Epic fantasy
Elantris
A once-magnificent city of gods has fallen into ruin, and those struck by its curse are thrown inside to rot. A prince, a princess and a zealous priest each struggle to decide its fate.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 2005
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 656
- Format
- Book 1 of 36 in The Cosmere
Read this if you like fantasy with clever political plotting, and a magic system that you can work out.
Skip this if you want elaborate, polished prose; it is the author's first novel and reads like a puzzle first.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about Elantris
- What is Elantris about?
- A once-magnificent city of gods has fallen into ruin, and those struck by its curse are thrown inside to rot. A prince, a princess and a zealous priest each struggle to decide its fate.
- Who should read Elantris?
- Read it if you like fantasy with clever political plotting, and a magic system that you can work out. Skip it if you want elaborate, polished prose; it is the author's first novel and reads like a puzzle first.
- How long and how fast is Elantris?
- It is a medium-paced, long read of about 656 pages, first published in 2005.
- Does Elantris have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Religious extremism, Violence, Death.
- Can I borrow Elantris for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Elantris; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Elantris?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Mistborn: The Final Empire, Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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If you loved Elantris
-
Mistborn: The Final Empire
The author's better-known novel, with a tighter plot and a heist at its heart.
-
Tress of the Emerald Sea A much lighter and quirkier tale from the same author, with an equally inventive magic system.
-
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms
Another fantasy driven by palace politics and the machinations of gods.
Epic fantasy
