Elantris

Arelon's capital, Elantris, was enormous, exquisite, and really bright. It was teeming with kind spirits that channeled their potent magical powers for the sake of mankind. But before the strange changing power of the Shaod touched any of these demigods, they were all just regular people. The magic failed suddenly ten years ago. Elantris itself became decaying, gloomy, and filthy, and the Elantrians themselves became wizened, leper-like, helpless beings.

Kae, the future capital of Arelon, lies underneath Elantris. Arriving for a state marriage with Crown Prince Raoden, Princess Sarene of Teod hopes to fall in love as well, based on their communication. Upon discovering that Raoden has passed away, she is now regarded as his widow. As the sole surviving defenders against the imperial aspirations of the merciless religious extremists of Fjordell, Teod and Arelon are both in danger. In order to foil the schemes of Hrathen, a Fjordell high priest who has come to Kae in an attempt to convert Arelon and seize it for his emperor and god, Sarene resolves to utilize her newfound position.

However, neither Hrathen nor Sarene are aware of Prince Raoden's true nature. Haunted by the same curse that destroyed Elantris, Raoden's father sent him in secret to the city of darkness. His efforts to save the wretches imprisoned there set off a chain of events that would inspire hope in Arelon and maybe disclose Elantris's secret.

Elantris is a fleeting and enjoyable novel that is full of surprises and likable characters. It is a rare epic fantasy that doesn't rehash the classics and tells a whole and rewarding narrative in a single book. It's also the splendid introduction of a very welcome newcomer to the fantasy constellation.