Elantris (hardcover)

The glory of Elantris has long been in the past. A decade ago, the majestic capital of the kingdom of Arelon was a embodiment of peace and beauty. Behind the high walls of Elantris lived demigods with magical abilities, upholding the peace and well-being of the people of Arelon. But one day a mysterious calamity wiped magic from the world and turned the Elantrians into hideous creatures, rejected and confined behind the walls of the decaying city and forced to live in pain.

Princess Sarene of the kingdom of Teod arrives in the new capital to marry Arelon's crown prince Raoden, in the hope that the union will strengthen the bond between the two nations. Instead of getting married, Sarene finds herself a widow of the deceased prince. And while she tries to accept her new role in the world, she learns of the ambitions of the religious fanatics of the state of Fjordell to conquer the kingdom. Determined to stand against the emerging religious conflict and prevent war, the princess clashes with Hrathen – a priest sent to convert the people of Arelon.

But no one suspects the truth about Raoden. The prince is struck by the Elantrians' curse and is secretly cast into Elantris by his own father. In his efforts to help the outcast cursed creatures there, he manages to uncover the truth about Elantris's lost greatness.