Difference between revisions of "Elantris (book)"

|ISBN=0-7653-11778310-1

'''''Elantris''''' is a fantasy novel by [[Brandon Sanderson]], published in April 2005 by Tor Books. It is Brandon's sixth written book, and his first published book, and currently the earliest published story set in the [[cosmere]]. The book, set on the [[shardworld]] [[Sel]], tells the story of how [[Raoden]] and [[Sarene]] restore the magical [[Elantrian]]s to their former glory.

Raoden wakes up onin the morning ofbefore hisSarene's planned wedding with Sarenearrival to find that he has been taken by the [[Shaod]]. He is thrown into the city of [[Elantris (city)|Elantris]] where he befriends [[Galladon]], a fellow [[Elantrian]] who is originally from [[Duladel|Duladen]]. Galladon describes the terrible lives that Elantrians live but Raoden believes that there must be a better way. He starts a new, more optimistic, society to help newcomers to Elantris. In the process he converts [[Karata]] and [[Taan]], two Elantrian gang leaders to his cause. The third gang leader, [[Shaor]], proves to be more difficult and his men's constant attacks are barely held off by the New Elantrians.

Meanwhile, Sarene arrives in Arelon to find the country in mourning for Prince Raoden. Under the conditions of their wedding contract, she must stay in Arelon but is suspicious of the circumstances surrounding his death. With no husband, Sarene throws herself into Arelish political life only to find King Iadon expects her to stay out of such matters. Sarene quickly allies herself to a group of nobles, including her uncle [[Kiin]], who are dissatisfied with the king's leadership. Together they scheme to overthrow him.

Dilaf stalks angrily from the palace, lassoing Hrathen into stalking the ardent. Following him to the market district, Hrathen witnesses the [[Dakhor]] monks burst from the tents. Asleep in Roial's mansion, Raoden awakens to a disturbance and goes downstairs, only to find Dilaf, who knocks himRaoden unconscious. Sarene is caught up in the Dakhor monks' attack when her carriage is assaulted on the way back from Elantris. Fortunately, she is saved by Kiin and Lukel, who take her back to Kiin's manor and barricade themselves in. Dragging Raoden to the manor, Dilaf uses him to capture Sarene. Done with his bait, Dilaf runs Raoden through with his sword and takes Sarene and Hrathen to Teod.

Emerging from their hiding place, Galladon and Karata approach Raoden to find the Hoed remnants of a man who was once their friend. Galladon is determined to give Raoden peace in the embrace of the pool atop the mountain; he will then also give himself the same peace. Karata only acquiesces. While Galladon and Karata carry Raoden towards oblivion, Lukel and the other captives are being marched to the pyres built for them within Elantris. As a revelation assaults Raoden's mind, he struggles to regain control of his body. Startling Galladon and Karata he dashes back down the mountain to Kae, grabs a stick and draws out the chasm line in the ground. It explodes with the power of the [[Dor]] as he completes it, revealing Elantris and its surrounding cities to be one massive Aon Rao.

== Main Characters ==

; [[SareneRaoden]]: The princessprince of [[TeodArelon]], shehe arrivessuccumbs into [[Kae]]the toShaod findand heris futurethrown husbandinto deadElantris andthe setsday upSarene, his wife to fightbe, arrives in Kae.

; [[HrathenSarene]]: The newly appointed leaderprincess of the [[DerethiTeod]], churchshe arrives in [[Kae,]] heto isfind senther tofuture converthusband thedead populaceand tosets Shu-Derethup in preparation forto anfight. invasion

* [[AonDor]] uses symbols called Aons, which can be drawn directly in the air as glowing light, or in a large variety of physical representations, such as etched into metal plates, or incorporated into the design of buildings. Anyone can learn to draw Aons, but they only have power when created by an Elantrian. AonDor is tied to the landcity of ArelonElantris and is only practiced within its borders. Aons work elsewhere but become weaker with distance from ArelonElantris.

File: Elantris thumb.jpg | Original cover by [http://www.martiniere.com/ [Stephan Martinière]]