Summary reviewed by:
Terrence Timmons
Terrence Timmons
Analyst
Bachelor of Arts (BA), University Of California, Santa Barbara 2019
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Elantris by Brandon Sanderson is a story of fallen gods and a cursed city. Set in the once-glorious city of Elantris, now a decaying ruin, this standalone novel introduces a world where magic was once abundant but has now turned dark and deadly. The story centers on three main characters: Raoden, the prince of Arelon who mysteriously contracts the Shaod, a transformation that turns people into seemingly immortal but pain-ridden beings and throws him into the desolate city of Elantris; Sarene, a princess from Teod who arrives in Arelon for a political marriage, only to find her betrothed dead and herself a widow; and Hrathen, a fanatical high priest from the Fjordell Empire, sent to convert Arelon to his faith within three months or face annihilation.
Elantris was once a beacon of magic and hope, where its inhabitants wielded powerful aons to perform miraculous feats. However, ten years before the events of the novel, the magic inexplicably failed, leaving the city and its people in a state of perpetual suffering. Raoden, now one of the cursed Elantrians, struggles to understand the new reality of Elantris and seeks a way to restore its former glory. Meanwhile, Sarene, navigating the treacherous politics of Arelon, uncovers plots that threaten the kingdom's stability. Hrathen's mission adds another layer of tension, as he uses both diplomacy and force to achieve his goal.
Sanderson masterfully weaves these three storylines together, creating a narrative filled with intrigue, political maneuvering, and a deep sense of mystery. The novel explores themes of faith, power, and resilience, all set against a backdrop of a city that stands as a grim reminder of what once was. "Elantris" is a compelling tale of redemption and the search for truth, making it a must-read for fans of epic fantasy.
Fantasy
High Fantasy
Epic Fantasy
Political Fantasy
Mystery
Raoden: The prince of Arelon, marked by the Shaod and cast into Elantris. Raoden embodies resilience and leadership, demonstrated by his efforts to organize the Elantrians and search for a way to restore the cityâs magic.
Sarene: A princess from Teod, politically astute and fiercely independent. She values justice and diplomacy, seen in her relentless pursuit of truth and her strategic maneuvers to stabilize Arelon and challenge Hrathenâs influence.
Hrathen: A high priest from the Fjordell Empire, driven by zealotry and a desire to save souls through conversion. His values shift throughout the novel, ultimately leading to a sacrificial act that reveals his internal conflict and capacity for redemption.
Faith and Doubt: Explored through Hrathenâs journey from unwavering zealotry to questioning his beliefs, and Raodenâs discovery of the true nature of Elantrian magic.
Power and Corruption: Illustrated by the political machinations in Arelon, the manipulation of religion by Hrathen, and the decay of Elantris from a place of wonder to a prison of despair.
Resilience and Redemption: Seen in Raodenâs unyielding efforts to restore Elantris, Sareneâs fight against political corruption, and Hrathenâs ultimate sacrifice to save the city.
Identity and Transformation: The physical and spiritual changes experienced by the characters, especially the Elantrians, highlight the theme of personal transformation and the search for true identity.
Elantris is a standalone novel centered around the once-great city of Elantris, now a crumbling ruin inhabited by cursed, pain-ridden beings. The story follows three main characters: Raoden, Sarene, and Hrathen, whose intertwined fates shape the narrative.
Raoden, the prince of Arelon, is struck by the Shaod and cast into Elantris, where he discovers a community of suffering and chaos. Despite his dire situation, Raoden's leadership and optimism drive him to seek solutions for the cursed city's ailments. He unearths the truth about Elantris' downfall: the magic, or aons, that once powered the city was disrupted by a minor earthquake, causing the curse. Raoden works tirelessly to understand and fix the aons, aiming to restore Elantris to its former glory.
Sarene arrives in Arelon for a political marriage with Raoden, only to find herself a widow as soon as she sets foot in the kingdom. Unperturbed, she immerses herself in Arelon's politics, seeking to uncover and thwart the schemes that threaten the kingdom. Her intelligence, diplomatic skills, and courage prove crucial in rallying the people and challenging the oppressive structures in place.
Hrathen, a high-ranking priest from the Fjordell Empire, is sent to convert the people of Arelon to his faith within three months or face the kingdom's annihilation. Hrathen employs both charm and coercion in his mission, creating significant tension and conflict. However, as the story progresses, Hrathen's internal struggles and doubts about his mission become apparent. His character undergoes significant development, culminating in a redemptive act that helps save Elantris.
As Raoden delves deeper into the mysteries of Elantrian magic, he discovers that the key to breaking the curse lies in repairing the broken aons. With Sarene's support and Hrathen's unexpected aid, Raoden succeeds in restoring the magic. The Elantrians are transformed back to their godlike state, and Elantris begins to reclaim its lost splendor.
The novel concludes with Raoden and Sarene united in both their personal and political lives, planning for a future where Elantris once again stands as a beacon of hope and magic. This resolution brings a sense of closure and sets the stage for potential future developments in Sanderson's richly crafted world.
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Date Published: April 21, 2005
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