The City of the Gods

Elantris
By Brandon Sanderson
Adult Fantasy

"Elantris was the capital of Arelon: gigantic, beautiful, literally radiant, and filled with benevolent beings who used their powerful magical abilities for the benefit of all.Ten years ago, without warning, the magic failed. Elantrians became leper-like, powerless creatures, and Elantris itself grew dark, filthy, and crumbling.

"Princess Sarene of Teod arrives for a marriage of state with Crown Prince Raoden, hoping to also find love. She finds instead that Raoden has died, leaving a country caught in the machinations of a high priest who wishes to convert the country and claim it for his god, no matter the cost.

"Sarene doesn't suspect the truth about Prince Raoden: stricken by the same curse that ruined Elantris, Raoden was secretly exiled by his father to the dark city. His struggle to help the wretches trapped there begins a series of events that will bring hope to Arelon, and perhaps reveal the secret of Elantris itself." 

Sanderson does it again! This novel delighted me with its complex characters who turn out to have deeper, more layers than I imagined and make decisions I didn't think possible. The characters are not the only things in this book to possess layers: this land and its culture does as well. The complexity of the Aonic language of the country was well-thought out, as well as the habits, customs, and other important aspects of the various cultures mixed into Arelon. All these things helped make the world realistic and fascinating, although some of them could probably have been explained even more thoroughly. 

The main thing that kept me reading, though, was the major mystery shrouding Elantris. Sanderson keeps the answer tantalizingly close without giving it away, like a carrot in front of a rabbit. Close enough to be intriguing, but not frustrating. This was not the only mystery either, of course. The country is on the brink of collapse, and it was fun to see how Sarene attempted to outwit the priest at every corner of his masterminded plan. 

The politics did grow a bit insipid at times, but the ending, with all of its surprises, is well worth it! I also realized, while reading Elantris, that though Sanderson writes brilliantly, he does not write beautifully. His stories are logical and detailed when they need to be, but not woven with a plethora of figurative language. I missed that, but it all depends on personal preference.  

I give this novel a 4 out of 5 and recommend it for 16 year olds and up. If you're a fantasy nut, or even just like to breeze through it once in a while, you must definitely check this novel out! It's long, but there are so many interlocking plots that you'll shoot right through it. 

What I learned: People are not (usually) what they seem. 

A Review: Firefight

Firefight by Brandon Sanderson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Sequel to Steelheart 

**Spoiler Alerts** 

(You might not want to read the following if you haven't read Steelheart yet or ever plan to). 

"Newcago is free. They told David it was impossible-that even the Reckoners had never killed a high epic. Yet Steelheart-invincible, immortal, unconquerable-is dead. And he died by David's hand. 

"Eliminating Steelheart was supposed to make life simpler. Instead, it only made David realize he has questions. Big ones. And no one in Newcago can give him answers. 

"Babylon Restored, the city formerly known as the borough of Manhatten, has possibilities, though.  Ruled by the mysterious High Epic Regalia, Babylon Restored is flooded and miserable, but David is sure it's the path that will lead him to what he needs to find. Entering a city oppressed by a High Epic despot is risky, but David's willing to take the gamble. Because killing Steelheart left a hole in David's heart. A hole where his thirst for vengeance once lived. Somehow, he filled that hole with another Epic-Firefight. And he's willing to go on a quest darker and even more dangerous than the fight against Steelheart to find her and get his answers." 

I enjoyed this book just as much, if not more so, than Steelheart. There were plenty more heart-thumping, teeth-clenching scenes, and surprises waiting around the corner, all of a more dangerous nature, if that's possible, than in the first novel. 

David and his metaphors continued to crack me up, although I did miss Abraham and Cody in this book. The other characters the reader meets-Mizzy, Val, and the other guy-didn't seem as developed as the other minor characters. And, the reason for Val's irritation at David wasn't quite explained. 

But this novel is more tense than the previous, and the nature of the Epics takes on a whole new perspective as David gets closer and closer to understanding them. 

Sometimes, I hate series. Because right when you get into one, you realize there will be another one, and it won't be out for a whole year! And by that time, you'll forget the plot and characters and will have to re-read them all over again. And who has time for that? So be forewarned before beginning this book-the last, third book, Calamity, will come out in 2016. 

I give this novel a 3.5 and recommend it for 13 year olds and up due to violence. 

What I learned: Our fears can control and weaken us. 

Again, here's Brandon Sanderson's website if you want to learn more about this series or his other novels: http://brandonsanderson.com/. 

A Review: Steelheart

Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
Genre: YA Fantasy

"There are no heroes. Every single person who manifested powers-we call them Epics-turned out to be evil.

Here, in the city once known as Chicago, an extraordinarily powerful Epic declared himself Emperor. Steelheart has the strength of ten men and can control the elements. It is said no bullet can harm him, no sword can split his skin, no explosion can burn him. He is invincible.

It has been ten years. We live our lives as best we can. Nobody fights back...nobody but the Reckoners. A shadowy group of ordinary humans who spend their lives studying powerful Epics, finding their weaknesses, then assassinating them.

My name is David Charleston. I'm not one of the Reckoners, but I intend to join them. I have something they need. Something precious, something incredible. Not an object, but an experience. I know his secret.

I've seen Steelheart bleed."

I haven't read many, actually any, superhero novels, so I can't say what this one is like compared to them. But it is far more unique than the Marvel or other superhero-based movies I've watched. For one thing, in this novel, the humans are fighting the superheros. Also, the whole idea that there are no 'good' epics is interesting and somewhat baffling. I'm sure Sanderson explains this more in the second novel (yes, there's a sequel, and where there's a sequel, there's bound to be a  trequel, or whatever you call a third novel...). I found it slightly hard to believe that a group of so few humans could stand against the epics, but they have some supernatural help that makes it slightly more possible.

I often laughed out loud in this novel, mainly due to David's character. His horrible use of metaphors is hilarious, and he acts just like a determined, reckless teenager would. Although there is plenty of action in this novel, the characters are very lifelike and I feel like they became my good friends at the end.

Several times the plot takes sharp turns, causing the reader to start in surprise and re-read to make sure that just happened. This story will grab you with both hands right away and not let go!

This novel is a lot of fun due to the plot, David, and the world Sanderson has created, but it also explores deep issues as well, such as: what does it mean to truly be a hero? What are the moral boundaries in overthrowing tyranny, if there are any? I'm still contemplating some of the themes Sanderson unearthed in his book.

For the above reasons, I give this novel a 3.5 out of 5 and recommend it for 13 year olds and above.

What I learned: Pride is dangerous and often deadly. Vengeance is not as powerful as love.

*If you would like more information on Brandon Sanderson or his other books, visit his site here: http://brandonsanderson.com/