Two of the main characters are intimately involved in the politics – Sarene and Hrathan – but on opposing sides (plus side characters are also involved in various plots.)

There are layers upon layers of politics. I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed this, given I was so-so about MISTBORN (and I listene to it as an audiobook.) This is a sprawling story of a city under attack – from within and without – and the living ruin at its centre. So I decided to start on ELANTRIS, his debut. However, starting on MISTBORN seemed like a pretty daunting place to start, particularly given the seventh book is due out this year. Since then, I’ve read and loved the SKYWAYRD series, so decided I would give Sanderson’s adult fantasy another go, particularly as I read MISTBORN back when I was not as much into adult fantasy as I am now. I read MISTBORN several years ago and was so-so about it. His struggle to help the wretches trapped there begins a series of events that will bring hope to Arelon, and perhaps reveal the secret of Elantris itself.īlurb taken from Goodreads. Stricken by the same curse that ruined Elantris, Raoden was secretly exiled by his father to the dark city.

So Sarene decides to use her new status to counter the machinations of Hrathen, a Fjordell high priest who has come to Kae to convert Arelon and claim it for his emperor and his god.īut neither Sarene nor Hrathen suspect the truth about Prince Raoden. Both Teod and Arelon are under threat as the last remaining holdouts against the imperial ambitions of the ruthless religious fanatics of Fjordell.

She finds instead that Raoden has died and she is considered his widow. Princess Sarene of Teod arrives for a marriage of state with Crown Prince Raoden, hoping - based on their correspondence - to also find love. Elantrians became wizened, leper-like, powerless creatures, and Elantris itself dark, filthy, and crumbling.Īrelon’s new capital, Kae, crouches in the shadow of Elantris. Ten years ago, without warning, the magic failed. Yet each of these demigods was once an ordinary person until touched by the mysterious transforming power of the Shaod. Elantris was the capital of Arelon: gigantic, beautiful, literally radiant, filled with benevolent beings who used their powerful magical abilities for the benefit of all.

Elantris audible