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Elantris #1.5

The Hope of Elantris

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The following is a short story I wrote in the Elantris world back in January of 2006. At that point, Elantris had only been out in stores for about seven or eight months, but I actually hadn't written anything new on the story or world since 2000, when I'd finished the first draft of the original book. This story was originally posted for sale on Amazon.com; once the contract with them ran out, I posted it on my website.

There were always a few holes in the manuscript where I decided not to include viewpoints or sections of explanation in the name of streamlining, particularly at the end. In the back of my mind, I knew what happened. This story talks about one of those holes; it is meant to be read after you've finished the novel and takes place during the events of the climax. In the annotation, I've written a further explanation of why I wrote this piece. Some of you may find it interesting to read this ahead of time; I put it in the annotation, however, as I know others would rather enjoy the story without bias beforehand, then read my thoughts afterward.

Either way, if you haven't read the novel
Elantris, this contains major spoilers. Might I suggest reading the book first? This story won't work at all for you if you haven't.

As always, thanks for reading!

25 pages

First published January 1, 2006

115 people are currently reading
23596 people want to read

About the author

Brandon Sanderson

439 books267k followers
I’m Brandon Sanderson, and I write stories of the fantastic: fantasy, science fiction, and thrillers.

Defiant, the fourth and final volume of the series that started with Skyward in 2018, comes out in November 2023, capping an already book-filled year that will see the releases of all four Secret Projects: Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and Secret Project Four (with its official title reveal coming October 2023). These four books were all initially offered to backers of the #1 Kickstarter campaign of all time.

November 2022 saw the release of The Lost Metal, the seventh volume in the Mistborn saga, and the final volume of the Mistborn Era Two featuring Wax & Wayne. The third era of Mistborn is slated to be written after the first arc of the Stormlight Archive wraps up.

In November 2020 we saw the release of Rhythm of War—the fourth massive book in the New York Times #1 bestselling Stormlight Archive series that began with The Way of Kings—and Dawnshard (book 3.5), a novella set in the same world that bridges the gaps between the main releases. This series is my love letter to the epic fantasy genre, and it’s the type of story I always dreamed epic fantasy could be. The fifth volume, Wind and Truth, is set for release in fall 2024.

Most readers have noticed that my adult fantasy novels are in a connected universe called the Cosmere. This includes The Stormlight Archive, both Mistborn series, Elantris, Warbreaker, and various novellas available on Amazon, including The Emperor’s Soul, which won a Hugo Award in 2013. In November 2016 all of the existing Cosmere short fiction was released in one volume called Arcanum Unbounded. If you’ve read all of my adult fantasy novels and want to see some behind-the-scenes information, that collection is a must-read.

I also have three YA series: The Rithmatist (currently at one book), The Reckoners (a trilogy beginning with Steelheart), and Skyward. For young readers I also have my humorous series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, which had its final book, Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians, come out in 2022. Many of my adult readers enjoy all of those books as well, and many of my YA readers enjoy my adult books, usually starting with Mistborn.

Additionally, I have a few other novellas that are more on the thriller/sci-fi side. These include the Legion series, as well as Perfect State and Snapshot. There’s a lot of material to go around!

Good starting places are Mistborn (a.k.a. The Final Empire), Skyward, Steelheart,The Emperor’s Soul, and Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians. If you’re already a fan of big fat fantasies, you can jump right into The Way of Kings.

I was also honored to be able to complete the final three volumes of The Wheel of Time, beginning with The Gathering Storm, using Robert Jordan’s notes.

Sample chapters from all of my books are available at brandonsanderson.com—and check out the rest of my site for chapter-by-chapter annotations, deleted scenes, and more.

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5 stars
5,067 (16%)
4 stars
10,695 (35%)
3 stars
12,490 (41%)
2 stars
1,975 (6%)
1 star
227 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,095 reviews
Profile Image for Tharindu Dissanayake.
309 reviews882 followers
October 25, 2022
Another short and neat novella by Sanderson to help explain a couple of thing went unsaid with Elantris. There's also some hints on how things progressed after the original story, so might be a good idea to try this as soon as you're done with Elantris.
Profile Image for Petrik.
764 reviews58.8k followers
March 18, 2017
Mini review (I read this in Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection)

The Hope of Elantris is a really short story that took place straight and during the climax of Elantris. It’s only 25 pages and it featured the main character, Matisse, who had a role to take care of the children in the city of New Elantris. Overall, a good short story but this 10-15 minutes read doesn’t provide anything new to the main story of Elantris itself other than the first few and last paragraph.

