Elantris: Tenth Anniversary Author's Definitive Edition (1 of 2) (Dramatized Adaptation)

Elantris, Book 1

De: Brandon Sanderson

Narrado por: Anthony Palmini, Christopher Williams, Megan Dominy, James Konicek, Mort Shelby, Danny Gavigan, Steven Carpenter, Jenna Sharpe, Wyn Delano, Thomas Penny, Richard Rohan, full cast

In 2005, Brandon Sanderson debuted with Elantris, an epic fantasy unlike any other then on the market. Graphic Audio is reissuing Elantris in a completely new audiobook production, a fresh chance to introduce it to the myriad listeners who have since become Sanderson fans. This new version is re-recorded with a larger cast of actors, new sound effects and new music scoring!

This edition begins with a preface by author Dan Wells, the first person to read the completed novel, and a new afterword by Sanderson explaining how he came to write the book and its place in the Cosmere, the unified universe of all his Tor novels.

Elantris was truly a milestone both for Sanderson and for the genre of epic fantasy. It deserves this special treatment. Sanderson fans old and new will be excited to discover it!

Once the godlike rulers of the capital of Arelon, the inhabitants 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.

Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!

Performed by James Konicek, Danny Gavigan, Jenna Sharpe, Thomas Penny, Richard Rohan, Mort Shelby, Steven Carpenter, Wyn Delano, Christopher Williams, Anthony Palmini, Megan Dominy, Tony Nam, Terence Aselford, Arden Wannall, Bradley Foster Smith, Chris Davenport, Christopher Walker, Colleen Delany, David Ault, Danny Montooth, Donald Guzzi, Drew Kopas, Emlyn McFarland, Eric Messner, James Lewis, Jonathon Church, Ken Jackson, Matthew Bassett, Matthew Schleigh, Michael Glenn, Nanette Savard, Nora Achrati, Rose Elizabeth Supan, Scott McCormick, Steve Wannall, and Yasmin Tuazon.

©2015 Brandon Sanderson (P)2025 Graphic Audio LLC

performance a lil hit or miss~

(previously I’d only ever listened to the White Sand Graphic Audios, but want to try out the other Cosmere GAs when doing a timeline re-read this year, so a lot of this is based on the White Sand experience).

the novel itself is fantastic, and I’d never actually read/listened to anything other than the original, so it was fun to listen to the 10th anni version and see the slight changes and additions.

that being said, the performance was either stellar (I loved the voice actor who played Sarene), or really missed the mark for me. there were occasional mis-pronunciations — in-world words that every character mispronounced in addition to in-world words that only a handful of actors, or one actor mispronounced, which just speaks to a lack of cohesion in the direction, though not the biggest deal as a Cosmere (or just fantasy) fan (we’re used to things being mispronounced).

additionally, I found myself wanting for more sound effects and music. I’ve seen reviews from others saying they enjoyed the balance in this edition, but the sound effects in White Sand’s GA was part of what made it so fun and captivating. at times I’d switch to headphones mid-scene and realize there WERE sound effects or music, but they were mixed in so low that I couldn’t hear them out of my phone’s speaker.

lastly, there were a handful of scenes where the music just 1000% did not fit the tone of the story. in general I found the music less fun and with less in-world flavor than in White Sand, but there were also scenes that included somber music during light-hearted scenes, and the opposite as well. one that stood out was when Sarene’s cousins make fun of her not being able to use chop sticks. the music makes it seem as though Sarene is taking it to heart and truly effected by their teasing, but the scene is intended to be jovial and upbeat, despite some inner-monologuing from Sarene about her botched betrothal. it just felt… weird, and again, like there was something off in the direction.

Elantris

I've listened to the original GA version and this is definitely worth the purchase. The actors and music are in perfect balance with each other.
Elantris is good, thought provoking lightening. Like Dune and Halo it focuses on the dangers of unchecked religion. Brandon Sanderson is a master craftsman.
It's perfection.

Another Great Book

Loved the Full cast and immersive sound effects and music. This anniversary edition is in two parts making it a 2/3rds the price which is why I got it. Although I found the background music barely perceptible. I know some people find it distracting but those some people can listen to the original if they so choose.

This IS magic!

If you’re reading this review, then thank you!
The TL;DR, buy it, love it, re-listen. Repeat until you can recite it.

The true power of Elantris is in more than its relatable characters, its sprawling living world, or in the complexity of one of the most unique magic systems in any story. It’s in the questions it presents in how true power is more than blind faith. It showcases that the efforts of those who care to look past the darkness can see the light beyond a grim veil of a reality that the masses have accepted as truth. This is a tale of epic proportion that deserves to reside in the annals of human history.

When this book is discovered 1,000 years from now, once the views of the world we now know no longer apply, it will serve as more than an evening chapter read. It will embody the testament of a writer dedicated in seeing the magic that we all are capable of possessing. The power of imagination, of creation, and in proving dreams can come true.

The production is top notch with a spectacular cast, audio design, and music. Audible has absolutely hit the mark on everything needed to bring Elantris to life. Also, I think we all need a seon, but a guiding conscience will have to do for now.

Amazing work Audible! I look forward to the next part later this summer!

A palate cleanser in an ocean of creative rot

Hrathen is the greatest character of all time. He stole the show. If there was a book solely about him I would buy 10 BILLION copies.