Good morning/afternoon/night, friends!
For my book report, I decided to read the book Elantris by Brandon Sanderson. Brandon Sanderson is one of my favorite authors, and I was planning on reading this anyways, so it worked perfectly for this report. Elantris revolves around three main characters, Raoden, Sarene, and Hrathen. It takes place in the country of Arelon, ten years after the collapse of Elantris, city of the gods. Elantris was once beautiful and mighty, until a strange power cursed all those who lived there to damnation. The city fell into disarray, and the kingdom soon left it to rot, pretending it no longer existed.
Prince Raoden of Arelon wakes one morning to find that he, too, has been cursed. He is taken from civilization and shoved into the filth of Elantris, where he finds a disgusting cesspool of Elantrians. Many have gone insane, while others maintain enough sense to try to steal Raoden's few scraps of food. Raoden refuses to succumb to the pain, however, and sets to work trying to bring order to the city, all while hoping to find what mysterious power brought the city to its knees.
Sarene is a princess from the country of Teod, far across the ocean. She was set to be married to the Prince of Arelon, but when she arrives, she finds he has disappeared, and people refuse to talk about him. Intent on discovering what plot is unfolding, she finds herself pulled into the political turmoil of Arelon. Putting her original thoughts away, she decides to do what she must to help the struggling country.
Hrathen is the Head Gyorn of Shu-Dereth, the main religion of neighboring country Fjordell. He is told by his master, Wyrn, that he has three months to convert all of Arelon to Shu-Dereth, or the country will be destroyed. He is confident, for he has done the same in Duladel, to the south, but he soon finds the task will be harder than he thought. The people of Arelon are afraid of any theologies, after Elantris collapsed. Hrathen must find a way to remove the people's fear if he is to save them from holy destruction.
Though originally separate, these three characters find their destinies are intertwined from to beginning, as they must do what is possible to save Arelon, stop Fjordell's power, and learn what power cursed Elantris.
At first, this book was surprisingly boring, but now that I'm deep in the story, it's hard to put the book down. Brandon Sanderson effortlessly combines the complex politics and debates of Arelon and Elantris with the action of Hrathen's story. It's interesting to see the stories combine. I'm excited to see how this book turns out!
Wow! This sounds very good. Maybe I'll read it when I have time (so, I'll let you know what I thought in, say, 70 years)!
ReplyDeleteHave you ever read the Maze Runner? It sounds a little like Elantris.
Great summary!