This novella is more of a tribute to the real life ‘Matisse’, a student of Emily (Sanderson’s wife) back when they were dating. Sanderson addressed the reason behind the creation of this novella in his postscript (do not skip it) and I personally find reading the postscript made the novella a better experience.

You can find the rest of my Adult Epic/High Fantasy & Sci-Fi reviews at Booknest
Profile Image for Kogiopsis.
823 reviews1,609 followers
November 5, 2011
Yeah, so sue me. I thought it was sweet. Unpolished, but sweet, and a good hole to fill in the story. I was actually wondering about how the finale went on the inside, so it was nice to have this question answered. And the annotation.... SQUEEEEEEEE. Brandon Sanderson is slowly becoming my antidote to a bad day. The way he writes, the way he talks about writing, the way he interacts with fans - it makes me love the world again, even when I've spent my most recent classes learning about terribly depressing things.


Authors who write stuff like this, for reasons like this, are the kind of person I want to be - whether or not I'm ever an author.
Profile Image for Gabriel.
636 reviews1,070 followers
May 8, 2022
Si soy sincero y completamente objetivo a esta pequeña historia (situada justo en los acontecimientos finales de la novela Elantris) debería darle menos de las tres estrellas.

Pero no, como soy bien subjetivo y no me quejo de ello le pongo sus cuatro estrellas. Primero, porque ya ha pasado un año y medio aproximadamente desde que leí Elantris y fue empezar a leer esto y mi mente desbloqueó de una todos los recuerdos sobre la trama, el sistema de magia, los maravillosos personajes y enseguida me vino un gustillo dulce al paladar de recordar lo mucho que me gustó esa novela. Además, como soy bien sentimental, la historia detrás de la creación de este relato corto también me tocó el corazón y me pareció un detalle lindo y maravilloso por parte de Sanderson.
Profile Image for Markus.
486 reviews1,932 followers
January 20, 2019
I almost feel guilty for criticising this story after reading Sanderson's postscript, including the reason for writing it in the first place. Apparently on a date with his eventual wife, Sanderson learned that one of her students had written a book report about Elantris. That the guy would then go on to write a short story dedicated to said student set in the same universe, shows yet again that he is a thoughtful writer who cares about those who read his work.

That being said, the story in itself is rather pointless. It doesn't really add anything to the Elantris universe except a chance for the reader to look around and observe the city's environment during a time of upheaval.
Profile Image for Wera.
467 reviews1,203 followers
October 26, 2020
3 stars
**This review contains spoilers for Elantris and The Hope of Elantris**

“'Where were you during those last hours before Elantris was restored? I don’t remember anything of you for most of the night. In fact, the only time I remember seeing you is when you came to tell me that Sarene had been kidnapped and taken to Teod.'
'That’s true, Your Majesty,' Ashe said.
'So, where were you?'”

~ Exchange between Raoden and Ashe


This is such a heartwarming 25 pages. Although it doesn't add a lot to the story, and it was done sort of as fan service, I do think it is quite cute. During the events of Elantris, aon Ashe disappears for a segment during the final battle. This short story answers what it(?) was up to...

The story opens with Raoden talking with Ashe. Sarene is mentioned and I just love how them together. I also love the atmosphere that I get whenever I read a Sel book. Sel is my favorite Cosmere planet, so whenever I get anything on it, I am really excited. I NEED Sanderson to write something new on it! I like when an author puts out a short story that centers around a new character/different aspect of the world during the main plot-line, just because it shows the impacts of the story on other people. This makes the story seem more grounded and the world more vivid, which is always a plus.

In the postscript Sanderson says that he hopes that this short story doesn't come across as melodramatic, honestly, though, it kind of does especially at the end when Elantrians are healed. Is that an issue? No not really. Why then is this just 3 stars? Well. If a short story is to be rated high, it has to really blow me away. Although I love the setting and characters present, it just wasn't enough for more stars. I do recommend this though for some wholesome reading over a cup of tea during a rainy day. :)

Thank you all for joining in for Episode 5 of Quickie Review with Valliya!



