2026 Reading Challenge discussion

This thread is to discuss Elantris, the first book in the Elantris series by Brandon Sanderson.

Pages: 638 pages

Length: 1 month (December)

Participants: Mo, Rachael, Odette

Everyone reads at their own pace during a Buddy Read. Because participants can be at different parts of the book at different times, it is extremely important to mark spoilers so that the book is not ruined for someone who is not as far along as others!!!

Mark spoilers by placing {spoiler} before the text and {/spoiler} after the text but use the < and > instead of the { and }.

I can't believe we're hittin December already!
I may jump into this a few days early since I'm not currently reading anything else.
Happy ready ya'll!

I'm about to start reading this

I'll be starting soon.

I ended up waiting until Libby came through so I could read this on my kindle at work so I just started! Only 5 chapters in and looking forward to more.
Is this anyone else's first Brandon Sanderson read?

It was my first Brandon Sanderson read back in the day! Since then I have read many more of his books. I hope you will continue to enjoy it Mo! Looking forward to reading the discussion :)
I recommend the Stormlight Archives series a lot if you end up enjoying his books!
(And also Skyward!)

I've read the first three Mistborn books and a couple of short stories by Brandon Sanderson. Enjoying Elantris so far

Elantris was also my first Brando Sando before continuing with the Mistborn Trilogy. While I understand why lots of people don't typically recommend it as a starting point, I've never regretted it.

Not sure I´ll be re-reading it this month but definitely looking forward to following along the discussion, and seeing your thoughts and opinions :)

I started listening to the audio version, but decided to download the kindle version, which I have just started reading.

The Final Empire, was my first Brandon Sanderson book. I plan to read Elantris and that series before going back to Mistborn.

I've got The Way of Kings on my shelf too which I'll eventually crack into but man is that an intimidating tome!

I'm surprised at how much humor/sass our characters have already, and overall just how easy reading it is so far. I haven't read a ton of high fantasy (yet) but I'm really enjoying it even if I can't pronounce a name to save my life, haha.

Lisa wrote: "Elantris was also my first Brando Sando before continuing with the Mistborn Trilogy. While I understand why lots of people don't typically recommend it as a starting point, I've never regretted it...."

How interesting that it's not typically recommended being his first novel. Is that just because his other works are just that much better?!

I'm hooked. Oh my heart I love these characters so far.
Chapter 13 (view spoiler)[ The children! *cries* (hide spoiler)]

I definitely recommend doing so, Mo, I think its an amazing book!

And I am so glad you are enjoying Elantris!

Mo wrote:
I agree with your sentiments, and am enjoying this book so much. Only about 25% through, a little slow, with life getting in the way.
I love the style of writing and the characters are so great. It is easy to follow, and just want to keep reading on.
This book has captivated me, and will want to read more. Maybe it is a better introduction to Brandon Sanderson than the The Final Empire.
What is the recommended order to read his books?

How goes it friends? Still reading? Finished? :)
I think I'll finish this one tonight.

Finished this book now and and it exceeded my expectations.
I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. It was intelligently written and relevant to the present, though it was written nearly 20 years ago.
I read the Final Empire some years ago, however prefer Elantris, and pleased that I read it.
Now where do I next with reading more by Brandon Sanderson?

Odette, I would suggest reading either The Way of Kings or Skyward next - depending on whether you are feeling like reading another fantasy book by him (then go for the first option) or feel like trying out his sci-fi series.

And I am glad you enjoyed Elantris!

Glad you enjoyed it too Odette!
If Elantris is considered his weakest work, then I'm really looking forward to The Way of Kings.
Felt a touch too rushed/easy near the end for me but I imagine that his larger works like The Way of Kings will provide a little more time for things to come together. I hope, haha.

Thanks for reading along ya'll!

Lina wrote: "Odette, I would suggest reading either The Way of Kings or Skyward next - depending on whether you are feeling like reading another fantasy book by him (then go for t..."

Oooh thank you Lina for the sci-fi suggestion! I would not have known where to start when getting into his other works and I'm hoping to read more sci-fi this year. I'll have to be on the lookout for this one now.

Lina wrote: "Odette, I would suggest reading either The Way of Kings or Skyward next - depending on whether you are feeling like reading another fantasy book by him (then go for t..."

Thank you, Lina for the suggestions. The Way of Kings is tempting, though long. Also considering The Well of Ascension as I read the The Final Empire some time ago. However, liked Elantris better, as it seemed to have more depth and less magic to keep track of. Maybe I need to re-visit the Mistborn series.