false 60987765 255927 68427 0765350378 9780765350374 579 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255699885m/68427.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/68427.Elantris 4.17 2447
Arelon's new capital, Kae, crouches in the shadow of Elantris. Princess Sarene of Teod arrives for a marriage of state with Crown Prince Raoden, hoping -- based on their correspondence -- to also find love. She finds instead that Raoden has died and she is considered his widow. Both Teod and Arelon are under threat as the last remaining holdouts against the imperial ambitions of the ruthless religious fanatics of Fjordell. So Sarene decides to use her new status to counter the machinations of Hrathen, a Fjordell high priest who has come to Kae to convert Arelon and claim it for his emperor and his god.

But neither Sarene nor Hrathen suspect the truth about Prince Raoden. Stricken by the same curse that ruined Elantris, Raoden was secretly exiled by his father to the dark city. His struggle to help the wretches trapped there begins a series of events that will bring hope to Arelon, and perhaps reveal the secret of Elantris itself.

A rare epic fantasy that doesn't recycle the classics and that is a complete and satisfying story in one volume, Elantris is fleet and fun, full of surprises and characters to care about. It's also the wonderful debut of a welcome new star in the constellation of fantasy.
]]> 38550 4.26 13155 3363 1 0 false Wed Jun 24 17:11:36 -0700 2009 Tue Aug 04 22:43:50 -0700 2009
I am really torn on this book-- on the one hand, it's an interesting premise (what is going on in the city, etc.?), but on the other hand, the three person narration really suffers. The main story of the prince is rather engaging, although somewhat corny as he is a massively "perfect" character who has no flaws. His "wife" is a stereotypical "plucky" female fantasy character, who intends to save the realm with such brilliant advice like "well, why don't we PAY the serfs and they'll be happier!" Really? Good thing you told us, sweetheart. Lastly... the most boring and ridiculous character-- a priest sent to "convert" an entire country over to a new religion in three months. He is obviously a villain in the story, and his sidekick seems to be Gollum's cousin. Ridiculously enough, we are told (NOT shown) that this guy is an ace converter of souls, and that after three days he has already won over massive crowds of followers. Again, really? I never bought any of this for a second. Sanderson could have saved this character by making him SYMPATHETIC and someone who could be (but feel we shouldn't be) rooting for. As is, I can't stand for his chapter to end (and unfortunately, he gets every third chapter).

Will continue, but am starting to groan more and more as time goes on.

EDIT:

ABANDONED

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