Elantris Series / Elantris / Brandon Sanderson

Elantris was the capital of Arelon: gigantic, beautiful, literally radiant, filled with benevolent beings who used their powerful magical abilities for the good of all. Yet each of these demigods was once an ordinary human until touched by the mysterious, transformative power of the Shaod. Ten years ago, without warning, the magic failed. The Elantrians became crippled, leprous, powerless creatures, and Elantris itself became dark, dirty and crumbled.

Arelon’s new capital, Kae, crouches in the shadow of Elantris. Princess Sarene of Teod arrives for a wedding with Crown Prince Raoden, hoping to also find love based on their correspondence. Instead, she learns that Raoden has died and she is considered his widow. Both Teod and Arelon are threatened as the last remaining resisters against the imperial ambitions of the ruthless religious fanatics of Fjordell. So Sarene decides to use her new status to counter the machinations of Hrathen, a Fjordellian high priest who has come to Kae to convert Arelon and claim it for his emperor and his god.