, marked a significant milestone in the fantasy genre. This standalone epic introduced readers to a unique magic system and a world where gods-turned-mortals struggle against a mysterious curse. Sanderson's intricate world-building and fresh approach to fantasy tropes garnered critical acclaim, establishing him as a rising star in the field. The novel's success led to its translation into multiple languages and the release of a 10th-anniversary edition in 2015. This special version includes an expanded “Ars Arcanum” appendix, offering fans deeper insights into the book's magical elements. While Elantris remains a self-contained story, it serves as the foundation for Sanderson's larger Cosmere universe, connecting it to his other works through subtle Easter eggs and shared themes.
Plot
In the kingdom of Arelon, the city of Elantris was once a place of wonder and magic. Its inhabitants, transformed by a mysterious power called the Shaod, possessed incredible abilities. Then one day, the magic suddenly failed, turning Elantrians into afflicted outcasts and leaving their city in ruins. Elantris opens 10 years after that fateful day.
The story follows three main characters—Prince Raoden, Princess Sarene, and Hrathen, a high priest from the aggressive nation of Fjordell. Just before his wedding to Princess Sarene, Prince Raoden is struck by the Shaod and secretly exiled to Elantris. Unaware of her beloved’s fate, Princess Sarene arrives in Arelon to face the unknown alone. Meanwhile, Hrathen enters Arelon with a mission to convert the entire kingdom to his religion—or see it destroyed.
Inside Elantris, Raoden struggles to maintain his sanity and improve conditions for his fellow outcasts. He discovers ancient knowledge about the city's magic and works to unite the Elantrians. Outside the city walls, Sarene becomes embroiled in political intrigues as she tries to stabilize Arelon's monarchy and counter Hrathen's influence. She also investigates the mystery surrounding the supposed death of the man she had intended to marry.
As the story unfolds, Raoden uncovers the secret behind Elantris's fall and seeks to restore its power. Sarene's efforts to protect Arelon bring her into conflict with both Hrathen and corrupt nobles. The three protagonists' paths eventually converge as they race against time to save Arelon from internal strife and external threats, culminating in a revelation that could change the fate of Elantris and the entire kingdom.
Themes
Resilience in the face of adversity
Power of hope and faith
Corruption of political and religious institutions
Redemption and restoration
Clash between tradition and progress
Importance of unity and leadership
Exploration of magic systems and their consequences
Setting
Elantris is set in a fantasy world reminiscent of a pre-industrial era. The story takes place primarily in the nation of Arelon, with the city of Elantris at its heart. The larger geographical area includes neighboring countries like Teod and Fjorden, each with their own political and religious dynamics. Kae, the new capital of Arelon, sits in the shadow of the decaying Elantris, serving as a stark contrast between the mundane world and the fallen magical realm. The landscape is marked by significant natural features that play a crucial role in the magical system of Aons.
Within Elantris itself, Sanderson paints a vivid picture of a once-glorious city now mired in filth and despair. The crumbling architecture and darkened streets serve as both setting and metaphor for the plight of the Elantrians. This juxtaposition of past splendor and present decay creates a rich backdrop for the characters' struggles and the unfolding mystery of the city's fall from grace.
Characters
Raoden: The crown prince of Arelon, who is exiled to Elantris at the beginning of the story. He struggles to maintain hope and improve conditions in the fallen city. Raoden shows exceptional leadership skills as he unites the Elantrians and rediscovers the magic of the Aons. His efforts ultimately lead to restoring Elantris to its former glory.
Sarene: The princess of Teod, who arrives in Arelon to marry Raoden only to find him supposedly dead. She is intelligent and politically savvy, working to stabilize Arelon's government and counter the schemes of Hrathen. Sarene plays a crucial role in uncovering the truth about Elantris and helping Raoden restore its magic.
Hrathen: A high-ranking Derethi priest sent to convert Arelon within three months or face invasion. He is cunning and manipulative but begins to question his beliefs and methods. Hrathen's internal struggle between his faith and his growing doubts forms a significant part of his character arc.
Galladon: An Elantrian who becomes Raoden's closest friend and ally in Elantris. He is cynical but loyal, helping Raoden navigate the dangers of the fallen city.
Dilaf: Hrathen's fanatical assistant who harbors a deep hatred for Elantrians. He becomes increasingly unstable and dangerous as the story progresses.
King Iadon: Raoden's father and the current king of Arelon, a weak and corrupt ruler who gained power after the fall of Elantris.
Karata: Leader of one of the gangs in Elantris who eventually becomes an ally to Raoden and helps maintain order in the city.
Spirit: A mysterious Elantrian child who cannot speak but possesses unique abilities. She plays a small but significant role in the story.
Quick facts
Elantris was Brandon Sanderson's debut novel, published in 2005 when he was 29 years old.
Sanderson came up with the idea for the story while on a Mormon mission in Korea.
The book took Sanderson more than six years to write.
Elantris stands out in the fantasy genre as one of the few standalone epics.
The magic system in Elantris is based on intricate magical symbols called Aons.
A 10th-anniversary edition was released in 2015 with 10,000 words of additional content.
Elantris has been translated into more than 15 languages, including Chinese, German, and Russian.
Elantris is part of Sanderson's larger Cosmere universe, connecting it to his other works.
The character Hoid, who appears in many Cosmere novels, makes a brief appearance in Elantris.
Sanderson has announced plans for two sequel novels set in the world of Elantris.
About the Author
Brandon Sanderson is a prolific American author of fantasy and science fiction, best known for his expansive Cosmere universe. Born in 1975, Sanderson began his writing career in the early 2000s and quickly gained recognition for his intricate magic systems and world-building. His debut novel Elantris was published in 2005, followed by the popular Mistborn trilogy.
Sanderson's career reached new heights when he was chosen to complete Robert Jordan's epic Wheel of Time series after Jordan's death. This led to increased visibility and acclaim for Sanderson's own works. He has since published numerous bestselling series, including The Stormlight Archive, which began with The Way of Kings in 2010. Sanderson is known for his prolific output, often releasing multiple books per year across various series.
In addition to his adult fantasy novels, Sanderson has written young adult series, including The Reckoners, and middle-grade books such as the Alcatraz series. He is also an educator, teaching creative writing at Brigham Young University and co-hosting the writing advice podcast, Writing Excuses.
Sanderson made headlines in 2022 with a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign that raised over $41 million for four “secret novels” he had written during the pandemic. This unprecedented success further solidified his position as one of the most popular and influential authors in modern fantasy literature. Sanderson continues to expand his fictional universes while also exploring new formats like graphic novels and roleplaying games based on his works.
