Elantris

Synopsis

Elantris was built on magic and it thrived. But then the magic began to fade and Elantris began to rot. And now its shattered citizens face domination by a powerful Imperium motivated by dogged religious views. Can a young Princess unite the people of Elantris, rediscover the lost magic and lead a rebellion against the imperial zealots?

Brandon Sanderson's debut fantasy showed his skill as a storyteller and an imaginer of baroque magical systems to be fully developed from the start.

Summary

Chapter 1:

* Summary: Introduces Raoden, the crown prince of Arelon, who has been chosen to marry Sarene, the princess of Teod. Despite his initial reluctance, Raoden accepts, hoping to bring peace and stability to his kingdom.
* Example: "Raoden frowned. 'I had not thought to find myself so close to marriage. I had hoped for more years of adventure.'"

Chapter 2:

* Summary: Sarene arrives in Arelon and meets Hrathen, the king's councilor, who informs her of the Elantrians, a race of powerful and enigmatic beings who have been mysteriously cursed.
* Example: "Sarene stifled a gasp. 'Elantrians? I thought they were but a legend.'"

Chapter 3:

* Summary: Raoden and Sarene visit Elantris, the city of the Elantrians, and encounter Dakhor, an Elantrian who has been infected with the curse. Raoden learns that the curse transforms Elantrians into grotesque and helpless creatures.
* Example: "Dakhor's body was a patchwork of diseased flesh. His eyes had turned as white as snow, and his skin was covered in scabs."

Chapter 4:

* Summary: Hrathen reveals that the curse on Elantris is ancient and has its origins in a powerful Aon, a magical symbol. He believes that Raoden may be the key to breaking the curse.
* Example: "The Aon Eo,' Hrathen explained. 'It is the source of the curse. It must be destroyed.'"

Chapter 5:

* Summary: Raoden begins to study the Aon Eo and discovers that it is a complex and powerful symbol. He realizes that breaking the curse will require extraordinary courage and strength.
* Example: "Raoden felt a surge of determination. 'I will break this curse. I will save Elantris.'"

Chapter 6:

* Summary: Sarene learns that she has been infected with the AonDor, a magical symbol that can slowly drive people insane. She is determined to keep this secret from Raoden to avoid burdening him.
* Example: "Sarene's mind raced. 'I must hide this from Raoden. He has enough to deal with.'"

Chapter 7:

* Summary: Raoden and Sarene face a series of challenges as they work to break the curse. They encounter resistance from both Elantrians and Arelonians who fear the consequences.
* Example: "The Elantrians were a broken people. They had lost their power and their hope."

Chapter 8:

* Summary: Raoden discovers that the curse is more complex than he thought. He realizes that he must not only destroy the Aon Eo but also confront the source of the curse itself.
* Example: "Raoden knew that he had to face the curse head-on. He had to find its heart."

Chapter 9:

* Summary: Raoden and Sarene confront the source of the curse, an ancient sorcerer named Seon. They face formidable challenges and must rely on each other's strength and determination.
* Example: "Seon laughed. 'You cannot defeat me, Prince. I am eternal.'"

Chapter 10:

* Summary: Raoden and Sarene break the curse on Elantris, restoring the Elantrians to their former glory. They are hailed as heroes and bring peace and prosperity to their kingdoms.
* Example: "The Aon Eo shattered into a thousand pieces. The curse was broken."