Elantris

I have mixed feelings on this book, but overall I enjoyed reading it. Some of the plot holes and obvious devices made me cringe a bit, but I thought the story stood well enough on the grounds of character and theme.

I really enjoy fantasy books that deal with religion in unique ways, and this one definitely qualifies. We are given a look at multiple religions from multiple perspectives and find out that in the end, a religion is exactly as good as those who follow it. Raoden's message to the fallen Elantrians, once gods in their own right, is to find their worth as humans again. It is through production and effort that they are able to forget the myriad pains of their very existence, which I viewed as the million emotional scars that never quite heal in the real word. They find something greater than pain in their own humanity, and that's a message I think the world needs.Sarene's story is probably the least engaging, and she feels a little bit like a man's desperate attempt at a Strong Female Character. I like her, and I identify with her on a number of levels, but in the end she is still kind of a well-meaning damsel whose efforts tend to hurt more than they help because she doesn't think things through. I like her political savvy and her willingness to barter her marriage for the greater good (something I don't think we get to see the female perspective on enough) but her primary role is to motivate the male characters, and that's... a bit disappointing. Same goes for the wedding at the end. That whole scene was a cringer.The book still gets four stars though because of Hrathen's story. Honestly, I would have been just as happy to read Hrathen's story alone. He is the only character who truly grows (Raoden and Sarene are pretty much perfect people from the get go) and his transformation is astonishing. My opinion of him changed every chapter, and he always kept on guessing. He is the character who really exemplifies the religious themes of this story, striking the balance between logic and passion, mind and heart. He's the only one that I really wish hadn't died. The ironic ending was fitting, but I feel like his was a story that could have continued and I would've wanted to read about it.

I guess I would summarize by saying this book is an okay story with some really amazing themes. The setting is original and the characters are intriguing. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys classic fantasy settings with some original twists and a heavy dose of religious criticism.