Previous episode: Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell - Brandon Sanderson ★★.75

Next episode: The Eleventh Metal - Brandon Sanderson ★★★
Profile Image for April (Aprilius Maximus).
1,162 reviews6,419 followers
June 21, 2020
COSMERE UNIVERSE

1.) Elantris ★★★
*.) The Hope of Elantris ★★★★
*.) The Emperor's Soul [ON TBR]

1.) The Final Empire ★★★★★
*.) The Eleventh Metal [ON TBR]
2.) The Well of Ascension ★★★★
3.) The Hero of Ages ★★★★.5

-----------------------------------------------

This was such a sweet story, especially when you read the postscript and discover why Brandon Sanderson wrote it in the first place. I rated this so highly because I could relate to Matisse so much as a childhood educator. It was also interesting to see what happened IN Elantris while the climax of the original book was happening.
Profile Image for Somormujo.
214 reviews160 followers
September 5, 2022
3/3
No esperaba mucho más que una prolongación de Elantris y eso es lo que me ha dado. Por supuesto, en mi opinión, no está a la misma altura …
Profile Image for Saimi Vasquez.
1,829 reviews91 followers
February 27, 2023
Esta es una pequena historia con un grupo de personajes nuevos, de lo que paso cuando los soldados atacaron Elantris. Nos muestra otro punto de vista de ese momento, y como los elantrianos lucharon, se defendieron y sobrevivieron a uno de los dias mas dificiles de sus vidas.
Profile Image for Iloveplacebo.
384 reviews260 followers
August 21, 2022
Una historia corta que nos narra el ataque a Elantris por parte de los Dakhor, desde dentro de la ciudad.

La trama sigue a Matisse, una adolescente que se encarga de cuidar a los niños/as más pequeños. Cuando el ataque llega a Elantris, ella se convertirá en la heroína de esta historia.

Al leer la nota del autor este relato se hace tierno e incluso tiene más sentido.
Profile Image for Luzmila✨.
817 reviews64 followers
March 2, 2021
Reto PopSugar 2021 #42. El libro más corto (por páginas) en tu lista TBR.

Creí que iba a tener más respuestas sobre el final de Elantris pero no😅

No me desagradó esta breve historia, estuvo lindo y me gustó que nos contara qué sucedió con los niños que tanto Karata había luchado por proteger.
Profile Image for Marcos GM.
398 reviews257 followers
September 11, 2022
Tras haber terminado El alma del emperador me he quedado con ganas de más Elantris, y este relatito corto es secuela directa de la misma, así que ha caído como está mandado. No aporta demasiado, pero me ha hecho recordar lo mucho que me gustó el libro y sirve para conocer un pelín del futuro de los personajes.

Contiene spoilers del final del libro, no abrir si no se ha leído:



Si te ha gustado el libro (¿alguien que no? porque puede ir saliendo por la puerta 😂) este corto relato es casi obligatorio, se lee en un ratito y además está gratis en la web del autor siempre que leas en inglés.
Profile Image for Repellent Boy.
603 reviews624 followers
January 13, 2022
"La esperanza de Elantris" es un relatito que hay que leer después de haber leído "Elantris", porque pese a tratar de un tema que ocurrió paralelamente durante los últimos acotencimientos de la obra, desvela detalles importantes del final. En este relato conoceremos a Matisse, la encargada de cuidar y y vigilar a los niños elantrinos. La misma Matisse no es más que una adolescente, pero a diferencia del resto de elantrinos, se siente más feliz y viva ahora que nunca. En el mundo de fuera, antes de que el Shaod la tocara, era una simple vagabunda. Sin embargo, ahora tiene un cometido.

La historia nos situará en la batalla final de "Elantris", y veremos que hacían algunos personajes secundarios dentro de la ciudad, mientras la gran parte de la atención se concentraba fuera. Da voz a esos secundarios que no siempre la tienen y eso mola. Me ha gustado mucho Matisse, y pese a lo breve del relato, creo que refuerza mi teoría de que Sanderson es capaz de hacer personajazos femeninos, solo tiene que aprender que debe añadir más. No cuento más, que es muy corto, pero me ha encantado.
Profile Image for Michael.
317 reviews99 followers
January 30, 2022
3-stars.

