Local Authors > Brandon Sanderson

Kirkus

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EUOL:
I actually agree with the criticism in this review.  Or, at least, can see where it came from.  

I intentionally wrote this book with two very stable characters, and one serious growth character.  There were several reasons for this--the primary one being that Sarene and Raoden just felt right the way they were.  I also didn't want to make them 'flawed' heroes simply to force more of that into the book.  Plus, I felt that Hrathen's internal conflicts were distinct enough that doing others would overshadow him.

However, the fact remains that two of the three characters might be considered 'uninteresting' if what you look for is deep emotional turmoil.  

As for the naming issue, a lot of the words in Elantris are difficult to pronounce because of the linguistic pattern I was using for the novel.  Without a pronunciation guide--which Tor resisted including--I can see how someone might think the names don't sound right.

Either way, Moshe said to be wary of Kirkus even before we got reviews back.  His opinion was that they're entirely too fond of snide remarks, rather than making serious criticisms.  I can see a little of that here.  I think a more professional reviewer would have said "I don't care for the names Sanderson has devised" as opposed to making a wise crack.

Skar:
A lukewarm review.  Thank Heavens!  I was afraid all the good stuff would be used up before the thing hit the shelves.   But now you know you've got at least SOME good karma left for actual sales.  Phew!

Peter Ahlstrom:
While Raoden and Sarene may not have character growth (well...I dunno, I think they have a bit) and aren't internally-conflicted people like Hrathen is, there are far more than 3 characters in the book. The supporting characters are some of the more interesting people, and ignoring them because they're not the 3 main characters is a mistake. A large point is how the supporting characters are affected by the main characters...Raoden and Sarene may not change themselves much, but they change people around them drastically.

stacer:
I think that's a really good point, Ookla. Plus, there's got to be a nice balance between internal conflict and external conflict. Raoden and Sarene have enough going on externally, and they do change at least a little.

Mistress of Darkness:
Hey, would Tor allow you to put a pronunciation guide on the website? I for one would love to know how Aon is supposed to be pronounced.

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