Sanderson, Brandon (Elantris)

Perhaps this one isn't Sanderson's best venture. If it was the first book of Sanderson's that you read, then it would likely be quite entertaining - seeing as it has all the usual elements he likes, i.e., a person or persons of faith who are struggling against the tenets of their religion, as well as any number of politically motivated people in positions of power and/or nobility. And, of course, the magic that is only just out of reach and needs to be understood or recognized in some manner that currently no one else understands. There - I've just summarized every Sanderson book for you. You're free to go!

A reminder that I wouldn't actually read his books if I didn't like what he creates so much. So, I still enjoyed this book immensely. But it felt more like it was following a template than the others I've read. The story switches between three protagonists - Hrathen, the leader of a particular religion, Raoden, the noble prince who would govern his people well (if only), and Sarene, the free-spirited princess who will be his bride. Reading this, it seemed that Sanderson was simply slotting the appropriate characters into the appropriate slots.

The magic is fun in this one, and you could read it for that reason. But be warned that it's not extant in the story for most of its run, so those of you who found Mistborn most fascinating because of the magic are going to be profoundly disappointed.