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)

What if your body could never heal?

Elantris is Brandon Sanderson’s first widely distributed book and is named after the ruined city of Elantris, which is the focus of the story. It is an excellent book and a complete story, despite the fact that Brandon does plan to eventually write a sequel.

Within Arelon an affliction known as the Shaod transforms certain individuals into an undead state where one’s body no longer repairs itself. Arelon society treats anyone afflicted with the Shaod as dead and sends them into the ruined city of Elantris for the remainder of their existence.

Elantrians feel pain and it is a pain that will never go away or diminish as they have no ability to heal. Over time, an Elantrian will accumulate injuries, each time adding to the level of constant pain they feel. Eventually, many go mad from their suffering. Within the walls of Elantris, a desperate, broken society has formed where the strong prey on the weak and the existing inhabitants take advantage of the newcomers sent to join them.

Raoden, the Prince of Arelon, is taken by the Shaod and thrust into the living hell that is Elantris; however, he refuses to abandon his humanity and seeks to improve the state of affairs within Elantris. Brandon’s concept for this book, while basic in nature, is told within a setting that contains interesting magics and complex politics. Jack Garrett does a fine job as narrator and felt like a good fit for the material.

This book is certainly not as polished as Sanderson’s later works, but I enjoyed the story just the same. It is a worthy listen and certainly left me wanting more. I look forward to the day that the decade long wait for a sequel comes to an end. :)

Excellent Single Novel story

Most modern authors don't have the confidence to confine their successes to a single novel, but rely on never ending sequels. Brandon Sanderson creates fascinating worlds so well and so well told that he's become one of my new favorites and I've only read 4 of his books. Great world, had me from the 2nd minute when the premise I thought I was ready for changed.

Wow - even Sanderson's first book was outstanding!

As Elantris gets started, one can detect a bare hint of that this is Sanderson's earliest published work. The writing is slightly less mature and refined in comparison to the Mistborn and Stormlight Archive books. Yet, the story is not any less compelling and fans will soon find themselves as captivated as with any other Sanderson book.

The story begins slowly, but with a definite hook. What is this mysterious condition? What happened in Elantris? The author weaves the story carefully with changing perspectives, all the while building the plot's pace and intensity to a delicious state of tension. I have to admit, sometimes I feel like I should need a metaphorical cigarette after I finish a Sanderson book.

Raoden and Sarene are star crossed political allies with the potential to be so much more. Their bravery, integrity, and intelligence beg the reader to cheer them on. Meanwhile, the author offers up various degrees of villainy, from misguided to evil to just plain stupid. On the heroes' team, he offers a similar variety. Then Sanderson sets them in a fantasy world that of depth and mystery. The final result is captivating and epic and wonderful.

Thank you, Brandon. May I call you Brandon? I feel like we've been through so much together.

Ok but not great

This is a good book but defiantly not a great one. The plot development was pretty slow for me, and the character's were shallow. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy it and I would recommend it to any Brandon Sanderson enthusiast. Just keep in mind that this is in no way near the caliber of novel as Mistborn.

Enjoyable, orginal, but a touch predictable.

I found this book to be enjoyable but many of the events I found too predictable. Because of this, I wasn't able to become as immersed in the story the way I wanted to. Perhaps it is just me, but I thought some of the coolest characters in the book were regulated to supporting roles. The main characters just seemed too idealistic or something for me to really become invested in them.

There were several points of the storyline that to me were quite original, and well thought out. These kept things interesting throughout the listen, even though I saw a fair number of events coming. I must confess there were a few events that totally blindsided me though, so the story does make you stay on your toes.

Jack Garrett preformed the narration quite well. He does not try to stretch his vocal range on the women to the point where it sounds like a guy making a farce of women's voices. He imparts a good amount of distinction to the distinction of the various characters in the story.

Overall, I did enjoy the book, although I am not sure I would continue to the next book if this was the first int he series. Fortunately, this book stands very well on its own, and reaches a natural and satisfactory conclusion.

3 hours and still no where

I only made it through 3 hours before I couldn't take it anymore. Nothing has happened yet! I don't care about the characters, there has been only about 30 min max of development in the story... very disappointing, especially after I read the mistborn series which I loved...

Good story, good intro to Sanderson

A good book if a little long. The reader is a bit mind-numbing, but it's a perfect opportunity to use your iPod's 2X speed setting... it's the first book I've ever tried it on where I didn't get any "chipmunk-ing" and the pacing was just right.

Great!

Read very dramatically but fits the story once your used to it. And now I need more words.

wow!

the book started slowly but the end was worth it. this is an amazing work and worth the time.

One of my favorite listens

I've listened to this book many times, great narration, interesting sci-fi/fantasy elements, and an overall satisfying adventure.