Title: Elantris
Series: 20th Anniversary Ed.
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Summary: Elantris was the capital of Arelon: gigantic, beautiful, literally radiant, filled with benevolent beings who used their powerful magical abilities for the benefit of all. Yet each of these demigods was once an ordinary person until touched by the mysterious transforming power of the Shaod. Ten years ago, without warning, the magic failed. Elantrians became wizened, leper-like, powerless creatures, and Elantris itself dark, filthy, and crumbling.
Score: ★★★1/2☆☆
Review:As Sanderson's first novel written in the Cosmere universe it is easy to get a feel for his writing style, but also see how this is his first. The setting and characters are written so well, but many main plot points are sometimes sped through and deus ex machina'd for convenience / getting back to the other plots, while other points of interest are quickly glazed over and barely mentioned just to explain when time should have been taken more to showcase it/prep the reader so it wasn't as mating (the best I can explain without spoilers); Many side characters get a sub plots/chapters of focus, to then barely be used, or in a scene later; its not that there isn't a payoff for some things but their impact wasn't as much. In that way, it does feel like a first writing, but still strong enough to be enjoyable, albeit long and jumpy (especially in the later half). The Elantis blessing and curse is an 600+ page episodic story, with political and religious influxes, curses of never ending death, morality and hope vs control and sacrifice. The settings are described perfectly and constantly throughout to truly keep you feeling the disparity and grime of fallen Elantris to the lavish Kingdoms and worsening cities of Ayrelon. A truly memorable main cast of characters, although a little one trait personality tropey at times unique and individual enough to be well remembered. If you're looking to starting in the Cosmere, I do recommended starting with the more polished Mistborn series, then this book, and reading chronology that publication (it will get you used to the writing style w/o being too off putting).
Read my review on Fable