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Rate: 5/5

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Medium: Audiobook

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Overview (No Spoilers):

This is my 26th book by Sanderson, and I find it surprising I’m only now reading his first novel ever. Elantris was remarkable on so many levels, not only due to being a debut novel but also just how amazing and unique this story is as a whole. While this work was his first, you can still feel the same quintessential Sanderson throughout. 

Elantris followed Prince Raoden of Arelon, Princess Sarene of Teod, and the Fjorden priest Hrathen in a tangled web of politics, religion, and magic. The main characters throughout Elantris shine bright as all three were clever and each navigating their own difficult trials, often when facing one another. The cast who surround these main characters are all just as carefully crafted to highlight the fantastically complex and tragic world Sanderson has created. 

The Shaod transformation used to be celebrated as an individual’s assertion to essentially godhood. Powers, long life, and healing abilities are granted randomly and without pattern overnight. All of the Elantrians lived in the same city of wonders, Elantris. That is, before the Reod struck down the powerful Elantrians and an unexplained event cursed them, leaving them vulnerable and at death’s door. Since then the city has been used to isolate those inflicted with the curse of the Shaod. 

In the very opening scene, Sanderson set the stage with a plot twist that had repercussions throughout the rest of the story, leaving the reader instantly hooked as they puzzle out what in the world just happened. 

I was surprised to find that Hrathen quickly became one of my favorite parts about this book. Initially, he seemed so very black and white with his faith as he had the capability to bring down entire nations in his schemes to lift up Derethi. As we learn more about him and hear his inner turmoil, his depth slowly is revealed. 

Raoden and Sarene are both dealt terrible hands over and over again throughout Elantris. How they consistently shifted the cards back into their favor with clever ploys and ideas was analytically entertaining. They were both persistently optimistic and genuinely enjoyable to read, even when their plights seemed the most dire. 

Overall, Elantris was utterly and delightfully Sanderson, both in the worldbuilding and character development, not to mention that the story itself is wholly unique. I truely hope that the rumors that Sanderson is working on a sequel or two are accurate. I would love to visit this corner of the Cosmere again. 

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Additional Insights (Spoilers Abound): 

• I didn’t quite understand why Raoden didn’t reveal himself to Sarene or his friends. He could have helped orchestrate more help that was needed compared to the mess Sarene make when she was trying to help.
• I loved that the Elantrians started ‘feeling better’ when finding something to give them purpose.
• Hoid made an appearance!
• The Dakhor priests were insane. Also being willing to sacrifice yourself for just transporting. Ugh. No wonder that Hrathen wanted to leave the monastery. I’m surprised he could leave if he’d started the transformation. How did he keep it a secret?
• King Iadon was such a bad guy. Though there was curious sympathy with his downfall, especially with his will. How many servants did he kill? What were the mysterious powers that he was trying to wield actually doing as a result of the killing?
• Roial was another fantastic side character. I loved that he was willing to marry Sarene.
• Dilaf was another character whose true nature was such a mystery before. Why was he and his powers hidden from Hrathen for so long? What would have happened had Hrathen sent him away like initially planned?
• What would have happened had Raoden not met Galladon? I couldn’t decide for the longest time what Galladon’s motives were.

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