Fernando reviewed Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
Una obra maestra
Dejo mi reseña en www.enredandotemas.com/2023/06/descubriendo-la-magia-de-de-brandon.html
Hardcover, 592 pages
English language
Published July 2, 2015 by Tom Doherty Associates, LLC.
Dejo mi reseña en www.enredandotemas.com/2023/06/descubriendo-la-magia-de-de-brandon.html
Really surprising book. It may not get a lot of headlines vs Sandersons other books, but should. One of his best.
This is a very nice, fun read. Compared to his later works, it's clear that Sanderson has grown a lot. The characters here are good, the plot decent, and the setting great, but over the years Sanderson has matured his style a lot and perfected his art. This is still nevertheless, a great read for those looking for a short dive into a fantastical world and are willing to forgive a few rough parts here and there.
For a full review, check out my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2022/03/book-review-elantris-by-brandon.html
I started this book to get a better idea of the lore that was referenced in rhythm of war. I was surprised upon finishing the book to find just how much more I got out of the book. I found much to relate to as a visually impaired person without a job, and a person exploring my own faith and what it means in my life. This is definitely one of Brandon's early works, and it shows in some places for sure. Frequent comments about a character's overweight status were distracting. I am also not a fan of everyone being in some measure in love with the main character and that being a part of the villain's redemption. I would say this is a better version of that trope than I have seen other places, but its still one of my least favorite parts of the book.
There was a …
I started this book to get a better idea of the lore that was referenced in rhythm of war. I was surprised upon finishing the book to find just how much more I got out of the book. I found much to relate to as a visually impaired person without a job, and a person exploring my own faith and what it means in my life. This is definitely one of Brandon's early works, and it shows in some places for sure. Frequent comments about a character's overweight status were distracting. I am also not a fan of everyone being in some measure in love with the main character and that being a part of the villain's redemption. I would say this is a better version of that trope than I have seen other places, but its still one of my least favorite parts of the book.
There was a lot that I did like, however. I loved the different explorations of the faiths that made up the world, and the characters who follow them. I really loved the ideas around self improvement and community. I also enjoy the romantic tropes between Sarine and Raoden.
I would have liked more character development from Galadon as well, but I suspect that might be forthcoming.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. `
I'm finally done with every novel by Brandon Sanderson, except for the Infinity Blade novellas, and some short stories. Elantris was every bit good as I'd heard about it. The world-building and magic system, though excellent on their own, pale down somewhat in comparison to those in other Cosmere worlds (Mistborn, Stormlight Archive...).
"That's exactly the problem. Everyone's convinced that their lives are over just because their hearts stopped beating."
As is fairly typical for Sanderson, the buildup before this story really gets going is quite long - and in fact this almost did it for me. it wasn't until the eighth chapter, almost fifteen percent of the way in, that things started to build with sufficient momentum to hold me (and had it not been Sanderson I doubt I would have held that long).
Still the story was brilliant. magic focuses through natural things in Sanderson's worlds and in this case it's Aons, a pictographic alphabet. A far cry from circular runes and wand-waving wizardry; the Aons join the exclusive ranks of the metallurgy, colour and stormlight that he's made magic through his books with such brilliance.
The characters were also quite good, bullheaded females are becoming something of a theme, though, …
"That's exactly the problem. Everyone's convinced that their lives are over just because their hearts stopped beating."
As is fairly typical for Sanderson, the buildup before this story really gets going is quite long - and in fact this almost did it for me. it wasn't until the eighth chapter, almost fifteen percent of the way in, that things started to build with sufficient momentum to hold me (and had it not been Sanderson I doubt I would have held that long).
Still the story was brilliant. magic focuses through natural things in Sanderson's worlds and in this case it's Aons, a pictographic alphabet. A far cry from circular runes and wand-waving wizardry; the Aons join the exclusive ranks of the metallurgy, colour and stormlight that he's made magic through his books with such brilliance.
The characters were also quite good, bullheaded females are becoming something of a theme, though, as are corrupt religions and people becoming Gods and so forth.
To sum,An interesting take and a good standalone novel. Certainly worth a read if you like Sanderson's style.