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justregie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
mat_hyperborealwolf's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing book. A bit slow but it's a great one.
potatosoup's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
cheezh8er's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
You can definitely tell that this is Sanderson's first novel. And his later works are definitely better, but the politics in this one are cleaver and a good read even if some of the other work elements don't feel as strong as other Cosmere novels.
tgifrancis's review against another edition
4.0
Very good, not Sanderson's best, but still an excellent novel. Having read his other books, i often found myself becoming distracted by the common elements I noticed from his other novels, but given his shared universe of the Cosmere, I suppose that's to be expected.
My only complaint, and this is more to do with Sanderson's writing as a whole, is I've started to notice some archetypes arising in his protagonists. None of them are bad characters, but it can be slightly annoying reading a different novel, but at time feeling like you're reading about the same character.
My only complaint, and this is more to do with Sanderson's writing as a whole, is I've started to notice some archetypes arising in his protagonists. None of them are bad characters, but it can be slightly annoying reading a different novel, but at time feeling like you're reading about the same character.
chaselramage's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
anouk_luypaert's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
phoenixfire9439's review against another edition
4.0
"Sometimes we must fall, sometimes we will rise—some must be hurt while others have fortune, for that is the only way we can learn to rely on one another. As one is blessed, it is his privilege to help those whose lives are not as easy. Unity often springs from strife, child.”
Fantasy land in a state of disrepair after a mysterious natural disaster? Check. The man on the throne seizes the opportunity for revolution but it's kind of sus how inept he is for a despot? Check. Promising scion of aforementioned tyrant falls victim to a magic curse right before his wedding, leaving his bride to pick up the pieces while dealing with the weird missionaries that just moved into the neighborhood? Check, check, and check.
If this novel proved anything to me, it's that Sanderson's early potential for genius with plot and world-building was incredible. And for this novel to be his first? Sheesh, no wonder he's earned some pretty high praise from my circle of friends. The conflict of faith we see in Hrathen was relatable... he wasn't the odd zealot like Dilaf, which the development of that character across the whole novel was something I enjoyed a lot. Other than the moments where the novel dragged for me and Sarene's angst getting away from her, this novel reminded me of the qualities that made me fall in love with novels like R.A. Salvatore's Coven series.
For anyone who has never read a book from Brandon Sanderson but is thinking about checking his works out, please pick up Elantris.
Fantasy land in a state of disrepair after a mysterious natural disaster? Check. The man on the throne seizes the opportunity for revolution but it's kind of sus how inept he is for a despot? Check. Promising scion of aforementioned tyrant falls victim to a magic curse right before his wedding, leaving his bride to pick up the pieces while dealing with the weird missionaries that just moved into the neighborhood? Check, check, and check.
If this novel proved anything to me, it's that Sanderson's early potential for genius with plot and world-building was incredible. And for this novel to be his first? Sheesh, no wonder he's earned some pretty high praise from my circle of friends. The conflict of faith we see in Hrathen was relatable... he wasn't the odd zealot like Dilaf, which the development of that character across the whole novel was something I enjoyed a lot. Other than the moments where the novel dragged for me and Sarene's angst getting away from her, this novel reminded me of the qualities that made me fall in love with novels like R.A. Salvatore's Coven series.
For anyone who has never read a book from Brandon Sanderson but is thinking about checking his works out, please pick up Elantris.