Elantris

Elantris was the capital of Arelon: gigantic, beautiful, literallyradiant, filled with benevolent beings who used their powerful magicalabilities for the benefit of all. Yet each of these demigods was once anordinary person until touched by the mysterious transforming power of theShaod. Ten years ago, without warning, the magic failed. Elantrians becamewizened, leper-like, powerless creatures, and Elantris itself dark, filthy,and crumbling. Arelon's new capital, Kae, crouches in the shadow of Elantris. PrincessSarene of Teod arrives for a marriage of state with Crown Prince Raoden,hoping -- based on their correspondence -- to also find love. She findsinstead that Raoden has died and she is considered his widow. Both Teodand Arelon are under threat as the last remaining holdouts against theimperial ambitions of the ruthless religious fanatics of Fjordell. SoSarene decides to use her new status to counter the machinations ofHrathen, a Fjordell high priest who has come to Kae to convert Arelon andclaim it for his emperor and his god. But neither Sarene nor Hrathen suspect the truth about Prince Raoden.Stricken by the same curse that ruined Elantris, Raoden was secretlyexiled by his father to the dark city. His struggle to help the wretchestrapped there begins a series of events that will bring hope to Arelon,and perhaps reveal the secret of Elantris itself. A rare epic fantasy that doesn't recycle the classics and that is acomplete and satisfying story in one volume, Elantris is fleet and fun,full of surprises and characters to care about. It's also the wonderfuldebut of a welcome new star in the constellation of fantasy.