Spread the Awesome

Elana Johnson is not only a talented author and a great friend, but she's brilliant. Her latest brain child comes in the form of showing appreciation to the authors we read by praising the paper-form magic they write. I'm not the only one who is onboard with this project. There has been a huge response from the blogosphere. To go backwards, check out Kristi Helvig's review of Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr at http://sistersinscribe.blogspot.com/. To follow the chain in a more traditional manner, follow this link http://lesserkey.blogspot.com/ to Chantal Kirkland's blog where she tells us why As You Wish by Jackson Pearce is so great.
To get a complete list of participants, go here.

This is where I insert whose book I'll be reviewing, but first I'm going to get real honest with you. This is my first book review. I'm actually a bit nervous about what to write. I have done more reading this year than I've been able to do in a long time. Three books stood out to me among a dozen or so. The first was The Dark Divine by Bree Despain and the second was a cute story by Ally Carter called I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You and the third, the one I'll be reviewing, is Brandon Sanderson's Elantris. (See how I cheated and got in a plug for three great books there? Yeah, I'm terrible.)

I've rambled enough, you say? Time to review? Okay, deep breath...

Welcome to the city of the Gods! Sort of... The book begins ten years after this magnificent place has been cursed. No one knows quite what happened, but the lingering effects are deadly. At least, that's what Raoden, Prince of Arelon, and his people have always been told. Raoden finds out the hard way when he too mysteriously contracts this killing curse. A crying shame too, since it happens the night before his soon-to-be bride, Sarene, arrives. Not one to sit idly by with the rest of the ladies and gossip, Sarene pushes her way into the political circles of the court. Not an easy task, as women are looked upon as frivolous in Arelon. Throw in Hrathren, a very devout high priest, hell-bent on converting the whole world to his religion and you have an exciting fantasy novel, full of mystery and intrigue.

Genre: Fantasy

Plot: Fantastic, fast-paced, fabulous ending

Characters: All likeable - strong female protagonist, kind, intelligent male protagonist, wicked awesome villain(s). Fun secondary characters as well.

Content: Clean enough that I'd recommend for 10 and up. No swearing, no sex, mild violence.

Moral: Love conquers all.

World-building: Not only is the world unique and complex, but I never felt overwhelmed or confused by it, making it a great read for someone who is new to the genre. It has more of a fairytale quality to it than full-on high fantasy. Though it has elements in it that make it feel epic as well.