Sanderson's Mistborn vs. Elantris

[Alchemist]

How do they compare? I read Elantris and liked it, but it definitely had that "first book vibe" and the characters didn't totally come alive for me. But overall I enjoyed it (although he could use a different cartographer)--I dig "high concept" fantasy--and have put Mistborn on my to-read queue. Any comments?

[cervantor]

I personally thought that "Mistborn" was a much stronger book than "Elantris". In fact, the magic system is one of the best that I've ever read, there are some really great characters in the book, the execution is much stronger, and I loved how the author deliberately trys to break down age-old fantasy cliches. I think if you liked "Elantris", then you'll love "Mistborn"...

[molybdenum]

Overall, I think Mistborn is the better book. All the stuff that is weak in Sanderson's first book (characters, pacing,etc.) gets considerably better in Mistborn. Mistborn also has more plot twists and a better magic system.

I liked the idea behind Elantris a little better, Mistborn was a bit cliched in that it has a character with modest origins try and rise up to defeat the dark lord, but it is pulled off in a creative enough manner that is not too bad.

[Fitzy]

I also preferred Mistborn, it does have a few hoky elements, and for the first 100 or so pages I wasn't so sure about the book, but once it gets interesting it stays so. Compared to Elantris I think it had better characters overall, a tighter plot with more developement, and it has a great ending unlike Elantris.
Based on Mistborn I really look forward to Sanderson's future books.