Elantris (Elantris #1) by Brandon Sanderson - Restarting January 23rd and February 13th 2020

[Emma☀️]

Rachida wrote: "Chapter 53
[spoilers removed]"

Right?! (view spoiler)[That whole chapter was super emotional. From Roial's death to Raoden's reveal, it was too much for my heart (hide spoiler)]

[Rachida]

Emma☀️ wrote: "Chapter 58 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I was afraid she would be more upset but I’m so glad she understood his reasons for not telling her.

I liked him too! That whole chapter had me crying till the last sentences:
”Beside her, Sarene felt Shuden, Eondel, and Lukel fall to their knees, bowing their heads reverently.
”My king,” Eondel said, speaking for all of them.
”My... husband,” Sarene realized with shock.
Omggg

I ignored all of my responsibilities today so I could read and I have less than a hundred pages to go!!!!
Btw, who was your favorite character? (hide spoiler)]

[Rachida]

Emma☀️ wrote: "Rachida wrote: "Chapter 53
[spoilers removed]"

Right?! [spoilers removed]"

Oh oops I just saw this comment lol. But I agree!!

[Rachida]

Finished! Wow, I really liked it! I’m definitely going to read more of his work! :)

[Emma☀️]

Rachida wrote: "Emma☀️ wrote: "Chapter 58 [spoilers removed]"

I was afraid she would be more upset but I’m so glad she understood his reasons for not telling her.

I liked him too! That whole chapter had me cryi..."

That scene gave me goosebumps!

I literally loved everyone from Raoden and Sarene's crew, but my favorite characters were Raoden, Sarene and Ashe. And yours?

[Emma☀️]

Rachida wrote: "Finished! Wow, I really liked it! I’m definitely going to read more of his work! :)"

I'm glad! I definitely recommend the Mistborn trilogy and I've heard the Stormlight Archive books are one of his best works, but I haven't read them yet lol

[Rachida]

My favorite characters were also Roaden, Sarene and Ashe but I also liked Galladon. (view spoiler)[and I did not expect Hrathen to safe them in the end. And I was shocked when he admitted to loving Sarene! (hide spoiler)]

Thanks! I think I’m going to haul the whole trilogy this weekend lol.

Again, it was really fun buddy reading with you! If you ever want to do another BR together just let me know :)

[Emma☀️]

Rachida wrote: "My favorite characters were also Roaden, Sarene and Ashe but I also liked Galladon. [spoilers removed]

Thanks! I think I’m going to haul the whole trilogy this weekend lol.

Again, it was really f..."

It was fun buddy reading with you too! Will do! You're welcome to also let me know if you want to do another BR :D

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date changed. Restarting January 23rd 2020. Happy Reading ☺

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[Maddie]

I'll be doing 15 pages of this a day, so I finish it just a few days before the 28th of March for the liveshow. I need motivation for these books, and 15 pages a day is totally doable.

[Aneta]

I'm starting Elantris today. I'm really excited about Cosmerealong! I have this book on my bookshelf for ages and I will finally read it :)

[Maddie]

Yeah me too :p But Idk when I'll start or even if I will. I'm just not reading anymore!

[Aneta]

Would you like to reschedule?

[Maddie]

Na it's okay, you can keep reading it :)

[Wiktoria]

Is anyone reading this right now?

[Pragya]

@Wiktoria- I am gonna start reading this book from March. Do you want to buddy read?

[Wiktoria]

Sure! Although I'm already on chapter 11

[Dannii]

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Date changed. Restarting January 18th 2021. Happy Reading ☺

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[Dannii]

I started this, this morning :) I'm a bit late but have a free day ahead and hoping to just sit with my coffee and immerse myself in Sanderson :)

[Dannii]

First quarter - (view spoiler)[I'm really loving this one! I was immediately immersed in the story, as we witnessed Prince Raoden's skin darkening and aging, and his removal to the city of Elantris. Sarene's perspective is intriguing too, as she is new to the palace and provides much political insights, but I still remain more invested by Raoden's plight and the explanations of Aon and the powers of old Elantris. I did love how she took down Hrathen's outdated beliefs in front of his people by acting dumb to his outdated arguments. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Second quarter - (view spoiler)[I found it hilarious how Sarene was berated for holing up with her uncle and not mingling with the other citizens, but when she queried how to do so and a ball was mentioned they quickly shut down her attendance and admitted that only men were invited and these men could only invite their female family members. How on earth was she meant to mingle with such a complex system created for attendance?? I loved how they could not see in just how backwards a way their land was governed, in this and in many other ways. When she introduced the idea of allowing the poorest members land and a small amount of their own wealth to be garnered from it they were shocked by the prospect. She might not have a husband here anymore but she is already proving a great addition to their lands, if only they listened to her.

I didn't expect Raoden to find a way out of Elantris so soon! It was super sad to witness Karata confront her husband and daughter, and for the former not to recognise her and the latter to have no understanding of where her mother went. I loved how Raoden attempted to challenge their thoughts concerning Elantris, upon their return, by stating his pride to reside there. They might be technically dead but that doesn't mean they had to give up on the place they resided in and the existence they still suffered through.

I can understand that using the Elantrians as an antagonist is Hrathen's way to unite all others, but I still dislike him for doing so. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Third quarter - (view spoiler)[I can't wait for Raoden and Sarene to meet, especially as Raoden admitted that they shared many interactions, even though they had never met face-to-face.

I really appreciated how Raoden made the Elantrians see the power in their positions, rather than the pain. They aren't cursed but blessed to live without needing food for their bellies or coverings from the cold. It was also so interesting to discover that they aren't dead or dying but in a sort of inbetween state between human life and whatever is next for them.

I'm glad we found out what the Widow's Trial was but I was disappointed that it didn't involve a great feat of daring and just meant giving to the poor or showing the people of the land that you care about them. This surely should be something the wealthy would want to do anyway?? Apparently not. Sarene used hers to visit Elantris and, before this, we at least we got to see more action as Sarene instructed the noble women in fencing. I loved seeing their eagerness for power, strength, and movement. She has to be careful though as it could look like she is attempting to incite an uprising, by attempting to empower both the poor and the females of the land. (hide spoiler)]

Fourth quarter - (view spoiler)[I absolutely loved this book! The political focus was super dense but that only made it more immersive, instead of dry, for me. I can see, however, where the dissatisfaction of others stems from. Sarene is a newcomer to this lands and yet is solely responsible for altering the mindset of the women there. Raoden is new to the city of Elantris and yet is the first individual to install a new appreciation for their fate and rally the troops into changing. And no one stood in either of their way?? Regardless, I adored the political focus, seeing their plans come to fruition, and the abolishment of the old hierarchy they both had a part in. (hide spoiler)]