So, sticking to Fantasy and Fiction writing and also again with Branden Sanderson, I present to you my next recommendation: - Its Branden Sanderson's very first book, Elantris. You have a couple of choices as far as versions go. There is the usual Audiobook version which narrates the book as it is but there is a "Graphic Audio" version on Audible as well. Its a 3 part series keep in mind.
Graphic Audio is a company focused on creating Dramatised versions of Audiobooks with musical scores, multiple actors for different characters etc. The musical score and the various voice actor's performance for this version are just chef's kiss!💋 This version was free for a while for Audible members but sadly it's gone back out of being offered for free. Still very much worth the cost of your monthly credit if you ask me! Review below:
Elantris by
Brandon Sanderson
My rating:
5 of 5 stars
To be clear, this review is for the Audiobook version of the book and that too, the 'Graphic Audio' version. (BRILLIANT HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
For anyone who doesn't know what Dramatised versions' are, the book is 'acted out' like an old Radio show in such works. Different voice actors for different characters in the book and someone doing the main narration part like in any other Audiobook. Dramatised Audibooks typically have more music and even sound effects in them just like in old Radio Shows you might have heard on BBC. (Am I showing my age with that?😱 No actually I discovered BBC and other old radio shows on Tapes and CD's. Oops showed my age again with that probably🤦♀️)
You still read or listen to the same book even if your listening to a Dramatised audiobook. Sometimes it is not done well because the acting is bad or the music or the sound effects aren't right or maybe the Audiobook is produced badly, music and sound effects too loud or maybe too dim. Not here however! The book was perfectly done! Well at least as far as I am concerned.
For a first effort, its kind of brilliant that Branden Sanderson was able to create a fantasy setting that seems to really come alive in the listener's (or reader's) mind. Its not high fantasy with Elves, Orcs and various other races. Its more like Game of Thrones with a medieval European type Feudalism.
There is magic and wizards in this world and the central plot of the book is related to just that; magic gone bad. Those who were the biggest beneficiaries of this magic and the God like wizards who wielded this magic are now the biggest sufferers of the curse that afflicts this world. The citizens of Kae, that sits adjacent to the fallen city of Elantris. The sufferer's include the prince of Kae, Raoden (dont worry its no spoiler. Its the very first thing that happens) and the princess of neighboring Teod, Sarene who is betrothed to our prince Raoden and in for a shock when she arrives in Kae.
We accompany Sarene, Radeon and other brilliantly written characters like Hrathen in their various struggles and machinations and again I tell you, it was absolutely worth it. I don't know if it was the brilliant dramatisation or the book itself but I loved all the characters in the book.
So yes, the setting, the characters, the fantasy and the lore he was able to cram into one book so effortlessly. All of it is just brilliant. Go read it or rather, listen to it today!
A last point about how it compares with some of his other books and I have seen people online say how this book is not that up to the mark because it was Branden Sanderson's first book but in my opinion, its one of his better books hands down!
I have read some of his other books like the War breaker books and I rank this above Warbreaker any day. The Stormlight and Mistborn series both are good but my oh my, so is Elantris!
You have come here for my recommendation and I will tell keep tellin you, it is phenomenal!
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