Graphic Audio Review: Elantris: Part III by Brian Sanderson

King Iadon is dead. He committed suicide because of the embarrassment he had caused himself and his kingdom. Now with the political world in upheaval, the various factions are in a fight for power. Hrathen drank a potion to make him appear to become an Elantrian, but five days later, he emerges fully cured — a con, a miracle, or both?

Once again I was treated to a Graphic Audio performance that really brings you into the story. The combination of sound effects and artistic vocal performances creates what Graphic Audio calls a “Movie in your Mind,” and that is truly Elantris is.

It was through the process of the Shaod, a transformation, that the gods were chosen. It happened to paupers or princes, men or women, old or young, a person would just wake up and the burden of mortality would be gone. That is how it was ten years ago, before Elantris fell. After it fell, it began to rot, as did its gods.

In part III, Raoden, who is rapidly becoming better at creating Aons, is now being attacked by Dor – the unseen power that exists everywhere, it affects nothing, yet controls everything. It is now causing intense pain in his body once or twice a day, but it affects no other.

As a gyorn, Hrathen was a head priest of the Shu-Dereth religion, but when he returned cured from Elantris, he was treated as the one chosen. His power grew, and even Sarene found it hard to challenge him or his followers.

After agreeing to a marriage of convenience, Sarene also falls victim to the Shadod, but unlike everyone else who transforms overnight, her transformation happens during the day – at her wedding. She too is thrown into the walls of Elantris.

Will Raoden learn to control the Aons and once again tame the power of Elantris? Is Sarene destine to remain in Elantris? Will Hrathen finally get the people to convert to the Shu-Dereth religion? Or will one of the other factions take control?

The quality of the story and performance are the reason that I keep coming back to Graphic Audio products. By using a whole cast — over 20 performers — you don't get one person trying to sound like many different voices, you get unique individual characters. There are also sound effects that give added reality. It is this quality production that makes listening to it such a treat.

You can also check out some of their other series as well. If you want you can listen to a sample, or purchase the GraphicAudio Book from their on-line Store. The story comes three ways:standard CD (the version I reviewed), MP3 CD and downloadable WMA with digital rights management.