Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
01/04/2006 . Source: Shaun Green 
pub: TOR. 492 page hardback. Price: $24.95 (US), $34.95 (CAN). ISBN: 0-765-31177-1. Buy Elantris in the USA - or Buy Elantris in the UK  check out website: www.tor.com and www.brandonsanderson.com
The city of Elantris was once the pride of Arelon, watching over the nation with its great and benevolent power. Those individuals taken by a process known as the Shaod and transformed into the immortal Elantrians gained access to unique magic, used to perform miracles of healing and construction. Aloof, but not without compassion, the Elantrians ensured the security and strength of Arelon and its people.
This ended ten years before the novel begins. Elantris fell abruptly and without warning as the magic that supported the city vanished. Over time, the city grew a thick coat of grime and filth and fell into shadow as its artificial lighting faded. The Elantrians have become a parody of their former selves, their power gone and their immortality now a curse. They suffer each wound inflicted forever, unable to heal, their only haven the chaos of insanity.
In recent years, a religion known as Shu-Dereth has spread throughout the world outside and is now the state religion of the nations surrounding Arelon and her neighbour, Teod. Shu-Dereth is aggressive and dangerous, taking by force what it cannot by conversion. In the face of this threat, the Kings of Teod and Arelon have established an alliance through the marriage of Sarene, Princess of Teod, and Raoden, Prince of Arelon. On her arrival in Kae, new capital of Arelon, Sarene is informed that Raoden took ill and died very recently. Due to a technicality of their marriage contract, Sarene is now considered a widow and a part of the Arelon royal family. She elects to remain in the royal house and do what she can to combat the threat of Shu-Dereth.
Not long after Sarene's arrival in Kae, a Shu-Dereth high priest also enters the city. His name is Hrathen and his task is to ensure the official conversion of the nation of Arelon. He has only a short time to complete his task and if he fails, armies under the command of the Derethi will crush Arelon's armies and slaughter its people.
Meanwhile, Raoden is far from dead. In fact, he is immortal. The Shaod has taken him and he has been cast into Elantris. He finds his feet with the aid of an Elantrian who he persuades to act as a guide and over time determines to both rescue the Elantrians from their pitiable condition and discover what caused the city to fall.
The interactions of these three key players drive the story beautifully. Sarene and Hrathen clash in duels of wit to win the support of crowds. Raoden finds his mission to save Elantris complicated by Sarene's desire to help its people with gifts of food and other essentials. Hrathen does what he can to turn the people of Arelon against the Elantrians, portraying them not as tragic creatures but as a danger that must be destroyed. These three are strong characters and Hrathen is particularly interesting. In most ways, the chief antagonist of the piece but nonetheless doing what he believes to be right. It is ironic that each one of these three has the same ultimate goal to save the people of Arelon but their reasons differ wildly and they often find themselves working against one another.
There are several particularly interesting ideas that run through 'Elantris'. One is ideological war. Shu-Dereth threatens the unconverted nations, but because the religion is without its own armies it is often not regarded as a serious threat. The ruler of Teod is aware of the danger posed by the aggressive spread of the religion, and that Teod's choices are reduced to convert and renounce other faiths or be crushed by the armies of converted nations. The King of Arelon remains ignorant of the fist hanging over his nation, obsessing instead over mercantile exchange. Although the spread of Shu-Dereth happens off-stage and we never really see just how viral it is, this element of the novel is satisfyingly post-nation state. Unfortunately, in other ways 'Elantris' more conservative. The movers and shakers of the novel are all royalty, with the exception of Hrathen. For example, any Elantrian who might display any measure of initiative kow-tows to Raoden's authority, even those who were Elantrian before the fall. Sarene, despite not being taken seriously by some on account of being a woman, similarly wins the loyalty and respect of lower-ranking but more experienced individuals. This is of course acceptable. In many ways, the story is about leadership and how leaders command respect but I do still think it is a terrible shame that the supporting cast was lacking in autonomy.
For a first novel 'Elantris' is extremely impressive and Brandon Sanderson is clearly a writer to watch. This book is not without flaws, though. The conclusion feels a little contrived. The solution to the puzzle of Elantris' fall is very elegant but unfortunately the solution also plays a key part in winning the day, which does feel rather deus ex machina. If Sanderson returns to this world he will have to invent new characters and conflicts to populate it. His most interesting character is removed from the picture and two others have their personal conflicts and struggles resolved. Some of the earlier omniscient narration rings false due to revelations made later in the story, although this will not be apparent on a first read. I also wonder at the claims made elsewhere that 'Elantris' is free of the typical fantasy clichés. This is not without truth, but it is still a medieval fantasy filled with feudal systems and magic. There are other books more worthy of such adulation but such quibbles and reservations aside, 'Elantris' comes highly recommended. It's an addictive read and a strong story with some original ideas.
Shaun Green |
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