Elantris

Synopsis of Elantris

The city of Elantris, once the powerful and beautiful capital of Arelon, was known as the 'city of the gods' where magic benefited everyone. Ten years ago, it fell into disgrace, and now it only houses the 'living dead,' left behind after a mysterious and terrible Transformation. A state marriage intended to unite the kingdoms of Arelon and Teod is thwarted when the groom, Prince Raoden of Arelon, unexpectedly suffers the Transformation and is forced into exile in Elantris. His bride, Princess Sarene of Teod, believing him dead, is forced to integrate into the life of Arelon and its current capital, Kae, where she brings a new element: difference and, perhaps, chaos. Meanwhile, the ambassador and high priest of another neighboring kingdom, Hrathen of the Fjorden Empire, will use his all-powerful religion and political skill to try to dominate the kingdoms of Arelon and Teod. Elantris was Brandon Sanderson's debut, the first novel published in the Cosmere, which sparked interest in the universe the author began building and has now sold over thirty million copies worldwide.