Elantris

Elantris, once a radiant city powered by magic and home to divine beings, has fallen into decay. What was once a beacon of hope and prosperity is now a place of rot and desolation. The powerful magic that once sustained it has inexplicably ceased, leaving its inhabitants cursed, their bodies corrupted and their powers extinguished. Amidst this backdrop of ruin, the people of Elantris face a new threat: domination by a vast and aggressive Empire driven by unwavering religious dogma.

In this moment of crisis, a young and determined Princess, Sarene, arrives in the neighbouring city of Kae, only to find her promised husband, Prince Raoden of Arelon, has mysteriously disappeared. Undeterred and with a fierce resolve, Sarene ventures to uncover the truth about Raoden's fate and the secrets of the fallen city. Her journey brings her into direct conflict with Hrathen, a high-ranking and zealous priest sent to convert the Arelon populace to his faith or see them destroyed by holy war.

Prince Raoden, now trapped within the cursed walls of Elantris, refuses to succumb to despair. He strives to bring hope and order to the broken citizens of the city. His vision is one of unity and rebirth, seeking to rediscover the lost magic and restore Elantris to its former glory. Unbeknownst to each other, Raoden and Sarene work towards a common goal, facing enormous dangers and piecing together the puzzle of Elantris’s downfall and potential salvation.

Brandon Sanderson's debut novel, Elantris, is a masterful tale of political intrigue, religious fervour, and the resilience of the human spirit. From the start, Sanderson demonstrates his exceptional talent as a storyteller and a creator of intricate and captivating magical systems. The novel’s richly imagined world and its complex characters provide a deeply engaging fantasy experience that both thrills and moves readers, setting the stage for Sanderson's illustrious writing career.