Elantris

by Brandon Sanderson · 2005

When the shining city of Elantris fell from grace, its once‑radiant citizens were cursed into twisted, powerless husks, and the capital of Arelon became a crumbling shadow of its former glory. Ten years later, Princess Sarene of Teod arrives for a political marriage, only to discover that her betrothed, Crown Prince Raoden, is dead—yet the kingdom is under siege by the fanatical priest Hrathen, who seeks to convert Arelon to his emperor’s god. Unbeknownst to all, Raoden lives, imprisoned within the cursed walls of Elantris, and must rally its broken inhabitants to reclaim their city’s lost magic. As Sarene battles court intrigue and religious zealotry, Raoden fights to restore hope to a people abandoned by destiny. Together, they confront a world where faith, power, and love intertwine, offering a fresh take on epic fantasy that explores the resilience of the human spirit amid decay and betrayal.