Drop Everything And Read discussion

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. Yet each of these demigods was once an ordinary person until touched by the mysterious transforming power of the Shaod. Ten years ago, without warning, the magic failed. Elantrians became wizened, leper-like, powerless creatures, and Elantris itself dark, filthy, and crumbling.

Arelon's new capital, Kae, crouches in the shadow of Elantris. Princess Sarene of Teod arrives for a marriage of state with Crown Prince Raoden, hoping -- based on their correspondence -- to also find love. She finds instead that Raoden has died and she is considered his widow. Both Teod and Arelon are under threat as the last remaining holdouts 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 Fjordell high priest who has come to Kae to convert Arelon and claim 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 secretly exiled by his father to the dark city. 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.

A rare epic fantasy that doesn't recycle the classics and that is a complete and satisfying story in one volume, Elantris is fleet and fun, full of surprises and characters to care about. It's also the wonderful debut of a welcome new star in the constellation of fantasy.

Buddy read by Sonu and Minnu.

So, I have started the book and there is a lot of information, in just the first three pages! This looks promising :)

Elantris!!

(view spoiler)[
"eternity ended 10 years ago"
You read a line like that and you think to yourself: wow.Either this book is going to be the best read of my life or the very worst. But knowing Brandon Sanderson, I am banking on the first thought :)
I love the way the word 'Shaod' is used for the transformation of an elantrian and I just googled to see what it turned up. It literally means 'survivors of a fiery furnace'. A coincidence? I don't think so...... :D (hide spoiler)]

I like the fact that he begins nearly all his books at a time when the disaster has already occurred. We are not shown the glory of Elantris, but rather what happened after the happily ever after fell apart.

This is his first book, yes? The character build up is still amazing so far. (view spoiler)[ Sarene actually saw Raoden being taken away, did you notice!? (hide spoiler)]

I think I am going to add this book.