Just a short story adding a little more background to Elantris.

Nothing special, in my opinion.

Thanks for reading.
Profile Image for Holden Johnson.
Author 2 books49 followers
March 5, 2017
A lovely, touching story of a woman who saved all the children. Nothing special, but good just the same.
Profile Image for Literally Lesia.
245 reviews860 followers
October 24, 2023
Я розумію, як важливо було Сандерсону написати цю новелу в першу чергу для себе, бо він відчував, що щось лишилося недосказаним. Це чудове повернення в Елантріс, до вже знайомих героїв, однак для нас, читачів, навіть таких поціновувачів творчості письменника, до яких я і себе зачисляю, саме цей епізод не мав якоїсь великої ваги. ОДНАК я вірю, що у Сандерсона нічого не написано просто так і не здивуюсь, якщо в якому-небудь «Загубленому металі» зустріну Матісс чи вона зʼявиться в інтерлюдіях до Архіву. (I’m so sorry але я продовжу називати цикл АРХІВОМ Буресвітла, бо це його дослівний переклад. «Хроніки» sounds ok, але не моє).
Profile Image for Marnie  (Enchanted Bibliophile).
967 reviews135 followers
March 2, 2021
“Light, Illumination.”

ASHE

I love knowing every little extra detail in a series, so I’m a big sucker for short story extras like this one.
If you ever wondered what happened to Ashe during the chaos of the fall of Kae you should defiantly read this one.
Profile Image for The Fantasy Review.
273 reviews489 followers
April 27, 2022
I read The Hope of Elantris Brandon Sanderson in the collection, Arcanum Unbounded.

The postscript to this short story is beautiful – don’t skip it. Brandon Sanderson’s heart is the size of his Cosmere – every writer should aspire to be this amazing with their fans. Anyway, I’ll stop gushing!

The story in The Hope of Elantris is a nice little snippet into the lives of those left in Elantris when the fighting at the end of the book, Elantris, begins and ends. I won’t give you any spoilers for Elantris or The Hope of Elantris, don’t worry!

I only gave this short story 3 stars because it’s not incredible, yet it is still worth reading and adds a little extra to the Cosmere. It’s only about 25 pages long.

View the full review at The Fantasy Review
Profile Image for Audrey Dry.
Author 5 books353 followers
September 4, 2022
Un relato que nos muestra otro punto de vista de la batalla de Elantris. Buen relato, pero nada más. No hay nada nuevo, ni tampoco se explican más cosas relacionadas con el mundo de Sanderson. Recomendable a quien le guste la serie, aunque el hecho de no aportar nada nuevo no lo hace obligatorio.
Profile Image for Steph ✨.
578 reviews1,452 followers
May 1, 2023
4.5✨
Loved being back in the Elantris story. I can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Anish Kohli.
208 reviews289 followers
December 6, 2019
It's a very small, nothing story. It wasn't really needed and adds nothing to the story of Elantris, BUT...but, the reason it is written, as mentioned by Sanderson in the postscript after the story is kinda really sweet and it makes perfect sense as to why it was needed, even if wasn't needed.

PS: Yes, I am reading short stories to meet my reading challenge. I've had a shitty year. Let's move on.
Profile Image for Melcat.
366 reviews29 followers
October 30, 2023
A beautiful touching story with a nice backstory behind it (check the authors note at the end!). This one is best read immediately after Elantris (to still be in the mood), but is not necessary.
Profile Image for رزی - Woman, Life, Liberty.
313 reviews121 followers
August 28, 2021
داستان کوتاه «امید الانتریس» حتما باید بعد از «الانتریس» خونده بشه. ماجراهای نقطه اوج کتاب رو از زاویه‌دید دیگه‌ای می‌نویسه، و چیز خاصی به داستان اضافه نمی‌کنه و مطالبش تکراری‌ان، مگر یک نکته که توی چند خط اولش مشخصه.
گویا که سندرسون برای رفع حفره پیرنگ نوشتدش، اما خود داستان یه حفره‌ی دیگه داره :)

می‌تونید از اینجا بخونیدش:
https://www.brandonsanderson.com/the-...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,095 reviews

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