Spoiler-free book guide
Elantris
Book 1 in Elantris · by Brandon Sanderson
How it opens
Prince Raoden of Arelon wakes one morning to find the black patches of the Shaod on his skin. His father, King Iadon, has the priests throw him into Elantris, the fallen city where everyone taken by the Shaod is left to rot. There, among the starving and the hurt, Raoden strikes a deal with a Dula named Galladon to show him around for thirty days. Sarene, a princess of Teod, arrives in Arelon to be told that Raoden has died of a disease, and a clause in their wedding contract makes her his widow.
Who you meet early
- RaodenRaoden is the crown prince of Arelon, taken by the Shaod and cast into Elantris, where he keeps his dignity and his wits.
- SareneA Teoish noblewoman trained in politics, negotiation, and the sword, who arrives in the Arelish city of Kae under a betrothal contract and sets about learning a court that does not know what to make of her.
- GalladonA dark-skinned man from Duladel who was taken by the Shaod despite the curse being thought to affect only Arelenes.
- AsheAshe is a Seon, Sarene's companion and confidant, a wise and gentle counselor forever warning her away from dangerous inquiries.
- IadonIadon is the king of Arelon and the father of Prince Raoden, a thin, shrewd-faced ruler who holds court at his palace in Kae, firm in his orders and short on courtesy.
- EventeoEventeo is the king of Teod and Sarene's father, a robust, thick-chinned man whose face is a large oval and who speaks with his daughter across the sea through Seons.
Where it sits
Elantris is the first book in Elantris. Start here.
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