Elantris

I read this book while I was snowed in, and it made the time fly by. I genuinely can hardly find words for how amazing this novel was. I can't believe it was Brandon Sanderson's first! The plot was complex and unpredictable. The magic system was original and interesting. But the best part was the characters he crafted. Each of the three main view point characters are incredibly well thought out. No matter whether you agree with their choices or not, the reader can easily see where they are coming from. This book is very important. I was moved by these characters in so many ways.
I also loved that it was a relentlessly optimistic book. No matter what happened, it didn't wallow in grit, but showed the power of continual hope and the influence a hopeful leader can have.
I loved this book so much. It was an instant favorite.