Elantris, Paperback Book, By: Brandon Sanderson

Elantris was the capital of Arlon: 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 Shoad. Ten years ago, without warning, the magic failed. Elantrines became wizened, leper-like, powerless creatures, and Elantris itself dark, filthy, and crumbling. Arlon's new capital, Kae, crouches in the shadow of Elantris. Princess Serene of Toed arrives for a marriage of state with Crown Prince Raiden, hoping -- based on their correspondence -- to also find love. She finds instead that Raiden has died and she is considered his widow. Both Toed and Arlon are under threat as the last remaining holdouts against the imperial ambitions of the ruthless religious fanatics of Fjord ell. So Serene decides to use her new status to counter the machinations of Hrathen, a Fjord ell high priest who has come to Kae to convert Arlon and claim it for his emperor and his god.