23 Y2K

the perfect playlist for reading the book Elantris (tried to keep all spoilers out)

1. Gloomy Clock (IU) - I don’t think that’s a very good translation of the title but the song itself is a very slow and slightly depressing number about being lazy and perfectly discontent lying in bed that perfectly captures the very slow beginning of the novel (and the fact that I’m projected to wait four years until the sequel comes out)

2. Demons (Imagine Dragons) - This song epitomizes the condition of one of the main characters. He was a prince, is now an exile, and is living out his life as what some perceive as a literal demon (or at least a freak of nature) in the grimy city of Elantris. Describes the plight of the other Elantrians and his relationship with another main character pretty well. The beat begins the escalation of the book’s plot.

3. The third story (leessang) Sarene is a very independent person and she’s sort of famous in the Arelene court now after playing the king around. This song depicts her struggles of actually doing something meaningful despite her insecurity. (Or even Hrathen’s insecurity about Jaddeth, etc) Also one of my favorite Korean raps, it comes at a time when the plot is slowing down a bit and the tension is more character based than action.

4. Ready Aim Fire (Imagine dragons) More imagine dragons! This is the part when the climax is ascending and things are happening with Telrii and the Daork Monastery and Iadon’s mysterious religious tendencies that lead to…battle! Although the ready aim fire bit is not of this world, the background rhythm mimics the heartbeat and stress of conflict as you flip the rest of the pages to see how the story ends…

5. On Top of the World (Imagine Dragons) A lot of imagine dragons here but I think it’s appropriate. Raoden and Sarene are celebrating, the peppy tune definitely lends itself to a celebratory atmosphere (can’t tell any spoilers can I? But I can say Hrathen is, too, in a way)

(If any of the plot/structure of Elantris is not actual factual stuff I’m sorry)