Book Review: Elantris by Brandon Sanderson

Elantris is the first Sanderson book I picked up and when I told anyone this was my first Sanderson the novel everyone said the same thing, this is not his best novel and they get much better.

Well if this is the weakest novel that Brandon Sanderson has written then I am in for a hell of a ride and he fully deserves his standing as the number fantasy author around today. Elantris is fantastic.

I read Elantris in the middle of a grimdark binge that include a lot of dark, action driven books and Elantris was a nice cleanser. It is more of a political story focusing on government, leadership and religion. 

It follows three characters, Prince Raoden, Sarene and Hrathen. Each character is a joy to read and as the story progresses they each grow and develop. I found Raoden in particular to be a great character and am disappointed that this is a stand alone story and I won't be able to continue his story.

The fourth character is the city of Elantris, once a city of god like people, now a ruin, a curse, full of half human half zombie people. Beneath the grime and decay that covers the city secrets and wonders are hidden and I had great joy in discovering those secrets along with the characters. 

In summary this is a fantastic story that had me hooked from the beginning to the end.